101 Things in 1001 Days: 35

Originally #35 on my 101 List was to be named Blogher's Blogger of the Week. At the time I was super engaged in the Blogher community. I still think it is a great site filled with very talented bloggers, but I lost momentum with this goal.

As I've worked on my 101 List I've realized the vitalness of being flexible (more on this here and here). The point of the list is to have fun and be challenged, not for it to be stressful and a giant pain in the ass. With this in mind, I decided to change #35, keeping it a goal about my blog but making it something more realistic.

My new goal was to blog every weekday of June. Mission accomplished! It was challenging but I posted 22 times. While I kind of already knew this, it became abundantly more clear this past month, that to find success with this blog, whatever it might be, I need to post regularly. I hope you've enjoyed the posts and I'll do my best to keep it up.

Song of the Day
Today's song is Bachman Turner Overdrive's Ain't Seen Nothing Yet.

A Talented Friend: Ryan

Photo by Neil Blake from the story in the Concord Monitor.

My friend Ryan Ferdinand and her fiancé run Phoenix Hill Farm, Permaculture & Art Institute in New Hampshire. Their goal is to “to provide a place of education, awareness, stewardship, and creativity, while maintaining a permaculture outlook and reach, developing biodiversity and relationships among people and the earth.”

Photo by Ryan

I met Ryan in high school when her passions were art and running. They have obviously expanded and I’m so proud of my friend for dedicating her life to her wide range of passions, which benefit the community and anyone lucky enough to try the Farm’s food. Ryan embodies Ghandi’s quote “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Photo by Ryan

You can learn more about Phoenix Hill Farm on their wonderful blog. Happy Birthday Ryan!


Song of the Day
I remember jamming into Ryan's car after track practice and excitedly listening to Dave Matthew's Band new album Before These Crowded Streets. Please enjoy Stay (Wasting Time).

101 Things in 1001 Days: #34

A while back I completed #34 on my 101 List: take a writing class. At Gotham Writers' Workshop I took two free mini writing classes, which focused fiction and non-fiction. The goal of these free classes was clearly to encourage you to sign up for paid classes, but I still considered it worth my time. The teachers were great and in they provided helpful writing exercises.

Gotham is offering more free writing classes in July and August as part of the Word for Word program at Bryant Park.

Song of the Day
Today's song is Lady Gaga's Edge of Glory. I'm crazy about this song!

Miss You Hicks

My friend Ryan Hicks killed himself last year. This past weekend our friends had a party to remember him and celebrate his life. I wasn't able to make it, but I spent time thinking about Ryan.

On the day Ryan died I was obviously very upset. Matt asked me to help him give me a hair cut. I was distracted and didn't realize setting of the clippers. I preceded to shave a large chunk out of the back Matt's head.

This story makes me smile because it is something that I would have loved to tell Ryan. He would have thought it was hilarious. Miss you Hicks!

Song of the Day
Today's song is Dixie Chicks' Bitter End.

Favorite Place

I'm heading to my favorite place for the weekend. See you when I get back! Have a great weekend.

Yay for Our CSA

When I was doing the Quantum Wellness Cleanse earlier this year I became concerned about where my food was coming from. Because planting my own garden was not an option here in the city, we decided to join a CSA. And the first shipment has finally arrived!

We bought a half share from Katchkie Farm. Today's share included mixed greens, lettuce, kale, tomatoes, scallions, onion scapes, and the most wonderful smelling basil. I couldn't wait to get my bounty home to start cooking.

For dinner tonight Matt and I enjoyed a caprese salad made with the tomatoes and basil. Do you have suggestions for the rest of the veggies? I'm at a bit of a loss with what to do with the scapes.

Song of the Day
Today's song is one of my new favorites, The Cave Singers' Summer Light.

I'm a Mighty Camper

I just registered for  Camp Mighty! I'm such a fan of Mighty Girl and I literally woo hoo-ed at my desk when this event was announced.  It's too late and I'm too pumped to fully explain how excited I am, but I'm sure I'll be keeping you posted every step of the way.

Song of the Day
Today's song is The Pointer Sister's I'm So Excited.

101 Things in 1001 Days: 48

Anna a.k.a. Bicycle Pirate

It has been a little while since I’ve crossed anything off my 101 List. On Saturday I got back at it, completing #48: bike the length of Manhattan. It was so great!  Matt and I rode from the West Village almost up to the George Washington Bridge (there was some construction on the end of the path).

