queez-een

Recently I find myself with the urge to pick up some kitchen skills. I see delicious-looking things on the Food Network and other DIY type channels and I'd like to be able to make some for myself. K asked me what type of things I'd like to make, and so far I've come up with the following descriptors:
savory
rich
like a holiday feast but vegematarian

I'd like some advice from those in the know (I'm looking at you, Roland) about where to start. Key factors include instant gratification (or if not instant, not too far from it - if it takes me more than 30 minutes to make, I'm definitely not going to get there. In fact, 30 minutes is probably really generous), completely vegetarian ingredients, and no super-fancy chopping/etc skills required.

coat wish

My latest wanted item is a medium-length, single-breasted, fitted winter coat.

I like this J. Crew version in fit and length, but I am not a fan of horizontal lines at the waist (at least on me).



The shape of this Kenneth Cole is nearly flawless. It has the on-the-seam slit pockets that I prefer (patch pockets add bulk and often give a coat a look that's too mod for my current taste) and I like the cuffed sleeves - not a feature among those I was looking for, but it works. I also like the V neckline, which would allow me to wear scarves in the way I like best.




The photos of this Marvin Richards coat all picture it with the buttons undone, which makes it difficult to determine just how fitted it might be. I definitely want to find one that is quite fitted and doesn't leave any room for cold air to circulate between me and the coat.


Choiceses!

fiberlicious

I've been having allergy issues with wool and some other natural fibers lately (mohair and so on) and I'm also mega picky about the softness of yarns, at least on projects that will be in contact with my face or neck. In the Winter 2005 issue of Knitter's Magazine, the Knitter'sToKnitters column has a small feature about Tilli Tomas yarns, which feature 100% silk yarns. Mmm! Sounds good to me! In addition to the 100% silk content, they also offer some spangly embellished yarns, such as Mariel's Crystals which features the oft-mentioned Swarovski Crystals and seems perfect for making something for evening. It costs approximately $1 per yard, YIPES!

'tis the season

Don't leave anyone out of your holiday gifting and decor this year - not even the wee residents of your abode.

crazy delicious

For those who enjoyed the Lazy Sunday rap on SNL, you can now get your very own sweetass (and very affordable!) t-shirt.

gross-out du jour

Again with the ridiculous lip "enhancements" women in Hollywood keep inflicting upon themselves. How gross do Keira Knightley's lips look now?



before.................................after

They used to fit on her face but now they're all pooched out, especially that hideously engorged upper lip. Blech. Bad job, Keira Knightley!

Every Wet Burning Bush

On December 16th, Every Wet Second and The Burning Bushes played Rubbles in Mount Pleasant. Many beers were consumed. Much rock and roll was brought.

Every Wet Second



The Burning Bushes

chapeaux

I decided to make hats for the pages (mostly college students) at work this year. I also opted to not give gifts to most of the full-time staff. As I see it, the pages are more deserving (full-time staff can buy their own damn hats). Also they are such a great group of people - truly, genuinely awesome.


click on the thumbnails for full-size images


















I made a wide variety of patterns and sizes. As you view the photos, keep in mind that my styrofoam head is small and oddly shaped, not very lifelike. So far the recipients seem to be quite pleased with them. Yay!

producer runway

We just finished watching tonight's Project Runway and I have to say - it seems clear that the judges wanted to dismiss Santino. His only redeeming feature is that he provides a lot of drama. He clearly lost this competition. Daniel Franco is definitely too much of a classicist (read: conservative/safe) to go very far in this type of contest and his mea culpa thing made it justifiable to let him go.

I was pleased that Daniel V. won - he seems young and full of ideas and energy - and also that Diana was in - she's got my nerd vote.

Daw(o)na

I was right, though I don't think it's any real shock. Dawna won the Martha Stewart apprenticeship, beating out crazy misspelled Bethenny. It was humorous to see how nonplussed Martha was with all the candidates. Clearly she didn't really like any of them, not that she can be blamed for that. It was great how she picked on Jim right up to the end, telling him that his wife is too hot for him.

One of my favorite things about the entire run was how purposely bitchy Alexis was and how equally obsequious Charles was.

I don't know if I'm particularly interested in Body + Soul magazine. If I were familiar with past issues, it'd be fun to see if she made any noticeable changes. She seems more the 'keep an already good team going' type than the 'take it to the next level' type.

even more c-word

More of the cuteness.

mega

CuteCuteCuteCuteCuteCute

ruin

Disney is further corrupting Pooh.

library teehee

Insert OPAC joke here.

intelligent and funny

Today's Doonesbury is really good.

blackjack

So we DVRd SNL this weekend because Jack Black was hosting, hoping that perhaps he could bring some funny with him. As it turned out, the only truly funny thing on the show didn't even involve him. It was cool to see The D, though they didn't do anything particularly funny. They did rock, but only for a very short bit.

Speaking of Jack Black, we saw King Kong earlier this week. I have to admit to being slightly disappointed though I did enjoy it overall. Some of the green-screen stuff seemed unfinished and I noticed a couple of really obvious continuity problems. That kind of stuff shouldn't jump out on first viewing. It was also way too long. Hopefully the DVD will have a version with fixed-up computer effects and about an hour cut out.

mio culture

These were featured on I Want That not too long ago, and now they're at the Target Red Hot Shop. Très intéressant! Much of what the show features is mega expensive and often only truly appealing to a very specialized interest. These tiles seem like they'd be great for a city loft or hipster student apartment. They're the kind of modern cool thing that I like in theory, but I wouldn't actually like them in my own house.

Yuck-ola

It seems that everytime I watch a TV show these days, the female lead has horribly puffy, obviously faked-up lips. It's just disgusting. Jennifer Garner has really had a bad way with them this season of Alias. You'd think that with her being preggers she'd lighten up on this type of appearance modification.

Gross, huh?

oh baby baby it's a Wild World

I haven't been posting as much lately, a direct result of the recent release of Animal Crossing: Wild World for Nintendo DS. It is awesome! My character, Heathen, is living happily in the town of LaWampus. K and I have connected both DS-to-DS and using Wi-Fi. I'm anxiously hoping that some faraway friends get the game soon so we can all chill and trade fruit.

awwww

Can you love something even though you have no idea what it is? I would argue that you can.

harf harf harf

Do you crack your dog up? You just might.

iWant

I think I want an iPod. I can't decide! Is it worth the $250 for the Nano (4GB)? Or is it worth it to shell out the full $300 for the new video iPods? Plus there are all the lovely accessories. What to do...

stripety

I made K a hat that actually fits! And covers his ears! Behold, his brand new superwash wool shoveling hat. Ta-da!