tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19618295738100500032024-02-20T06:09:36.803-08:00In the Curious CityLA. Lifestyle. Design. Art. Architecture. Planning. Interior Design. Home. Relationships. Life!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger331125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-65406774093522230992014-04-04T11:15:00.001-07:002014-04-04T11:15:53.179-07:00ONE GOOD INGREDIENT: SOY MILKat home in the curious city<div class="post-column-left"><em>MONICA</em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kkdVCXn48wtWLV8SsMvI8AFv3yJ9nA5Fi7s611DhAFt9kssJWh6Fa1JRATzQ10UvN_S2O9Pl-Thnqt1xYtbJHV8Ikm1xyJr9z_994Qxe_M5NozQ47-VHOJwwnNWhob3CodtTeFZawg04/s1600/inthecuriosity_soy+milk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kkdVCXn48wtWLV8SsMvI8AFv3yJ9nA5Fi7s611DhAFt9kssJWh6Fa1JRATzQ10UvN_S2O9Pl-Thnqt1xYtbJHV8Ikm1xyJr9z_994Qxe_M5NozQ47-VHOJwwnNWhob3CodtTeFZawg04/s1600/inthecuriosity_soy+milk2.jpg" height="366.09375" width="550" /></a></div>Homemade Soy Milk<br />
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Since my mom's been staying with us, I've been reaping all the benefits of freshly made everything everyday. Monday thru Friday she sends me off on my morning commute with a jar of homemade soy milk. I like to heat it up in the microwave and drink it at work whilst confronting my Outlook inbox.<br />
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Ingredients (makes 60 oz pitcher):<br />
2 cups soybeans<br />
10 cups warm water<br />
sugar<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0cMaRiCDhoCInd2vye-rC2qJPDxwLPpAonMIP5tn91V3zqrp21G20qYvePfuEw5CcQQJeQ_FIjW1uVnteQjTgyuWTANTNpK0WMA_Y-23aNtF5Na0VHM4FnBpTvKV5sJ05qUOVP3luIU9/s1600/inthecuriosity_soymilk+instructions2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0cMaRiCDhoCInd2vye-rC2qJPDxwLPpAonMIP5tn91V3zqrp21G20qYvePfuEw5CcQQJeQ_FIjW1uVnteQjTgyuWTANTNpK0WMA_Y-23aNtF5Na0VHM4FnBpTvKV5sJ05qUOVP3luIU9/s1600/inthecuriosity_soymilk+instructions2.jpg" height="283.59375" width="550" /></a></div>1. Measure 2 cups of soybeans. Rinse soybeans so they are clean.<br />
2. Soak overnight or for 8 hours.<br />
3. Boil until soft, 15-20 minutes on a low flame. Strain half the soybeans out.<br />
4. Put into a food processor or blender. Add 5 cups warm water.<br />
5. Blend for 2-3 minutes.<br />
6. Let soy milk sit for another 2-3 minutes to allow the pulp to sink to the bottom.<br />
7. Sift the soy milk.<br />
8. Repeat steps 4-7 with the other half of the boiled soy beans.<br />
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Add sugar to taste. Drink cold or warm. Enjoy!<br />
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</div><div class="post-column-right"><em>JUNETTE</em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHCFNNzakwZi7CykVIZ9EiWEMuj6CwcrWNK4u8fDZ0x6TqQbG2CpFWACGtAayulls1UdwkEo3e6nDKFqq1MLU4ooJTg6NDNAFw9qLwbGmHnEn-o7eZ9ean0nGflikE9zxW7rXScttZRBi/s1600/soyice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHCFNNzakwZi7CykVIZ9EiWEMuj6CwcrWNK4u8fDZ0x6TqQbG2CpFWACGtAayulls1UdwkEo3e6nDKFqq1MLU4ooJTg6NDNAFw9qLwbGmHnEn-o7eZ9ean0nGflikE9zxW7rXScttZRBi/s1600/soyice.jpg" height="413" width="550" /></a></div>Since the bebe was born, my sister had to cut dairy out of her diet temporarily - specifically ICE CREAM. This is a big problem for the Sheen sisters, and I had to take pity on her. Big problem though... I had no idea how to make dairy-free ice cream. Having no dietary restrictions, the world of gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. desserts is foreign to me. I headed to dear google to do some research.<br />
