Skip's Best Performance

This past weekend having finally received our elegant wedding dinnerware from Frances Palmer, RTT and I decided to cook up a fancy feast, one-pot wonder to warm our spirits in this frozen tundra known as Boston (which, fortunately, also allowed us to use our new Le Creuset pan).

After extensive research on Epicurious we discovered the recipe that had collected the most rave reviews...like the best reviews we've ever seen for an Epicurious recipe. The Moroccan Slow-Cooked Lamb from a February 2005 Bon Appetit. Cautiously optimistic, we spent Saturday chopping, braising, stirring and spicing.

Um, seriously. This was the best thing I have ever eaten!

Make it. Now.

Skip Loves Websites That Work

Some might consider me to be a wee bit of a critic. Seriously though, who isn't these days? I simply have very high standards, which is not something I will apologize for, but which often results in my frustration (i.e. is it too much to want there to be more than 3 check-outs open at Stop n' Shop on a busy Sunday afternoon? is it too much to expect drivers to indicate when they are making a turn? is it that difficult for Comcast to build a website with even an iota of added value to the customer?)

Anyhoo, this rather frequent disappointment that I experience (or the vocal tirades that RTT gets to observe) is rendered painless when I discover something, or someone for that matter, that completely blows my already high expectations out of the water and makes my entire life shiny with beaming elation (OxiClean comes to mind and my Dyson miracle vacuum).

When RTT and I decided to drive down to New York City for my darling brother Penny's 24th birthday this past weekend, I was happily hit with not one, but two ridiculously helpful websites that were clearly created by someone with (a) common sense and (b) a modicum of intelligence. Being a wee bit of a planner as well, I embarked on world wide web quest for parking locations in the Big Apple and information regarding toll-plazas across states that take the Fast Pass (don't get me started on why all commuters don't have a Fast Pass) . The results of my searches were the incredible Icon Parking website, that allows you to locate, price and reserve a parking spot in Manhattan, and the vastly informative Mass Pike website which confirmed that you can use Fast Pass in all states west to Illinois (Ohio is coming soon) and even offered puppy break spots along the way. Both websites not only provided me with useful information in a wonderful format, but they actually worked in practice too! Parking in NYC was a total breeze as was speeding through the E-Z Pass lanes on I-90. YAY!

Now, if only Comcast could design a website that...er, just works even some of the time.

Skip Hits the Birthday Jackpot

Check out the fantabulous bag RTT gave me for my birthday!

It's absolutely perfect; lady-like yet hipster edgy, brown-ish yet black-ish, cavernous yet small....In other words, if Skip were a handbag!

Er, I wish.

Skip Loves Giant Lego Men

Not sure who is behind this fantastically funny giant Lego man prank, but I think I love him/her/them. And, please note, he/she/they are British, of course.

Skip Loves Free Rice

I hope by now I have made clear to the fair readers of this blog my sincerest love of words. I adore not just their discretionary, mellifluous, and often illusory use in libraries-full of poetry and prose but also mastering the ugly, impersonal definitions of such words as well...

After the moving into the stage of my life that doesn't require blind memorization of seemingly useless words (so long SAT and GMAT), I have found that there is little tangible use in hoarding dictionary details other than a smug swagger and the upper hand in intellectually-themed arguments (which one may argue is plenty of motivation).

However, now there is a reason to break out my Word Power spiral-bound book and showboat my language skills! At Free Rice your command of Webster's is repeatedly tested and with each correct answer they donate a grain of rice to the UN's World Food program. I know, I know. A grain of rice can be nothing, but it adds up fast!

Now, while I am (abashedly) convinced that Scrabble uses a completely different vocabulary skill set, I do believe the love-of-flashcards, type-A, word nut in me comes in handy for cross-word puzzle vocab...and we all know practice makes perfect. So get donating!

Skip's Preppy Plate Preoccupation

So, my YSL-in-Marrakech outdoor patio theme doesn't quite complement my new and improved exterior decor obsession inspired by these ingenious customized melamine plates from La Plates...Preppy Palm Springs with some pugnacious Parker thrown in!

I can't wait for Summer 2009!

Team Work

Yet another reason to love my marvelous new employer? Their continuing collaboration with the hipster men's brand Band of Outsiders!