We rented from Waterfront Bicycle Shop. They have lots of bikes in great shape and it is right across the street from the Westside Greenway Bike Path so you only have to cross one street (which is why I didn’t die this weekend). The Bike Path runs the length of the west side of Manhattan. It is very flat, lending itself to a leisurely pace. The path can get crowded so I would recommend this ride as a morning activity.

Matt a.k.a. Hell On Wheels

We had such a great time.  It was a beautiful day.  We saw parts of the city we had never seen before, and got some exercise. Best of all it only cost us $27 total! This my new must-do activity for when I have guests in town and I recommend you try it as soon as possible.  


Song of the Day
Today's song is Queen's Bicycle Race.

Happy Father's Day

This afternoon I listened to a This American Life episode dedicated to stories about dads.  A repeated theme was children not knowing how much their dads love them. I found myself having trouble relating to these stories. I've never questioned or felt unsure about how much my dad loves me. I am aware of how very lucky I am.

Love you Dad!  I hope you had a very happy Father's Day and I wish I could have spent it with you.

Song of the Day
My dad was my earliest influence when it came to music. Lucky for me he appreciated the talents of strong women. He introduced me to Annie Lennox when I was about 10 and I remain a fan of hers today. Please enjoy Little Bird.

Option C

As I've mentioned, I really want a dog. Because Matt says no, I've had to come up with some alternatives. Here is the newest candidate...Option C: a teacup pig!

I suggest you spend a portion of your weekend looking at more adorable pictures of teacup pigs.

Song of the Day
Please enjoy Men Without Hats' Safety Dance.

Where's Liu?

Liu Bolin is an immensely talented and creative Chinese artist.  He camouflages himself to fit in with the surrounding environment.  The results are astonishing.

See more of these amazing shots here.

Song of the Day
Today's song Clay Aiken's Invisible.

Isn't Actually Love

Love it will not betray you, dismay or enslave you 

It will set you free 

Be more like the man you were made to be

This the chorus from one my favorite Mumford & Sons songs, Sigh No More. It is an important message about what love should be. This sentiment is expressed in many song and books, even the Bible (Back off. It's Corinthians. Don't worry I will not start regularly quoting the Bible). 

I think the reason this message is repeated so frequently is because so many people forget it. We are all worthy of good love...the kind that makes you feel appreciated and valued. I know I'm young and far from wise, but I'm fairly certain if you are feeling betrayed, dismayed or enslaved, than that isn't actually love.

Song of the Day

Check out Sigh No More.  It starts out pretty slow but then I promise it will pick up and give you a great feeling.

A Talented Friend: Lisa

Photo by Bjorn Wallander

My friend Lisa is a talented interior designer. So talented in fact her home was featured in the June issue of Country Living. It is so exciting to Lisa's work getting the national exposure it absolutely deserves.

Photo by Bjorn Wallander

I'm crazy about her design aesthetic and I'm dying to incorporate these colors into our place. And if you also covet all these gorgeous hues, you can have them!  Lisa recently launched her own paint line, Quiet Nursery.

You can see more of Lisa's work on CountryLiving.com and her blog.

Song of the Day
This song is a little more mellow than I usually play, but I thought it was perfect for today's post.  Please enjoy Cyndi Lauper's True Colors.

Don't Wait for Perfection

As I've developed this blog, I've done a lot of research on best practices and how to improve. One message I've found over and over is not to wait for perfection.  Mark Victor Hansen, inspirational speaker and creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul, wrote:

Don't wait until everything is just right.  It will never be perfect.  There will always be challenges, obstacles, and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident, and more and more successful.

I try to remember this, especially when I don't feel confident about putting my thoughts out into the world, but I'll admit, I still often find myself waiting. However, I recently read something that opened my eyes to the power of just going for it.

The New York Times published an article on online design magazines, focusing mostly on Lonny, currently the leader in the category.  The editor in chief of Lonny is Michelle Adams, previously of Domino. What is amazing about Adams is that she is only in her late 20's, and what is even more amazing is that she was only an editorial assistant before she became head honcho.  

When Domino folded three years ago, there was an obvious hole left in the shelter magazine world, and recently digital magazines have emerged as a legit publishing medium.  I imagine Adams was very aware of these two factors and jumped at the opportunity. What I find so inspiring about her is that she didn't wait to gain the experience that is needed to produce a magazine...she saw the chance and she jumped at it.  

Kate Simpson, Adams' former boss at Domino said "I think she still has to learn a lot.  She went from an assistant to running her own magazine.  She skipped a lot of steps along the way." This is true but if Adams had waited to hit each step, it would have taken years and someone else would have filled that gap in the publishing world and would be finding the success that I'm sure Adams is enjoying now. 

