Koolaid Cool

I've gone an done it again. I'm back into knitting all the time. I'm on my third cowl of the year and I'm so excited to wear it. The yarn for this one is gorgeous. Just so perfect. I can't stop staring at it. and touching it. But when I was scrolling through a blog that I had been led to from this other blog (wow I spend to much time with blogs), I saw this. Kool-aid dyeing. How cool, right? So I did a little google-ing and found a recipe for disaster on knitty, the knitters playground of ideas and a go-to how-to warehouse. I cannot wait to do this. I might not stop at yarn (it says you can kool-aid dye human hair?! whaat?).

Bon Voyage

Twas I who has received an acceptance to college! Yay! God the whole thing was so overwhelming. I woke up Tuesday morning and my fate was already on the brain.
            

            
At first, I was thinking that school was awful. But I spent a little while at home that afternoon with relatively little to do, and it was a horror to sit around with nothing to do but contemplate your fate. Thankfully, I had plans that night with the Grandmother. Even distractions from her were welcome.
                 

          
Then came the moment of truth, I opened my email, and there it was. College is tapping in to cyber methods of informing their students of acceptances these days, so I was sent the standard brief message, and then a link to a ridiculous video. The film was made up of haikus about the school, followed by haikus making fun of the haikus, that's how the intellectuals work.
        

                                     
Later this week or early next week I should be getting a nice fat envelope in the mail as follow up. They send confetti in their acceptance letters. So by now, the only reason you're bothering to re(e)d this is because I have yet to inform you as to which school I will be attending next fall. Here's a clue, it's in the previous sentence. YAY REED!
       

                
(oh and parts of it do look like Harry Potter)

Man, I love College

How many times will you see this title in the next three months? Many.
One of us was ACCEPTED!!!! Now I wont tell you who.. because she might want to say it herself. But I am most certainly jealous of her hearing so early. Yes, it's my own fault I didn't apply early decision (ED), but the anxiety is demolishing me. Soon I will be a shell of a girl. Yes, I am very lovely to speak with in the wintertime. I kid, though. But really, I just want them to accept me already.

Thus, to ward of college stress, I give you some of my good ol' top fave music hits. Enjoy!

Post Secret Sunday

But if you left it up to me
Everyday would be
A holiday from real

Oh, it's a picture of perfection
Ah, and the postcards gonna read:

Via the PostSecret Blog

Jivamukti

As some of you may know, I love yoga. Last fall, I got back into it, after a five year break from practice in which I was a nosy irritating tween, and early teen.

Despite my love of yoga, classes in this area are freaking expensive. Yet lately, with a little more free time, and a need for some downright relaxation, I'm turning to the internet for my practices. I've searched the yoga podcasts high and low for something that will suit my needs, and think I've finally found it.

Sofi Dillof presents the Jivamukti Yoga Podcast, and it's fantastic. Since I'm just starting to get back into the flow, it's difficult but not too hardcore. Jivamukti combines both a spiritual practice with the classic Vinyasa.

However, have no fear, if you want something totally hardcore and intense, there's also Power Yoga with Dave Farmar. His classes are long and strenuous, I have yet to complete one. But it's definitely a goal to work toward.

Before you get all gung ho to set out and do some crazy yoga exercise, though, bear in mind that the previous two podcasts are spoken word only, and will not show you how to do the poses.

For a good video, check out YOGAmazing, with Chaz Rough

Happy exercising!

Post Secret Sunday

via the post secret blog

Sartorial Steals

{All images from The Sartorialist}

Wintry Loop

I just finished off a new scarf/cowl for this winter. I like to refer to it as a loop because essentially, it is one. The loop can be worn as is, or wrapped around your neck twice. I found the pattern on Ravelry, but it originally hailed from Haley Waxberg on Knitomatic.

The pattern was super easy, and only took about an hour to complete, although I altered the pattern slightly. Check it out here!

And of course, we wish everyone the best of Thanksgiving holidays.

Telephone

Gaga's new album The Fame Monster dropped on November 23rd, and it's been announced that her next single will be "Telephone" which features Beyonce.
Hopefully when the video comes out it will be much better than the hot mess that is "Video Phone."

Seriously. I've watched that video several times now and I am still so confused.

