More talented pals

I've been doing stuff with UCB since 2004 and since then, I've become pals with insane-o talented peeps (like those listed in the last blog). You take classes, hang out with them and then soon after, they start teaching at UCB, write for 30 Rock, and (sure, why not) make a movie.

My pals DC, Dom, and Donald formed the group Derrick and recently filmed their own movie. Here's the trailer, check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxx1vOhlqmM

GO DIGG IT! http://digg.com/movies/Derrick_Comedy_s_new_feature_film

Inspired

I have worked my tail off to get to where I am today. It's hard to get anywhere without some sort of motivation. I usually go to my journal and write a list of short and long term goals to get my focus moving. I also turn to my pals for advice and to light a fire under my butt. I've started to gain a lot of motivational ground lately because my pals have been making amazing strides and doing great work! Look out for them. They're great!!

Jeanine Hattas
Self-employed Muralist - www.getfresh.biz












Eliza Skinner
Writer/Performer - Eliza's Site


















Bobby Moynihan
Performer (now on SNL!)


Jeff Hiller
Performer
Jeff's Site
Jeff was in a movie!













Dyna Moe
Designer
Writer
Performer

Goals

So I'm working on this project for work and it's about setting goals. I got to thinking how I set goals for myself and how often I write up a list. I do it very sporadically and would like to make it more consistent. Then our one of the heads of the department and shared with us this awesome site called 43things.com

I just set up my own profile and I intend on setting AND achieving goals for myself.
(and if you want, you can subscribe to the RSS feed. man i love google reader.)

www.43things.com

You should set one up tooo!!! Dooooo iiiit.

Free Stuff-NYC Craigslist

Just wanted to give ya'll a heads up on this:

AWESOME CHAIR!!! (manhattan)

I painted this chair myself years ago and never finished the design on the legs but it's still AWESOME!...but..am working on another one now and i need the room SO if you're interested email me!!!!

---
AHHHH!!!! EMAIL HER!!!

You might have too much time if...

...you make a comic strip out of pictures with you and your pets.
(You can click on them to see them in another window--click again to zoom in!)



Emmie's last line is repeated by accident.....suggestions on what she should say???

--------------------------------




Now go see TROPIC THUNDER!

Good fortune on the Subway

We’re in a country that’s facing a serious depression with economic down turn, the dollar is dropping, there are possible layoffs, and too many wars. After my transit-check card didn’t work this morning, I was sure it was going to be an annoying day. Then I sat next to a mom and her daughter who’s in college. The daughter was bitching at first about money and how she probably can’t afford to go to Greece to see her family overseas. I was thinking, “Poor baby. Get over it.” The mom was also annoyed and said that the daughter probably could do it if she saved. The daughter was hell bent that she couldn’t afford it and then started rambling on about her friend Ben going abroad for a semester. The mom was interested and started asking questions about what studying abroad was, like what classes you have, what countries you visit. The daughter went into full details about Greece, Italy, and Spain and all the different classes there were available. She then told a story about these girls that roomed with her friend and how they were snobby rich kids that didn’t even care about being in the Sistine Chapel and seeing Michelangelo work of art in real life. That pissed off mom. She asked how much it was. The daughter said it was $7500.
Mom said, “Ok. You should go.”
The daughter said, “What?”
Mom said, “You can go. I have enough saved for you to go. This is a chance of a lifetime. You should go.”
D-“But it’s $7500! That doesn’t even include spending costs for food.”
M-“Ok. We’ll figure it out.”
D-“I’ll work extra hours. No more extracurricular for this semester. I have to save.”
M-“Don’t worry, I’ll help.”
D-“But that’s almost $3000 more! That’s too much.”
M-“It’ll be your birthday present.”
D-“That’s too much. It’ll be birthday and Christmas for the next couple of years! [she starts crying] This is the chance of a lifetime. Are you serious?”
M-“Absolutely.”
D-“You can come the last week I’m there and we can go home together.”
M-“I would like that. I’ve never been.”

Yeah. I almost cried too.

