DIY Wedding Flowers - No Experience Required

I recently had the pleasure of attending a gorgeous wedding in the North Carolina mountains.  Many of the bride and groom's friends stayed together in the same house, at the location of the wedding.  Over the course of a weekend we all got to know each other, cook and eat meals together, and be a part of throwing a really rad party for our friends.

I've decided I'm kind of the best non-bridesmaid bridesmaid ever.  I've helped friends try on wedding dresses, organized bachelorette parties, and now created centerpieces, all without having to don a matching dress and heels.  And it's actually pretty great.

I've plunked grocery store bouquets into vases before, but that's about all the experience I brought to this latest adventure.  The bride and groom ordered buckets of flowers from a local farm.  While it's awesome to source locally, if you don't have that option you always have the internet.  Blooms by the Box also offers ready-made packages of flowers and greenery that take out much of the guess work. Having good material to work with is the first step in making beautiful arrangements.  Lucky for us, flowers are just darn pretty.

The next key is to have a cool place to store the flowers after you arrange them.  The top of a mountain in autumn is a good option, though not universally available.  To me this, and not skill or experience, is usually the biggest obstacle to DIY flowers.

To start, I gathered several larger blooms to anchor the centerpiece.  Then I added smaller flowers and more textured flowers at slightly different heights and filled in with greenery.  I usually gathered things in my hand first, and then cut stems to the appropriate height and added them to vases once I had the sense that what I had grabbed was sufficient.  Pretty much whenever a bridesmaid would hold up a bunch of flowers and say, "Is this missing something?"  I'd just suggest more greenery.  It gives everything a full, sophisticated, and complete look.

If you have a vase with a wide opening you can try something I saw on Pinterest that I confirmed actually works.  Use masking tape to make a grid over the opening.  This allows you to place the flowers without them all falling into the center of the bowl or vase.  The same rules about variety, heights, and greenery apply.  My attempt turned into my favorite arrangement of the night.

The Battle for Millennial Votes

A lot has been said about the impact of changing demographics on elections in this country.  But if a picture is worth 1,000 words, these videos are worth about a bajillion.

Here, the GOP appeals to lady voters at a level we can understand - wedding dresses.  They finally get me.  This is not to say that I don't thoroughly love the show parodied here.  Just that I don't relate to politics and issues that affect my life through a lens of reality television.  Assuming so is pretty insulting.

Then there's this video.  Which, I can testify as a millennial, is awesome.  And went almost immediately viral.  And not in the, OMG look at what ridiculously embarrassing/offensive thing Rick Perry just said kind of viral.

The comments on the video are, not unexpectedly, pretty racist, classist, sexist, and generally every other kind of hateful "ist" you can think of.  I mean, it's the internet comments, people.  I guess human rights kind of freak some people out.

So what are we to think then?  Are we really moving forward?  As Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.  I can only hope that my generation's hands and hearts will keep on bending it.  And in the meantime, there are these videos to make you groan/smile.  Oh yea, and don't forget to vote!

Mindy, Jess, and Juliette - Television Takes on Feminism with Mixed Results

If you read this blog, or have spoken to me ever, you know I watch a lot of TV.  And I'm a feminist.

A few of my favorite shows, with awesome female-led casts, have all taken on some interesting issues of late, some with more concerning outcomes than others.  I love seeing these story lines, even when they're problematic, because they're great fodder for lunchtime conversations with my feminist coworkers.  Which probably means they're great fodder for other people's conversations and we need to be having more conversations about these things.

I generally find Jess' character on New Girl to be obnoxiously one-dimensional, but in the October 7th episode, "Micro," she took on her male friends for objectifying women and judging them based on their looks.  She then shows herself to be a hypocrite by immediately agreeing to date a disarmingly handsome man she meets at the bar who turns out to be a horrible human being (with a micro-penis no less).  Funny, irreverent, feminist.

In contrast, I tend to feel that The Mindy Project, with smart and genuinely funny Mindy Kaling at the helm, is a great portrayal of complex womanhood.  She's a badass OB/GYN and also a serial dater and rom-com watcher.  Except in "I Slipped," airing right after the aforementioned New Girl episode, which begins with Mindy's boyfriend "accidentally" engaging in anal sex with her, despite her protestations ("That doesn't go there Danny!").  We later learn he did it on purpose because he wanted to try it, but I guess was embarrassed to ask her about it.  Yea friends, that's called rape.  If you want to try something with a partner and you're not sure they'd like it or want it, or even if you feel reasonably sure they would, you have to ASK.  And they have to AGREE.  This is called consent and without it, sex is rape.

To  make things worse, Mindy feels badly about not being sexually adventurous so she uses alcohol and drugs to loosen herself up so she can engage in the act.  So much about this is wrong.  And yet it's all just portrayed as hilarious hi-jinks.

