Afterthoughts

Hey guys! Thank you so much for those of you who spoke up after my last post. Shana, you were right on with your advice. I cannot tell you how right you were. I found The One last week and the process is rolling. Please send all your positive thoughts towards the management company!!

I wanted to talk to you for a minute about pesto. Did you know you can make pesto out of anything? Not just basil. No really.

Typically, pesto is basil + pine nuts + parmesan cheese + garlic + olive oil. There is a magic ratio that I've discovered over the years and there are only two numbers you have to remember. 2 and 1/2. Here's how it goes:

2 cups of basil

2 cloves of garlic

1/ 2 cup of pine nuts

1/2 cup grated parmesan

1/2 cup olive oil

This time of year, however, I make a lot of arugula pesto. More often then not, I buy a big bunch of arugula to make a salad and I have a bunch left over and that becomes the basis for the pesto. I simply swap out the arugula for the basil.

The olive oil and garlic are constants, but you can sub out the type of cheese or nuts and also the base. It helps if the cheese is a dry crumbly variety.

It might go a little something like this:

arugula + pine nuts + parmesan

sun dried tomatoes + almonds + goat cheese

sage + walnuts + parmesan

olives + pistachios + feta

Mix with pasta and veggies (remember to reserve some of the pasta water to mix with your pesto. At least a cup) for a great main dish.

I like to mix it with small white beans for a great side dish to serve with fish.

Ooh! Imagine an olive pesto mixed with white beans and luscious canned tuna for a great lunch! Maybe some diced tomatoes, too?

It also makes an awesome marinade for meats or fish and freezes like a dream. Often I make it when I have a lot of leftover herbs and then freeze it for a rainy day.

(The recipe above is enough for 1 pound of pasta.)

Seeing Advice

source

Hey everybody!
So I'm in the middle of The Great Apartment Search and I'm having a little anxiety. I need some input from my fellow New Yorkers because I feel like the apartment search process in NYC is so unique/specific.

How many places do you look at before you feel comfortable making a choice?
Or do you just keep looking until you find The One?
What kind of concessions are you willing to make? (i.e. Is a street-level apartment unacceptable even if everything else is amazing?)
When do you start to feel anxious about not having a place? One week before move in date? Two weeks?

I've only been looking for one week and have seen about 6 apartments. I have found 2 for which I might be willing to over-look some less than desirable qualities, but I'm not sure that I should. I'm feeling a little lost.

Thoughts? Comments? Advice?

Have you seen this?

So lovely!

You thought I forgot?

It's Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end to summer, and I have two items to check off my list!

First was the P.S. 1 summer warm up. I was about to throw in the towel on this one when I received an invitation to my friend's birthday. He and his wife live in LIC and they started the evening off here, at P.S. 1.

I guess the party really gets started after dark, but we went around 4pm and the courtyard was full of young people and families, young children frolicking in the wading pools. The museum is open and you can buy a beer and wander around. It was fun and there was an incredible vibe from the crowd - relaxed and engaged at the same time. Maybe I'll try to go more often next summer.

The big news, however, is that I finally finished my quilt!!!! I knew that by putting it on my list and giving myself a deadline, I would buckle down and get it done.



It's far from perfect. I didn't really know what I was doing. Many of the lines are crooked and some of the squares don't quite line up, but it's just as I imagined it would be.

I can honestly say that I've never been more excited/satisfied with anything I've ever made. Never. When I took it out of the dryer- all fluffy and puckered up like a quilt should be - I giggled. I actually laughed out loud. And I clutched it to my heart and grinned like a fool all the way home from the laundromat.


Not a bad way to (unofficially) end the summer. Not at all.

Wish List

It's official, ya'll. The Works is packing up to move, yet again.

Well, it's not official, in a having-a-signed-lease-in-my-hand kind of way, but it's official in that I've made all the necessary decisions and notified all relevant parties.

No, I don't have a lease, but that hasn't stopped me from starting to daydream about my new space, no matter what it may be.

I need to have all of the following items. Need. Really.

Antique industrial stool? Of course.

This rug from Jonathan Adler? Sigh.

Removable wallpaper? It's vinyl - perfect for a blah rental bathroom!

Cork lamp? Lights up the room and ideal for reminder lists! (Buy milk! Call mom!)

Acrylic coffee table? Makes a small space feel light and airy!

