My Guilty Pleasure

At the risk of revealing myself to be a huge nerd, this is going to be a post about my love for the TV show Army Wives. Yes, it is a show about the wives (and one husband) of soldiers in the U.S. Military. And yes, it is a Lifetime original series. Despite these two facts, it is such a good show. And I love it. Love love love.

I became addicted to Army Wives by accident. I got sucked into an episode when I was flipping through the channels one day last fall, and then I soon found myself putting season one at the top of my Netflix queue. The show is now in the middle of its third season, and I have been watching dutifully every week (I usually watch the episodes online the day after they air).

Considering my disinterest in anything related to the military, it's hard to explain exactly what it is that I like so much about this show. Like my previous TV obsession (Grey's Anatomy), Army Wives has a strong cast, characters you actually care about, and interesting plots. Like, stuff actually happens. Stuff that occasionally makes you yell "Holy s**t!" at the television. I guess that's what I like about it...it's "Holy s**t" TV.

What are your guilty TV pleasures?

Happy Weekend

To the one or two people who actually read littlebits regularly, sorry for the lack of posting the last couple of days. I was in transit to Pennsylvania all day Thursday and spent most of yesterday with my sister and niece. I don't want to leave you empty-handed until Monday, so, um...here's a picture of my cat!


xoxo,
Crazy Cat Lady

Etsy Wednesday

Good morning, my darlings. It's Etsy Wednesday once again! I know there are at least two or three male types who read littlebits, so I thought I'd throw them a bone this week with my Etsy picks for guys. Most of these can still be enjoyed by the ladies as well...

There's nothing girlie about this handsome wool laptop sleeve.

Vintage tortoiseshell horn rims for the wannabe hipster
(or the true hepcats--this means you, BDW!).

Every beer aficianado needs his own hand-forged bottle opener.

An architectural letterpress print will liven up even the saddest of bachelor pads.

Real men listen to vinyl (and David Bowie).

*****

Up next week: my back-to-school Etsy picks, for students and students of life :)

Would I Wear This?

It's almost fall once again, and as usual I'm starting to think about how I can perk up my wardrobe. There's something about the changing of seasons that makes me want to reinvent myself a little bit...but how far am I really willing to go?

1. Heeled Oxfords

The problem with heeled oxfords (other than the fact that they are bound to fall out of fashion any minute now) is that it seems like you would have to plan your entire outfit around them. High maintenance footwear. Regardless, I like these shoes.

2. Shorts with Tights

I think the idea of shorts over tights is ridiculous, but replace the shorts here with a short, pleated flannel skirt, and this would be a very cute outfit. Gotta get me some of those tights!

3. Bib Necklace

I think this necklace is stunning...but I also think it would look best on some very tall, gazelle-like creature. On just about anyone else, it would probably give the undesirable effect of being neck-less.

4. Printed Dress

Prints are generally not a short girl's friend, but maybe, with a hope and a prayer, I could pull this one off. And maybe, with another hope and another prayer, this beauty will be on clearance six months from now...

5. Leather Jacket

Though I don't exactly see myself as the leather type, I could potentially imagine wearing a feminine number like this one...if it were less expensive. Like, a lot less. (P.S. Loving Nanette Lepore's entire fall collection. And yes, I agree that this model looks weird.)

Just Julia

(Poster by BLT & Associates)

I went to see Julie & Julia on Saturday, and it was really quite delightful. I had doubts about a movie based on a book based on a blog, but it was entertaining and well done. Meryl was flawless, of course, and Stanley Tucci (as Julia's husband, Paul) was just adorable. For those who are unfamiliar with the premise of the movie, it consists of two separate storylines--one that follows Paul and Julia Child during the years chronicled in Julia's memoir My Life in France and one that follows real-life blogger and amateur cook Julie Powell through a year in which she decides to cook every recipe in Julia's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. The blending of the two story lines was an ingenious move, as I'm not sure that either one could have stood on its own for the full two hours. Actually...I probably could have watched two hours of Meryl-as-Julia. Julia's humor and zest for life combined with the scenery of 1950s Europe is a pretty intoxicating mix. Two hours of Amy-as-Julie, however? I think I'll pass. The modern-day arc was simply not all that compelling, and the Julie "character" was not particularly likeable. Note to Nora Ephron: how about a sequel entitled Just Julia? :)

Becoming an Experiential Traveler

While perusing the magazine racks at the bookstore yesterday, I came across the premiere issue of brand-new (as of three days ago) travel magazine Afar. As a subscriber to Budget Travel and National Geographic Traveler (and occasional purchaser of such shamelessly affluent-centric publications as Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler), I don't really need another travel magazine in my mailbox or on my coffee table--especially one that costs $20 for six issues. But considering I read almost the entire first issue with a big smile on my face, I think this one just might be worth the extra clutter and the relatively hefty price tag.

