Quote of The Day

The crest and crowning of all good,

Life's final star is Brotherhood.

Edwin Markham

Oscar Weekend

It's here : the queen of all Hollywood

award shows,

The Academy Awards.

This year is the 83rd installment,

I've seen most but not all of the movies-

but no worries Billy Bush and Ryan Seacrest

filled me in on what I haven't.

Whether your viewing pleasure

involves gowns, jewelery, black tie

and champagne cocktails is beside the point-

(but of course they do make it more fun)

this is the night to revel and enjoy the best

that Hollywood has to offer.

See you on The Red Carpet
xo

Quote of The Day

You yourself have the wisdom within,

and you yourself will find out how

to open that door.

Pema Chodron

Waiting For Superman: Get Schooled

It's no secret our education system

in this country is not what it should be.

Why is it so foreign to expect and demand

excellence and high performance

from our schools and their students?

How do we ignite the system and 

 inspire teachers and students

to be the best they can be

 and inspire real social change?

"Davis Guggenheim, the Oscar-winning director of An Inconvenient Truth,

 examines the failings of the US education system in his controversial 

and poignant documentary Waiting for “Superman.”

This is not only documentary though, it is a fascinating 

social action campaign that has one primary goal: to ensure that every child receives a great education. The campaign seeks to build public awareness, ignite personal involvement and inspire real social change.

The debate is very complex, however at the core

is, great teachers deserve great schools,

for they inspire our future.

The possibilities are endless.

xo

Quote of The Day

The is that beautiful old parchment

in which the sun and the moon

keep their diary.

Alfred Kreynborg

What's For Lunch?

There is a sandwich craze going on
across America and of course,
we here in San Francisco are at the forefront.
It's called banh mi...
Begin with a whole baguette, preferably baked in-house and dressed with an aioli spread infused with pork, garlic and fish sauce. These ingredients then hold a wide variety of fillings: barbecue pork, fried tofu and thick-sliced ham are the most common options, along with pork pâté, grilled chicken, meatballs, sauteed vegetables.   via NY Times

The local favorite counter is
Saigon Sandwich located in The Tenderloin-

-no not a pretty neighborhood and nothing much to look at inside,
but so worth the jaunt and well, the risk.
check out these reviews on yelp...
"I decided to listen to the other yelpers and try the Roast Pork banh mi with pate ($3.75). The bread was perfectly toasted and very fresh. It does not cut the roof of your mouth but is still crunchy. The sauce they put in the sandwich is runny and was dripping out as I took each bite! I don't really know what the sauce is made of but i'm guessing a combination of mayo and pork drippings. Yuummmmm!  This banh mi is set apart from all others i've tried because of this runny, drippy sauce. 

You know the place is good when you are still thinking about the delicious mouth watering viet sandwich you had and your 100 miles away. Well i got the chicken sandwich with peppers because i like spicy and it was incredible, the flavor, the texture, the crispy, and the tender. Sandwiches come in chicken pork and combination. they are i still believe $3.50 for one. But this has got to be the best place for viet sandwiches in the city because I tried other places and they do not even compare. Yummy food makes happy people. :)
I can't wait to go back!"


"Best Banh Mi you will find in the bay area hands down! You can't go wrong, everything is sooo good depending what you're in the mood for that day. Fast turnover so you know everything is fresh. It must be the spot when so many people travel out of the way and stand in line just to get a sandwich. Plus everybody and their mama knows about this hole in the wall."
Saigon Sandwich
560 Larkin  Street (Btwn Eddy & Turk)

Cheap lunch dates, sign up here.

xo

Quote of The Day

Let us probe the silent places,

Let us seek what luck betide us.

Robert W. Service

Made In The USA- Really

When you see the words

"Made In The USA" on a garment, there is always a sense of pride-

you know, think, support, shop, act locally...

I think I have an even higher expectation for this concept

 when I know a garment is from a local designer or small line.

However, quite often due to prohibitive production

 costs and high production quotas,

this is rarely the case.

 Enter the Portland Garment Factory

founded and co owned by Britt Howard,

mother, model and designer of her own children's clothing  line.