Then on the October 8th episode of Nashville, "I Can't Get Over You To Save My Life," we watch Juliette go to an abortion clinic.  Presumably, her pregnancy is the result of the time she cheated on her boyfriend and had unprotected sex with her sleazy former boss.  Then, thanks to mandatory biased counseling, she - gasp! - changes her mind.  This counseling, often full of scientifically inaccurate information, is intended to shame women and discourage them from choosing abortion.  This story line reinforces the false idea that these restrictions are based on what is best for women, rather than an unabashed attempt to impose a certain set of beliefs on doctors and patients.  This idea, that abortion restrictions support women's health and safety rather than risk it, undergirds a variety of increasingly harsh laws, including those in Texas that recently resulted in the closure of an additional 13 clinics in the state.  When, in fact, thanks to a new report, we now know that states with the highest number of abortion restrictions have the worst health outcomes for women in children.

Broadway, Not Just for Mama Mia and Cats Anymore

As I was walking around the neighborhood near my office recently, I came across the Broadway plazas - a stretch of Broadway between 35th and 41st where there are extra pedestrian and seating areas.  One thing about New Yorkers is that they're able to make the most out of small spaces.  The city itself is the same - so much art and food and open space, crammed into the medians of one of the city's busiest streets.

Until October 17th, you can enjoy a variety food options, from arepas to cupcakes, that will make you want to turn on your heels away from the long lines and overpriced salads of Chop't. Thanks to UrbanSpace and the Garment District Alliance, you can savor this worldly fare in the shadows of The Sentinels, an imposing art exhibition from Chakaia Booker.  Her dark, almost leather-like sculptures contrast with the bright umbrellas and lush florals that provide an oasis for Midtown workers.

And on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays through the end of the month you can also check out the Broadway French Market for everything from apples, to pickles, and knitted sweaters.  And all these cozy, cultural offerings are available within a few blocks of the glare of Times Square.

Finding the Bagels, At Long Last

Since moving to New York, I've had two totally random run-ins with Vassar alums I sort of know.  Both of whom, upon hearing where we live (Kips Bay), have extolled the virtues of Ess-a-Bagel.  While the Vassar run-ins are commonplace - where do hipsters from a liberal arts college in the Hudson Valley flock?  The two recommendations, among the hundreds of bagel places, struck me as more than mere coincidence.

So we went to check it out.  And what we got was a bagel as big as our heads in a bakery that managed to be, in true New York fashion, both pretentious and no-nonsense.  I was curtly informed that they do not toast their bagels.  I was quickly handed two bagels, meticulously wrapped in origami-like white paper.

When we got home and unwrapped our bounty we saw that the bagels were about one and a half times the thickness of a regular bagel and contained approximately a quarter of a pound of cream cheese.  Jake noted that, even without being toasted, they managed to have the crunchy outside and chewy inside bagel purveyors in Boston seemed unable to achieve.  I noted, at two o'clock that same day, that I still wasn't hungry.

I was so excited to tear into these bagels that I forgot to take a bagel selfie.  Shameful.  So here are some so not as good Google image results to give you a sense of the bagel glory.

Back in the New York Groove

We live in New York again!  And I found the bagels!  More on that later.

I've actually been back in New York City for a little over a month now.  And yes, it's taken me this long to get back on the blog.  It's taken some processing.  Anyone who knows me knows I'm not too good at transitions.

In that month, I've decided that one of New York City's most basic truths is that it's a city of contradictions.  A Gemini like me.

When I got here I told Jake that I felt as though New York was constantly sending me two different messages: "Welcome to the greatest city in the world!  Oh, and fuck you."

Then I was watching Manhattan Love Story on DVR (more on that later, too) and the two central characters were trying to hail cabs while we were treated to their internal monologues - "Thanks, New York!" and "Thanks, New York."  It's a little hard to express their intonations with only punctuation and italics at my disposal, but I think you get the idea.

The truth, which I've kept secret thus far, is that sometimes New York disgusts me.  I wasn't supposed to feel that way.  It was supposed to be a magical homecoming to a city I loved deeply and unconditionally - no matter how much trash there is on the sidewalk.  But if there's another basic truth about New York City, it's that it's constantly changing.  Which means constant construction noise.  The point being, that there was never a chance for this to be a homecoming, because so much has changed.  In the city and in me.

Today I let myself do something that New Yorkers are all too often shamed out of doing - be unabashedly awed by my city.  Like, take out your smartphone and take pictures of the Empire State Building while other people are trying to cross the street unabashedly awed.

Both these feelings live together, and there's room for that here in New York - the greatest city on earth.  It's always struck me how many different worlds can be tucked onto one small island between Jersey and Connecticut.  My world is here now; this is my home.

And for those of you who didn't believe me, blurry photos of three New York City icons, all of which I get to take in every day on my walk to work (yes, I can WALK to work!)  They do literally no justice to the majesty and beauty of these buildings on a blue skied, fall morning, with the sun rising slowly but deliberately behind them.

Classy Brunch in a Jiffy

People wonder why I'm so obsessed with servingware.  The answer is because it's the key to classing up any meal quick.  Store bought cupcakes (gasp!)?  Put them on a tiered serving dish and it looks great.  Let's be real, anything looks good on a tiered serving dish. 