Charley Harper wall mural? 30" x 30" print on canvas. Because I love Charley Harper.

Isn't this amazing/beautiful?

Amanda Wachob Tattoo

By way of Second Skin Style

(That little birdie! So precious!)

Cutie Pie!

It's been a while since I've share any of my styling work with you here and, well, to be honest, it's been a while since I've done anything interesting.

But these darlings are my favorites from my latest collaboration with photographer Kat Teutsch. I just love this little pie!

Enjoy!

Epic Bike Ride of 2010

It was more like an Epic Weekend, which started with a trip to Jacob Riis Park in Rockaway, Queens. Constructed on the site of one of the first US naval air stations, the park was designed in 1936 by innovative Park Commissioner Robert Moses, who had also created Jones Beach in 1929 further east on Long Island. Moses envisioned Riis Park as a Jones Beach for poor immigrants, a destination accessible by public transportation and closer to the city. In 1972, Jacob Riis Park was transferred to the control of the National Park Service.

It was a really quick car ride, but if there is a ferry which takes you there from Manhattan, which I think would be fun. ( I do love ferries!) It was quiet there, and lovely. I haven't been to any beaches in NYC other than Coney Island and this Riis Park was sooooo different! I highly recommend going if you can't leave the city for the weekend and are feeling the sirens' call.

The next day we set out to ride our bikes to Coney Island. It was to be about 8 miles each way, with two very specific stops on the agenda.
First up, Di Fara's Pizza.

There's a lot of hype surrounding Di Fara's, which is attributed to, in my opinion, many variables: it's out-of-the-way location, it's weird hours, and the fact that only the venerable 80-year-old Dominic makes the pies. We got there at 12:25 and there was already a line forming. We waited patiently and ordered two slices and paid $10.
Yep, $10.

For the price and the trip, not really worth it. And I've eaten a lot of pizza in NYC. A lot. But it's just my opinion and you have the right to form your own, so travel to Avenue J at your own risk.

The journey continued all the way to Coney Island. I've been there two times so far this summer, and, God help me, I love it there. I can't quite tell you why. I feel like I'm being transported in place and time. Like I've entered a time warp or a worm hole and come out the other side somewhere completely other than New York. (It's the same way I feel about South Beach, which inspires the same kind of confused reactions from my friends. What can I say?)

We roamed the boardwalk and watched some crazy kids dive off the pier, while quiet older couples fished and picnic-ed. Having finally worked off the pizza it was on to the main event. That's right, people. I was back for tacos.

YUMMMMM. Doesn't that look amazing?! Having been twice now I would recommend the spicy pork, but not the steak. I would definitely have the chicken if I were to go again. Which I will.

We sat in the Plaza Mexico and listened to the canciones and fantasized that we were somewhere else, though the cries from the Cyclone reminded us that we were, in fact, not. Then it was time to go and work off those tacos on the ride home, which always seems shorter, doesn't it? On the way home we got caught in the rain - a good, soaking, mid-summer rain - and laughed the whole way.

Epic, indeed.

For Fall. Yes, please.

american apparel

moon and lola

l.l. bean

eddie bauer

Between then and now

This weekend marks the half-way mark of the summer and I thought it was a good time to revisit my list.

Mermaid Parade (hello Mr. Lou Reed!) Check!
(Finally) visit City Island
P.S. 1's Summer Warm Up series
The Bronx Zoo
Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governor's Island Maybe next year?
Shakespeare in the Park (starring Al Pacino!!) This proved to be nearly impossible.
more bike rides (see above picture) Check! Including an epic one two weeks ago. More later.
Luke's lobster rolls at Hester Street Market
watch as many World Cup games as possible I did watch the Final with some peeps in Queens.
finish my quilt! Plans for this are underway!
4th of July on Governor's Island (featuring She & Him) Check! And double check!!!

These photos are from a trip to Brooklyn about a month ago. We went to a place in South Park Slope/North Sunset Park called Milan's and it was awesome.

It is self-described as Czech and Slovak cuisine, but I heard Polish and Ukrainian being spoken. The food was all vaguely eastern European and all very good. There is something about this kind of food that resonates so strongly with me. Eating the plate of sauerkraut and pork almost made me cry. It reminded me so completely of my grandparents house and my childhood that the reaction to it was purely emotional.