Chicka Chicka Yeah

FREE
Music
Mondays

at Urban Outfitters

Some is good, some questionable, but hey, it's free!

Habit

I've been reading (or rather, seeing) Habit since earlier this year, which I stumbled across while reading Swallowfield, or maybe it was the Eyeblog, I honestly can't remember which anymore.
       

                     
So the whole idea behind habit is photograph bits and pieces of their daily lives in order to celebrate their daily lives, and ultimately make a habit out of such an activity.
               

               
Each month, Molly and Emily post their own photos, as well as hosting various extended guests.
           

                                 
Along with each photo is a sentiment about the day, perhaps a description or meditation. 
                     

Each photographer's mutual moments of chaos and peace are an excellent way to document the passage of time.

Veg Inspiration

Some veg blogs I found recently while searching recipes. (Too bad I have zero decent food/ recipe ingredients in my house to make anything worth eating.) This may sound weird coming from an Italian, but I'm so bored of pasta, at lest of the way my dad keeps making it. It's just a trite dinner dish at my home right now; the pasta and the red sauce.. repeat.. ugh.
So while looking for some fresh new recipes I stumbled across these bloggers that are very inventive and experimental in their food choices.

Bon Appétit!

Vegan Crunk

Bok Choy Bohemia

Post Secret Sunday

via the post secret blog

Jason Schwartzman?!

...My reaction when I saw this video:


According to wikipedia, Coconut Records is Jason Schwartzman's solo music venture that he started back in '06 and signed to his own record label, Young Baby Records. His newest CD Davy came out this past January and "Microphone" (video above) is his latest single.

The way we were

Your girl is lovely, Hubbell.
-Streisand


Pictures from space and of space:

Via the astronomy picture of the dayOh whoops! How'd that get in there?

Tegan and Sara

Loving the new album, 'Sainthood'
       

Post Secret Sunday

Via the PostSecret Blog

Ale- Alejandro

My brother recently sent me a new mix CD and it's chock full of goodies. At the top of my list is several new Lady Gaga tracks. Her current single, "Bad Romance" is getting lots of radio play but my favorites are "Alejandro" and "Dance in the Dark." Gaga's new CD, The Fame Monster, drops November 23, and I definitely suggest checking it out.

Here's the video to "Bad Romance."


And "Dance in the Dark"


And "Alejandro" (my favorite, it's been on repeat)

Wreath-y

You're all probably groaning at me right now for even bringing up the idea of wreaths when Thanksgiving has yet to pass. However, I'm eschewing you all and making a wreath themed post, because I'm prematurely feeling the holiday spirit, and have been loving these non-piney, doughnut shaped holiday door decorators. Enjoy!

via Flickr

via Bluebird

via The Storque

"I'll take 600."

Kiiind of hilarious.

Post Secret Sunday

via the post secret blog

Oh, hey

Obviously, we've all been pretty awful at blogging lately. Early action application crunch time just passed and the stress of first quarter grades closing is bearing in. I guess that kind of explains why I feel no guilt about wishing swine flu on about 30% of our school. (3 days off? Yes, please. As long as no one dies.)

Anywhys, I'm pretty sure I've mentioned Little Boots before, but here's her single "Earthquake."

Post Secret Sunday

via the post secret blog

TFLN

(214): My itunes is telling me i listened to toxic by b spears 108 times last night

via textsfromlastnight.com

This beat is killin me

Cascada
Evacuate the Dance Floor


Happy weekend!

Manicure Monday

It's a simple French this week. I used "Let Them Eat Rice Cakes" by OPI for the pink base and "Fit for a Queensland" by OPI for the white free edge.

Also, check out my cool ring. My friend made it from hot glue by making little circles of glue on a slab of marble.


Happy Monday!

Post Secret Sunday

Via the post secret blog

Piano Stairs

This may be one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Legitimately.

TFLN

(630): all i remember is you climbed in a garbage can and said you were trashed

via textsfromlastnight.com

From A Mess To The Masses

I'm sure we've written about Phoenix before (1901, anyone?), but I feel like they'll be good for perking up this dreary weekend weather we're anticipating, so enjoy! (By the way, I've never watched this video before so if it's awful, I'm sorry.)


Lizstomania, by Phoenix

Happy weekend!