In search of a quick, light, and healthy brunch I went with fruit salad, greek yogurt, granola, and scones.  Buying things like yogurt and granola that don't need any additional prep is a big time saver.  I also used both pre-cut fruit from Whole Foods with some self-cut strawberries and bananas.  Sometimes time is money.  It freed me up to focus on the scones that I baked at home in my adorable mini scone pan that I've been coveting for so long.  I love seemingly unnecessary baking pans, especially when it allows you to make something "mini."  

Key items used here: serving bowls in a variety of sizes, tiered serving trays, candlesticks (while not a serving item, do not underestimate the power of a badass set of candlesticks to class things up).  Not pictured here: a pitcher.  It killed me to have to put that Tropicana out on the table like that.  So I immediately did some online research and I'm thinking about this as my next purchase:



What items is your home missing?  Throw it in a pitcher, put it on a tray, stick it on a cake stand - I guarantee it'll look like a million bucks. 

Somerville Winter Farmer's Market

The cafe lights are strung with care and roots vegetables fill wooden boxes.  If you don't get there late, like me, you might be able to pick up some fresh squid ink pasta.  In any case there's probably bread and cheese to go around.  And some fancy chocolate for dessert.

There's still one weekend left to enjoy the Somerville Winter Farmer's Market. Tomorrow from 9:30-2:00 at the Armory - I promise it will be much more pleasant than a Saturday morning at Market Basket. 

Three Little Figs

If you're looking for the most heavenly spinach pie this side of the Charles, look no further.  Three Little Figs is one of those lovely little ventures born out of the recession.  No traditional job?  Let's make something fabulous.  And fabulous it is. 

This tiny Somerville shop only has a few tables so get there early.  Or stop by to pick up some baked goods to go, like the zucchini cake or the goat cheese stuffed muffins.  It isn't just your standard bakery fare. 

Peach Perfect

I'm back with another Minted inspiration board.  There are so many beautiful color palettes to choose from when it comes to planning a wedding that it's sad you only get to do it once!  We're going with rose and grey, for Vassar, but when it comes to romantic hues, this one just takes the cake for me. 

Peachy Keen board by Sara. See more unique wedding invitations

Mid-Season TV Review

It's that dark and desolate time of year when the holidays are over, you still have three months of winter ahead, and there are no new episodes of your favorite TV shows.  Even though Santa's already made his rounds, I'm taking this time to reflect on who's been naughty and nice in the TV world, what's worth the wait, and what needs to be thrown out with the holiday leftovers. 

Now of course I don't, and can't, watch everything on TV.  So this is my opinion based on what I have been watching.  I did start off the fall TV season with 23 shows on the roster, so I dare say it's at least relatively comprehensive.

Best new comedy - Brooklyn 99
Funny and smart, I fear this comedy may go the way of many of my other favorites (RIP 30 Rock).  Andy Samberg is the clear star, but I enjoy the many funny lady cops who back him up. 

Best new drama - The Blacklist
While the serial aspect of the show can get a little tedious, the big picture plot is supremely intriguing.  Also James Spader is genius in it.  

Best returning comedy - The Mindy Project
I have a serious girl crush on Mindy Kaling and this show is hitting its sweet spot with new characters and lots of charm. 

Best returning drama - Scandal
If you work in an office with at least two female co-workers, someone is talking about this show on Friday mornings.  It just keeps getting juicer, flashier, and more outrageous and I can't get enough.  

New shows to drop
Hostages - This show might look shinier if it didn't have to compete with The Blacklist in the same slot.  Unfortunately, it just pales in comparison.
Super Fun Night - I wanted to like this show, but it just wasn't funny and I like my female characters to be, well, more than just characters (see: Mindy Project.)

Returning shows to drop
New Girl - If Nick and Jess don't make you gag, you  may need to see a doctor.  This crew just needs to grow up already. 
Glee - What is the plot/point of this show again?

Sad to see it go
Breaking Bad - It was epic. 

Excited for its return
Portlandia - Should be mandatory for anyone living in hipster meccas including Portland, Austin, and Brooklyn.  Let's hope they start off season four with a new "Dream of the 90's" ballad. 
The Following - Season one is on Netflix so get on it.  The creepy quotient is high and getting higher.  Like the best episodes of Criminal Minds, but so much better.

2014 - New Beginnings and Old Blooms

Happy New Year!  New Year's Day is all about new beginnings.  And while everything's covered in snow now, nothing makes me think of new beginnings more than my little garden.  I started "urban gardening" about a year and a half ago and I've since accumulated a nice little collection of pots and hanging boxes.  I usually do two plantings per year - one in the spring, and the other in late summer/early fall.  So as I'm dreaming of warmer months, here are some bright blooms to add cheer to your day.

Flox are pretty and colorful, but short-lived

These marigolds continued to bloom long after the first frost

Taking a vegetative turn with decorative cabbage and peppers

Nothing's prettier than flowers against a backdrop of fall leaves

Mums are my favorite fall flower