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The problem with nondairy substitutes is that their fat content is too low - nonexistent for some. Well, you can't have ice cream without that creamy fattiness! So based on my research, I wanted a recipe that used soy CREAMER rather than milk (pretty genius). Most of the dairy-free recipes out there are based on coconut milk, but I didn't want to deal with the coconut taste. I searched longer for a soy creamer-based recipe. I found a good one and adapted it just a bit since 1) xanthan gum cost a whopping $15 at the market and 2) eggs are just fine for a new mom to eat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CbkiDo5eD0Jk9FrS8IFHqo260SPOAsb4xsbvzkrs7aNG4-CmWJOUFZoUWvn-YO48ZxCONjYAsCWNMuT2J4JNHVmzwExQpORYlpp3YyOKKLGnz5UHm_IZWbz4KSjdR-TnPvnFcJueJYFq/s1600/soyice2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CbkiDo5eD0Jk9FrS8IFHqo260SPOAsb4xsbvzkrs7aNG4-CmWJOUFZoUWvn-YO48ZxCONjYAsCWNMuT2J4JNHVmzwExQpORYlpp3YyOKKLGnz5UHm_IZWbz4KSjdR-TnPvnFcJueJYFq/s1600/soyice2.jpg" height="210" width="550" /></a></div><br />
DAIRY FREE VANILLA ICE CREAM<br />
adapted from <a href="http://www.ohladycakes.com/2012/08/vanilla-bean-ice-cream-and-boozy-root-beer-floats.html" target="_blank">Oh Lady Cakes</a><br />
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3 1/2 cups soy creamer<br />
1/3 cup cane sugar<br />
1 egg white<br />
3 tsp pure vanilla extract<br />
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1. Add the sugar, egg white, and vanilla extract to a bowl and mix well.<br />
2. Heat 1/3 cup of soy creamer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.<br />
3. Slowly add the sugar and egg mixture into the saucepan and mix well with a whisk.<br />
4. Continue whisking and bring the mix to a boil.<br />
5. Add 3 cups of soy cream and continue to whisk for 2 minutes.<br />
6. Pour into a glass bowl and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.<br />
7. Stick everything in the fridge until completely cooled.<br />
8. Add to ice cream maker for 20 minutes.<br />
9. Thaw for 10-15 minutes before serving.<br />
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</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117061049954529987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-70069348339816735322014-03-22T18:02:00.001-07:002014-03-22T18:07:14.975-07:00MOMMA'S GIRLSat home in the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
It's been four months since my last update on my <a href="http://www.inthecuriosity.com/2013/11/designing-at-home-at-home-in-curious.html" target="_blank">mom's house</a> project. During this time I have been working nonstop and yet it feels like I have nothing to show for it. A lot of the work has been coordination with the survey, soil, structural, mechanical and fire engineers, as well as running back and forth to the city. The design of the house has also gone through minor changes, especially on the exterior but I'll share that next time. Today will be a purely plan-based discussion, focused on zoning and paving design.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP39mXrLAwwPj6Stet4XsHfjExYYxIiSON-nk9mqWWu7QGgKyo5EzuirHVlaeiPhMLEpxn6loqg0Lhyzn75y6gaAqdTvejneolKjS5vqfqJMf0XFgPvS7Nh2SFozv5yvudX4SdRyRkTJo/s1600/inthecuriosity_moms+house+L01+paving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP39mXrLAwwPj6Stet4XsHfjExYYxIiSON-nk9mqWWu7QGgKyo5EzuirHVlaeiPhMLEpxn6loqg0Lhyzn75y6gaAqdTvejneolKjS5vqfqJMf0XFgPvS7Nh2SFozv5yvudX4SdRyRkTJo/s1600/inthecuriosity_moms+house+L01+paving.jpg" height="733.33" width="550" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned before, the area of the house is limited to 1200 square feet by the City of Torrance. But to maintain a sizable backyard and visibility from the street (the new house will be located behind our existing house, around 200 feet from the street) I made the house two levels so the actual footprint is only 800 square feet which is pretty tiny. Therefore an open floor plan at the ground floor and proper zoning will help make the space feel more expansive. The white oak floor is consistent throughout to emphasize a singular grand space, the kitchen flows into the living room which opens up into the backyard. Only the entrance and bathroom deviate with their own identity. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJdWOiYT5jOHer8qM7xv8C5Zyh84mksduRNAqs9UfAWJFA1uyae376lTovkMsC2Ilk6yNrk-pvUupPm78xmcqCG7qMxiB9Zj1QqIPGsgIzo6XE_aI5Gf5AwWTVa3dFRo_pIo-gZ8M4Hg/s1600/inthecuriosity_moms+house+L02+paving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJdWOiYT5jOHer8qM7xv8C5Zyh84mksduRNAqs9UfAWJFA1uyae376lTovkMsC2Ilk6yNrk-pvUupPm78xmcqCG7qMxiB9Zj1QqIPGsgIzo6XE_aI5Gf5AwWTVa3dFRo_pIo-gZ8M4Hg/s1600/inthecuriosity_moms+house+L02+paving.jpg" height="733.33" width="550" /></a></div>
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The white oak continues up the stairs onto the second floor. For the master bathroom I chose Dwell's Little Diamond tile from <a href="http://www.heathceramics.com/home/pages/tile-build/collections-brands/dwell-patterns-2" target="_blank">Heath Ceramics</a> in dark grey because the three dimensional geometry conveys a more modern and mature tone. In contrast, the guest bath on the first floor has a more flowery geometric tile pattern called Half Hex which is playful in nature. Another tile company I like is <a href="http://www.fireclaytile.com/" target="_blank">Fireclay Tile</a>. I particularly admire their <a href="http://www.fireclaytile.com/tile/patterns/detail/ogee-drop-straight-set" target="_blank">Ogee Drop</a> tile which is scallop shaped. I need to somehow incorporate it into the house...</div>
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Paving is just the beginning. I have already started looking into exterior cladding materials, wall and ceiling finishes and light fixtures. It's all fun and games until I punch everything into the budget spreadsheet. And by the way, I'm still behind on the permitting...fml!</div>
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
When my parents moved into their <a href="http://www.inthecuriosity.com/2012/10/at-home-with-friend-at-home-in-curious.html" target="_blank">1-bedroom last year</a>, they downsized a lot of their home furnishings. Since my mom was busy picking and choosing from what they already owned, she did not even imagine buying new pieces. After more than a year of living with what they had, my parents had settled into their place, albeit a little more crowded and cluttered than before. My sister and I (and actually my brother-in-law too) were on a mission to help my mom redecorate the living room.<br />
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Each of us were dissatisfied with one or more of the pieces. Personally, the lamps were driving me crazy. Ugh to the beading/tasseling! I actually really liked the green chairs, but there just was not enough space for them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QnBSRKxKq3N2hyphenhyphenmAVQJR_PLjFdZMhDRerVgFS37LPeY4JRgDyNFKWt1YsoLQnL2rNkHR91hRZ23lxRC_E3Z5u4wdTVrUnRKjnCFc5qq9drWynXd3dmOn9rhj6Chn_I0H91-PaVijS61X/s1600/mombefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QnBSRKxKq3N2hyphenhyphenmAVQJR_PLjFdZMhDRerVgFS37LPeY4JRgDyNFKWt1YsoLQnL2rNkHR91hRZ23lxRC_E3Z5u4wdTVrUnRKjnCFc5qq9drWynXd3dmOn9rhj6Chn_I0H91-PaVijS61X/s1600/mombefore.jpg" height="378" width="550" /></a></div>
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The first swap was the sofa. I spent <b><i>FOUR</i></b> grueling hours at the Sofa Company with my mom to pick out a sectional with interesting, textured fabric. A few weeks later, the sofa was in, and now I am seriously reconsidering my dislike of sectionals. Sectionals are.. genius!!! Also, I am very serious about being awarded some sort of medal for those 4 hours of my life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH1c84_zcDPyBWNcKSg3owyYCrqBxXgCpYEwxIopPo-IcRMmj4UMc84wTREVkKwmlJ_ak1BqfQXAKHbSU7sj16ONpOT4j2ZfM2_Pic-oA_CV5_wr4EJBqoQmSF3k5OUtKoNWK5qAUKrGb/s1600/momafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH1c84_zcDPyBWNcKSg3owyYCrqBxXgCpYEwxIopPo-IcRMmj4UMc84wTREVkKwmlJ_ak1BqfQXAKHbSU7sj16ONpOT4j2ZfM2_Pic-oA_CV5_wr4EJBqoQmSF3k5OUtKoNWK5qAUKrGb/s1600/momafter.jpg" height="413" width="550" /></a></div>