After having trouble finding a local manufacturer for her

new venture...

 'she opened a tiny storefront to sew for Portland's growing legion of independent designers (that includes three competitors and two winners of the reality show Project Runway) and two years, more than a few eighty-hour work weeks, and a business partner (Rosemary Robinson) later, PGF is now a booming enterprise. Today, the upstart completes orders for clients as far-flung as New York and Los Angeles in an airy new warehouse space in Portland's bustling Montavilla neighborhood.'

"It's been like, zero to sixty for us," Robinson described. "We're thinking about opening another location, maybe in San Francisco or Austin. But we'd want to keep it personal, to be able to keep that close relationship with the people we work with."

And being a local manufacturer does enable PGF to have a more involved relationship with their clients. As their motto says, "We got your back." Unlike overseas manufacturers, they'll produce lots of as small as twenty units as well as in the thousands. Along with an army of eager interns, the plant also provides design consulting services, and Howard often finds herself serving as a de facto business counselor. "Sometimes I feel like I'm giving a seminar everyday," Howard said with a laugh. "This is your retail price, and this is your wholesale price."

For small designers, PGF's prices are comparable to—and the timeframe infinitely friendlier than—sending garments halfway around the world. That's in addition to higher-quality craftsmanship, as well as the assurance that it's sewn with pride by workers who are treated well. 

via Cool Hunting

 Made In The USA, indeed.

xo

Quote of The Day

Necessity and Chance 

Approach not me, 

and what I will is Fate.

Milton

Strokes of Genius

 I love when I come across artists

who besides obvious talent, are imaginative in their ways

and bring ingenious ideas to the table.

Holton Rower (above) is a New York based artist who,

creates abstract images using a a platform 

and a multitude of paint colors poured from a can.

I find the end result, very fascinating, a bit woozy and

yet, rather calming.

Check out the video of a work in the making :

Like a lava lamp, but better, right?

xo

Quote of The Day

    The spectacles of experience;

through them you will see clearly

a second time.

Henrik Ibsen                                                                                              

Gung Hay Fat Choy

This weekend is the culmination of Chinese New Year celebration

and in many cities there will be a big,

bright and very festive parade.

Here is San Francisco, where we have one of the largest 

Chinese populations outside of mainland China.,

the streets, shops and temples of Chinatown have been 

overflowing with signs of celebration.

The color red is everywhere as it represents wealth and happiness,

orange and tangerine trees grace the doorways representing

good health and long life, tangerines with leaves attached

 are said to bring long lasting relationships.

There are so many deep rooted traditions and customs,

which many of us like to think, transcend the Chinese culture.

I love having a dinner, to celebrate, the new year,

the gift of friendship, and to share good wishes

for prosperity and long life.

I've decided to share a few of my favorite recipes here.

Braised Soy Sauce Chicken

Chiang-yu-chi

This is awesome! I found it years ago in a cookbook I'd gotten 

from the library. (this recipe is exactly the same)

A 4½-to 5-pound roasting chicken

2 cups cold water 2 cups soy sauce

¼ cup Chinese rice wine, or pale dry sherry

5 slices peeled, fresh ginger root about 1 inch in diameter and 1/8 inch thick

1 whole star anise, or 8 sections star anise

¼ cup rock candy broken into small pieces, or substitute 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon sesame-seed oil

Sesame Chile Sauce

(someone gave me this recipe- 

and if I could figure out a way to bottle it- I think I could retire)

1 8oz jar Plum Sauce

1/3 C Hoisin Sauce 1/4 C Soy Sauce

3TBS Honey   3TBS Water

2 Cloves Minced Garlic 2 tsp Grated Gingerroot

11/2 Asian chili Sauce 1/2tsp 5 Spice Powder

Combine all ingredients in saucepan,

cook until bubbly, then simmer for 5 min

(I cannot emphasize how good this is with the chicken)

(This slaw is actually hot and sweet-and very refreshing!

