Squirrel Print Clothing - What?!

Apparently squirrels were a print trend this Fall...in the UK. I thought only Alpha Gam's were keen on squirrels, so this blew my mind and I felt a need to share a round-up of the items I found. 

The NW3 dress and the Dorothy Perkins shirt are my favorites, though I'm still not sold on wearing squirrels on my everyday attire. My squirrel charm on a chain works nicely for when I want to wear this woodland creature!

In case you want to indulge in any of these items or see them from different angles you can click through the pictures to the websites.

YMC Silk Squirrel Dress, $375 at Urban Outfitters

Pink Squirrels All Over Animal Print Socks, $8 or 3/$20 at Urban Outfitters 

(Strangely enough these hot pink squirrel socks are for men.)

NW3 Woodlands Dress, $218.22 at Hobbs NW3 

(They also have a maxi skirt and tie-neck blouse.)

Jersey T-shirt, $70 at Eley Kishimoto

Squirrel Print Tee, $38 (Sold Out) at Dorothy Perkins

Camilla Norrback Dorothy Squirrel Print Blouse, $118.17 (Sale Price...Sold Out)

Its Fun to Squirrel Around Dress, $38 at Aristocracie (Clever name, right?)

$19.95 at Hey Cupcake 

(They also have an apron, a onesie, etc... I surprised Amanda with the t-shirt for her birthday!)

T-shirt, $14 one day, $19 the next, so ?? but hilarious!

Guys... Lest you feel left out here is one for you too and what a deal at that price. ;)

Common Sons Squirrel Cardigan, $172.71

Friday Distractions -- Random Links & Recipes Bookmarked

Ready for the weekend? To help you pass your Friday here are the highlights of what distracted me this week online, what I bookmarked that I hope to one day eat and a picture.   

Britney Spears Volunteers Airbrushed Photos. I still <3 Britney; this is a cool move.  

Had Kevin.Murphy's Color.Bug Hair Shadow been available when I was in high school, I and my Mom would have been much happier. It gives the satisfaction of a crazy color without the commitment of Manic Panic or markers.

Want to lose weight? Shut your mouth by Jacque Wilson at CNN provides a perspective contrary to the norm. "To reach an identity goal, you need indicators of your accomplishments. ... Gollwitzer's studies found that when you tell people what you intend to do, and that intention is acknowledged, the recognition qualifies as an indicator of accomplishment. 'The danger is that you feel that you have already reached the goal and because of that you don't have to act on it any more,' Gollwitzer says."

Andrew Schneider's Tests Show Most Store Honey Isn't Honey: Ultra-filtering Removes Pollen, Hides Honey Origins was interesting. NPR's reply reassures that "Supermarket honey doesn't have pollen, but you can still call it honey. Call it filtered honey." It is always good to get several perspectives on a story.

Finally! An explanation for why I forget things when I transition between rooms... 

Recipes Bookmarked
Cider-Brined Turkey with Star Anise and Cinnamon via Tartlette
Mint-Flavored Sugar at Pretty, Tasty Things (I had this last Saturday at Sheila's shower and was blown away. True story.)
Portuguese Cheese Puffs (Pao de Queijo) at the New York Times

 One Golden Tree Remains, November 2011, Mechanicsville, Virginia

The Sound of Winter

Today I Am...

Thinking
Happily
About
Needs Being Met
Kindnesses
Family & Friends
Understanding and
Lots of other little things that make me smile.*

Our feast is Sunday. I am making pumpkin pudding, chocolate pie and Alejandra at Always Order Dessert's Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts Hash. We also will be enjoying this unbelievably large sweet potato that I am tempted to give eyes. It is, of course, from Red Dog Farm whose bountiful harvest has been generously shared with me this year.

I hope you are enjoying the celebration of Thanksgiving today too...or if you are elsewhere I hope you are enjoying your Thursday.