RTT will have a pair before the year is out!

Now to get them working on a Women's equivalent...

DIY Skip

RTT and I are so handy! Check out our doorway fancy work...

Before: Yucky Faux-Laminate Panelling

After: Classy, Forest Green Gloss Paint!

Skip Takes the Plunge

I have held on to my California driver's license for a long time mostly because I hoped it could be used as proof that I was not a part of the Boston driving public whose flagrant disregard for traffic signs and rules has left a very horrid Massachusetts taste in my mouth.

But, alas, motivated by good old fashioned boredom (puppy watching isn't so fun when the puppy is sleeping) and the fact that my CA version expires in a couple months, I officially turned in my beautiful, sunshine state license and now await a shiny, new MA version.

It is the end of an era.

Untitled

GAAAHHH! I'm so overcome with the preciousness of Eleanor Rigby (picked up this evening) that I can't even begin to know how to describe her...

From now on, you can follow her puppy upbringing and antics on her very own blog, Sniffs About Town.

Skip's Famous Friend

OMG! My lovely, lovely friend, Mike "Collars Up" Crittenden is famous! I am beaming with pride!

While we have always suspected that Mike would be a shining star in life and, more notably, in the journalism world (he's a smarty and fun to boot), we could never have predicted the speed at which he has risen to celeb status! Dan Rather watch out!

Check out Mike's very serious discussion of the financial crisis on CNN here.

Mini Me

With basically nothing to do at work this week (my final four days) and the excuse of my impending birthday, I've logged (too) many hours trolling the world wide web for much-needed gifting treats.

Indeed, my latest craving is the Dell Inspiron Mini in Alpine White. While not an Apple, the Mini is finally a refreshing aesthetic offering from the stodgy PC people that can somewhat compete with the chic-and-sleek (if functionally weak) MacBook.

It's so wee! It's so portable! It's perfect for my New England-late-Fall-walks-through-parks-with-poetry-writing-stops-at-Starbucks...er...or something.

Skip Loves Unnecessary Knowledge

Now that I have finally decided to end my imprisonment behind the Red Doors, it seems there is little left for me to do at work. How convenient the timing! How lovely that the end is near! How incredibly boring these last 5 days will be!

No worries, my dear readers...I have spent 3 hours already this morning (my last Friday at Talbots) enjoying the random musings of Unnecessary Knowledge, a perfectly useless and utterly pleasing website that generates pointless fun facts for the ennui-sufferers among us. For example, how marvelous to learn that "about 200,000,000 M&M's are sold each day in the United States" or that "the only word in the English language with three consecutive S's is goddessship."

It is far more entertaining than inputting orders into my Jewelry assortment sheets.

Skip Loves Sperry

While I will dearly miss my delightful co-workers and co-car poolers, it is with immense pleasure that I announce my long-awaited departure from Talbots! YAY! Thank goodness! I am free of the torture and tragedy and tail-spinning at last!

Rather, I will be spending 2 weeks as a fussy puppy mummy and then will be starting at the ultimate prepster haven, Sperry Top-Sider! Not only do I get to realize my elitist, WASP world vision (sailing, polos, Top-Siders, ivy, daily cocktails at 6pm and manipulative passive-aggression) but also I have a shorter commute, more vacation time, a gym on-site and a 50%-off discount at other Stride Rite brands like Saucony (RTT already has his orders in), Keds, Robeez and Grasshoppers. I feel like I can finally enjoy Boston!

I might just have to go home tonight and have that cocktail.

Skip Loves Black Cabs

Despite my best effort at seeking out new musicians before anyone else, sometimes the well runs a little dry...and even I ultimately get sick of listening to the same songs on repeat (I think 300 rotations is my average).

Rather than be glum about my failings and give in to the unintelligent, syntho-pop turned out by bands around the globe (ok, so I love Leona Lewis, but that's not my point) I have refocused my attentions on pre-existing talent showcasing their already adored musical stylings in a different forum. Old dog, new tricks.

My latest discovery is the work of the London-based Just So Films (brilliant website, by the way, brilliant) called the Black Cab Sessions, where in which indie-folk musicians record an impromptu song in the back of a black cab. The video sessions are charming, intimate and revealing and include such artists as Badly Drawn Boy, My Morning Jacket, The National and Spoon.

