ericaaaaa

Input vs. Output

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:23:18 -0600

Trying to blog every day this month has gotten me thinking about the relationship between taking in creative things and actually creating. I often find myself caught in between the two: watch a movie or make a video? Read a book or attempt to write a story? Watch Project Runway or actually finish that skirt I started last summer? Read (many, many) blogs or update my own? I think the one arena where I don’t ponder too much over inspiration is cooking, because you gotta eat.

I had an epiphany about this push and pull not too long ago. I was reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo for Books and Bars. It was definitely engaging and I kept reading because I wanted to know what would happen, but the writing was universally awful and left absolutely nothing to be desired. I thought about books that have stuck with me, books that have inspired me to write stories of my own even though I’m not even sure how to do that, books that took forever to read because I was too busy lingering on words and phrases. This particular book only inspired me to become a copy editor. I realized that even though it’s nice to plow through a 600 page book and get that feeling of accomplishment, I’d rather spend my time reading something that can fuel creativity.

Common Good Books 25% off sale

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:02:00 -0600

Common Good Books 25% off sale:

Say what you will about Garrison Keillor, but the man owns a charming book store. And he can write an eloquent plea to get people to come in. I stopped by Nina’s and was moved - moved! - by a short essay of his sitting on the counter, talking about the virtues of the independent book store while pointing out that they’re maybe not doing as well as they’d like. This is my favorite book store in town to just browse in, in part because it’s edited so well - there’s plenty to explore, but you won’t feel overwhelmed. A point Keillor sums up here:

Online stores are great if you know exactly what you want. But if you have only a vague longing for something new and fascinating, then we hope you’ll come to Common Good Books and look over the wares.

Indeed. Sale ends Wednesday, the 25th.

Mathematical Plane

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:53:56 -0600

overheardatthevegas:

As Erica and Steph rock ”I Think We’re Alone Now”*….our friend David’s mind is being blown by how awesome they sing together.

Him: Dude, was this planned?

Me: Nope.

Him: They sing awesome together! I can’t believe this wasn’t planned. It’s like some super mathematical equation brought them together to sing this song. This is magical.

Consider his mind blown.

I find this hilarious because the first time Steph and I sang together, I kind of felt the same way. Karaoke soul mates!!

*edited!

Reasons To Love The Vegas Lounge

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:50:00 -0600

For a bar that is the opposite of pretentious, it has some of the best karaoke in town.
Some of the best karaoke in town will come from the most unexpected people, such as a 50-something woman wearing a Young and the Restless sweatshirt who will walk up and fucking knock it out of the park.
You will probably talk to an older man who might initially be labeled as creepy, but actually turns out to be very genuine and says such hilarious stuff that you are motivated to start a tumblr dedicated to him (and others).
That same dude might just buy you and your friends roses.
A really hot dude might sing “Purple Rain” and nail it, while pulling every stage cliche in the book, which you will undoubtedly fall for because..well, he’s really hot.
Aside from the people, they have a really good song selection, cheap beer, and a parking lot.

New favorite place? I think so.

[thanks to Sara and Steph for coming out]

Did I mention I love Tim Gunn? I know, I know, it’s not...

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:25:06 -0600

Did I mention I love Tim Gunn?

I know, I know, it’s not Wednesday. SORRY.

And in case you’re wondering, Tim Gunn’s face is crappily pasted on a unicorn pinata. Not even photoshopped, because do you think I really know how to use Photoshop? Clearly not.

'Project Runway': Tim Gunn carries on (to Season 7) | Show Tracker | Los Angeles Times

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:09:41 -0600

'Project Runway': Tim Gunn carries on (to Season 7) | Show Tracker | Los Angeles Times:

I LOVE YOU TIM GUNN. This is great if you love him too. One of many fabulous quotes: “When we were filming in New York, I would go to this Au Bon Pain in the basement of Macy’s, and the first morning this woman behind the counter said, “Oh, it’s Michael Kors!” I didn’t correct her. I thought, “Oh, let her be thrilled.” Then, by the third morning, she asked, “What happened to your nice tan?” and I had to tell her the truth.”

New Life Goal.

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:08:50 -0600

So I was talking to a friend just now, and on the topic of fitness she said, “Did you know that Oprah ran a marathon in four and a half hours?” And I’m like, “No, that’s not possible. Are you sure that’s not her half marathon time?” She assured me that it was true and I’m all I HAVE A COMPUTER I AM LOOKING THIS UP RIGHT NOW.

It’s true. 4:29:20. So now I have a new life goal: BEAT OPRAH. And be a lot less like Al Gore, who finished closer to my actual time (just under five hours).* ** ***

*Note 1: May I remind you, it was close to 80 degrees with 80% humidity that day.