 I like to up the cabbage and carrots 

and reduce the sugar to taste)

Hunan Hot and Sour Dressing For Noodles

(These noodles are so good- you'll want them for breakfast/lunch and dinner the next day)

• 4 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter ( or combination of the two)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hot red hot pepper oil (or use Asian chili sauce)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons corn oil or 2 tablespoons sunflower oil or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon scallions, minced
• 1 tablespoon white wine
• 1 teaspoon hot mustard (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups broth ( chicken or vegetable)Mix together in blender, pour over and mix withAsian noodles (found in refrigerated section)
  These recipes are really super simple. (Trust me) Of course, because abundance is the name of the game for this celebration, you really cannot have too much food on the table...I also like to serve Mongolian Orange Beef,Barbecued Ribs, Asparagus with Black Bean Sauce,Tangy Spinach with Peanuts
  So, Raise The Red Lantern and enjoy!Gung Hay Fat Choyxo

Quote of The Day

Virtuous, he is free from anxieties; 

wise he is free from perplexities;

bold he is free from fear.

Confucius 

This Is Not A Design Blog #1

No, this is not a design blog-

but it is about sharing and inspiring...

If you follow reality TV, you'll recognize

 Bob and Courtney Novogratz 

(from Sixx Design) as the designers

(and parents of seven kids) from

Bravo's 9 By Design show from last year.

These two are self-taught risk takers in the world 

of interior design, known for turning funky into fabulous.  

 Signature looks include the mixing of 

vintage and modern, high and low end

and utilizing a lot of color and art.

Recently, I came across and interview series at 

coco+kelly where they were featured.

It's a great piece, picking up

their philosophies from design to 

parenting and lifestyle.

What is one piece of furniture people underuse?
The dining table. Whether it’s in the kitchen or a dining room, people should eat at them more often. It’s nice to have dinner with your family. Maybe not seven nights a week, but two or three times is nice.

Finish this sentence: no room is complete without… 
Something personal.

Quote of The Day

Self-confidence is the first

requisite to great undertakings.

Emerson

Art + Kissing

Rene Margritte 1928

February is the month of love.

What better way to celebrate this, than the art + Kissing? 

Flavorwire  (Paul Laster) has selected the 10 best art kisses — ranging from erotic embraces in paintings by Gérôme and Klimt and sensual smooches in sculptures by Rodin and Brancusi to lustful lip-locking in works on paper by Picasso and Man Ray.

Man Ray 1922

Roy Lichtenstein 1964

The Depression-era song “A Kiss to Build a Dream On,” which Louis Armstrong made famous in the ’50s, finishes with the lyrics: “Oh give me your lips for just a moment/ And my imagination will make that moment live/ Oh give me what you alone can give/ A kiss to build a dream on.” Over the course of art history, painters, sculptors, poets, and photographers have — as the song suggests — used their vivid imaginations to bring the kiss to life as a symbol of fresh love, renewed love, and even black-and-blue love.

Now get busy.

xo

Quote of The Day

The laws of geometry translate

the laws of ethics.

Emerson

Valentines Redux

After reviewing a few photos from V-Day night,

I decided at least one deserved a blog post

to commemorate a lovely evening.

First and foremost, my honorable and dedicated husband

of 30+ years spent a better part of the day

making homemade fettuccine to accompany

my carbonara. We celebrated together with our two 

children, friends Patti and Jim. and we it made all the more festive 

by celebrating Patti's BD (15th)as well, with a Red Velvet Cake.

I truly love the idea of of a non inclusive Valentines Day,

love and commitment is something personal

my husband and I experience everyday and on the 

14th of February- it was wonderful to
 revel in the good and  share with others.
XO

Quote of The Day

Life is a game of whist-

Between Man and Nature

In which Nature knows all Man's cards. 

Love Is A Carousel

Love is like a carousel,  it goes around

like a circle- only a beginning, never and end.

XO

Quote of The Day

Love is love for evermore.

Tennyson

Music Is Life - Life Is Music

I love music- it's ability
to cut straight through to our emotional level.
 I can't play or sing-

but I love listening and ~ feeling it.