Only the Brits could come up with an idea this clever and comical. Why am I not surprised?

Skip Does Denver

RTT and I just spent the weekend in the absolutely divine Denver, Colorado.

While there was some doubt about the location of the mountains (from our 'mountain view' hotel room) through the hazy daylight, the weather was blissfully warm and Greg & Ariel's wedding was wonderful wonder full. They even had a digital photo booth!

We simply had to share the love.

Skip's Wish List; Part II

As much as I hate to admit it, I am getting older. Indeed, my 29th birthday (twentyfine) is rapidly approaching. Yipes.

However, a little list making always lifts my spirits! Thus, I'm officially beginning my Birthday/Christmas list here and now...

(1) David Yurman Perfume. No one can resist the winter-y aroma of this luxurious new scent. I am obsessed with it!

(2) Custom Calendar Charm. What better way to celebrate my glorious entrance into this world than with jewelry that reminds me of me?!?! Or rather, my wedding day?!?! I would like this calendar charm from Charm Co. marked with a sparkling May 9th, 2008...

(3) Lomographer's Diana F+ Camera. I'm going retro this season (think 70's Sloane Rangers) both in form and function. I desperately need this hip, old-school camera to unleash my inner artiste. The Diana F+ Starter Kit and the Diana+ 35mm Back Kit, please.

(4) Custom Stationery. While I'm fairly sure I've already made clear my utmost desires for personalized, married-gal stationery, I'll just reiterate my need here. I'm leaning towards the violet lady silhouette, FYI.

(5) Morning Hat. As I will no doubt be waking up at the crack of dawn to walk my precious pup, my not-so-precious bed head will need to be covered up in a cute cap. I've decided the Grey Wool Maude hat from Coach is my best bet. I look good in hats.

(6) Winter Handbag. While at the Coach website, why not make me that much happier with the fabulous Hamptons bobo hobo bag in glossy grey that will perfectly compliment my bleak-is-chic winter wardrobe.

(7) Owl Umbrella Stand. Once a Chi Omega, always a Chi Omega....or something like that. I need this umbrella stand. That's all I can say.

Eleanor Rigby

My Rigby!

Skip's Summer Anthem

Despite desperately wanting to be good at Jeopardy or 'Trivial Pursuit,' I'm really no good at either. While I do possess a fairly capacious cognizance of pointless pop culture facts, my areas of expertise seem to be bound between designer perfumes of the world, John Cusack movies, high school friends' home phone numbers and Oldies songs....And, if I'm being honest, the latter would be my strongest subject by far.

Countless hours of my childhood were spent absorbing Magic 104.3's perky playlists in the car and systematically recording the station's songs on my hot pink cassette deck, complete with grey webbing shoulder strap (wait, maybe it was Fabs' tape player...hmmm...). Something about the spirited, innocent songs stuck in my head more powerfully than the rules of Four Square and the trick to trigonometry. To this day, I can name an Oldies tune having heard just 3 notes.

It's no wonder then that my new favorite summer album is the eponymous release from the former singer of Blue Merle (lovely show at The Independent, sigh, a few years back), Pictures and Sound. The album is overflowing with soothing, laid-back tunes reminiscent of Herman's Hermits and The Push Stars all at the same time. Indeed, the simplistic, infectious optimism of 'It's You' has me constantly smiling and twitching in my seat.

I've listened to it so many times already, I swear I can hear Dick Biondi in the sneaky silence between songs.

Ode to a Clothes Steamer

A serpentine beauty saved my life...
(and suggested I was a more productive wife)
Before a reluctant slave to the hateful iron,
A friends' gift of steam kept me from crying!

A simple tap conducts a hissing smoke dance,
Blessed relief for stacks of agitated pants!
With effort that is really no effort at all,
Wrinkle-free shirts make Tim stand tall.

Clothing indecision early every morning...
Outfits no longer need prior evening warning.
With 7am steam sessions to look our best,
The ironing panics have been put to rest!

