Settling. the good kind.

For the last 4 years I've been on a constant move.
I've lived in 3 dorms rooms,
4 apartments,
3 states,
and 2 boroughs.

This Sunday, when I move
it will be the first time I've had
a permanent home in 4 years.

It's a magical thought.

I'm in the process of packing up my life
so I'm afraid I don't have much to say today.
Definitely more tomorrow.
xoxo

Our New Home

The bf and I decided to move in together,
and after a stressful and emotional
(only on my part) hunt, we finally found our dream home.

We are moving to Queens...I know I know,
I'm a BK girl. But I agreed to move to Qns
if the apartment was really something special.

And this definitely is.

We are moving to Sunnyside Gardens,
which has been around since the 1920's
and is compiled of beautiful brick homes,
tree lined streets, and community greenspaces.

Insipiring tail

I receive e-mails from the ASPCA,
and today they wrote about their
Dog of the Year award.

I teared up while reading it.

"Ten-year-old Cole Massie of Los Angeles, CA, may live with cerebral palsy, but he has
all the support a kid could want, thanks to a very special black Lab/
golden retriever mix named Ilia.

Recently crowned ASPCA Dog of the Year as part of the 2008 Humane Awards program, Ilia performs service duties like bringing items to Cole in his wheelchair and opening and closing doors. But the pooch also has that special healing touch that can’t be taught. “He provides amazing incentive to Cole during therapies, doctor’s appointments and procedures,” says Cole’s mom, Michelle Massie. “He calms, inspires and motivates my son far better than anyone ever has."

Or, as Cole sums it up: "I like when he lies next to me in bed at night and we listen to Harry Potter on CD, and that he helps to clean me when I'm in the bath by licking my face and arms. He's my furry brother and best friend—and a serious bed hog!

This past July, three years after boy and dog were paired by the nonprofit Canine Companions for Independence, Cole was faced with a difficult, but life-changing surgery. “He had walked on his toes, and his feet were totally rolled in,” says Massie. “The operation would allow him to use his feet and free him of the wheelchair.”

“Cole was frightened by the idea of surgery at first,” remembers Massie. “We explained how much more independent he’d be afterward, but he wasn’t buying it. Finally, we told him that if he had this procedure, there was a very good chance he’d be able to walk Ilia on his own—with no parents and no walker." After that, says Massie, "Cole would stroke the dog’s head in bed each night and whisper, 'I will walk you, Ilia. I will walk you.'"

After much coaxing, Cole underwent the surgery in Summit, NJ, and Ilia traveled more than 7,000 miles to be by the boy's side. The ten-year-old is now on his way to becoming an independent walker—and his dedicated service dog will be with him every step.

The entire family will attend the ASPCA Humane Awards Luncheon in New York City this October 30, where Ilia will be honored along with seven other extraordinary animals and people.

P.S. We'd like to remind you, pet lovers, that even heroes have their quirks. As Massie reveals, “Ilia knows 46 commands, but he won’t fetch!”

I just love stories like this!

I think I am going to try to get Serg that award.
He doesn't fetch either,
but he will root through my purse for his treats....
I guess we have a long way to go with him.

Oh My Goodness!

I took Sergio to get groomed today!
and he looks so handsome!


I wasn't sure where I should go,
when a fellow dog owner/grand st park go-er
recommended Doggie Styles in Williamsburg.
She said they were super nice and affordable,
and she was correct.

Our groomer was so friendly and understanding,
he took things very slow and made sure
that serg was ok throughout the process.
(serg hates being picked up and prodded-
so obviously a trip to the groomers is a nightmare)


I highly recommend Doggie Styles,
if you live in the Williamsburg area.
The staff is amazing and the prices are
more than reasonable.

Now look at how handsome he is!!

Da-what.

The bf and I attended the
cubs/mets game last night.

I was my first and last time
at Shea stadium.
And it was fantastic!
















I don't follow baseball, but I enjoy
going to the games.
Bonus about Shea: they serve brooklyn
lager- yessssss.
I hate going to sports events and being
forced to choose between bud and bud light.
finally some delicious beer.

I also indulged in a pretzel with mystery cheese.
So good and yet, so bad.
















Thanks to our friend Louise,
we had AMAZING seats.
(she knows the gm of the cubs)
and we spotted Bill Murray
in our section. which was a huge
highlight for the both of us.
















