September 6, 2011

Hell is where the heart is.

Well… sort of… actually I live in a place.. called Michigan, and within that mitten shaped state a place called Hell. Hell Michigan, and yes its a real place, near Ann Arbor, which is near-ish to Detroit and Ferndale and Royal Oak and all the places of my old stomping grounds. I moved there when I was 18 from a suburb of Detroit. This weekend I was able to go home and it was lovely, so here is a quick picture diary, come, hop a plane with me…

Moving side walks.. I have always and will always love them..at least until the day as an old woman in an airport my cane catches and I fall face first in my orthopedic shoes into the moving vertical lines… but.. even then I will probably still like them..

Dorothy had ruby slippers, well I have my own version.

A neighbor near by (as in way down the road) had a little stand up in their yard, you leave money in the can and bag it up yourself. Yes, I lived in apple pie town, where people are pretty trusting and the Mcdonalds is even really nice. This type of stand is not unusual and reminds me of why I like home so much, I could have taken a million pictures…

When I was 18 I worked in Hell. It was probably the only place that would hire me actually seeing as I had neon pink hair at the time… this is believe it or not a decent tourist draw and biker hang out (weird mix) and I was actually flashed a couple times by some biker “babes” ( I use that term loosely) in the store much to my abject horror. Ohhh, bikers. The store is a mix of lots of random halloween stuff, t-shirts with clever Hell puns and.. icecream.. really good icecream actually, and I ate it all day long. So of course first stop off the plane was ice cream in Hell.

This is rather accurate.

Afterwards we went swimming….

It was probably the last nice day of summer and unfortunately as they say Labor Day weekend is the last summer weekend.. my heart sinks a bit at the thought. (Even though Fall is my favorite its followed too closely by the W word…)

The following day we had a huge BBQ and bonfire with the majority of my family which was nice but quite a bit of work for my parents.. but they are total sweethearts and made it happen. I also got to see my kitties ! They are both Sphynx Cats and everyone thinks they are aliens or the cutest cats ever. I think both. I love my alien cats. I hope everyone else had a nice weekend too ! Happy um… Tuesday? Back to work I presume? Well then.. HOP TO IT !

(This frog hitched a ride on my jeans, little suction cup fingers…)

August 21, 2011

Figures.

Just when I was going to book a weekend stay here because well, its wonderful, this happens. )=

The Chelsea Hotel is closed until further notice. Here are various articles about the Hotel and its current state.

The Guardian- Uk

Gothamist

The New York Times

So long old friend…I remember your art filled lobby and legendary tales…

August 17, 2011

Fish Guts

So yes, I tend to spill my guts a lot, in a nice big messy pile on display for bystanders to see. Why? Am I an exhibitionist? Am I a masochist? Do I enjoy committing social suicide? I am unsure. Am I too honest and open? yes, probably. While I don’t see it as a negative, one must be cautious. It seems there are many sides to the die, as Weezer attests to (12 sides and more!) and in relation to people you may not like or expect every side. I have learned not to trust so easily (unfortunate) because people are not very nice after all… I have learned a lot so far in my 27 years and mostly how important it is to guard your heart. People will rip it to shreds given the chance. I am weary of this, I am down trodden and tired of experiencing this in myself and observing it happening to others. How and why do people become so.. I’m not even sure one word can sum it up.. Selfish? Cruel? Immature? Self Centered? Judgmental? Pretentious? For me this is the ugly underbelly of human nature, sure I believe people are good to a point, but I meet, like each of you have, people from time to time that test this belief. I also realize that it seems all of humanity is lurching and groping for some sort of connection, answers, LOVE. When Lennon and McCartney penned the lyric “All you need is love” they were quite right. Its simple, its true. However we have made a mess of love. It seems to me I see a lot of empty souls wandering these streets and some of them have hurt me but I know, I know, I only feel sorry-for them and secondly for me.. because Ladies and Gentleman we are in a sad state. You are much more valuable than you can imagine. If you’ve ever been in an atmosphere of turmoil and then been lucky enough to experience one of harmony/caring/kindness then you know the difference. If not, I’m sorry, your one of the many who needs to experience a revolution. One in thinking, in atmosphere. People are lonely; dissatisfied. Why? What’s filling your void? We’ve all got one and at least for me I know what fills it. Love. This can come in many forms. Don’t buy what the world is selling. Find your worth, it will change your life. Don’t give up even if people seem to keep pushing you down, after all, the night is darkest before the dawn. (and yes I stole that from The Dark Knight)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4p8qxGbpOk]

Now please, try and treat each other better.

