I BELIEVE IN:
In basic ingredients.
Suddenly everyone is a foodie (me included. i blame food network.), and because of this, the traditional elements that go into making the most treasured recipes are not good enough. Macaroni and Cheese with 20 (imported!) cheeses will not doubt invigorate my palate, but what can you do with just a few blocks of (extra sharp) cheddar? I've had some of the best meals at my grandma's house and she don't know nothing about shiitake mushrooms or aioli sauce. Message? Keep it simple! (i guess this applies to life as well) it aint the ingredients, its the LOVE.
but still...
-In trying one new Recipe a week.
When i'm not being lazy, i love to cook. And if i may say so myself, i'm a fairly good one. But i had noticed i was getting into a cooking rut. I was having the same dishes over and over again, all that varied was the day of the week i was having them on. So a few months back i vowed to try and make one new recipe a week. Its been great. I try recipes from every culture its been a delicious trip. Honestly its one of the highlights of my week and i find it makes me a better cook. And since i love to eat, that ain't a bad thing. :) I'll try the recipe out on myself first, and then, if its good, i'll share it with friends. This week was penne puttanesca which was DEELISH. So don't be afraid! Branch out! You usually make spaghetti? try a bolognese. Bored with roast beef? try bourguignon. Experiment different spices beyond the triumvirate of salt pepper and garlic. Try different veggies. Globalize your kitchen! And remember, EVERYTHING tastes better cooked with wine. Just note - cooking wine is verboten! It'll do if you must, but always cook with wines you like to drink.
(btw, in addition to my photography blog i'll also be doing a cooking blog - i might combine the two, i might not. be on the look out though!)
- In books.
Oh printed word, how i love thee. There is something so comforting in a well appointed library. But books require time, silence, and little to no distractions. Things which are at a premium in our rushed society. I don't read nearly as much as i used to, which is weird - especially since i have always categorized myself an avid reader. Despite the fact that 85% of my reading is now done online, my first love, my true love will always be a book.
...And abraham myers, who, coincidentally, carried my books on the cheese bus for me when i was in first grade and he in fourth. (see how it all comes full circle?)
- In laughing til it hurts.
Loveys, have you laughed today? There are few things more enjoyable than a good belly laugh. Tears, breathlessness, and all. And you know the saying "laughter is the best medicine"? Studies show that laughter protects the heart, and may lead to the prevention of heart disease and associated maladies. So go head, shake your groove thing and get your laugh on.
-In learning how to say NO.
Some people are born knowing how, with others its an acquired skill. I'm a people pleaser by nature and as such, i often find myself saying yes when no is really on my mind. Its always a pleasure to make someone happy, but when it comes at the expense of your own needs its time to reevaluate. Remember, no is just as valid an answer as yes. However it needn't be rude, insulting or belligerent. Be gracious and respectful in your delivery! You'll find that the requestor, while disappointed, will respect your decision and more importantly, you'll respect yourself.
-In Listening.
You know, that thing you do when you're not talking.
-In big hair
I have always been a fan of big voluminous hair, but since deciding to rock the au naturel, i've become an ever bigger fan of big hair. I knew i was on the right track when my grandmom and GRANDDAD(super conservative) expressed approval of my new look! And they weren't just being nice!
...i don't think.
-In having at least one n00d of yourself sequestered somewhere.*
Take a pic, professional or amateur (digi cams have made it so much easier to indulge this expression of vanity) and document the sexy beast(operative word) you are. Face it, we are all getting older and well, the scenery ain't gonna get much better. And if you're already old, might as well capture where you are now, cuz its only gonna get worse.
-In stargazing
Get yourself a telescope, a hot cup of tea(or coffee) a clear night, an open field with low light pollution and get intimate with the universe. (at least our corner of it.) The greatest show on earth, i promise you.
And if you can't do that your local planetarium is a good stand in.
Note of caution: you may find yourself feeling really small, and even experiencing a mild existential crisis.
-In toenails that don't extend past the nailbed.
Long toenails are disgusting, it doesn't matter that they have been artfully designed. French pedicures send me racing to the loo.
-In calling momma and telling her where you'll be because, you know, she worries.
Yes we grown, but we're always gonna be momma's (or daddy's) baby. And no, we don't have to tell them every move we make, but checking in to assuage their fears never hurt anyone.
- In cute, functional, work out gear.
My work out attire used to consist of the most beat up, paint stained, oversized clothes imaginable. It was unattractive, and quite frankly, it affected the way i viewed myself when it came time work up a sweat. I felt fat and looked, well, gross. Not suggesting you go to the other extreme and become a sex kitten, but a happy medium of fitting (not tight) clothes, sans stains, does wonders for self esteem and by extension the work out.
- In yacht rock.
Epitomized by Christopher Cross' hit "Sailing" Yacht rock is soft (not elevator) music. Performed by seasoned session musicians, its polished, mannered and sexy. When i listen to it, i'm immediately a 1980s yuppie enjoying the spoils of Reaganomics.
- Baths.
Yes, showers are the choice of a new generation, but lets not forget how utterly relaxing and enjoyable a nice long (hot) bath can be. Use the time to meditate, read, chill. Stop being in such a rush.
Speaking of relaxing -
- In scalp massage.
I'm new to this but i'm officially hooked. People who have been getting scalp massage regularly shame on you for not telling me! I thought it would be more annoying than anything(hands in my hair other than _certain_ situations) but woosuh! keep it comin.
- In not being afraid to admit you're afraid.
Grown ups get scared too.
-In saving.
I was fortunate to land a well paying job right out of college. The lean years leading up to and during my post high school education segued seamlessly into a time of profligate waste. Items that were once unattainable were now well within my reach. My weakness for clothes and shoes was exploited, and I spent with little thought towards tomorrow, or the day after that. Despite my decent salary i was still living paycheck to paycheck, until one day, after fielding three phone calls from bill collectors... i decided to grow up. Living like this was no fun, and decided to pay down my debt, pay my bills (on time) and curtail my habit for mindless shopping. The end result: a decent bank account, self respect, and a new found appreciation for self control. Oh, plus a bangin fico.
-Cashmere.
No explanation necessary.
-In making the rules up as I go along, and breaking them all if im not having fun.
Ok this is janet jackson, but its ok, i believe in her too.
Bobby Brown - On our own
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