Some photos are from out home plate seats,
and the others are from the dugout
second row seats.

We had such a good time!
















I'll leave you with my favorite
rendition of the national anthem.
Sadly I couldn't find a decent video
so my apologies for this junky version.
But Maya Rudolph is brilliant.

Latest Obsessions

I've always been a fan of hats.
When I was younger I had
a crap ton of "blossom" hats,
and ones covered in rhinestones.
(yes I have always been gaudy)

These days I have decided to
begin investing in a cocktail
hat collection.
They are ridiculously beautiful
as well as timeless.

There is a booth in artist &fleas
with AMAZING hats.
2 of them will be mine.
oh yes.

I also took my search to etsy
and Batcakes hats have just made my day.
check these out.









































































I just purchased the cheetah hat
because there was only one.
and I felt that I needed it to survive.

If you want to jump on the cocktail hat
bandwagon, I suggest you get to Batcakes asap.
If you are in the NY area check out Fabulous Fannies
in the E village and artist & fleas in wburg on sat and sun.

My second obsession is /eks/
(pronounced X)
a wonderfully delicious frozen yogurt joint
on driggs b/w N9 &10th.

They actually make the yogurt in house
without any refined white sugar.
hooray!
I've seriously been addicted to this stuff.
But keep in mind it is frozen yogurt,
so it is going to taste like yogurt.

I read so many comments on yelp that
complain about the yogurt tangy taste....
why would you get frozen yogurt if you
don't even like the unfrozen stuff??
people baffle me.

I think this is way better than pinkberry.
It's light, refreshing, and I cannot
get enough.

Kitchen Sink

Here is the
fill-you-in-on-everything
blog.

I cannot believe it is September,
and the end of the month at that!
The crisp fall weather has been
magical, especially since we
were denied the season of
autumn last year.

The change in seasons always
stirs my deep desire to shop.
There are a few things at artists and fleas
that I have my eye on. (hats and jewelry!)
and I already have 2 new shoe purchases
under my belt.
















I FINALLY got new rainboots
at the fantastic price of $25
and a new pair of ankle boots
at payless for $34.
I love cheap shoes. fact.

In dog news, Sergio is doing
quite well, and he even let me
pick him up the other day.
(he didn't enjoy it, but he
didn't attack me- so I think
that is a huge step)

We spend most of our mornings
at the park on grand street where
he has taken to running around
like mees out of the bathtub
(read: all crazy-like.)
It makes me laugh so hard when he
does it.

The bad part is that when I return
him to the shelter he always tries
to follow me home.
This breaks my heart.
I just want to bring him home.

Another frustration has been my art.
I just haven't had the time or money
to do anything lately.
But today I picked up a pencil
and finally drew something that
I didn't hate.
it's a squid- I know everyone's shocked-
but different from the norm.




















I also want to get back into collaging
but I'll need a new supply of magazines
to chop up, I've exhausted all my other ones.

I know this is a super long post
I'm going to try to be better about
posting regularly again.
It's just a habit I need to get back into
I know other bloggers understand.


hugs and manatees.

Busy Bee

I'm a bad bad blogger.
fact.

But I have been busy,
as usual.
Between work, sergio,
searching, and the such
I've been running myself ragged.

I've made some sweet purchases
and gone to some good shows
in between, and I'll be posting
about those as well as my latest endeavor
tomorrow.
promise promise!

On the Waterfront

The park at Grand and River
has finally opened up again.
Despite the trash that seems
to be piling up, it is a lovely park
that is right on the water.

Serg and I have been venturing
down there to sit and watch the waves,
talk about how handsome he is,
and snuggle.

here are some photos from the park.















Serg blinked.



































He's so sweet, I also think that
Robert figured out what breed
he is a mix of- he said that the guy
on Ace of Cakes has a dog that looks
just like serg, and it is an eskimo dog.

So I did some research and the ears
and the coloring are different,
but it does kinda look like him!

Obviously this dog is a little more
well groomed than serg...

My Latest Obsession

I've never been a big milk drinker.
It was only present for oreo and donut dips,
and large bowls of cereal. never ever to drink.
ew.

However, whilst at the farmers market
I purchased 4 cider donuts...and nothing
compliments them more than milk..
so I made my way back to the milk stand
and contemplated for awhile.