*I'm also thinking about Organic Chemistry. In the spirit of Thanksgiving I have even found things to be grateful about it: having the opportunity to take it without getting into debt or dealing simultaneously with a crazy schedule, having an encouraging professor and having access to a tutor one hour a week for free, SI sessions and TA sessions.

Friday Distractions -- Random Links & Recipes Bookmarked

Ready for the weekend? To help you pass your Friday here are the highlights of what distracted me this week online, what I bookmarked that I hope to one day eat and a picture.   
 
The Atlantic's highlights from the National Geographic Photo Contest 2011 are serious eye candy. My favorites are 14, 35, 36 (those feathers look like sequins!) and 39.

"Our children are suffering from a lack of any fruits or vegetables whatsoever. Canned, frozen, dried, juiced—anything would help. Here's a simple dictum for public health, endorsed by nutritionists across the land: All forms of fruits and vegetables matter." Not So Fresh: Does Michelle Obama's war on obesity give short shrift to canned and frozen produce? I'm learning this lesson, again, right now.

A recap of David Chang of Momofuku's Science & Cooking Public Lecture at Harvard... “It’s like a spice rack, if you collide micro-organisms with food – it makes the food delicious.” The lecture series has covered some fascinating topics and past lectures can be watched online. I'll be checking some of them out over the holiday break. 

My Slow Prose Manifesto by Karen J. Ohlson sounds exactly like me in the kitchen (and perhaps elsewhere). "When I ask myself why I do things slowly, my stock answer is: I’m not choosing to be slow; it’s the only way I know how to be. But if I’m honest, I know it’s the only way I can feel satisfied."

DIY Glittered Flatware at Oh Happy Day because sparkly things are pretty and for this tip "The secret to this whole project is the glitter paint. Unlike regular glitter the glitter paint doesn’t get glitter everywhere and when dry the glitter doesn’t come off on your fingers! Really!!"

Recipes Bookmarked
Green Beans with Dates, Oranges and Hazelnuts at Deliciously Organic
Homemade Chicken Stock at Deliciously Organic (of interest is the concept of simmering it for 24 hours)
4-Ingredient Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt at Babble
Frozen Coconut Yogurt with Cinnamon via VitalJuice
Homesick Texan Carnitas at Smitten Kitchen
Porchetta at Home at Amateur Gourmet
Sauteed Kale with Tahini Sauce at Simply Recipes

Mosaic Tile at The Little Chapel in the Woods, Denton, TX, October 2011

Cough Syrup

Green Tea, Tofu, and Noodle Soup

Sarah from Simply Cooked was our November Daring Cooks’ hostess and she challenged us to create something truly unique in both taste and technique! We learned how to cook using tea with recipes from Tea Cookbook by Tonia George and The New Tea Book by Sara Perry.

We could choose our own savory,  tea-based recipe or make Beef Braised in Rooibos Tea with Sweet Potatoes, Chinese Tea Eggs and Green Tea, Tofu, and Noodle Soup. As I constantly feel like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland right now I was thrilled that the Green Tea, Tofu, and Noodle Soup required only 30-minutes and I chose it so I could complete my first challenge in months.

I followed the provided recipe using local napa cabbage for the greens, substituting soba noodles for the egg noodles and adding cilantro for visual flair (and flavor) at the end. The broth was very delicate, too much so for my taste. I ended up adding lime juice, s'rircha and additional soy sauce and sesame oil to amp up the flavor yet still felt like something was missing. Perhaps the soba noodles were too much for the broth? Either way I don't plan to revisit the recipe.

That said based on the descriptors used by my fellow Daring Cooks - luscious, refreshing and delicious - I will be looking further into cooking with tea. Especially as tea is a great way to add flavor without calories or a lot of cost. View the recipes and Sarah's other ideas for cooking with tea here and check out those tasty sounding results here.

Friday Distractions -- Random Links & Recipes Bookmarked

Ready for the weekend? To help you pass your Friday here are the highlights of what distracted me this week online, what I bookmarked that I hope to one day eat and a picture.  