Afar's tagline is "where travel can take you," and its target audience is the "experiential traveler"--the one who "travel[s] the world seeking to connect with its people, experience their culture, and understand their perspectives." The first issue contains a poignant editor's note, in which co-founder and CEO Greg Sullivan talks about the purpose of travel being more than just to "acquire" a place, like we acquire so many other things in life. This struck a real chord with me. As Zach can confirm, I often become manic when I travel, trying to cram as much doing and seeing into as short a period of time as possible. I am also obsessive about taking photographs, as if capturing enough images of a place will somehow make it mine. But is this really why I travel--simply to check a destination off of a list and bring back proof that I was there?

As some of you already know, I am heading to Europe in a few weeks for a somewhat spur-of-the-moment 20-day trip. I will be traveling to London (and hopefully a few other places in England) for the first time and Paris for the second time. Though I know I will spend a good amount of time visiting and taking snapshots of the major tourist sites in London (and to a lesser extent in Paris), I hope that I will also slow down and try to feel these places. This will mean putting my camera down once in a while and picking up a pen. It will mean overcoming my fear of people and striking up conversations with locals. It might also mean going to one less museum and participating in the creation of art instead. Though it probably won't be easy for me, I know that letting go of my check-list mentality will, in the end, make for a much more meaningful and memorable trip.

Afar is on newsstands now, so check it out--and have a great weekend!

Five Under Five: Sandwiches

It's Tasty Thursday once again, and this week I would like to share with you a few of my "under five" meal ideas. Each mini recipe (more of a formula, really), uses five main ingredients or less, plus freebies like olive oil, vinegar/lemon juice, shallots/garlic, salt, and pepper. I decided to focus on sandwiches today, because they are so easy, and if they are made with fresh summertime ingredients, they can pack a lot of flavor. Here are five of my favorites:

B.C.T. (Bacon, Chèvre, & Tomato) = 1. two slices of country white or wheat bread, toasted + 2. a bit of chèvre, slathered onto one slice of bread + 3. a few slices of really fresh, ripe tomato + 4. three slices of crispy bacon (or veggie bacon) + a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper

Mediterranean Sandwich = 1. ciabatta roll, split open + 2. thin cucumber slices + 3. two or three jarred peppadew peppers, drained + 4. thin red onion slices + 5. blue cheese crumbles + a drizzle of olive oil, a light drizzle of red wine vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper

Bronx Special = 1. onion bagel, split and toasted + 2. slices of fresh (bufala) mozzarella + 3. a couple of slices of really fresh, ripe tomato + 4. sliced black olives + a drizzle of olive oil, a light drizzle of red wine vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper

Antipasto Sandwich = 1. focaccia bread or hard Italian roll, split + 2. fresh or jarred pesto sauce, spread on both halves of the bread + 3. provolone cheese, thinly sliced + 4. hard salami, thinly sliced (substitute quartered artichoke hearts for an all-veggie option) + 5. roasted red peppers, sliced + sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper

Mushroom and Avocado Tartine (pictured above)* = 1. one slice of whole-grain bread, toasted + 2. thin slices of truffle cheese (recommended: sottocenere), melted onto the bread + 3. button or cremini mushrooms, sliced and sauteed in olive oil with minced shallots until light golden brown + 4. half of a ripe avocado, sliced + 5. flat leaf parsley, chopped + a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper

*This is my adaptation of a recipe from Chocolate & Zucchini by Clotilde Dusoulier. The photo was taken a few months ago, as you might be able to tell from the old issue of Gourmet and the presence of oranges.