Food Delivers

I'm way big into eating healthy now, and a pal of mine passed on this AWESOME produce delivery group called Urban Organics. They deliver a range of fruits and veggies right to your door. You can even customize what you want/don't want. They have 4 different box sizes and deliver to all the borrows around Manhatten. I'm so excited to get my first delivery!

www.urbanorganic.com

I also have an update from the Veggie/Vegan bible. Ella Nemcova has updated her site and it looks super fab. Each meal is 100% organic, good for your bod and only $22.50. She also has a guide on her website of what foods to eat and stay away from. I love it!!

www.theregalvegan.com

Gas Price Generator

Passed on from my ma:
http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx

Free Stuff-NYC Craigslist

Some of the amazing wonders I found on craigslist that are FREE! FREEEE!!

Crazy monkey creature











Glade candle holders
(cause it's too much to go out and buy one for $2)












Gigantic Playground









Yoyos










...and my favorite (this is how it's listed)
Big safe to store anything of value including guns or metal - (Times Square)

Pet Fashion week-NYC

Um. Yeah.













August 23-24th, 2008

For more info, go to:
www.petfashionweek.com

Veggie and Vegan bible

I got this incredible list from a friend of mine. I don't it should be kept secret, so I'm laying it all out for my readers.

Enjoy!

FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
www.pcrm.org
(Medical doctors who provide excellent veg nutritional information)

On-line vegan grocery store:
http://store.foodfightgrocery.com

Everyday grocery store food that you never knew was vegan: www.peta.org/accidentallyVegan

Hundreds of reviewed recipes:
www.vegweb.com
www.vegsource.com
www.theppk.com

Fabulous DVD that shows how to cook and shop cruelty-free: www.compassionatecooks.com

With this video/DVD, adding tofu to your diet has never been easier: www.deliciousadventures.com

Ridiculously tasty, soy meats delivered right to your door:
www.vegieworld.com
www.auraprofoods.com

Scrumptious cookies, brownies, and chocolate:
www.allisonsgourmet.com
www.TheGroovyBaker.com
http://www.vegantreats.com
www.babycakesnyc.com
www.sweetavenuebakeshop.com
www.madamebutterflycakes.com
www.ambrosiamystique.com

Dr Cows Vegan Cheese to die for:
www.dr-cow.com
(read this <http://thediscerningbrute.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/the-best-cheese-on-earth-dr-cow/> cool article about it too!)

Follow your heart cheeses (Amazing for melting/ sandwiches) http://followyourheart.com

Amazing raw food snacks: http://oneluckyduck.com

Incredible (the best!!!) grain based meats: http://www.fieldroast.com

Ice Cream & Vegan yogurts: http://www.turtlemountain.com

Instead of butter: Earth Balance spread (much yummier than butter!)
Instead of eggs: Tofu Scramble - try the one at Bliss in Brooklyn or Curly's in NYC, or make:
http://www.chooseveg.com/tofu-scramble.asp

Instead of mayo: Nayonaise http://followyourheart.com

"Cheese" recipes for cheese lovers: www.aboverubies.org/health/cheese.html

The Post Punk Kitchen is home to Isa Chandra Moskowitz and her INCREDIBLE cookbook (my favorite) Vegonomicon. Check it out for hipster style and dope recipes: http://www.theppk.com

RESTAURANTS:
Lists all vegetarian restaurants worldwide Vegan Restaurant Guides for NYC, LA, San Fran, Seattle, Portland, and D.C.:
www.vegdining.com
http://www.friendsofanimals.org/programs/vegetarianism/restaurant-guides/index.html
www.supervegan.com (An ambitious website made by vegans for vegans primarily in NYC)

A few personal favorites (note I said PERSONAL – there are thousands of veg restaurants, these are just some of my faves);
Los Angeles:
http://www.madeleinebistro.com
http://mcafedechaya.com
http://www.realfood.com
http://www.nativefoods.com

New York: Candle 79, Hangawi, Blossom, Kate's Joint, Counter, Caravan of Dreams, Bliss (Brooklyn), Candle Café, Angelika's Kitchen, Curly's, Gobo.
Private vegan chef's (NY AREA):
"Gabrielle Brick" wildandraw@gmail.com
"yoli" yoli@ouiya.com
"Joshua Katcher" joshuakatcher@earthlink.net
"Ella Nemcova" www.theregalvegan.com

Vegan Cooking Classes LA taught by two hip awesome girls: http://www.sporkfoods.com

Lagusta's Luscious is a meal delivery service that specializes in organic, vegan food in NYC, upstate New York, and New Jersey http://www.lagustasluscious.com

FOR THE FAMILY:
www.vegfamily.com
www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/pregnancy.html
http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/veganpregnancy.htm
www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/veg_diets_for_children.html
www.pcrm.org/health/prevmed/building_bones.html
http://www.andrews.edu/NUFS/vegathletes.htm
Nutritional information on vegan diets for athletes
www.cyberparent.com/nutrition/osteoporosisimpotencecancer.htm
The low-down on how dairy products aggravate osteoporosis, not prevent it
www.choiceusa.net
For parents who want to get vegan meals into their children's schools
www.perhapsmedia.net/p4_portfolio.html
A Short on Vegan Kids!