Hard Knocks

There are several reasons I look forward to August; the alluring temptation of new Fall television in those rarely seen commercials (thank you, Tivo), the deliciously fat September fashion issues of my favorite magazines to pour over, clip and covet, and the new season of HBO's football documentary, Hard Knocks (which precludes and hints at football's seasonal spectacle to come).

While I have always, and sometimes embarrassingly, been a big fan of mass market television entertainment (i.e. The Office, Friends, 90210, and most sheepishly, American Idol), HBO's sports centered drama has it all...comedy, histrionics, tears, torture, big muscles, and a deep throated, theatrical narrative that belies the ridiculous sums of money all these men are actually playing for...It's basically amazing.

Dear readers, please, please, please watch this show! It will make you love the sport as much as I do....and, by the way, T. O. is totally crazy...in a good way.

PS- Hi, Ben.

For Your Eduation; Part II

A few more quotation nuggets for your reading pleasure...

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Winston Churchill

"A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval." Mark Twain

"Common sense is not so common." Voltaire

"Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact." George Eliot

"All who joy would win must share it. Happiness was born a Twin." Lord Byron

"A friend to all is a friend to none." Aristotle

"Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something." Henry David Thoreau

"Absence diminishes mediocre passions and increases great ones, as the wind extinguishes candles and fans fires." Francois de La Rochefoucauld


More quotes at BrainyQuote.com.

Skip Loves Beignet

Never before have I had so much appreciation for the film Best in Show than when I was recently, auspiciously introduced to the world of professional dog breeders.

All I can tell you is that the rumors are true...it's a veritable Gorgan-ish, haphazard existence entirely consumed by dogs and "their breeding." Sanity makes way for show dogs. Literally, these people are crazy.

However, as I, myself, teeter on the precipice of puppy-numbing lunacy (i.e. spending all my clothes money on organic toys, intelligent toys, retro leashes, cute crates, crate covers, clickers, fire hydrant dog tags, nutrious treats, etc. before even welcoming darling Rigby into my home), I have a certain modicum of empathy for these dog obsessed folk. In fact, I've become rather taken with one Frenchie breeder's puppy preoccupation with her up-and-coming French Bulldog show dog, Beignet.

Seriously, never will you experience such tragic, dog infatuation combined with incomprehensible fascination until you have viewed Beignet's cinematic masterpieces. They are brilliant and intoxicating. They are addictive and adorable. They include slow-motion-Beignet-running sequences that will make you weep! You simply must watch them (soundtrack included).

Click here and scroll down to view Beignet in action.

Haunting Harmonies

I'm absolutely obsessed with the haunting harmonies of Wild Sweet Orange's official debut album, We Have Cause to Be Uneasy. The Gorey-esque title alone is enough to make me weak with the promise of plaintive music within.

Indeed, the single 'Ten Dead Dogs' not only fulfills the album's woeful word, but goes further to reveal the lyrical poetry of the band's honey-tongued (and clearly cheeky) lead singer, Preston Lovinggood. There's just something about the eerie hymn-like songs that keeps me listening on repeat (surprise, surprise).

Buy the album at iTunes.

Skip Loves Bags; Part II

Hello, Pretty. I am most definitely using my one-Anya-Hindmarch-bag-per-year addicti...er, I mean, allowance, in the Fall to buy this ravishing leather and suede tote!

Or perhaps my loving family will bestow it upon me for my birthday...?

Skip's Black Thumb

I was very excited to try out my verdant thumb on our precious back patio. I spent more than 3 years in San Francisco with a desolate window box and was not about to let a "real" summer in Boston pass me by without an attempt at horticulture.

As it turns out, I have the opposite of a green thumb. I have a black thumb. I am Midas' rogue sibling--everything I touch dies a black death.

RTT assures me that practice makes perfect and I may just have to kill every last plant in the garden before honing my green thumb-ness. I'm not so sure. I think these pics speak for themselves.

Skip is a Naturalist

I have become unnaturally obsessed with decor inspired by nature; bird motifs, Jonathan Adler's menagerie of ceramic beasts, grand, silver antler candlesticks and drinks trays formed from petrified wood...

My most recent discovery in chic, organic interiors happens to also be the most beautifully brillant solution to my over-flowing coat closet...these divine carved wooden hooks from John Roboham at Live Wire Farm!