**Note 2: I still ran faster than Sven Suungaard, which counts for something.

***Note 3: How did I not know this until TODAY? Looking further down the very simple google search, there’s a nice snotty article from two years ago on how Oprah ruined the marathon. Because as well all know, runners ain’t runners if they run slow. Uh huh. Sure.

Addendum to Making Your Own Yogurt

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:57:50 -0600

Addendum to Making Your Own Yogurt:

Self-link! (Though if you read this you don’t really need to click it.) On my last batch of yogurt, I finally took the time to strain the slightly watery finished product through a cheese cloth. I just let it sit there for a half hour or so, and at the end I had a lot less yogurt, but really thick and awesome yogurt. Highly recommended.

Next up? Cheese making. Saag paneer party, anyone?

How to Get Me to Read Your Emails, Grandma

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:18:11 -0600

homeworkparty:

1. Don’t have “LET’S SEE IF YOU READ THIS” in the title or anything baiting me to respond. You’re not testing my attentiveness at that point, but rather my guilt, and only I can make myself feel guilty.

2. Erase all of the “FWD: Fw: FWD:” from the front of the subject. These alert me that not only is the information you’re sending many times removed from your authorship, but will also require a lot of scrolling work to get to the meat of it.

3. Personalize it. Write a note at the beginning explaining why it’s something I should look at. You must go beyond “Read this and thought of you!” or “SO TRUE!”.

4. Don’t put my name in the subject bar, because that’s a spammer trick and my first instinct is to delete.

5. If the info in the email makes it sound like like we live in a crazy world where crazy people are doing crazy things, check snopes.com to make sure it’s not a myth. I’ve been flashing my brights and using payphones and gas-pumps for years and I still have my health. If your email is about how snopes.com is a liberal sham, check factcheck.org.

6. If it somehow implies that one race, country, sexual orientation, religion, dietary lifestyle, or religion is better than another, I don’t want to see it. I will only find comfort that “Most of the bigots are old and will die soon”, and that makes me sad when it’s you.

7. Don’t send me anything that asks me to send it to 10 other people. If something is worth sharing, I’ll share it. If it’s not, it will die as it deserves to.

8. If you send a mass email with some bad information in it and I respond with links to actual factual information discrediting it, don’t reply “Oh, I just thought you should know!”. Instead, have a complete change of heart and write everyone you sent the bad info and tell them you were wrong and apologize, promising to be more careful in the future.

9. Don’t believe unreliable sources. If someone used to do some wacked-out thing that you disagree with but now they’re on your side they are not somehow more reliable because they’ve “been there”. They’re erratic people with poor judgment skills. There are many people out there who make money off of sowing dissent and while discourse is vital, echoing the extremes serves noone but the pundits and the corporations that pay them.

10. If your email includes photos of kittens, angels, or an American flag; Keep it to yourself. That shit is played out.

This is all completely true.

ALSO, FRIENDS. You should follow Joel at homeworkparty because he is awesome, just trust me on this one.

Bio-Diversity - Abstract City Blog - NYTimes.com How great are...

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:56:36 -0600

Bio-Diversity - Abstract City Blog - NYTimes.com

How great are these?!

Moments in Television That Have Made Me Cry

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:40:08 -0600

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air - the one where Will is stressed out about school and prom and sports and I don’t remember everything that was going on, but basically, a friend of him gives him some speed and Will just keeps it in his locker for safekeeping. Then Carlton and Will are at prom and Carlton is freaking out about a pimple and Will absentmindedly says that he has Vitamin E in his locker, so Carlton goes and accidentally takes a huge handful of speed. And in the ensuing drama, when Will eventually admits that the drugs were his, and he starts tearing up as he says, “I’m sorry, man. I’m so sorry.” And then I start tearing up because seriously if the Fresh Prince crying doesn’t make you cry a little bit you have no heart.
Sex and the City - The one where it’s Brady’s first birthday and Miranda and Steve are getting his cake ready and she blurts out that she loves him and he does the same and they kiss and Magda walks in and totally knows even though she saw nothing and oh my god I start crying every time, every flipping time. [I mean, what? I’ve only seen that part once. It’s not like I own some seasons on dvd or anything. Of course not.]
Six Feet Under - I hate spoilers so I’ll speak in vague terms, but the one in the last season that is pretty much all a funeral, and it’s one of the most horrible hours of a series I’ve had to endure because I bawled so hard my throat hurt at the end.
The Wire - Season 4, when Randy has to go to the group home and blerg. I actually don’t remember the details, just the heartbreak.