I can relate to this sentiment 100% - It’s Always Market Day Somewhere. Plus the photos are amazing. (via David Lebovitz)

With the holiday baking season coming, Whole Foods' Guide to Natural Sweetners might come in handy! Then again maybe we should all just avoid sugar since it is like a drug...as is fat.*sigh*

The story behind from From Me To You's cinemagraphs. (via 101 Cookbooks)

Tom's Ballet Flats look cute! Hopefully I will remember them come spring. (via Amy on Pinterest)

Recipes Bookmarked
Butternutscotch Pudding at Pinch My Salt (if only for the name)
Pan Seared Salmon Over Fettuccine Noodles with Skinny Alfredo Sauce at Self
Quinoa con Queso at Simply Recipes

Dallas, TX State Fair's Ferris Wheel, October, 2011

Don't Stop Believin' (Album Version)

Friday Distractions -- Random Links & Recipes Bookmarked

Ready for the weekend? I always am... To help you pass your Friday here are the highlights of what distracted me this week online, what I bookmarked that I hope to one day eat and a picture. 

I would like a milk jug skeleton, please. The adorable heart is a must.

Chessa Photography launched this week and you should go see the world through her eyes. Her photos offer a unique view of places commonly visited as well as many less traveled locales Chessa has visited through humanitarian aid work.

"Try not to do too many things at once. Know what you want, the number one thing today and tomorrow. Persevere and get it done." George Allen, Sr. (Thanks, Aunt Phebe!)

Should I ever actually start sewing, Make This Look matches store-bought dresses to patterns. Brilliant. (via Sonee on Pinterest)

Susan Gregory Thomas' Back to the Land, Reluctantly gives a little insight into how her family of 4 lives off of $100 a week. Via The Improvised Life who highlighted this great quote, "because my biggest revelation in terms of self-sufficiency is this: It is no big deal. You can tell yourself anything is too difficult, or you can just do it. And you do not need to reconstruct your worldview or take issue with others."

Recipes Bookmarked
Sherried Sardine Toast at Alton Brown's Good Eats
Sweet and Spicy Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew with Coconut Milk at Kayln's Kitchen

 Sparkles, October 2011, Plano, TX

I heard this on Sirius' 40s on 4 while flying Airtran last weekend. Sirius access is a nice perk of flying with them.

Friday Distractions -- Random Links & Recipes Bookmarked

Ready for the weekend? I always am... I haven't been wandering online much lately, so the links are sparse BUT I have amped up the photos. Check out the gorgeousness that is Duke University! Last weekend I escaped to the Durham area to check out a graduate program in the area and have a fun visit with my friend, Jen. We relaxed, explored, ate well and still fit in a bit of studying. Hopefully I can find comparable balance this weekend as I'm in Dallas for my cousin Rebecca's wedding. Wish me luck and have a fantastic weekend!

As soon as I saw this DIY Caramel Apple Kit I was in love. Caramel is the best. I've never seen a caramel apple bar at a party or wedding, but think it sounds perfect for the cooler weather.

This medical technology development gave me chills; it could/will revolutionize the lives of burn victims as you can see in the video. (via Jay Parkinson MD + MPH) burn victims as you can see.

Recipes Bookmarked
Sardine Rillettes at Simply Recipes
Mushroom Lasagna at Recipes for Health, New York Times

 

This song has special memories for me. I'm always grateful for my friends.

Friday Distractions -- Random Links & Recipes Bookmarked

Ready for the weekend? I always am... To help you pass your Friday here are the highlights of what distracted me this week online, what I bookmarked that I hope to one day eat and a picture.

Facebook is Lying but Nobody is Caring wasn't surprising but still made me sigh. (via Vika) If you want to block third-party social media sites from tracking you and use Firefox, consider trying Share Me Not.

On a related note, Alexis Madrigal writes What You Shouldn't Post on Your Facebook Page If You Want a Job at The Atlantic. I try to be conscious of what I put out there, but always appreciate a reminder. (via Courtney...so glad she and her buzz are back!)