I have always been a radio person,

there's something the snapshots that radio offers.
 Frankly, rarely does an album offer up 

much more than the songs radio singles out and,

when I love a song, repetition is fine by me.

Something about the element of surprise coupled with,

albeit conversely, the control factor of 

 constantly switching of channels is
a perfect match.
This Sunday is music's biggest night -
The Grammys and of course
I will be watching and listening.
Record of the year is going to be especially tough
because I really like four of the songs.

All four these songs are filled with passion
that comes across and demands attention
on so many levels.
I'm glad I don't have to vote.





xo

Quote of The Day

A man may see how this world goes

with no eyes. Look with thine ears.

Shakespeare

Citrus State Of Mind

Our Meyer Lemon season is getting going

now, which signifies all that is right in the world.

The days (and nights!) have been so beautiful this week,

I can't help, but open up the gateway 

to the weekend  with a 

super sunny, and delicious

Citrus Margarita. This recipe calls for only Meyer Lemons,

but as we also have limes and oranges waiting to drop,

I think a mixed bag is in order- adjust as needed.

Meyer Lemon Margarita Recipe

1 1/2 oz. fresh Meyer Lemon Juice

1 1/2 oz. Tequila

1 oz. Triple Sec (or Cointreau if you want to go “top-shelf”)

sea salt for rimming glass

1. Rub the rim of an old fashioned glass (or whatever similar vessel you prefer) with a meyer lemon slice.  Swirl the rim through a small pile of kosher or sea salt to salt the rim.

2. Put the meyer lemon juice, tequila, and triple sec in a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake for 15 seconds.

3. Put a few cubes of ice in your glass.  Strain the cocktail into the glass and enjoy.

via White On Rice Couple 

News We Can Use: NYC Fashion Week

HOW TO SNEAK INTO A RUNWAY SHOW

As told by Corey Kindberg via Racked

On Saturday, September 11, 2010, I made it my mission to attend the Prabal Gurung show. He's said to be the new Alexander Wang, and after seeing the show I have no doubt he is. The story below is how I single-handedly snuck in and sat second row.

First, when thinking about sneaking into Fashion Week, you must put your best fashion foot forward. Search through your closet for the perfect outfit and double it. Make sure there's a lot of black; you'll blend in easier. Have your darkest pair of sunglasses on you at all times. Also, carry an attitude that will make anyone scared to question you. Once you're ready, grab your bag and head on over to Lincoln Center.

Second, you have to know what shows are going on that day and at what time. I walked up the steps of the main tent and was immediately stopped by security. No worries, I had told the man that I was there to see the ADAM show. When they ask for tickets, simply respond with "I'm on the list." Instant entry.

Next, grab The Daily and the current copy of WWD so that you have something to discuss with other people in the tents. Then put on your sunnies and stare down at your Blackberry. This way no one will bother you. Walk like you're on a mission(which you are) to the center garden. This got me past other ticket checkpoints. When I saw that the Gurung show was starting check-in, I waited a few minutes for the line to build up. I then walked around, past the other tents. Remember, don't ever look up from your Blackberry or take off your sunnies. When you see a big enough crowd, quickly and quietly wiggle your way into the middle, and don't look up.

The next thing I know....Racked (to see how it ends)

Similar but different...

TWO WAYS TO CRASH FASHION WEEK... via Racked

New York Fashion Week: It gets so much publicity, and yet it's so clearly not a public event. This can be maddening to local fans like college student Maria Alexa Gee, who told today's NYDN, "It's like the Greek myth about the guy [Tantalus] who is always hungry, but he can't reach the fruit...It's right uptown, but I can't get into it."

If we've learned anything from NYFW's past season at Lincoln Center, though, it's that in some ways, the new location is actually friendlier to gate-crashers. Gee might not be able to see any runway shows, but her current plan—to round up some friends and hang out on the plaza outside the tents—isn't such a bad idea. The plaza acts as a lobby for the main building, so street style photographers tend to congregate there, and every so often someone famous (or at least fabulous) sweeps past, ticket in hand.

Of course, plenty of reasonable people...Racked (for more)