August 15, 2011

It’s Only Rock N’ Roll

SO…. First Saturday off in nearly a month… the weather is perfect.. what is one to do? Well being a girl, why not Calgel? What is this gel you speak of? Well… its only the perfect solution for low maintenance clumsy girls such as myself (and perhaps you too??) I had heard of Sakura Salon for these popular japanese nails they offer (one of only a few in all of Nyc! tisk tisk) I have always wanted some fun nails and here was the perfect start! So a riding I went to the Lower East Side and had myself a nice little day … I wandered around a bit pre-nail appointment and here are some of my little serendipity moments along the way…

I parked next to the now defunct Mars Bar… It is littered with spray painted I miss you’s and “The Last Summer”… The first time I came here it was solely because a friend and I were seeking out the dirtiest punk/dive bars while on our visit, this one came up on the list pretty easily, and so it was that I used the bathroom (which reaked of pure ammonia and was not much bigger than an airplane bathroom) simply to conquer what was known as the dirtiest bar in Nyc’s bathroom.. images of Trainspotting briefly crossed my mind but I was too busy not inhaling to fully regale them….. So not only is this place closed but also John Varvatos has taken up residence in the old CBGB’s.. (another landmark I was fortunate to have drank in years ago). I went in and talked to one of the sales people whom informed me that all the walls, floor, etc are original, they even took large sections of the wall (which was covered in flyers, stickers.. ahem.. etc..) and basically put big frames over them museum style sealing them off for preservation. Of course the store is beautiful, but it is a sad beauty, for what once was and what is. I appreciated the attempt at preservation however, and apparently they have music nights the first Thursday of every month where musicians perform in ……store (I don’t like calling that building a store but… alas)

They also have records for sale as well as old amplifiers, speakers, record players… I rather liked that bit too. Next up, in my search for sustenance !.. I found The Juice Press

Its Vegan and raw and DELICIOUS! And it is how I am aiming to eat because I feel wonderful when I do, they are also opening one near my work.. this could mean trouble for my pocket book….. last but not least… I did a run thru of Patricia Field because it was nearby and I still had more time to burn.. I behaved and bought a pocket sized amount.. (;

OH! I almost forgot I stumbled upon a nice little coffee house/poetry theatre and URBANOLOGY. An interactive game put on by The Guggenheim and BMW? Check the link, it was educational in a fun way… don’t believe me? Play online.

… And finally…. Sakura.

I was greeted warmly by the receptionist who offered me a drink while I waited (Hot tea!) and I was left to browse thru numerous magazines, mostly japanese, which I couldn’t read but they have the best pictures to make things up to… Anyway once my nail tech was available she sat me down and we discussed design. I had only booked an appointment for what they called a glitter gradation, anything else further requires more time and more $$$. We decided a couple fingers solid glitter (next time black w/leopard print and pyramid studs!) she then prepped my nails and began the process which was roughly one coat clear calgel then calgel mixed with the glitter of my choosing and finally a top coat. Between each application you place your hand under a UV lamp to quick dry them and harden the gel. Maintenance requires a new topcoat once a week to keep it fresh, otherwise they last up to 3 weeks and are not to crack, chip, or peel off. This is ideal for people such as myself that are rough on their hands. The atmosphere of Sakura is that of a spa, calm, tranquil… almost too much because as this is a time consuming event (nearly 3 hours) I started to fall asleep only prompted awake by my technicians prodding.. “Are you ok?!” ahahah. yes. Afterwards they massage your hand/fingers with aromatherapy lotion and off you go! This no doubt costs a pretty penny… about $60 plus tip.. however you get what you pay for. I shall see how this holds up but so far I love it!

This cat is addicted to Calgel sniffing !

Cheers!