(Eye) Candy for Breakfast

For most of my life, I avoided eating breakfast. I tend to require at least eight hours of sleep each night, and it never seemed worth the sacrifice of a few precious minutes under the covers to get up and eat a bowl of cold cereal. Some time in the past few years, though, I have learned to appreciate the first meal of the day, and I can now officially say--I heart breakfast!

Morning is the perfect time for straightforward foods--eggs, bread, yogurt, fruit, jam. It is easy, however, to get stuck in a breakfast rut. I have gone months at a time eating nothing but a multi-grain waffle topped with peanut butter and banana slices, or steel-cut oatmeal with cinnamon and sugar. Here are three blogs that will help break anyone out of their breakfast routine:

Simply Breakfast - The name says it all. This blog is entirely dedicated to the breakfast adventures of Brooklyn photographer Jennifer Causey. If you ever find yourself in a morning rut, this site has hundreds of lovely photos to inspire you--from the simple (blueberries and yogurt) to the sublime (toast with garlic-herb cheese and avocado slices).

Eisdiele Capri - As far as I can tell, this blog is written by a young German woman who, with her partner, lives on the gorgeous Italian island of Capri and is set to open a breakfast/gelato shop there in October. Her blog contains many pictures of simple yet decadent breakfasts. An individual chocolate cake with coffee and fresh peaches first thing in the morning? Don't mind if I do.

Pictures and Pancakes - Though not strictly a breakfast-only blog, Pictures and Pancakes features recipes that would make great morning treats (such as the Almond Cherry Cake and the Lavender and Orange Shortbread). Mmm.

Hope you have a tasty morning!

Etsy Wednesday

Good morning, my dears. Let's get right to business, shall we? My Etsy picks this week were inspired by my favorite summer fruit--peaches! Enjoy :)

Lovely little block-printed linen napkins (for wiping off any
peach juice that drips down your chin).

A dainty pair of antique-inspired earrings the color of soft peach fuzz.

This fleur-de-lis plate would be perfect for serving nibbles at a cocktail party...

...perhaps some salty crackers topped with chèvre and peach-lavender jam?

See the world through peach-colored glasses all year long
with this vintage pair by Christian Dior.

*****

That's all for now, but don't fret--I will have 5 new picks for you next week!

Portland, Oregon (and Sloe Gin Fizz)

(Poster by Power and Light Press)

It seems that everywhere I look lately, I read something about how awesome Portland is. Despite my childhood obsession with Oregon (the name sounded so poetic to my eight-year-old ears), I've never been. For that matter, I've never been anywhere in the Pacific Northwest--though I hope that will change fairly soon. In the meantime, I am keeping a folder of ideas for places to go and things to do when I do eventually make it to Portland. Here is my fantasy itinerary:

Day 1:

1. 3. 4.

1) Check into the über-hip Ace Hotel.

2) Head to Little Red Bike Cafe for lunch. Unable to decide between bacon corn chowder and the summer fried egg sandwich with bacon, feta cheese, strawberry-balsamic black pepper jam, and greens on ciabatta--order both.

3) With a (very) full belly, make my way over to the Portland Art Museum to check out the M.C. Escher exhibit. Stock up on postcards and note cards in the gift shop.

4) Still pretty full from lunch, but needing something for my sweet tooth, stroll over to Saint Cupcake for a vanilla-toffee cupcake with chocolate buttercream.

5) Take a stroll through the Hawthorne neighborhood, the center of Portland's hippie/boho culture (there are not one but two rolfers here). Try to figure out exactly what it is that a rolfer does.

6) Toast to a very successful day with a glass of sparkling wine and an early dinner (feeling a bit jet-lagged) at Toast. Again have trouble deciding what to order, but after remembering that I had a bacon-heavy lunch, go vegetarian with the mixed peas with goat cheese and house-made gnocchi.

7) Head back to Ace for a good night's sleep.

Day 2:

3. 5. 7.

1) Wake up early, grab a coconut latte from the Stumptown conveniently located right in Ace's lobby and a toasted everything bagel with olive cream cheese from Kenny & Zuke's next door.

2) Hop in my adorable rental car (a convertible Mini Cooper, perhaps?) and make the 40-minute drive up to Battle Ground, Washington for the Barn House antiques market. Find a pair of vintage leather gloves, a Samsonite train case from the 50s, a silver vanity tray, and 3 Hazel-Atlas capri dots juice glasses to complete my set...and then wonder how I'm going to fit it all in my carry-on.