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Next, up was a trip to Ikea to replace the lamp and side table. Though the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00190830/" target="_blank">Alang</a> lamp is by far what I would have chosen, my mom was set on having the lowest floor lamp ever made and of course the $30 price point made the choice final. My mom was on board to switch to the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00250249/" target="_blank">Vittsjo side table</a> because of the way it slides under the sofa and because it was only $25! Seriously, the Vittsjo series is my fave at Ikea - remember our <a href="http://www.inthecuriosity.com/2013/05/livable-spaces-at-home-in-curious-city.html" target="_blank">bookcases</a>?<br />
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Most recently, after probably 50+ emails from my mom to us, the rug was purchased! During the Great Rug Hunt of 2014, I taught my mom how to share the links for rugs she was looking at on her iPad. Little did I realize that she would send us that many emails... Technology is awesome though, and it's amazing to see how easily she learned to surf the overstock.com inventory. I spent multiple rug hunting sessions arguing that she had to buy a rug that fit the whole sofa. She wanted one that would just fit in the little square in front of the sofa, and not extend up to the sectional part. Finally she laid down the law and said she was going with 5x8 and that was final. One night, my mom called me in a panic at 10 PM and asked me to buy the <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/ombre-dye-rug-oatmeal-light-raisin-t522/?pkey=e%7Craisin%7C80%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules" target="_blank">ombre rug</a> in raisin from West Elm. In the end, the 8x10 was the same price as the other 5x8s she was considering. SCORE!! I was totally doing mental fist pumps. Here's another look at the new rug for you to drool over:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLEnW6zhznElLyQjTck5wISInXb46qa3H40zTdnqF4_UuJdU9GlhFQGFsRxrAusw4ySdokSYuMACKVbWh-VfV7lbcuF51vTrpnUYvGYkBnzurybL4suASoL5A617YPlw7l5chnmuP8jNy/s1600/P3206840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLEnW6zhznElLyQjTck5wISInXb46qa3H40zTdnqF4_UuJdU9GlhFQGFsRxrAusw4ySdokSYuMACKVbWh-VfV7lbcuF51vTrpnUYvGYkBnzurybL4suASoL5A617YPlw7l5chnmuP8jNy/s1600/P3206840.JPG" height="413" width="550" /></a></div>
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The transformation is not complete. I am currently trying to convince my parents to get rid of the painting. Isn't it ugly? Okay, it's not ugly but it does not look like it belongs there. I am thinking either a <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40126069/" target="_blank">picture rail</a> (or rails) so they can change out the photos as desired, or a simple but smaller series of art.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYdUC8-bSRi0PZbtO5gDvyAIsfSzMgRPcO46ZloP51IYwrvRmnhfCw-BoN7sV49gBJZOnY_IgZoOrzvjFYOqMq4b1d_xKs-nl2Ko_EEgwVKdIkTArMNIfP8f6fyrpcYgZVyUlfniOM0GM/s1600/rails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYdUC8-bSRi0PZbtO5gDvyAIsfSzMgRPcO46ZloP51IYwrvRmnhfCw-BoN7sV49gBJZOnY_IgZoOrzvjFYOqMq4b1d_xKs-nl2Ko_EEgwVKdIkTArMNIfP8f6fyrpcYgZVyUlfniOM0GM/s1600/rails.jpg" height="622" width="550" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-36611842545650325972014-02-19T13:01:00.004-08:002014-02-19T13:03:52.270-08:00NEW EATS Vol.9discover the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1pEmW0hAm4mBnxrFTRVWLtxdOkCG6dxNi0fPZxLYBpNQa840a5QvspybWexIEMdwfDxT2YtfVdrodTZCXHHAHUBrj5_jS_6NaTLDL-qwrtSa04Sgv0tNp2mkOtOC8JLyjCN1zgEompvf/s1600/banh+mi_inthecuriosity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1pEmW0hAm4mBnxrFTRVWLtxdOkCG6dxNi0fPZxLYBpNQa840a5QvspybWexIEMdwfDxT2YtfVdrodTZCXHHAHUBrj5_jS_6NaTLDL-qwrtSa04Sgv0tNp2mkOtOC8JLyjCN1zgEompvf/s1600/banh+mi_inthecuriosity.jpg" height="414.21875" width="550" /></a></div>