August 15, 2011

It’s Only Rock N’ Roll

SO…. First Saturday off in nearly a month… the weather is perfect.. what is one to do? Well being a girl, why not Calgel? What is this gel you speak of? Well… its only the perfect solution for low maintenance clumsy girls such as myself (and perhaps you too??) I had heard of Sakura Salon for these popular japanese nails they offer (one of only a few in all of Nyc! tisk tisk) I have always wanted some fun nails and here was the perfect start! So a riding I went to the Lower East Side and had myself a nice little day … I wandered around a bit pre-nail appointment and here are some of my little serendipity moments along the way…

I parked next to the now defunct Mars Bar… It is littered with spray painted I miss you’s and “The Last Summer”… The first time I came here it was solely because a friend and I were seeking out the dirtiest punk/dive bars while on our visit, this one came up on the list pretty easily, and so it was that I used the bathroom (which reaked of pure ammonia and was not much bigger than an airplane bathroom) simply to conquer what was known as the dirtiest bar in Nyc’s bathroom.. images of Trainspotting briefly crossed my mind but I was too busy not inhaling to fully regale them….. So not only is this place closed but also John Varvatos has taken up residence in the old CBGB’s.. (another landmark I was fortunate to have drank in years ago). I went in and talked to one of the sales people whom informed me that all the walls, floor, etc are original, they even took large sections of the wall (which was covered in flyers, stickers.. ahem.. etc..) and basically put big frames over them museum style sealing them off for preservation. Of course the store is beautiful, but it is a sad beauty, for what once was and what is. I appreciated the attempt at preservation however, and apparently they have music nights the first Thursday of every month where musicians perform in ……store (I don’t like calling that building a store but… alas)

They also have records for sale as well as old amplifiers, speakers, record players… I rather liked that bit too. Next up, in my search for sustenance !.. I found The Juice Press

Its Vegan and raw and DELICIOUS! And it is how I am aiming to eat because I feel wonderful when I do, they are also opening one near my work.. this could mean trouble for my pocket book….. last but not least… I did a run thru of Patricia Field because it was nearby and I still had more time to burn.. I behaved and bought a pocket sized amount.. (;

OH! I almost forgot I stumbled upon a nice little coffee house/poetry theatre and URBANOLOGY. An interactive game put on by The Guggenheim and BMW? Check the link, it was educational in a fun way… don’t believe me? Play online.

… And finally…. Sakura.

I was greeted warmly by the receptionist who offered me a drink while I waited (Hot tea!) and I was left to browse thru numerous magazines, mostly japanese, which I couldn’t read but they have the best pictures to make things up to… Anyway once my nail tech was available she sat me down and we discussed design. I had only booked an appointment for what they called a glitter gradation, anything else further requires more time and more $$$. We decided a couple fingers solid glitter (next time black w/leopard print and pyramid studs!) she then prepped my nails and began the process which was roughly one coat clear calgel then calgel mixed with the glitter of my choosing and finally a top coat. Between each application you place your hand under a UV lamp to quick dry them and harden the gel. Maintenance requires a new topcoat once a week to keep it fresh, otherwise they last up to 3 weeks and are not to crack, chip, or peel off. This is ideal for people such as myself that are rough on their hands. The atmosphere of Sakura is that of a spa, calm, tranquil… almost too much because as this is a time consuming event (nearly 3 hours) I started to fall asleep only prompted awake by my technicians prodding.. “Are you ok?!” ahahah. yes. Afterwards they massage your hand/fingers with aromatherapy lotion and off you go! This no doubt costs a pretty penny… about $60 plus tip.. however you get what you pay for. I shall see how this holds up but so far I love it!

This cat is addicted to Calgel sniffing !

Cheers!

August 12, 2011

Am I MAD enough for you?

Today was the opening party for Banana Republic’s Mad Men Collection. Even though it was originally slated to be released with the series premiere (which has been pushed back) Republic decided to release it anyway. So all over the city at certain locations they were offering up free drinks and hors d’oeuvres… I promptly filled a tiny plate and sipped two vodka cranberries while I roamed the store. I must say it reminded me a bit of an upscale gap… I have a feeling they are going the way of the Gap, all these large name stores are becoming dinosaurs… So I assume like Target and their designer team ups Banana is attempting the same. If nothing else I scored a nice pair of high waist cigarette pants and a skinny leopard print belt….. and a ton of discounts for a later return visit (still more mad men I lust for) So there is that. Over all it was a nice time and where else but New York can you catch a buzz while listening to 60’s music shopping for fedoras?