CLOTHES TO MAKE UP TO HOME:
www.veganstore.com
www.veganessentials.com
www.thevegetariansite.com
(Each of these provides an array of vegan products)
www.petamall.com/index.asp
www.alternativeoutfitters.com
www.animalrightstuff.com
http://www.herbivoreclothing.com
www.motivecompany.com
(Coolest message-related clothing, buttons, etc)
www.mattandnat.com
www.mooshoes.com
www.beyondskin.co.uk
Oh so stylish vegan handbags, wallets, shoes, boots, and belts
www.crystalynkae.com
Luxurious handbags created with buttery-soft glazed vegan leather
www.vegetarianbelts.com
www.urbandecay.com
www.dupreycosmetics.com
www.smashbox.com
Totally fun and sexy makeup lines
http://thediscerningbrute.wordpress.com
Great ethical, green high fashion advice for men by men
www.ahappyplanet.com/ahpstore/bedding/prblank2.html
Organic and animal-free bedding and blankets
www.kidbean.com
The first all-vegan, eco-friendly, fair labor online children's store
Natalie Portman shoes for Te Casan Stella McCartney's shoes.
www.minkshoes.com
http://www.beyondskin.co
http://www.elezar.com/Collections/vivi/index.html
http://simpleshoes.com
www.ascentofscandal.com

BOOKS/ MAGAZINES/ FILM:
www.tribeofheart.org
Extraordinary documentaries on animal issues – we highly recommend seeing all of these
www.vegnews.com
Hands-down, the best veg eating and lifestyle magazine

The Food Revolution by John Robbins

Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman www.skinnybitch.net

The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health— Seminal study documenting link between animal food & disease, and industry influence - http://www.thechinastudy.com/about.html

Becoming Vegan : The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Plant-Based Diet —GREAT book on how to make sure you get all your vitamins and nutrition as a veggie lass or gent
http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Vegan-Complete-Adopting-Plant-Based/dp/1570671036/ref=sr_11_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1213368101&sr=11-1

Vegonomicon by Isa Chandra Moskowitz – my most FAVORITE cookbook!!

Healthy Eating Series: PCRM books on vegan diets for children, women, cancer, and diabetes http://pcrm.safeshopper.com/13/cat13.htm?53

Eat to Live and Disease-Proof Your Child - www.drfuhrman.com/book.html

Vegan Freak - by Bob and Jenna Torres - http://veganfreak.net

Living with Meat-Eaters - www.triroc.com/caroladams/#living

How to deal with questions from meat-eaters once you go veg
Raising Vegan Children in a Non-Vegan World www.vegfamily.com/raising-vegan-children/index.php?src=lbinfo
A great guide for helping your child easily adjust to going vegan

Vegan World Fusion Cuisine: www.veganfusion.com

How It All Vegan and The Garden of Vegan: www.govegan.net

The Vegetarian Meat and Potatoes Cookbook by Robin Robertson

Vive le Vegan!: Simple, Delectable Recipes for the Everyday Vegan Family www.everydayvegan.com/vive_le_vegan.htm


The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook— Favorite "cheese" dishes without the cholesterol, animal products, and dairy allergens
www.vegsource.com/jo/books/ultimate.htm

Simple Treats: a dairy-free wheat-free guide to scrumptious baked goods www.simpletreats.com

Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days, a feature documentary about the healing powers of live foods. Fascinating short film online here free: http://www.rawfor30days.com/

TRAVEL:
Green Earth Travel is the one stop travel service for all of your travel needs. Their specialty is meeting the vegetarian/vegan needs of their clientele. http://www.vegtravel.com