Are You Living An Active or Passive Life? "...[feeling powerful sensations] is not optional. We crave and need them to function well, so the path of least resistance and most abundance will also be the path most traveled. I think we’re just too far removed from real experience, from having to engage with the world." 

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address on YouTube (via Amber). May he rest in peace.

Recipes Bookmarked
5 Spice Beef Broccoli at Well Done Chef (I like his blanching method!)
Applejack Rabbit at Eat Make Read
Lamb Sausage Patties with Fresh Mint, Feta and Garlic at Epicurious

 

Sky over Georgetown's Key Bridge, Washington, DC, September 2005

Creative take on a catchy song that you is unavoidable as I drive around town... Thank goodness it is still fun! (via Adrienne at Fanciful Freckles)

Friday Distractions -- Random Links & Recipes Bookmarked

Ready for the weekend? I always am... To help you pass your Friday here are the highlights of what distracted me this week online, what I bookmarked that I hope to one day eat and a picture. 

Food rules to remember, or at least keep in mind.

New York Times' Small Fixes section never fails to excite me. Read Fighting Cervical Cancer With Vinegar and Ingenuity by Donald G. McNeil, Jr. to see what thrilled me this time. Given the discussion of healthcare costs being too high in the US, I wonder why some of these low tech, but effective and less expensive techniques can't be implemented in the United States. 

Nick Meek has killer photos. That first mountain shot makes me wish I was hiking, or at least doing something in nature, right about now. (via Leslie on Pinterest)

Gretchen Reynolds' How Exercise Can Strengthen the Brain in the New York Times highlights a recent University of South Carolina study that proved regular physical training in mice stimulated development of new mitochondria in both muscles and the brain. She quotes one of the chief author's, Dr. Davis, as "[speculating] revitalized brain cells also, at least potentially, could reduce mental fatigue and sharpen your thinking even when you’re not exercising." This is one more piece of evidence that I should get back to exercising, even if I feel too busy / am worried about my left leg's hip flexors / any other excuse in the book.

Stream the Dum Dum Girls new album, Only in Dreams, here. It came out on Wednesday, 9/27/11.

Recipes Bookmarked 
Braised Rabbit with Prunes at Simply Recipes
Round Challah at The Cupcake Project

Wild Goose Island, St. Mary Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana, August 2010 (lots of commas!)

Friday Distractions -- Random Links & Recipes Bookmarked

Ready for the weekend? I always am... To help you pass your Friday here are the highlights of what distracted me this week online, what I bookmarked that I hope to one day eat and a picture. 

Last weekend was the 53rd Annual Armenian Festival in Richmond and I got a plate of leftovers thanks to my parents generosity. It was all good, but the stand out was the Armenian Rice Pilaf. It tasted suspiciously like Rice-A-Roni. When I looked up the ingredients I learned it was the basis for Rice-A-Roni. Read about it here.

“To bear defeat with dignity, to accept criticism with poise, to receive honors with humility -- these are marks of maturity and graciousness.” William Arthur Ward (via Carielle, who is on a great adventure this year!)

And here is another quote... I sure hope this one is true!

James Murphy, of the now disbanded band, LCD Soundsystem is now dabbling in cooking among other things. Fun.

Alison Newton writes beautifully. I'm behind on all reading right now, but this piece on losing her father and grandfather really moved me. It is probably especially poignant as I'm nervous about my grandpop's surgery right now. Regardless, go get lost in her words.

Recipes Bookmarked
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies at Baking Bites
Brown Sugar Rosemary Walnuts at 101 Cookbooks
Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bars at Always Order Dessert
Honeyed Gingerbread With A 20-Hour Apple Terrine at NPR's Kitchen Window

For a photo go see Carielle's shots at your big year. There is a gorgeous recent one of a lion that looks unbelievable professional.