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I'm always on the lookout for cheap no fuss eats in our neighborhood. A few months ago while we were riding our bikes down Hyperion to Trader Joe's, we noticed a tiny white storefront. We stopped to read the menu plastered on the glass door. Finally a bahn mi place nearby! Could <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/%C3%B4-banh-mi-los-angeles">O Bahn Mi</a> be the <a href="http://leesandwiches.com/index.php">Lee's Sandwiches</a> of Silver Lake? But our excitement quickly turned into wariness because hipster Asian food can be hit or miss, and usually it's the latter. For example hipster <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/pho-cafe-los-angeles">Pho Cafe</a> cannot even compete with the bomb <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/pho-87-los-angeles">Pho 87</a> in Chinatown. And I just said the bomb.</div>
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We did not eat there that day because it was closed. So fast forward to a few weeks ago. Antony and I are arguing about what we should eat. Should we eat before or after Trader Joe's errands? Blah blah blah oh wait there's that <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/%C3%B4-banh-mi-los-angeles">O Bahn Mi</a> place on the way to Traders how convenient! So we went and ordered their regular cold cut and veggie sandwiches. The french bread was crunchy and fresh and the pickled carrot toppings were on point. Antony said the meats in his sandwich were good, not amazing. I liked my tofu lemongrass sandwich because it was warm and quite flavorful. The prices are around $7-$8 which I would consider cheap in the Silver Lake area, plus the nearest Lee's is in the San Gabriel Valley. Final verdict is it's not a must try, but it's definitely an easy and satiable place to go when you are brain dead and don't want to eat fast food. Although they do have this pig roast sandwich thing only on Fridays that really got Antony excited to go back.</div>
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGBtzVRT4f7P2IOSbZ5LnLZ_d9h7-poLnjBw7mKlEJByCMHXhkNX1wmqWkWzi_dcfYQAH09glezmCpI2SDLSv8cZyKpwvCX8K2EdZgP6BqhyphenhyphenbxTAtIYnJ8p4kQ0q2y0ZTfk7_xcLELYQv/s1600/anima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGBtzVRT4f7P2IOSbZ5LnLZ_d9h7-poLnjBw7mKlEJByCMHXhkNX1wmqWkWzi_dcfYQAH09glezmCpI2SDLSv8cZyKpwvCX8K2EdZgP6BqhyphenhyphenbxTAtIYnJ8p4kQ0q2y0ZTfk7_xcLELYQv/s1600/anima.jpg" height="664" width="550" /></a></div>
Koreatown may not be the first area of town you go for good pasta, but I recently tried a yummy, affordable pasta spot right in the heart of Koreatown. <a href="http://www.animapizzaandpasta.com/" target="_blank">Anima Pizza and Pasta</a> opened just a couple months ago next to one of my favorite restaurants, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/kobawoo-house-los-angeles" target="_blank">Kobawoo House</a>. Anima is not like <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/caff%C3%A9-concerto-los-angeles-4" target="_blank">Caffe Concerto</a>, which features Koreanized pasta -- which is delicious in its own way. This is real Italian pasta! From what I can gather from the rave reviews on <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/anima-pizza-and-pasta-los-angeles-2?start=40" target="_blank">Yelp</a>, this is a real Italian restaurant with a real Italian chef.<br />