[Motivated by the Top 100 Quotes from The Wire]

Classes at the Textile Center

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:19:00 -0600

Classes at the Textile Center:

Over the summer I bought a serger. [A what? Most people say. A serger! Here, go look at the inside of any manufactured shirt you own. See how that seam has a nice edge with no extra fabric hanging out? That’s what a serger does. OR just watch this video.] I used it to finish the seams on a dress I made, and I’ve done a few other things with it, but not much.

Thus, when a friend recommended a class called “Scared of Your Serger” I figured I should take it. It turned out well, even if all we really did was really get comfortable with threading our machines and adjusting the tension. (But trust me, threading the damn thing is hard enough.) I wouldn’t say I learned a ton, but I asked a bunch of questions and just feel more inspired, even if my inspiration may only propel me to make millions of napkins.

Mostly I’m just happy this place exists. Our instructor pointed out that the Textile Center isn’t driven by a need to sell fabric and machines, so they’re much freer in their offerings (whereas at a fabric store the classes are much more project oriented). I will definitely keep my eye on future classes.

Spicy Chickpea and Tomato Soup (with noodles) [from Vegetable...

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:23:16 -0600

Spicy Chickpea and Tomato Soup (with noodles)

[from Vegetable Soups From Deborah Madison’s Kitchen]

My apartment still smells good from this. I’ve been eating out and at other people’s houses so much lately that I was really happy to cook something for myself again.

olive oil
1 onion, diced
pinch of saffron threads (skipped)
1 tsp toasted ground cumin seeds
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp turmeric
2 carrots, diced
1 celery rib, diced
1 heaping cup diced and peeled winter squash
chopped cilantro and parsley
28 oz can diced tomatoes
1 can chickpeas
1 cup cooked lentils
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup skinny egg noodles, boiled and drained (skinny egg noodles? where do these exist?

1. Heat the oil in a soup pot, the add the onion and spices. Cook the onions over medium heat and add the other veggies and some as they are diced. Add some of the cilantro and parsley. Cook until the onion is soft, about 12-15 minutes.

2. Add the tomatoes and beans, plus 2-3 cups of water. Simmer until the carrots are cooked through, about 20 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Stir in the cooked noodles and garnish with parsley and cilantro.

On Solid Shampoo

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:28:18 -0600

About a year ago I started using solid shampoo from Lush. In my personal experience, explorations with beauty products tends to be frightening - I go with what I know and stick with it. So jumping from boring bottled shampoo to a weird looking bar of shampoo was a little nerve racking. Especially since if I hated the experience, I was out $15. (Note here: the staff at Lush tend to be really friendly, and I’m sure if you expressed curious trepidation over trying this, they’d probably be happy to cut you a sample.) In a nutshell, solid shampoo is worth trying. Here are the pros and cons:

Good things:

It’s made using natural ingredients.
Mine smells really awesome and coconutty while washing.
It lasts a long time. I’m not even done yet with the one I bought last January. (Keep in mind that I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week. If you’re wondering why I’m sporting a cute headband, I’m probably on day 4 hair.)
On that note, it may end up being cheaper than bottled cheap shampoo, but I really have no idea since I haven’t counted the number of washings for any sort of accurate comparison.
No packaging! This is what sold me initially.
I haven’t tried this, but it has the potential to travel really well - just cut off a hunk and throw it in a plastic bag. Since it’s solid, there are no worries about liquid size requirements on airplanes.

Bad things:

The lathering. It just doesn’t lather the way bottled shampoo does, and I miss that sometimes. It’s the main reason why I still keep “normal” shampoo around. (I’m curious if whether the pucks of solid shampoo lather any differently but I’m stuck with the new one I bought for a while.)
Although it hasn’t made my hair bad, I haven’t noticed any difference either. Maybe this is a neutral thing, but I kind of expect a little more from fancy bath products.

I know some people have the tendency to go all Lush fangirl on you and say that some product changed their life, and I’m not about to go that far. But it has definitely changed the way I view shampoo, and if you’re willing to shake up the hair washing routine, it’s worth a shot.

Dear Boys Who Might Have A Crush On Me, Please dress like...

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:49:12 -0600

Dear Boys Who Might Have A Crush On Me,

Please dress like this.

Thanks,

Dear Boys Who Dress Like This,

Don’t you worry, I already have a crush on you.

xo,

Fashionist: Peter - 18th Street, SF

"Here’s the face that you want,” he said, assuming a cool, almost beatific gaze, and he began to..."