Lazy Mexican-Inspired Salad

Simple September continues with this Lazy Mexican-Inspired Salad. I was going to tell you this was my go to dinner, but then I entered its information into Self's Nutrition Data website and discovered it is probably a bit light for dinner. :/ So I suggest that you think of it as a side salad. I know I will from here on out.

That said my finding it satisfying as dinner or lunch for several years now is proof of how filling and nutrient dense it is. Self quantified that fact too. Its only downfall, according to the nutrition facts, is high sodium. This isn't a big surprise since it involves prepared foods. If you want to reduce the sodium, you can make your own dressing, perhaps a cumin-lime vinaigrette like the one I used here, and/or prepare black beans from dried beans instead of using canned. Personally sodium is not a concern when I'm eating this. My concern is eating something good and satisfying, then getting the heck out of the kitchen.

If I had more time I would have a cooking adventure instead of this salad to post, but organic chemistry and some other things are ruling my life. Given how much I've been eating this thank goodness I like it! To mix things up a bit I add tomatoes, corn and/or cilantro, but the basics are below.

Lazy Mexican-Inspired Salad

1 cup Black Beans (I used rinsed and drained a 14 ounce can, which will make roughly three portions.)
2 Tablespoons of Shredded Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese
2 Cups Mixed Baby Greens
1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
1 Tablespoon Reduced Fat Ranch Dressing.

1. Open, rinse and drain one 14 ounce can of black beans.
2. Remove stem and seeds from green pepper, then chop it roughly or neatly your call.
3. Measure two cups of salad into a bowl, then measure out 1/2 cup of black beans and place them on top.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of the reduced fat cheese to the bowl and the chopped pepper.
5. Top with 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing.

P.S. My friend Katie thought I should let y'all know this isn't a racial slur. I am lazy...not Mexicans... I didn't even realize there was a racial slur. In fact I probably would say Mexicans were hard workers based on other stereotypes of their life - being illegal immigrants in the US.

Friday Distractions -- Random Links & Recipes Bookmarked

Ready for the weekend? I always am... To help you pass your Friday here are the highlights of what distracted me this week online, what I bookmarked that I hope to one day eat and a picture. 

I always saw these pretty lights at the Holiday Markets in NYC, but I never purchased them. If their presentation had been as awesome as the one in Jordan's photos I probably would have given in to the impulse.

Kate Ermilio's Spring-Summer 2012 collection features bows and interesting backs. Love it!

At a delicious dinner at Mama J's last Saturday between study sessions, Matt brought up Google's purchase of Zagat. He hopes this purchase will enable Google to compete with Yelp. It was an interesting point.

The Area of the Texas Wildfires Versus America's 10 Biggest Cities dated September 7...and to think the damage is more widespread now. Wow. This really puts it into perspective. (via Courtney)

Two great perspective giving post-its. I needed these. Er, I still need them.

Recipes Bookmarked
Apple Chips at The Cupcake Project
Candy Corn Cocktail (and others for Halloween) at Hostess Blog (via Rebekka)
Sauteed Sweet Potato Leaves at Eat Make Read

A red eye to or from Santa Monica, CA, December 2005

Find more songs like Crystal Castles at Myspace Music

While doing data entry at work I often listed to my iPod; it helped me plug away and block out distractions. Indie electronic music was my favorite as I could lose myself in the beat. This song worked a little too well. I listened to it for half an hour once without even realizing it was the same song. I only noticed when I looked down to see which artist I was enjoying so much.

Remembering September 11, 2001

Dina wrote a thoughtful post about her experience on September 11, 2001 in DC and her feelings about the subject, which inspired me to jot down a few, less eloquent, thoughts.

All week VCU has had several white erase boards, post-its and pens available for students to write where they were on September 11, 2001 and how it has affected them. I was working in the Psychology department at the reception desk when I heard. I couldn't believe it. Even though we were safe in Richmond, I immediately called my family, eyes watering, to make sure they were okay. After work I spent the remainder of the day in class or with my sisters.