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The menu is huge, and I had a difficult time choosing what to eat. Our waiter read us their ridiculously long list of specials, but I finally decided on Strozzapreti alla Trentina because I had never tried strozzapreti before. It turns out that their other strozzapreti dish (with saffron) is one of their most popular. Sharon (my human Yelp) recommended we try Anima, and she ordered the Linguine alle Vongole. We also ordered the 4 cheese white pizza, which was VERY cheesy in the best way possible. The food was all good - I have 0 complaints! The wait staff was very attentive, and the restaurant is clean and decorated cutely.<br />
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With really reasonable prices ($8-12ish for <i>real</i> pasta!) and just 1 block from the Metro, I know I will be back! I'm already planning to bring my parents there. Also, if you're not already sold, the waiter mentioned that the pasta is handmade daily! </div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117061049954529987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-36196094382748035262014-02-02T16:08:00.002-08:002014-02-02T16:28:43.933-08:00THIS WEEK IN LAdiscover the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
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<em>MONICA</em></div>
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Junette tipped me off on the exhibition <i><span id="goog_278339213"></span>City in a City: a Decade of Urban Thinking by Steven Holl Architects<span id="goog_278339214"></span></i> at the <a href="http://www.makcenter.org/MAK_Exhibitions_Current.php#">Mak Center</a>/Schindler House. The exhibition on show through March focuses on Steven Holl's ultra urban projects in China which has also been the crux of my work. Steven Holl was the first architect who made sense to me as an overwhelmed architecture student so the chance to hear him lecture this past Thursday was immense. </div>
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1/ I had the most awkward stalker moment after the lecture when I asked Steven Holl to sign my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Hopes-Made-China-Steven/dp/3037783761">book</a>.</div>
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2/ Wacky model of the Dongguan project. The towers were literally modeled after some chicken scratch sketches he and his colleagues made eyes closed on a train ride.</div>
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3/ Steven Holl's signature watercolor sketch of a project in Qingdao which is also the city of the first built project I ever worked on woohoo.</div>
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4/ The lecture was held outdoors in the Schindler House garden under unexpected rain, but also so appropriate since Steven Holl is from Seattle. </div>
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5/ Model of the Qingdao project</div>
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
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I stopped by the Geffen Contemporary during lunch because it happens to be so close to my office. I was of course drawn to the exhibit because it's called the <a href="http://laartbookfair.net/about">LA Art Book Fair</a>. I had visions of the Scholastic book fairs of my childhood dancing in my head. Rather than being a more formal art exhibit, there were just a few exhibits and mostly booths for exhibitors like a fair would have. I was surprised to find that there are so many indie book publishers out there. If I had more time I would definitely have browsed the books on the tables, but I was just happy soaking up all the typography and paper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw5W6o-iEyWHo5mLSgMvAklCst8sluvB5vxsTxsY0ifGNzi0adRgnd4BGOQvkA6xRYcMreL8FKIhRdaM7AUFRDZ_7ZFR9mD9e-eHKcbLT738tH7Mg-eauaRi5SmxSYR7JOpPgiUq8gRy2/s1600/drago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw5W6o-iEyWHo5mLSgMvAklCst8sluvB5vxsTxsY0ifGNzi0adRgnd4BGOQvkA6xRYcMreL8FKIhRdaM7AUFRDZ_7ZFR9mD9e-eHKcbLT738tH7Mg-eauaRi5SmxSYR7JOpPgiUq8gRy2/s1600/drago.jpg" height="613" width="550" /></a></div>