Healthy Highways: A Traveler's Guide to Healthy Eating www.book.nu/1886101108

http://www.healthyvoyager.blogspot.com - great blog on veg traveling

MORAL SUPPORT/ MAILING LISTS:
www.dawnwatch.net
http://www.farmedanimal.net
www.chloejo.co
www.veganbabe.com
www.veggieboards.com - Great way to get advice, commune with others
www.famousveggie.com
www.veggiedate.org
http://www.earthsave.org/
educates, inspires, and empowers people to shift toward a plant-based diet. EarthSave was founded by John Robbins, author of Diet for a New America. Look for an EarthSave chapter in your area. http://www.earthsave.org/chapters.htm

ANIMAL PROTECTION GROUPS:
www.hsus.org
www.farmsanctuary.org
www.cok.net
www.humaneusa.org
The only national organization focusing on electing humane-minded legislators and lobbying for animal protection laws
www.peta.org
http://www.veganoutreach.org/
http://www.veganstreet.com/
http://www.farmusa.org/
----
now some links (not all. yeah, there's more in the book!) from the Skinny Bitch book:

http://foodforlife.com/
http://www.healthy-eating.com/
http://www.uncleeddiesvegancookies.com/chip.html
http://www.rosecitychocolates.com/
http://www.rawbalance.com/
http://www.vegieworld.com/
http://www.chocolatedecadence.com/
http://www.leaheyfoods.com/
http://www.goodbaker.com/
http://www.healthy-eating.com/
http://www.vegcooking.com/
http://www.veganpeace.com/
http://www.vegoutguide.com/

Doggie info

I recently adopted the most amazing dog in the universe. She's a rescue from a puppy mill and adopted from the Louis Animal Foundation, Inc (off of Petfinder.com). Her name was Sunrise, but now goes by Emmie Loo Skeris. She was incredibly scared at first, but with only over a month of training, Emmie Loo has come out of her shell.

Emmie Loo is my very first dog. I had to sift through a lot of stuff to find all the things I need as a pup owner. I'm going to list as many things as I can so if you're ever interested in ADOPTING, it'll make your process easier.

Please adopt and don't buy from a petstore. The animals in petstores come from many abused facilities. If you must buy, please go through a trusted breeder who has all their background information readily availabe for you.

Places to adopt in NYC:
www.petfinder.com
MightMutts
Humane Society
Animal Haven
SOS Dogs

Things you MUST buy:
Harness (pull from the front NOT the back)
Wee wee pads
a Crate that's big enough for him/her to stand up and lay down (don't get one too big)
LEATHER leash
Apple Bitters (for things you don't want him/her to chew on--like your hands)
Healthy food - Life's Abundance and Natural Balance

Training and More:
Kate Perry is an awesome trainer! Plus her rates are completely reasonable.
The Dog Wash will completely poop out your dog if you need a doggie daycare.
D is for Doggie is a much more upscaled daycare.

More Fun Stuff:
Fancy Doggie Clothes — Trixie & Peanut
Whitener for tear stained dogs — Eye Envy
Toys!
UrbanHound
training tips
seperation anxiety

....and please remember that your DOG is a DOG and not a human!

C'mon Tiffany

I've always liked Tiffany. They used to be a little old fashioned, but now they have designers that do gorgeous work. So when I see this:







I'm a little dissapointed. The person would really need to be into aviation, or just plain ugly jewelry.



Then I saw this guy:








I thought it was a robot at first. Turns out it's a buggy.



But Tiffany still has the goodies. Since I am in a price-conscious mode, most of the stuff I'm listing is under $200. I'm a simple gal, for now.

News that's easy to read

I am jealous of people who can retain a lot of information because I am not that kind of person. I want to keep up with the news, but I find most of it dry and boring. A pal of mind recommended that I check out THE WEEK magazine. It has saved me. THE WEEK picks up articles from various newspapers and compresses it so it's easy to read and understand. Yes, it's "Cliff Notes" for adults. I love it. Plus it's super cheap–like $1/per mag if you subscribe.


www.theweekdaily.com

Val Day Gifts

We, as Americans, have this holiday. Valentine's Day. It's a day where couples feel obligated to do something for each other and singles wonder "what they've done wrong" to remain single. It's a bummer. I ask you to flip your views for yourself and for the people around you. Take this day and embrace it as a day that you are happy to have such wonderful people in your life. If you are in love, celebrate that love. If you're in like, embrace a new beginning. If you're alone (like me) spoil the shit out of yourself because you are awesome and you deserve it.