In the end I had faith in the independent dairy
and bought a quart of whole milk
(with cream on top)
I have since become addicted to the milk
from Milk Thistle Farm.

I had no idea that milk could be so enjoyable,
but I suppose that when you stay away from
mass produced farms that stuff their cows full
of BGH and hormones-then it actually has
the possibility of tasting like it is supposed to.

I meandered to their website and was
pleased to see photos of little kids playing
on the farm, as well as the cows enjoying some
live music in the barn. They seem like happy cows
and that makes me happy.
















Another 2 wonderful things about this milk
1.) you are buying from a small local dairy.
that keeps everyone happy and healthy.

2.)the milk comes in a glass bottle,
which saves plastic and looks pretty!

check out their website, and if you can
try to buy some milk from your local dairy!

Oh Dear.

I've been neglecting my captains log..
Well, it happens from time to time
and lately I have been busier than usual.

First I am going to post some photos
from our trip to Indiana.

This was taken at the wedding we attended.
I love this picture. I clearly had the most
handsome date there.














This is a rare gem of a photo.
I am somewhat afraid of horses-
they are large and I'm a dog whisperer
not a horse whisperer-so I just don't get them.
But this is Herman and he let me sit on him,
and I was grateful that he also liked to stand still.
















This last picture I like because of all the greenery
and I love those weird bean chute things that grow
on these trees. I had to have one and break it open.




















During the trip I also swam in a lake
(another thing I rarely do)
threw up on a roller coaster, sat in
a hot tub and saw more stars than usual,
held 2 bunnies, and ate delicious food.

In more recent news, the NJ trip with Serg
was a success! I think he totally loved
south jersey and was quite comfy.
Though he did manage to give warning bites
to almost everyone in my family....haha
Here are some shots of him-
he's my handsome little man!!


Hanging out on the deck














Sleeping on the deck like a little angel











He is just so sweet.















I can't wait to bring him home.
















And what would a jersey dog montage be without..
big big mees!!!
prettiest lady ever.
















I also have a new project I am working on,
once I get things straight I will post more about it.

Oh My Goodness

I get to bring Sergio
on a trip to New Jersey!!

If the bf can get off from work
our happy little family will head
down to south jersey for a few days.

I cannot wait to let him run
around in the backyard.
and I know that Mees will just love him!

well, as long as he doesn't try to hump her
she hates that. understandably.

I'm also looking forward to seeing everyone
at my friend Paul's karaoke birthday spectacular.
I don't know what I will sing yet.
I'll have to think on that.

Recipes Recipes.

My love affair with
food magazines continues.

I picked up the latest
Food & Wine, which is their
30th anniversary issue, and
packed with excellent recipes.

I also picked up an amazing
recipe @ the greenmarket last week.

Last Thursday I cooked dinner for
the bf and made both of these,
and they turned out quite well
if I do say so myself.

Sauteed Corn, Zucchini and String Beans
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped scallions or spring garlic
1/2 tsp finely chopped garlic
2 cups corn (about 4 ears)
2 medium zucchini grated into 2" strips
1/2 lb. string beans trimmed and cut into 1" pieces
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 cup cheese- queso fresco. (optional)

Heat oil in heavy skillet over medium heat until hot
but not smoking
*Add scallions or garlic and cook until softened -about 3min.
*Add garlic, stirring for about 1 min
*Add string beans, corn , zucchini, cayenne, cumin, salt & pepper,
cook until beans and zucchini are tender
*stir in cilantro and cheese, if using, season with salt and pepper.


I didn't grate the zucchini or add the cheese,
this recipe is so great because you have
a lot of options with it, and it is super easy.


Pretzel Crusted Chicken

1/2 lb hard pretzels, crushed
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup whole grain mustard
2 tbsp dijon mustard
1/4 cup water
3 tbsp red wine vinegarr
salt and ground pepper
6 Large skinless boneless chicken breasts

Preheat the oven to 400.
In a food processor, pulse the pretzels
until coarsely ground.
Transfer to a large shallow bowl.
*Wipe out the processor
add the mustards, oil, water, and vinegar and blend.
Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
*Pour half of the dressing into a large bowl.
Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat.
Dredge the chicken in the pretzel crumbs;
transfer to a rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.
*Bake chicken in the upper third of the oven for
20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
*Serve with remaining mustard dressing.


Hope you enjoy these!!