Everyone was scared and overwhelmed, especially those with families in Northern Virginia and New York City. Thankfully no one I knew at the time lost anyone, though later I came to know people who lost friends and family or experienced the fall out directly while living in NYC. It was such a blessing to be with friends and have family nearby when everything felt turned on end. It also was a blessing to have been so sheltered from the direct events.

My closest contact came a few weeks later when for my birthday Jaime took me to the 9:30 Club to see John Mayer perform. When we drove past the Pentagon with its gaping hole to get to the venue it jarred us into silence. Later living in NYC I saw "Ground Zero" a few times. The enormity of the absent towers never became less overwhelming.

Some things just can't be fixed. I don't think our Nation will ever be the same. What happened was shocking and uncomfortable to consider then and it still is. I can't believe it has been ten years, though seeing that a lot of VCU's current students were in elementary school at the time brought that point home in a whole different way.

Today I hope that those who were lost September 11, 2001 are resting in peace and that those who remain have found or find peace. “Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” - unknown

P.S. Sally Schmidt gives a New York perspective at The Improvised Life. I saw it after I published this and decided to add it as it is worth sharing too. I like the idea of "[fighting] back with beauty."

Friday Distractions -- Random Links & Recipes Bookmarked

Ready for the weekend? I always am... To help you pass your Friday here are the highlights of what distracted me this week online, what I bookmarked that I hope to one day eat and a picture.

Lanvin's Fall-Winter 2011 Campaign teaser video will make you smile. It looks like my thrifted cobalt cape  is on target for this Fall.

Also, The Glamourai's apartment is amazing. I don't think I could ever live in a home with that much white, but wow. She has these measuring cups, which somehow I missed at Anthropologie. Too bad as they were $19.95 on clearance at one point according to the internet.

How To Wallpaper" Using Fabric

"In the first experiment of its kind in the country, the Houston public schools are testing whether techniques proven successful in high-performing urban charters can also help raise achievement in regular public schools. You can read more about this clever idea here. I will be interested to see check out the results.

This gluten-free flour developed by The French Laundry sounds promising, though the cost seems prohibitive at first glance. Having never made a gluten-free flour mix I don't know how much it costs...

Recipes Bookmarked
Gingersnaps at Gluten-Free Girl
Rice Milk at at Vegan Reader
Spiced Sweet Potato Donuts at Leann Bakes
Sriricha-Baked Salmon And Kale Wraps With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce at NPR's Kitchen Window

No! Don't take me without my chips! New York, NY

I'm not THIS gloomy but the rain made me think of this song, which I have on my computer from Napster. I always thought it was by Cracker. Oops. I wish some of our torrential rain from the past few days could have dispersed into TX and Somalia where they so desperately need water.

Broiled Tomatoes with Cheese

My brother, Christopher, came home for Labor Day, which always means a feast. This time was no exception; we enjoyed spinach, blueberries and strawberries tossed with raspberry vinaigrette, Keenbell Farms' spicy cheese brats, slightly over caramelized onions and peppers in gravy, mashed potatoes and Broiled Tomatoes with Cheese for lunch. It was a filling meal that was quick to put together and quick to clean up... So far so good on trying to keep things simple in September.

Whenever he comes home I start thinking of what we enjoyed eating as a kids and this time I remembered Mom serving broiled tomatoes with parmesan cheese. According to my memory they were warm, juicy, savory and comforting. All of those descriptors sounded good to me and I saw Mom's tomatos in the garden looking ripe, so I proposed we have them. She was thrilled, partly because it was such an easy request I'm sure.

Below is her rough recipe, which she emphasized can be adjusted to taste. It, or something like it, came from a cooking for two cookbook back when us kids didn't exist. While the source has been forgotten, then concept was clearly memorable as she made this without any references. 

If you like tomatoes, pizza and/or tomato sauce you will like this one. Its simple ingredients and short broiling time let the tomato's bright flavor shine. Next time I might sprinkle some oregano or basil on top to see how much I can make it taste like pizza sans crust. 