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:48:31 -0600

““Here’s the face that you want,” he said, assuming a cool, almost beatific gaze, and he began to walk. “I hate my teeth, I hate the world today. I’m getting paid 10 grand. I’m starving. I want a sandwich.””

- Miss J Alexander Teaches a Reporter How to Strut

Bonus birthday video! Happy Friday.

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:00:00 -0600

Bonus birthday video! Happy Friday.

Happy Second Birthday, Mia! It has been so much fun watching you...

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:42:27 -0600

Happy Second Birthday, Mia!

It has been so much fun watching you and your personality grow. I know you are going to grow up to be both very smart and a complete ham, and I can’t wait.

xo,

Auntie Erica

Rating the Strokes

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:30:56 -0600

No, not the band. The four strokes in swimming! Thursday is non-crawl (read: freestyle avoidance) day at my swim class, and while killing myself doing a bunch of individual medleys tonight I had some time to ponder the strokes.

Butterfly

This stroke is so ridiculous, it’s sometimes fun to do as a joke. But actually trying to swim it for more than about 25 yards is exhausting. You know how planes use a ridiculous amount of energy compared to pretty much anything on the ground? Yeah, try doing the equivalent of flying through water. Rating: 2 stars

Featured Video: Michael Phelps winning the 100M fly by one-hundredth of a second in Beijing.

Backstroke

For some reason it’s not as popular (perhaps because Michael Phelps doesn’t really do it), but it’s probably my favorite. You are free to breathe whenever you want, and I find it relaxing even when I’m trying to go fast. Backstroke in a lake is one of the great joys of summer - staring at the sky while kicking your cares away. Rating: Two Thumbs Up

Featured Video: eerily noiseless swim clips

Breaststroke

This is another relaxing stroke, and it’s a great cool down, but whenever I actually need to move it just feels all kinds of awkward. Even the professionals look like a weird mix of a turtle and a frog moving through the water. Rating: 7/10

Featured Video: Ian Thorpe looking funny underwater

Freestyle

You can’t go wrong with a classic, but that doesn’t mean it’s all that interesting either. It gets the job done and it’s best for long distances. It’s also the one where my form craps out the second I get tired. (Well, except butterfly, but that could be thrown out for all I care.) But still - you can’t go wrong with a classic. Rating: A-

Featured Video: Forget what I said about the butterfly being ridiculous, this guy is ridiculous. (“You let your legs fall, and you slow down, and if you slow down, YOU DROWN.”)

Project Runway Predictions

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:16:43 -0600

I’m not one to spoil things, but give me a break the last episode aired almost a week ago and has been on the internet for five days now. So here are my hopes and more realistic expectations for the two part finale, airing tomorrow and next week. (Finale party, anyone?)

Who I Want To Win, in order:

1. Carol Hannah

Oh my Charleston dear, you are just adorable with your y’alls and your cute dresses. This is not even to say that your designs are the best, but I just like you. You’re the only truly genuinely nice person left and I’m even sad you never made out with Logan, even though I thought he was kind of silly.

2. Althea

I’ve liked you ever since you made that adorable jacket and skirt thing, but lately you’ve been falling into the black hole of cattiness and I am not a fan. Also, you’re a secret giant. I know this shouldn’t bother me, since I’m over six feet in heels myself, but seeing you cower over the short girls just reminds me of how stupid I must look part of the time.

3. Irina

Yeah, yeah, you design very nice stuff and I wouldn’t want to wear any of it. And, you’re a snob. I can tell when you’re going to win and I often agree, but I just don’t want you to. And this is coming from someone who much prefers brunettes over blondes! I’d pick two blonde chicks over you any day! (Superficial much? Oh yeah.)

Who I Think Will Actually Win

1. Irina - Queen Mean will rise to the top and the world will collectively roll their eyes and hope that next season is more exciting.

2. Althea - middle is gold. Or something.

3. Carol Hannah - in the preview, she is sick, very sick. Perhaps H1N1? OR MAYBE! She got mono from making out with Logan! Either way, her being so sick will make for good “oh no our poor dear” moments but her work will suffer and the judges will be all, oh well, too bad.

Other sort of related notes:

1. Christopher Straub is really, really nice. And he liked my Forever 21 necklace. So I have a soft spot in my heart for him. But his work went downhill from a promising beginning and never seemed to recover. I wish him the best, but it makes sense that he’s not at Fashion Week.

2. Ra’mon getting cut was total bullshit, am I right? I still wonder what he could have come up with if they weren’t idiots.

3. I really miss season 2. I was looking at the winners of last seasons and I didn’t even remember that some chick named Leanne existed and won. Daniel Franco, where did you go, indeed. (There used to be much better versions of that, sighhhh)