I shall mount them on the wall near the back door and keep my new puppy's leashes at easy reach.

Skip Loves Creative Candles

I am completely guilty of joining the fragranced candle bandwagon back in college (ok, and maybe for a few years afterwards). I hoarded the sickly sweet Freesia scent from the ubiquitous Bath & Body Works accompanied by asinine white ceramic stands on which to 'display' them...I even stooped to buying, dare I admit it, Vanilla Musk candles from Target with faux silver plate stands. Oh, the shame!

Thankfully, I have moved on from that horrid stage of my life and limit my smelly candle purchases to only the fragranced favorites from Kobo (the White Birch & Rosemary is sensational) and Modern Alchemy (Tincture of Winchester is unreal)...so, maybe, for old time's sake, I also enjoy a Dyptique Figuier as a guilty pleasure. But mostly, I am determined to keep it simple, sophisticated and most importantly, subtle. These days, I practically gag when I smell Vanilla Musk.

I have also grown up to actually own my very own candlesticks (no more cheap plate things). Quite an accomplishment! I have these fantastic crystal ones from Anthropolgie and a faux metal Antler pair from Maxwell-Silver. However, what I failed to consider in my candle maturity was the trouble resulting from different sized candlestick openings. The Crystal pair have giant holes in the base while the Antler pair have comparably smaller openings. It's impossible to buy candles that fit both!

Alas, my dear readers, I have uncovered the ultimate solution, the elegant tapers from Creative Candles, beloved by both Martha Stewart and House Beautiful (is there a better endorsement). I discovered these beauties when shopping at my treasured South End design store, Hudson, and was attracted to them mostly because of the rich, saturated colors (I bought the mustard yellow, pale turquoise and classic brown). What I came to find out is that along with quality construction (the wax is so silky) and yummy color choices, each pack includes a beeswax strip to help "size" the candle to fit any candlestick.

It's a miracle! Now I will limit my taper candle purchases to only the offerings of Creative Candles.

Skip's Dream Comes True

My very loftiest dream has come true! I am not speaking of the marriage to my auspicious, amiable, and amorous husband (sorry about that), but rather my deepest, aching need to own a dog.

And, after ceaseless begging, painful tears and melodramatic pleas, RTT finally acquiesced over the weekend and we have reserved a French Bulldog baby! Born just 2 weeks ago, we get to pick her up in October from a lovely lady in Lynn, MA. She is currently named Chloe, but we are going to christen her Eleanor Rigby (Rigby for short).

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeks!!

Skip Loves Portland (Maine)

Rather belatedly, RTT and I decided to whip up to Portland, Maine (I specify 'Maine' because my Mummy was slightly confused thinking we were jetting to Portland, Oregon instead) for the 4th of July weekend. Failing to plan a trip to the Cape or Nantucket in advance, Portland seemed like an adequate, WASP-y Americana hang out that we could handle at the last minute (it's only 90 minutes away).

We stayed at the lovely and comfortable Portland Harbor Hotel and spent the day perusing the shops and galleries around the downtown district. Rather typically, we also enjoyed a fried fish lunch on the water where RTT insisted on dining 'collars up.'

For our Happy Birthday, America dinner we celebrated at the amazing Fore Street bistro. Oh my! It had a rustic, Zuni-esque interior complete with copper detailing throughout and a hearth oven (be still, my beating heart). Naturally, my concerns were the bread (warm, delicious and the butter was like a drug) and the bathrooms (top-notch) but mostly, the food was divine! I am still dreaming about the Mussels and Tim's pasta appetizer...RTT raved about the wine list as well in which I happily partook. We left more than 3 hours later in shock and awe of our culinary discovery.

For brunch the next day we went to the local Mim's, lured in by the candy-colored sun umbrellas and beach-y decor. After a short wait and some (two) Bloody Mary's, RTT and I enjoyed our Eggs Benny, of course, in the summer-y morning sun on the upstairs deck. And, while their bathrooms left something (ok, a lot) to be desired, the meal was yummy and somehow calming.

Needless to say, we did not hit all our hot spot required stops so we will be back to Portland as soon as we can manage!

Perhaps for another Happy Birthday, America dinner...?