Web Sites »The Frock

Vintage Heaven Online

The Frock has, for years and years been one of my favorite places to look at truly stunning vintage clothing online, dreaming of where I’d wear each piece to. Run by artist, former paralegal and man of great taste Christian Madrigal, the site grew out of a colletion of Edwardian capes gone wild. Since then, it’s a beloved source of vintage for film makers, magazines, and the rich and famous – Dita Von Teese names it her favorite spot for vintage. Below/after the jump are just a few favorites (including an Oleg Cassini that would be my wedding dress number two if I were allowed to remarry Jim every few years and a Mary Quant that I actually unwittingly own – it’s without a tag), but there are hours of browsing to be had on the site and if you have a special occasion that calls for a bank breaking gown, look no further.

Click here for the rest of The Frock

See more: Web Sites


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 31, 2010

Recipes »White Chili

from Simply Recipes

I’ll be honest, my cooking and baking lately has resulted in the unexpected. Banana bread turned into a thicker almost pudding like creation recently, and even chocolate chip cookies from a back of the box recipe turned out entirely edible but undeniably strange (baking soda vs baking powder and brown sugar versus natural sugar does make a difference, it seems), and this Simply Recipes White Chili proved to be no different.

As you can see from my mediocre photograph, it’s not exactly white, which could be  in part because of my inclusion of a generous amount of chili powder and red kidney beans, and it’s far more on the soup side of things than chili. This is my fault for opting to use what I had on hand, namely canned beans (both kidney and white) and guessing that two cans equals a pound of dried. I think I was wrong, and yet the meal was still absolutely delicious and fulfilling.

Seems that any recipe with a good basis can be messed with and still turn out noteworthy and Simply Recipes always has some good recipes to play around with.

See more: Recipes


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 31, 2010

Movies »The Hurt Locker

directed by Kathryn Bigelow (2008)

There’s not too much I can add to the dialogue about Kathryn Bigelow‘s little movie that could, The Hurt Locker. It’s won almost every critical award, including the Oscar for best picture and when I say it’s suspenseful, spare, intriguing, action packed, and phenomenal, I am sure a thousand other people have said it before me. Of course, the hype doesn’t make any of the praise any less true. It’s a great movie worthy of it’s reputation.

The only thing I can possibly disagree with is the surprise. Jim and I have always known that Bigelow knows how to direct action!! – her Point Break foot chase is one of the best chases put to screen. I was surprised however by the cast of cameos in the film who alongside the less recognizable actors fleshed out realistic human beings without the “character establishing” tropes of most Hollywood movies in place.

You’ve probably already seen it, but if not, it’s well worth your time.

See more: Movies


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 23, 2010

Books »Clockers

by Richard Price (1992)

If you need a Wire fix, and have already read Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets as I’ve recommended, Richard Price’s Clockers should be next on your list. The novel was a huge inspiration on the television show and Price was even brought in to write for it as the shows creators were such fans. It was adapted by Spike Lee, but I’ve yet to see the resulting movie. I can say that the novel is as well written and realistically engaging as I’ve come to expect from Price and it’s more focused narrative is more satisfying even than his recent hit Lush Life.

Set on the streets of a fictional New Jersey county, Clockers follows Strike, a mid level drug dealer and Rocco, a homicide detective bent on solving a murder that he’s positive Strike is behind. Problem is, even with all signs pointing to his guilt, his hard working brother confessed.

A streetwise young kid named Tyrone, the dangerous drug boss, Rodney, Rocco’s even headed partner, a vain actor trying to get real by hanging out with detectives, and Strike’s struggling, sympathetic brother Victor fill out this character study that is sometimes dark and heavy, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes humorous, and always entertaining.

Price is becoming one of my go to writers when I want a book that’s sure to deliver (along side TC Boyle and Jack Vance).

See more: Books


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 23, 2010

Hunks »Sawyer

Josh Holloway

As I write this, I’ve yet to watch the series finale of Lost but I am already a bit sad to realize it’ll be the last I’ll be seeing of Sawyer. The handsome guy is rarely my favorite character in anything – I prefer quirkier heroes, but Josh Holloway’s Southern grifter has defied my tradition. While, let’s face it, the actor looks like he would be equally well cast in the latest crappy CW drama about models (maybe a Models, Inc reboot anyone?), Holloway has become the show’s most complex and consistently beloved characters: he is the best comic relief (no small feat with a kind hearted nerdy jolly fat man on staff), a believably redeemed schemer, and a sexified romantic lead rolled into one Steinbeck-reading, cage sex making rogue. I’ll miss you hoss.

Click here for the rest of Sawyer

See more: Hunks


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 23, 2010

Songs »Holy Diver

by Dio (1983)

Green screen demons (in this case a demon named Murray, the bad’s mascot), two handed swords, battle axes, Barbarians, rats and cat eyed monks – yes, Dio’s Holy Diver has many things to comend it as one of the greatest metal videos of all time.

Click here for the rest of Holy Diver

See more: Songs


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 23, 2010

Style Icons: Male »Ronnie James Dio

Metal Royalty

If you’ve ever done the heavy metal devil horns hand sign (and I am pretty sure you have) you must give thanks to this man, Ronnie James Dio, who popularized it after taking cues from his grandmother, who used the gesture to ward off the evil eye. The powerfully voiced and long locked frontman to Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio, Dio passed away last week after an up and down struggle with stomach cancer.

Click here for the rest of Ronnie James Dio

See more: Style Icons: Male


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 23, 2010

Restaurants »Chelsea Thai

in the Chelsea Market – 75 9th Avenue

I love the Chelsea Market, but spend much less time there than I’d like. While a Ronnybrook chocolate chip shake and a lobster roll are my go-to indulgences when I do make it to the west side foodie heaven, during a recent trip with my family, (and an unbelievably long lobster place line) we opted for the overlooked Chelsea Thai, the best Thai in the city according to a very picky friend.

Their Larb Gai, one of my favorite dishes anywhere, was certainly note worthy – tempter rising spicy and loaded with complex incredible flavor. Most of the noodle dishes are also great, though after ordering via number system, I can’t recall the particular names of the ones we sampled. I do know that one was uncharacteristically bland in comparison (it had a soy sauce and lettuce).

Rarely too packed, I highly recommend you give this place a try next time you’re in the mood for something substantial and with kick. And a Ronnybrook is perfect for cleansing the spice afterwards.

Click here for the rest of Chelsea Thai

See more: Restaurants


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 23, 2010

Desserts »Rainbow Sprinkles

The Best Topping

Rainbow Sprinkles have pretty much been the biggest pregnancy craving I’ve had and I’ve been loving them so much, they were even the theme of my work goodbye party – complete with a mega sized container of the little toppings for at home desserts. By the way, I do not refer to these as Jimmies.

See more: Desserts


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 23, 2010

Drinks »Watermelon Juice

Easy and Refreshing

I was introduced to the refreshing greatness of Watermelon Juice at Fatty Cue, where it is used in their Chupacabra cocktail (tequila, chili infused Domaine de Canton, watermelon, lime). But as I can not currently booze it up, I asked for it straight up. I was hoping it would be easy to make at home and was pleased to find it could hardly be easier. Just toss cubed watermelon in a blender a voila! I plan to add some jalapeno kick to my next batch and maybe a bit of lime, but it really doesn’t need any fancy extras.

On a side note, I remember watching Family Feud as a kid with Playmates and one chose Watermelon Juice as a red beverage. We all laughed at her for being stupid, but maybe she was wiser than we gave her credit for.

See more: Drinks


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 23, 2010