Maybe it's a day where you realize, I don't love you. I want something more. Or it's a day you realize, I am ready for marriage. Or maybe it's, I love my family....those people are my valentine. Try and work it in a positive spin. And then take a bubble bath with lavender and epsom salts.

Here are my gift recos, whether they be for yourself or a loved one.
JEWELRY!
I have a few friends that make jewelry. These are the ones that I have info on.
My friend Peter was a jewler a long time ago and has recently repicked up the craft.
As a professor in Lit, he also makes pretty things and one that I was lucky enough to get as a gift. I love his unique design and his exploration with different materials and stones. I LOVE my necklace (shown below). He's incredibly talented: peterhelff <> yahoo

My other pal Kim make an array of beautiful jewelery. I pretty much stare at her website in awe. http://www.krittjewelry.com/
I love the Collage and Web Necklaces. It's a tiny pict, but I really like this one:

For men?
PLANTS!
I love my Bonsai and Bamboo plants. It's not too feminine and can spruce up any apartment! They're just plane cool looking.


http://www.bonsaiofbrooklyn.com/tip22.html
http://www.bonsaigardener.org/ficus-bonsai-care.html

Are you sick too?

I've already been sick twice in one month already. Once with a cold and the second with a cold/fever/flu thing. This winter has been nasty on the illness and it's going around to EVERYBODY. Here are a few things I've learned along the way.

SNOT COLOR
clear: not infected, take clariton
yellow: infected, but fightable (go on antibiotics)
green: infected, will be hard to fight (go on antibiotics)
brown: super infected, you're screwed (go to the hospital)

TEA
Do ginger tea with honey for colds.
This particular tea ROCKS for colds and sore throats:

I found this in Korean town food store on 32nd & 6th
Honey Citron Tea


TAKE YOUR VITAMINS!
I have been neglecting mine. Vitamins are different for different folk. Don't be afraid to try different brands out. This is my preference:

I found it at my healthy food place
New Chapter Organics/Every Woman's One Daily

PREVENTION!
A lot of people do the airborn or the zinc chews, this puppy is my favorite. It has kicked many a sickness out of my system:

Wellness Formula found at GNC

Shop it to me!

Who doesn't love a sale? I am big time into bargain hunting. I am also lazy. Shop it to me helps me to continue my laziness while still getting the bargains. First you sign up for an account, choose the name brands that you like, choose the sizes you're interested in, and they'll send you an email (timing is of your choosing) letting you know the who/what/where of bargains. I think the best part is you can get this stuff in YOUR SIZE!

Make sure you keep a budget. You can buy a lot of stuff, but it adds up yo!

Sign up now:
http://www.shopittome.com

MBT Shoes

I have 2 herniated discs in my neck. I have been doing PT for over a year and the chiropractor for 6months. They have both helped with the pain but my MBT shoes have been AMAZING. The pain in my torn ACL diminished instantly and my back felt better. I can wear these shoes for an entire day and not be sore. That's seriousness.

I bought the black sandles and got the blue shoes for the fall. They are a bit on the pricey side, but it's worth every penny. You can buy them at BLISS, online and ebay.

You can also search for stores that sell their shoes on their website so you can try them on first. They all run around the same:
www.swissmasaius.com

They're for both men and women!

Animated Closet

I love this line. I came across it in Bryant Park, I was trying to find an awesome gift for my bestie and spotted this amazing bag:
They also have adorable shirts and skirts. They'll be in Bryant Park until Dec 30th.

You can also shop online:
www.animatedcloset.com

I recommend heading to Bryant Park ASAP! Some of their stuff is ON SALE!!!!!

August: Osage County

It took me a bit to settle into the story, but it was good once it really started to flow. There is a lot of conflict among the characters (between themselves and each other), this isn't a peachy happy family. The language sometimes gets a bit wordy, but the humor is how the words are played among the characters.

I loved Barabara Fordham (played by Amy Morton) as soon as she stepped onto that stage. For me, the play really started with her. Amy was a breath of fresh air to watch as an actor. She completely gets lost in the character and the environment. LOVED her! I also loved watching Mr & Mrs Aiken (Rondi Reed & Francis Guinan).

This is a nitty gritty play that laughs at the world and the characters within it. There are a lot of layers that unfold as the acts go by, as long as you have the patience for it...it is worth to see.

my favorite scene; the family dinner