Pictures were not to be taken inside the store… I tried to sneak.. but alas…

Also in keeping to the theme.. as a former bartender I have always favored a good Old Fashioned, turns out so does one of the shows main characters, Draper.

2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey
A dash of sugar
A splash of orange juice
A bit of sugar
Cherries and Oranges (mashed)

Muddle the fruit on the bottom with the sugar, add ice, pour in your bourbon of choice, a couple drops of bitters and a splash of orange juice, shake and enjoy!

I found this ad.. interesting… also if your trying to kick the smoking habit then you should not watch Mad Men… they light a new one up in practically every scene, but this is a fact that rings true for any movies of that era and beyond, people just did not know or want to know the risks so it remained prevalent in hospitals, hollywood, etc…

Here is a post to amc about the collection—-> Time Warp!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtMfzasLbu8]

August 12, 2011

Am I MAD enough for you?

Today was the opening party for Banana Republic’s Mad Men Collection. Even though it was originally slated to be released with the series premiere (which has been pushed back) Republic decided to release it anyway. So all over the city at certain locations they were offering up free drinks and hors d’oeuvres… I promptly filled a tiny plate and sipped two vodka cranberries while I roamed the store. I must say it reminded me a bit of an upscale gap… I have a feeling they are going the way of the Gap, all these large name stores are becoming dinosaurs… So I assume like Target and their designer team ups Banana is attempting the same. If nothing else I scored a nice pair of high waist cigarette pants and a skinny leopard print belt….. and a ton of discounts for a later return visit (still more mad men I lust for) So there is that. Over all it was a nice time and where else but New York can you catch a buzz while listening to 60’s music shopping for fedoras?

Pictures were not to be taken inside the store… I tried to sneak.. but alas…

Also in keeping to the theme.. as a former bartender I have always favored a good Old Fashioned, turns out so does one of the shows main characters, Draper.

2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey
A dash of sugar
A splash of orange juice
A bit of sugar
Cherries and Oranges (mashed)

Muddle the fruit on the bottom with the sugar, add ice, pour in your bourbon of choice, a couple drops of bitters and a splash of orange juice, shake and enjoy!

I found this ad.. interesting… also if your trying to kick the smoking habit then you should not watch Mad Men… they light a new one up in practically every scene, but this is a fact that rings true for any movies of that era and beyond, people just did not know or want to know the risks so it remained prevalent in hospitals, hollywood, etc…

Here is a post to amc about the collection—-> Time Warp!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtMfzasLbu8]

August 9, 2011

Who put the fun in funded?

So you wanna do a creative project but find your pockets coming up empty? Well look no further ! This little gem of a site has helped fund many a project and it is certainly fun to browse thru all the different proposals and even YOU, yes you, stop hiding… can become a backer, just pick a project and donate. I saw that One Day On Earth was funded thru this and I thought that very cool. Link up here—> Kick me!

Also I’ve been perusing thru my own ambitions and I have decided to join the 3rd ward. It’s in Brooklyn and basically houses space for you to create and classes! I can’t wait.. here is a short description:

3rd Ward is an incubator for innovation and possibility. Our members come from all walks of life to realize their potential and find additional meaning in their lives through our supportive community and top-of-the-line creative resources, including photo studios, media lab, jewelry studio, wood & metal shops, and a huge education program.

I think maybe I will try to kickstart my funds to pay for all the classes I want to take…. hmmm….

August 6, 2011

Wax Attax

So when I first moved to the apple I discovered not only seamlessweb (you’ll never cook again, I swear) I also found livingsocial. Both are websites you order things from, one food, the other, services. Luckily I bulked up a little cart of things that you can use within a certain time frame (a year, 6 mos, etc) and now that I’m being even thriftier.. I may be on the budget of a pauper but I still live like a prince (in my mind ahaha). Today I used a couple of my vouchers/coupons to visit Saloni Threading Salon. I got a 30-minute facial, eyebrow threading, and a bikini wax.( by the by, what DO you tip someone who does bikini waxing?? I mean I don’t even like to touch feet really) It turns out this spa is one little cozy room with two private rooms for facials and waxing, they have been there 7 years! I enjoyed it and it was steeply discounted so no complaints. I included my journey along the way…