The Candy We Love To Hate

Candy Corn. Does anybody really like it? I do, for the most part, although I would never go out and buy a bag full just for myself. But this recipe gives a whole new perspective on the tricolor sweet. Have fun!

Homemade Candy Corn

- makes about one pound of candy corn -

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup salted butter
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/3 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
red and yellow food coloring

Procedure

1. In a medium sized bowl, combine the sifted confectioners' sugar and powdered milk. Set to the side.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup and butter. Bring to a boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Once it reaches the boiling point, reduce heat to medium and continue stirring for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat.

3. Add the confectioners' sugar and powdered milk mixture to the wet ingredients; stir well until the mixture is thoroughly incorporated and smooth.

4. Let the dough cool until it is firm enough to handle, about 30 minutes to an hour (I just let it cool in the saucepan).

5. Divide the dough into three equal parts and set each third into a separate bowl. Add 2 to 3 drops of yellow food coloring to one dish, one drop of red and two drops of yellow to another dish, and leave the remaining dish uncolored. Knead the dough to which you have added food coloring until the color is even (you may want to use gloves to ensure that you don't stain yourself). If the dough is feeling very soft or sticky, you may want to chill the dough for about 20 minutes in the refrigerator before proceeding with the next steps.

6. On top of a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper, use your hands to roll each color of dough into a long, slender rope. You can roll it out to your desired thickness: for larger candies, make each rope thicker; for smaller candies, make each rope thinner.

7. Line the three ropes of dough together: white, orange, and yellow. To ensure that they will stick together, lay a piece of waxed paper on top and give them a very gentle rolling with a rolling pin. You just want to adhere them, not to flatten them.

8. Using a very sharp knife, cut the dough into triangles. Keep a damp cloth nearby so that you can wipe off the knife if it begins to get a candy residue. This method will result in half a batch of traditionally colored candy corn and half a batch with yellow tips (it's OK—they taste the same). Let the finished kernels sit for an hour or two (do not stack them on top of one another as they will stick together!) to become firm.

From Cakespy

Hello Lover

Lilia once mentioned a website called Polyvore and its amazingness. Looking at fashion for me is completely addicting. "I die." That's how I wasted the better part of the mid-day. I didn't make an account for fear of forgetting about college applications alltogether and Lilia has already sent in applications to a few schools, so uh, no pressure. But someday, when I have endless hours of downtime, i.e. december break, I hope to make an account and have some fun with the wonders of digitalized fashion collage boards.

Until then, I have searched the surface (there are so many collages to choose from) and brought you my favorites so far. Notice my love of Taylor Momsen? Did anyone remember her from How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Hint: Cindy Lou-Who.

ruchita blair

Eva Donohoe

Eva Donohoe

MyChanel

Maria Lovett

mintyy

woah&moah
(LOUBS guys, need I say more)

Can't find the link for this one. Sorry.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Post Secret Sunday

via the Post Secret blog

Abu Dhabi?

You may know this vast city to be the capital of the United Arab Emirates, or perhaps the growing wealth that's taken home there. However, I am coming to know of this place, worlds away from our own, as the home of New York University's newest campus.  NYU has built an entirely new offshoot of it's educational hub in the center of the gulf states, and arguably the center of the Middle Eastern world.
                            

Lonely Planet

                                     

Initally, I heard about NYU's Abu Dhabi campus, officially opening in the fall of 2010, and thought to myself, well that's cool, but definitely not happening.  Well, as it happens, the Abu Dhabi campus seems pretty cool.  Centered in a coastal desert city, there's incredible culture in the area, despite Abu Dhabi becoming known as one of the most westernized cities in the Middle East.
                

Lonely Planet

                   

Not only that, but NYU Abu Dhabi is looking more and more financially appealing, with it's need blind admissions process and largely advertised exceptional financial aid packages.  Going there would be risky and unconventional, yet exciting and adventurous.

TFLN

(619): Now would be a great time to stop wondering " Who let the dogs out" and go to sleep

via textsfromlastnight.com

Featured Etsy

Again, I have been on the epic hunt for the perfect pair of boots, and nothing has come up. Perhaps because I'm being much too picky. In any case, following my wanderings on Etsy, I came across this amazing vintage vendor, Dear Golden. Here are some of her items.