I had a similar experience years ago eating rye bread with butter and cheese and onions. I kept saying that it reminded me of my grandmother's house. Of her. I said it over and over because it was so amazing to feel that connection while eating in an unfamiliar place. My friends made fun of me, but they didn't understand.

I know it's not healthy to have such an emotional attachment to food, but old habits die hard. I can't say that my Baba made this exact meal for me, but the rye bread with sweet cream butter remind me of her. And the potato pancakes were always my grandfather's domain.

Anyhow, it's worth the trip. Your experience might not be as intense as mine, but you won't be disappointed.

Score!

You guys, I hit the mother load last week at a new thrift store near work. It was such a coup, in fact, that I think I might withhold the location from you. For now.

I scooped up no fewer than 6 pieces of Fire King - two milk glass and 4 Lusterware. They are the most gorgeous peach color and may have inspired a new obsession. As if the milk glass wasn't enough.

Then, I picked up this salad serving set. A medium sized bowl serving bowl and six smaller bowls. They're a little beat up, but with some seasoning they're going to shape up very nicely.

I also got a Polaroid camera that doesn't really work a ravioli press and a Christian Dior belt. That's right. Dior. Location still a secret. For now.

In other news, this is the first crop of my tomatoes for the year. In case you can't tell, they're bity cherry tomatoes. I'm kind of holding of on eating them, but I don't know why. I wanted to do something special, but they're just cherry tomatoes. Just eat them, right?

She and Him and Me and You

On the 4th I twisted a few people's arms to come with me to Governor's Island. It was, in my opinion, the most perfect NYC 4th of July ever.

Just one quick (free) ferry ride and you're on the island. It's so incredibly peaceful and quite. You feel as if you've left the city. We opted not to rent bikes because you can only have them for two hours, but instead we walked to Picnic Point and (what else?) had a picnic!

Spread out on a blanket, I gazed at the Statue of Liberty and dozed, on and off, for about 3 hours. Then it was time for ice cream from Blue Marble.

The real objective of the day was to attend the free concert. She & Him were playing at the Water Taxi Beach and the were so delightful. Zoey made me want to go out and buy a couple of headbands and a ukulele. She's so freakin' cute. (There are no picture 'cause we were so far away. The sound was great though.)

After catching the last ferry at 7pm, we headed to a rooftop party to watch some fireworks (again, no pictures). By the end of the night, I was absolutely floating on air and having a total I *heart* NYC moment.
It was just perfect.

It's been nearly two weeks and I keep dreaming of going back to Governor's Island. This weekend is the Jazz Age Lawn Party, which is on the list.
Anyone want to go?

Independence Day

It's high summer and, I won't lie to you. I usually spend all summer long hiding out in super air-conditioned movie theaters watching big budget block buster movies.

For me, it's the perfect storm of escapism. I get to spend 2+ hours in air conditioning for about $10 and I retreat into some mindless entertainment.

This weekend, though, I've already seen The A-Team and Inception is still 2 weeks away, so I went to see Cyrus.

It was really fresh and darkly funny (I was the only one laughing at some points) and filled with supremely talented people.

It was so lovely, actually I may re-evaluate my summer regiment of action and special effects.

Happy Independence Day!

Philadelphia Freedom!

This weekend I found myself outside the city limits. Of NYC, that is.

I was visiting my family in NJ and I did what I rarely do on one of these visits - I left my parents' couch!

A few choice road trip partners and I hit I-95 and made our way to Philly, which is really only 45 minutes away.

Our #1 destination was not Pat's or Gino's, but the Village Whiskey. I first read about it here, then, also, here, so I had to see for myself!

It did deliver, friends. I was not disappointed. I had local oysters from Cape May, NJ, and french fries fried in duck fat and smothered with braised short ribs and cheddar sauce. They fanciest Disco Fries I ever did eat!

We walked around a bit and then saw the Cleopatra exhibit at the Frankin Institute. It was quite amazing.

Did you know that the city of Alexandria was destroyed by a series of natural disasters?

Did you know that the Roman Emperor Octavius destroyed all images of Cleopatra after her death so no one really knows what she looks like?

Did you know that no one knows where Cleopatra and Mark Antony are buried?

This exhibit shows the archaeological discovery of the ancient city of Alexandria and the possible tomb of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Fascinating stuff people.

And only a train ride away!