Lonny inspires me with its beautiful design, but it also inspires me to have confidence in my words and ideas. And you should too.  You have a unique voice that is worth being heard, NOW.  

Song of the Day
Today's song is Ingrid Michaelson's Everybody.

Baby Monkey Going Backwards on a Pig

That's what I said...Baby monkey, going backwards on a pig.  Baby Monkey.



This is the cutest thing I've seen since Bea.

Song of the Day
Today's song is Passion Pit's Sleepy Head.

We Both Like Bon Iver

A few years ago I mentioned that Matt’s and my music preferences were polar opposites. While our playlists still vary, these days we find ourselves enjoying more and more of the same bands.  One in particular is Bon Iver.  Who just came out with a new album!  Which you can listen to for free!!  And it doesn’t officially come out until June 21st!!!


Song of the Day
Today's song is my favorite Bon Iver song, Skinny Love.  It isn't what you would call an "upper," but it also my brother Jack's favorite Bon Iver song and that makes me smile.  

It's Like Being a Fan of Fascism

Just when you thought John Krasinski couldn't get any cuter...


This post is dedicated to a dedicated Sox fan.  Happy Birthday Joni!

Song of the Day
Today's song is Don Henley's Boys of Summer.

Drunk Electives

A wise man once said "Everything is better when you are drunk." Well maybe a drunk guy once said that. But it is an undisputed fact that somethings are more enjoyable after a few cocktails and nothing proves this theory more concretely than two of my favorite things Drunk History and Drunk Kitchen.  These videos are hilarious and informative.

Drunk History vol. 3 - Featuring Danny McBride from Danny McBride

It is definitely worth checking out the other episodes of Drunk History.

There are also more great Drunk Kitchen episodes.

Song for the Day
Today's song is Chumbawamba's "Tubthumping."

McQueen Exhibit

McQueen Exhibit.  Photo by The Photograph Studio

This weekend I went to Savage Beauty, the Alexander McQueen Exhibit,  at the MET.  You don't need to know anything about stitching or silhouettes to appreciate this exhibit.  You will realize as soon as you walk in that he was a creative genius.  The detail and variety of his visions are truly astonishing.  And if you don't believe that clothing can be art, this exhibit will definitively change your mind.

I'm a good ol' Scottish girl so I covet this dress from the Widows of Culloden Collection.  

We selected this pieces as our favorite from the exhibit, but the picture doesn't even begin to do it justice.  Guess you will just have to go see it. 

Photography by Sølve Sundsbø.


Song of the Day
Today's song is Jennifer Hudson's All Dressed Up in Love.

Office Overhaul

Looking to improve your workspace?  Here are three great products that will make being at work more enjoyable and may even help you lose weight.

Treadmill Desk:  Who wants to sit all day?  Not me.  Now you can power walk and check your email at the same time! Move over printing press and combustion engine...the treadmill desk has risen to the top of the best inventions list.

Hawaii Chair:  We are all in search of a flatter tummy.  The seat of the Hawaii Chair swivels helping you get flatter abs, without interrupting your busy work day.  Ellen proves how productive you can be with this amazing chair.


Ostrich Desk Pillow:  You will probably need a little break after spending your work day jogging and hulaing.  Take a quick nap and block out annoying co-workers with the Ostrich.

Song of the Day
Today's song is Huey Lewis and News' Workin' for a Living.

Orchid Crack

For every special occasion Matt gets me an orchid (aren't I a lucky girl!). This is the one he got me for my birthday. It was on crack!  It had 12 blooms at once. I think that means it is going to be a great year.

Song of the Day
Today's song is Matt White's What is Love.

Tastes Better When Made Together

Matt and I are trying to cook together more often.  It is a nice way to spend time with each other, and I swear the food actually tastes better when we have both contributed.  This new endeavor is a little tricky because Matt doesn't cook very often and I've been known to be less than pleasant in the kitchen.  But we are both trying and last night we had great success.

We whipped up Ina Garten's Spring Green Risotto.  And like always, Ina did not disappoint.  It tastes like spring.  This is also a great dish to prepare with someone else.  It is a simple recipe but it takes a while...plenty for everyone to do.

This picture is from Bon Appetit.  The picture on Food Network does not do the dish justice.

Do you have a special dish you like to make with a special person?

Song of the Day
Today's song is Jack Johnson's Better When We're Together.