Saloni

When I first got off the subway into Union Square I nearly forgot, there is a HUGE farmers market! They do it weekly in the summer and fall, weather permitting. I love Union Square, there is a lot to do and see there. I ended up talking to a vendor about the Market and her products, Sheep’s milk cheeses, yogurt (yes you read it correctly) and meats. As it turns out sheep’s milk contains much more nutrients than goat’s milk OR cow’s milk! I was given samples to try and lets just say, I found a new favorite dairy animal. I bought lavender & honey cheese and some yogurt. The flavor of Sheep’s milk is mild and smooth( see also: delicious) I was not prepared to do any heavy shopping but I will be back. I mean, really, fresh beautiful local produce and products being sold street side right in Manhattan !? I love this city.

(Pssssst.. Link up here—-> Food Me!

I realize I seem to be taking a lot of carrot pictures, they are just so…. perfect looking! I like the color contrast. After the Market I wandered to… *drum roll* FORBIDDEN PLANET! Dun dun dun duuuun

Caption: I <3 Men in Uniform, I only date Super Heroes, Ladies Night

Afterwards I hopped over to Max Brenners.. this place I have walked by several times but never went in because it looks expensive and well.. it is.. I got something called a Golden Latte (various yummy juices) and a Nutella Crepe and it came to about $16.50.. yikes. I must say its a bit too sugary for me and I have had much better crepes in Astoria. So it was not worth the price, however the atmosphere is amazing and the products are creative.. Chocolate syringe anyone?

I’d recommend a visit, mostly because the sheer sight of it all and the shop is lovely even though my crepe was so so. I will be returning to buy some chocolate goodies one day I’m sure.. (they have a store inside the eatery aka “chocolate bar”)

After these places I went to Saloni and it was a much needed break. I had just worked an overnight shift and have been working a lot in general so it was nice that I had saved those vouchers from so long ago to use now! Of course afterwards I stumbled out into the bright street from the dim calm of Saloni and made one last stop at one of my favorite stores: Callalilai Union Square

It is a hit or miss store, even if you miss there is always something however, they have amazing bags on hand as well as belts at all times. Most if not all the shoes are tenderly made by the best, IN ITALY. They actually look like vintage shoes made in america by the way they are stamped and how the leather is sewn, however they are not, these shoes are newly made in Italy, where they still know how to make a good pair of shoes. They look vintage only because ours stopped looking that way because we manufacture/accept crap now! Today in particular was a big HIT, if I had reverted to my old ways I would have dropped at least a few hundred on some amazing pieces but instead I purchased one item, on sale. A unique dress that the lovely ladies here even steamed for me before they wrapped it up (they are quite helpful here) Needless to say in N.y. you don’t necessarily have to have money to enjoy the fancy things in life. I felt very pampered today and boy did I need it ! Check out the shops blog and of course check out the shop if your ever in town ! The one in Union Square is in a beautiful antique shop, the atmosphere alone is wonderful. I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Back to work for me tomorrow, I have financial goals people. ha.

Ps… On my way home I stopped to browse at SITE, a great local store, I plan to do more extensive coverage of them in my community portion, until then check out the webSITE.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mQ4reLS8Lo&ob=av2e]

Enjoy.

August 6, 2011

If I were a boy.. and rich.

So this has been a much blogged/talked about subject but not for me! Yes, James Franco. I think if I was male and famous I would be James Franco. Why? Because he is random, he doesn’t believe in sleep (hence falling asleep in random places) and when not making movies he paints, takes a bajillion classes and has to be force fed by his assistant !? Here is why I think I would be him, I have always said I would just go to school and learn cool/fun/interesting things and travel everywhere if I won the lottery and didn’t have to work. I also paint and craft and what not. I never sleep (night owl syndrome) I too fall asleep in class (but who doesn’t) My best friend Ashley threatened to force me to drink liquids (because I never do or drink enough) I just wanna go to school, for totally random unrelated things, much like Franco. I have a motorcycle license (He has a pilot license) I too have been called weird or “quirky” my whole life, much like he has. In fact the more things I read about him the more I think we would get along really well. I’m just as random. Here is an article link : Lets Franco!

Also 23 random facts: Wow!

And of course I love me some Steven interviews:

Part 1

Part 2

Cheers !