Broiled Tomatoes with Cheese
Serves 2

1 Tomato
Garlic Salt
Bread Crumbs
Parmesan Cheese (The grated sprinkles are fine. We used those when I was young!)

1. Turn on the broiler. Cut the tomato in half, do not core it, and place it juicy side up on the baking sheet.
2. Sprinkle the tomato with garlic salt, then the bread crumbs and finally the parmesan cheese.
3. Broil until the cheese gets slightly brown!

 

Friday Distractions -- Random Links & Recipes Bookmarked

Ready for the weekend? I always am... To help you pass your Friday here are the highlights of what distracted me this week online, what I bookmarked that I hope to one day eat and a picture.   

Our power came back last night! I immediately returned to the bad habit of staying up later than I should reading things online. Oh well. Today is a new day where I can make a different decision about how to spend my time.

The Big Picture covers Hurricane Irene. Their photo coverage of events is always amazing, but be warned the photos take a while to load (at least on my dinosaur of a desktop). Having lived in NYC I have trouble seeing #10 and #40 as rare. You can visit Fort Greene, Brooklyn's Target any weekend and find equally ravaged aisles and, sadly, people are always sleeping in Penn Station.

A teaser from Fresh and Direct From the Garden An Ocean Away (NY Times), "The foods we consider local are results of a globalization process that has been in full swing for more than five centuries, ever since Columbus landed in the New World." After reading the article I added 1493 to my long list of books I would like to read.

As one of the uncool people who almost always orders flavored vodka and soda when out, Vodka Nation: How the flavorless, colorless, odorless spirit became a billion-dollar business was of interest. (via Courtney)

Last June Edible Brooklyn's Melting Pot: An Icy Drink Turns White Hot covered another favorite beverage of mine, Horchata.

If you aren't familiar with Microbiology, The New Generation of Microbe Hunters (NY Times) gives an interesting overview.. It also provides a link to the study about the seaweed digesting enzyme I was intrigued by a few weeks ago; I plan to use school's access to Nature to read it sometime.

Recipes Bookmarked
Cheesy Parsnip Spread at Choosing Raw
Roasted Vegetable Polenta "Lasagna" at Perry's Plate (via VitalJuice)
Sunshine Kale Salad at Peas and Thank You
Thai Curry Paste at Perry's Plate

A view from Parc Güell, Barcelona, Spain September 2009

(I can't believe that trip was so long ago! Thanks again, Leslie.)

Getting our power back reminded me of this absurd video. Every time it came on at Liberation Dance Party I got the giggles. I don't remember there being nudity, but I can't promise and I still wouldn't advise that you watch it at work.

Corn, Tomato and Basil Salad

Thanks to Hurricane Irene our house is without power. Like generations before we are now rising closer to sunrise, sleeping closer to sunset and eating meals by flickering kerosene lamp light. Luckily, we have a generator that we can cycle to run our refrigerator and freezer and the well's pump. This lets us have drinking water, etc. and, hopefully, will help us salvage some of food. Until the power returns our meals are improvised and, if they involve cooking, they are made on the propane camp stove or the grill. 

Here's a rough recipe for a Corn, Tomato and Basil Salad I improvised the other night to go with defrosted, pre-cooked shrimp the other night. It was a fresh, satisfying and super quick. I should to keep easy meal ideas in mind when we have our power back as it is going to be a busy fall with anatomy and physiology part II, organic chemistry lab and lecture and a few other things to juggle.

I hope you aren't suffering the effects of Hurricane Irene or other natural disasters, but if you are I hope whatever troubles you are experiencing go away soon! I'm so thankful that a lack of power is my only Irene-related issue.