Greenmarket

Well I'm back from Indiana,
but all the photos are on
the bf's camera. So I will be saving
that post for next time.

I woke up super early...well 8ish...
to get ready and go walk Mr. Serg.
(we had a lovely walk)
Then I jumped on the L to Union Sq
where I found a small slice of heaven.

The Greenmarket has been
doing their thing since 1976.
Organizing open air markets
that feature local farmers,
small and large.

My first visit was so overwhelming
that I failed to take down the names
of the farm booths that I visited.
(Though I did buy a small jar of
rasberry jam from Berkshire Berries)

Each tent has their own
unique selection and prices.
My gigantor cucumber was $.50!!
excellent.

You can also buy eggs, milk,
cheese, meat, fish and flowers.
Very diverse and everything is natural.


This is a photo of my purchases.
Not pictured is the cup of mint iced tea
that I enjoyed whilst I did my shopping,
and the rasberry jam.
















I left with:
1 loaf of 7 Grain bread
1 container of blackberries
1 container of strawberries
3 nectarines
2 tomatoes
1 jumbo cucumber
1 handful of haricot verts
A few fingerling potatoes
2 handfuls of green beans
1 green pepper
1 squash
1 zucchini ball
1/2 dozen eggs
1 container of fresh spinach pasta
(rasberry jam)
(mint iced tea)
and these two herb plants
*Cilantro and Basil














all of that for a little less than $40
the priciest items being the eggs, pasta
and berries.

I highly recommend getting to a Greenmarket
or even just a small produce shack on the side
of the road, and put your money back into the local farms!

Check these out!

I found lots of cool things
on my usual rounds to websites
this morning.

The gothamist posted a blurb
about these amazing pictures
from the American Museum
of Natural History.

They most were taken when the museum
was being put together and in the very
early years of its opening.

I'm a sucker for old photos,
and these do not disappoint!

Go here to see them all,
below is a preview.






























The next thing to see is from National Geographic.
It is a video of a great white shark that jumps
out of the water to catch it's prey..at night.
No one knows why, but the video is cool
and thankfully no seals seem to be harmed in the
video. it goes for the faux seal. whew.
















In other news, I will be gone for the remainder
of the week.
The bf is whisking me away to the midwest
to attend a wedding, ride roller coasters, visit
his family, and possibly ride a horse...
I'll let you know how that last one goes...

Wonderful Day

Oh my goodness,
yesterday was such a wonderful
25th birthday!

The bf and I got up early to
go to brunch at Egg
(I have been addicted to their grits
as of late)
and then walk Sergio!

In the evening we headed to
Fette Sau for some delicious bbq
with some of my dearest friends!
In addition to the good company,
I received some wonderful gifts.

The bf got me a box of happy hippos,
a squid book that I had wanted forever, and
a bunny in a cage necklace from catbird
that I had my eye on. He is the best. fact.




















My roommate Katie got me this magical starfish
pendant on her trip to seattle!




















Christina found this belt buckle that
combines my love for gaudiness and pugs!
















And Meghan has managed to find another book
that seems to have been written just for me,
and she made that lovely bracelet for me!




















Many thanks to everyone who sent notes,
cards and well wishes yesterday!!
It really meant a lot!
xoxo

Goodbye 24.

Sugar- You know, I'm gonna be 25 in June.
Joe- You are?
Sugar-That's a quarter of a century, makes a girl think.





















Tomorrow is my quarter century birthday,
and I couldn't be more excited!
I am mildly obsessed with
my birthday. But what good Leo,
in all of their vanity, wouldn't love a day
that was devoted entirely to them??

I plan to eat brunch, walk sergio,
maybe buy myself a present or two,
spend time with the people I love,
and eat lots of pork.

2008 hasn't been the best year
but despite all that has gone wrong,
I find myself in a place where I am happy.
With work, love, apartment, and sergio.
(He gave me kisses on the nose today!!!)

I am lucky to have all of the things that I do,
and to have a wonderful group of family and friends.

Have a good saturday everyone!!

LittleBunny Mascot!

I finally gocco'd again,
and am proud to present
my very own mascot.

I've decided to name him
Fredrick.
















I printed him on notecards
and on some heart shaped papers,
which will serve as my new business cards.
rectangles are lame anyway.














Notecards are now available in my etsy store
$6 for a set of 4.
And business cards will be given with orders
or by request

Have a good friday everyone!!