3) Back in Portland, grab lunch at Garden State, one of Portland's gourmet food carts. Opt for the chickpea sandwich, an arancini (or two), and a watermelon-basil acqua fresca. Mmm...the best food I've ever had from a kitchen on wheels.

4) Spend a couple of hours browsing for books at Powell's. Find a gently-used copy of M.F.K. Fisher's The Art of Eating for 50% off the cover price.

5) Relax in Washington Park with my new book until my tummy starts to rumble again.

6) Dinner near the hotel at Clyde Common. Feast on pork belly with fried green tomatoes followed by the pan-roasted halibut. Throw back a couple of cocktails (the East of Eden sounds delicious)...hey, I'm on vacation!

7) Back at the hotel, watch a little TV while catching up on blogging. Crawl under the covers after midnight, but unable to fall asleep, decide to go to Voodoo Doughnut (open 24 hours!) for a late-night dessert. Sample the signature voodoo donut and pick up an apple fritter and a peanut butter bacon donut for tomorrow.

Day 3:

1. 2. 3.

1) After an early breakfast of last night's donuts, hop back into my rental car and spend the whole day sampling the Willamette Valley's best wines.

2) Before checking out of the hotel, take some souvenir photo booth pictures in the lobby.

3) Fly back to wherever it is that I came from, already dreaming of my next trip to Portland...

*****

The only things left to figure out are who's coming with me, and when do we leave? :)

P.S. The title of this post comes from the excellent Loretta Lynn/Jack White song entitled "Portland Oregon." Check out the video here.

Summer Reading List

For the past eight years, I have been in the habit of making a reading list for myself each season (and keeping track of it in the same Clairefontaine pocket notebook that I have had since my freshman year of college). These lists are sometimes overly ambitious, and I rarely manage to check off every item, but I have been doing pretty well this summer (thanks to my current state of unemployment). With more than a month to go before fall arrives--and with it, a new reading list--I have made it through six of the nine books on my list, and I am currently working on #7. This summer, interspersed amongst the usual classic and contemporary novels, I have read a few books on my favorite subject--food:



David Kamp is a self-described humoriste, and it shows in his entertaining account of America's culinary revolution. From James Beard to Julia Child, Alice Waters to Wolfgang Puck, Kamp covers all of the major contributors to the American food landscape over the past seven decades without ever coming across as dull and encyclopedic. A very enjoyable and informative summer read! (Thanks for lending it to me, Chabes...you will get it back soon!)





Unlike David Kamp, Barbara Kingsolver is less interested in how Americans prepare their food than she is in where their raw ingredients come from. Increasingly concerned about the low quality and high overhead costs of industrially-produced food, Kingsolver and her family set out to live for an entire year off of what they can produce or procure in their immediate vicinity in Virginia. For anyone with even a slight interest in growing their own food, this book will definitely inspire.






Named a "must-read" by just about everyone since it was published in 2006, The Omnivore's Dilemma hardly needs my recommendation. All I can say is that if you haven't read it yet, please please do. You will never look at food the same way again. It is simply no longer ethical or wise to eat without thinking about where our food comes from, because as Pollan says, you are not only what you eat, but also "what what you eat eats".

Sketchy

The State is FINALLY out on DVD! Zach and I have been watching it over the past couple of weeks, and it sort of feels like I'm re-living my adolescence (well...the good parts of it, anyway). My favorite sketches are still just as hilarious as they were 15 years ago: "$240 Worth of Puddin'," "Monkey Torture," "Choking," "Taco Man," "Captain Monterey Jack"...so golden. "Hello, cheese?" "NO! Cheese can't dial a phone!"

And that's not the only exciting news in the world of sketch comedy DVDs--the British cult hit The Mighty Boosh was also just released in the U.S. for the first time. I don't know how I never heard of it until now (well, I guess the reason is actually pretty simple...I don't live in England!), but while listening to NPR in the car yesterday, I heard an interview with the two guys behind the show. I checked it out when I got home, and oh my god...so funny. Apparently it's been on the BBC since 2004. There are also a bunch of clips and some full-length episodes online. Here is my favorite clip:


Reminds me a bit of Young Ones ("Anybody here like The Human League?"). Also, that one dude's hair is AMAZING. Happy weekend, everyone!