Corn, Tomato and Basil Salad

4 Tomatoes (from interning at Red Dog Farm!)
1 15 ounce can Corn, drained 
1/4 cup Basil, approximate measure (from the porch)
Apple Cider Vinegar, Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper to taste

1. Open the can of corn and turn it upside down with the lid on to let it drain.
2. Cut up the tomatoes into large chunks. Place in a bowl with whatever residual juice remains and add corn.
3. Slice the basil thinly, or if you would prefer tear it roughly, and add it the bowl.
4. Add a tablespoon or two of Apple Cider Vinegar, 5 twists of freshly ground pepper and a sprinkling of salt (or whatever amount of these items you prefer) and toss ingredients to combine.
5. Eat it all because you can't refrigerate the leftovers for later!

Friday Distractions -- Random Links & Recipes Bookmarked

Ready for the weekend? I always am... To help you pass your Friday here are the highlights of what distracted me this week online, what I bookmarked that I hope to one day eat and a picture.   

Amelia Earhart was much more than an aviator. She designed a fashion line and had other careers. 

John Tierney's Do You Suffer from Decision Fatigue (NY Times) reviews some fascinating social and neuroscience research about willpower. Here's an excerpt... "The discoveries about glucose help explain why dieting is a uniquely difficult test of self-control — and why even people with phenomenally strong willpower in the rest of their lives can have such a hard time losing weight. They start out the day with virtuous intentions, resisting croissants at breakfast and dessert at lunch, but each act of resistance further lowers their willpower. As their willpower weakens late in the day, they need to replenish it. But to resupply that energy, they need to give the body glucose."

Lucite for handbags was sourced from damaged nose cones of airplanes scrapped after World War II. For an article about them and great pictures, go here. Deco Jewels, the store they reference in New York, is fabulous. It also was out of my price range. (via Zuburbia)

Initially I skipped the Frank Bruni's Unsavory Culinary Elitism (NY Times) because I don't keep up with Anthony Bourdain or Paula Deen. Then Lizzie mentioned it. It is definitely worth a read and Jane Black has an equally well-written and thoughtful response: Can Food Network Chefs Help Solve the Obesity Crisis? (The Atlantic).

Recipes Bookmarked
Borani Esfanaaj-Yoghurt and Spinach Dip in the Persian Manner at The Spice Spoon: cooking without borders
Breakfast Power Truffles at Always Order Dessert
Chewy Granola Bars with Hazelnut and Chocolate at Always Order Dessert
Vegan Fig Bars at Choosing Raw
Ginger Lime Edamame Sweet Potato Burgers at Choosing Raw
Kale Mallung at Fat Free Vegan
The Savoy Cocktail Book, 1933 at How To Be A Retronaut (via Courtney)

 The Sky Even Makes the Statue of Liberty Small, Brooklyn, NY August 2011

Find more A B & The Sea songs at Myspace Music

Leslie recommends this band! From a first listen through their songs on myspace their sound made me think of the Beach Boys, the Beatles and The Wonders (Yes as in That Thing You Do!). Promising.

Also! I'm so afraid of natural disasters that I would rather not think about them. While the earthquake was fairly close, I was somehow was earthquake proof except for the 1 a.m. aftershock when it woke me up Thursday. Fortunately everyone I know who was closer is safe and their damage is superficial only. Next up Hurricane Irene... Keep safe (and dry) this weekend!

Quick Beets with Chile and Lemon

In 2009, The Kitchn posted a recipe for Quick Beets with Chile and Lime that I've been making ever since when I want beets and don't feel like roasting, cooling and peeling them. It requires a mere three ingredients: raw beets, lemon and chili powder. The raw beets' sweetness is exaggerated by lemon juice, instead of roasting, and the chili powder adds an unexpected earthiness. It also has a killer crunch.

To make the dish, you simply slice up the beets as thinly as you can manage and combine the ingredients. The Kitchen has you toss the everything together prior to serving, but I go next level with laziness and simply squeeze the lemon juice over the beets, then sprinkle the chili powder on top.

Fuschia fingertips be darned this is worth a try if you like beets. You can even be fancy and call it carpaccio.

To make hearts just trim the beet's ends off and cut a v-shaped chunk out of the root end prior to slicing.

Fuchsia remains