This round of Dine LA, I decided to go to with more of a classic restaurant. I know that it's not the newest and most exciting restaurant these, but I've never been, so <a href="http://dragocentro.com/">Drago Centro</a> it was. Although I was hesitant about the Dine LA menu because the main course was not pasta (I do love my pasta), I'm glad we ended up choosing from the Dine LA menu. I was able to enjoy a delicious duck entree, which I probably would never have ordered if it hadn't been part of the Dine LA menu. I enjoyed every last bite of the dessert too. We took the subway there to avoid the hassle and cost of parking, and it was fun to bundle up. And just like that, our eating-out money for the month was gone at at the swipe of a card at Drago Centro.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-46015289615740061262013-12-31T15:36:00.000-08:002013-12-31T15:37:15.415-08:00XMAS LOOTgirl in the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcjLXTEhg_AHBKLVFC12jOGcqTm88N7VwtiMuud_p9pyM9NyNMVPEFyG-zZ381B6xDzNrMc0ghjTW3RQDONSSGokbB3vtzXrsghSGxI0tmylg11uEIpWVnd8R-Bc6mKj4cUvcbu86UhHv/s1600/inthecuriosity_xmas+loot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178.75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcjLXTEhg_AHBKLVFC12jOGcqTm88N7VwtiMuud_p9pyM9NyNMVPEFyG-zZ381B6xDzNrMc0ghjTW3RQDONSSGokbB3vtzXrsghSGxI0tmylg11uEIpWVnd8R-Bc6mKj4cUvcbu86UhHv/s1600/inthecuriosity_xmas+loot1.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Both boys/roommates in my life know that the sure way to get on my good side is through my belly. As one of the few Michelin star restaurants in LA, <a href="http://www.providencela.com/">Providence</a> has been on my wishlist for a while and now I can finally check it off. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Mini-Minimalist-Recipes-Satisfying/dp/0307985555">Mark Bittman - The Mini Minimalist</a> cookbook set has super concise, no fuss recipes that I cannot wait to try.</div>
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My mom visited Russia before coming to stay with us. She gifted me this beautiful and intricate mirror that folds at the handle to sit perfectly on my vanity. And really happy to add this elegant jade bracelet to my growing jade collection courtesy of dad.</div>
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I need to wear hats more, they add flare to everyday drab. Junette drove through crazy LA traffic, or so she said, to acquire this absolutely gorgeous <a href="http://www.goorin.com/">Goorin Bros</a> fedora. And Antony's mom hand knitted me this super cute beanie which matches one she made for Antony. How barfing sweet right?<br />
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
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This year, the luster and excitement of receiving gifts for Christmas was slightly diminished because I was forced to break my cardinal rule of Not Opening Christmas Gifts Before Christmas for some gifts. Still, my Christmas haul was bountiful. How lucky I am!<br />
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1. Brooklyn Dodgers hat<br />
2. New gym shoes from <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/run-with-us-pasadena">Run with Me</a><br />
3. Dinner at <a href="http://www.aocwinebar.com/">a.o.c.</a><br />
4. Harry Potter swag<br />
5. Subscription to <a href="http://domino.com/">Domino Magazine</a><br />
6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BTKAPUU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BTKAPUU&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">Air purifier</a><br />