Mermaids and tomatoes

Oh yessiree, I checked something off my list! I attended the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island on Saturday with a very dear (and long time) friend and it did not disappoint.

We saw mermaids and jellyfish and sharks and whales and pirates. I think the pirates were my favorite. I think if I were to be in the parade I would be a mermaid-pirate hybrid. They were the best.

Also, did you know that some of the best tacos in NYC are in Coney Island? I'm not kidding! If, no, when, you go, visit Plaza Mexico Dona Zita. My friend is from Texas (where they tacos very seriously,don't you know) and she says these are some of the best she ever had. I have to agree. There is no photographic evidence because I couldn't stop to take a picture. They were too good. Trust me.

I'm growing tomatoes again this year. This time around I have three plants. They are doing amazingly well after a slow start. My own private Tomato Whisperer mixed up some potting soil and lovingly transplanted them from the sad planter I originally had them in.

Making your own potting soil, apparently, is a lot cheaper and better than buying those pre-mixed bags. Here's what you need:

Equal parts peat moss, perlite and vermiculite.
That's it.

For the tomatoes we added lime to help balance the pH in the soil. About 1 cup per plant/big container.

(All of this can found at Home Depot or other garden/hardware stores.)

Or if you're lucky enough to have your very own Tomato Whisperer, then he does it all for you. We all can't be that lucky.

Come on, come on and dance all night Just bide the heat, it'll be all right

In the spirit of my friend Little Bunny (aka, Jess.) I'm making a list for the summer. I've gone through phases of making lists. I'm currently list-less (not listless) though I have attempted to keep one on my phone. Not as satisfying, though, as a nice piece of lined paper where you can cross items off with a Sharpie!

Without further ado, my list for the summer:

Mermaid Parade (hello Mr. Lou Reed!)
(Finally) visit City Island
P.S. 1's Summer Warm Up series
The Bronx Zoo
Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governor's Island
Shakespeare in the Park (starring Al Pacino!!)
more bike rides (see above picture)
Luke's lobster rolls at Hester Street Market
watch as many World Cup games as possible
finish my quilt!
4th of July on Governor's Island (featuring She & Him)


(If anyone cares to join me for one or all of these, drop me a note!)

USA vs France vs Italy vs England

Oooh did I have a busy week!!
It started with going to see the remastered version of the Jean-Luc Godard film, "Breathless." It's been playing at the Film Forum and the run is extended, so run out and go see it this weekend!! I had seen it for the first time 12 years ago, and I think, for me, it has held up over time.

I was so in love with Jean Seberg's look when I was 21 (you do the math) that I went out and cut my hair exactly like hers. I mean, look at that adorable cowlick! And the t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the little black pants! I wanted to look like her in every scene in the movie. The sunglasses! The eyeliner! The stripes! Oh, dear..... makes me want to go an buy one of these.

Before the show, we went to John's Pizzeria. It's one of my top 10 in NYC for pizza. It very much hit the spot, but for me, it was more about the atmosphere.

John's has been there since 1929 and the interior hasn't changed much. It's cheep and it's fast and it's super, super tasty so I recommend it for a pre-movie dinner any night.


Theeeeennnn..... on Saturday I went to the Bohemian Beer Garden in Astoria to watch the USA vs. England World Cup game. It was a snooze of a game, but the Beer Garden is a great place to watch. You have to get there super early to get a table, but it's so much fun and the food is outstanding. I had potato pancakes and they rocked. I'm going to try to go back for a least one more game during the World Cup festivities.

Coming up.... I do actual knitting!! I'm swatching to new(ish) yarns for which I have planned new designs. I'm very excited!!!

Yikes!

Ladies and gentlemen, I knew that it had been a long, long time since I put up a post here at The Works. I did not know, however, that it had been TWO MONTHS(!), as I discovered when I logged onto Blogger mere moments ago.

I can't believe it. I know I've been busy, but I can't tell you with what. I made some carrots from this book. And made a lemon tart.


The majority of my time in April and June was spent planning my friends' wedding for which I spent a week in Point Pleasant, NJ. I should have pictures to show you, but I don't.


I took a trip to the beach this past weekend and was completely amused by my coffee cup.

I knit part of a little baby sweater, of which I don't have any pictures. I haven't done any sewing other than hemming a few skirts. I don't know if I've lost my blogging mojo or my blogging voice, or what.

I'm regrouping and hope to bring you some awesome content. Soon.