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Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117061049954529987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-59903547714730342782013-12-07T12:41:00.000-08:002013-12-28T20:34:00.407-08:00AUTUMN ADVENTURINGstories from the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
<b>NEW MEXICO</b><br />
To celebrate our anniversary this year, I suggested to Antony that we go somewhere neither of us have been before. The fact that this somewhere happens to be the backdrop of my favorite TV show ever is purely a coincidence, not.<br />
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Santa Fe<br />
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We started the week off in Santa Fe, which is a quaint artsy town where everything closes at 5pm. <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2010/07/santa-fe-design-guide.html">Design Sponge</a> has a useful guide but some highlights for us were visiting the <a href="http://www.lorettochapel.com/staircase.html">Loretto Chapel</a> miraculous staircase, drinking Mexican chocolate at <a href="http://www.kakawachocolates.com/">Kakawa Chocolate House</a>, and eating massive burritos and sopaipillas at the local joints. We stayed at <a href="http://www.lafondasantafe.com/">La Fonda</a> which is located on the main plaza and walking distance to just about everything, plus their margaritas are killer.</div>
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Bandelier</div>
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Less than an hour northwest of Santa Fe is <a href="http://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/things2do.htm">Bandelier National Park</a>. We hiked and climbed the ancestral pueblo cliff dwellings which date back to the 1100s.</div>
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White Sands</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8_yL7Gx_WaqGgfDOGCkd4nc4A0_7rRL1Vh4kcvYC7t_q6ml-1XUrWBG1dko4p3zfDG04m01gnkOZFloPyidr2BgYHxpbzeiXrn6QUubJT0VLxyImhYEFRv2ru4_IW2chrX6wyl4J6qyZ/s1600/inthecuriosity_nm17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="409.0625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8_yL7Gx_WaqGgfDOGCkd4nc4A0_7rRL1Vh4kcvYC7t_q6ml-1XUrWBG1dko4p3zfDG04m01gnkOZFloPyidr2BgYHxpbzeiXrn6QUubJT0VLxyImhYEFRv2ru4_IW2chrX6wyl4J6qyZ/s1600/inthecuriosity_nm17.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY2PKB9GnmB25KtESF8qZyZNGGLZLBYdo1MNAlFWcw3LSchH3INxwSosRsHrZGN6Yrk6SMxEdcM_PG3WU52IV98wnUKCa3J9AbFoVGhEPcRxp-tbq_PXbNM1dhQtU8ZRTIDZQ2R14AMKL/s1600/inthecuriosity_nm19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY2PKB9GnmB25KtESF8qZyZNGGLZLBYdo1MNAlFWcw3LSchH3INxwSosRsHrZGN6Yrk6SMxEdcM_PG3WU52IV98wnUKCa3J9AbFoVGhEPcRxp-tbq_PXbNM1dhQtU8ZRTIDZQ2R14AMKL/s1600/inthecuriosity_nm19.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Four hours south of Santa Fe is <a href="http://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm">White Sands National Monument</a>, one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever traversed. Every moment looks like a Georgia O'Keeffe painting.</div>
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On the road and in between...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAgvcE4ne07Dz9drprf55OAbEmJaPPeQ5RBeEufAWb0lSEeuNbDaMGx6BgVSfuHs9jFhtBqMfk2wEG-Pzti-Cxp5CZY-8Jf-GqG6_6mkRu1BVokxOGZP5gVUllN6ldPCfb9f8yvMdBMr7/s1600/inthecuriosity_nm24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="409.0625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAgvcE4ne07Dz9drprf55OAbEmJaPPeQ5RBeEufAWb0lSEeuNbDaMGx6BgVSfuHs9jFhtBqMfk2wEG-Pzti-Cxp5CZY-8Jf-GqG6_6mkRu1BVokxOGZP5gVUllN6ldPCfb9f8yvMdBMr7/s1600/inthecuriosity_nm24.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZgMKVVu2Vfn7BF6GWm8hUFJp11XWnTURAwamlhNESoWsls27md0ITBnGEb4nrL-9wz4ek068WZ7CNLRA1Ly1yBXwrnAhBA3dlXNRC7dDsqbZooYzLE8e4_MMhLJDKlaMsSLYvslGfL1m/s1600/inthecuriosity_nm25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZgMKVVu2Vfn7BF6GWm8hUFJp11XWnTURAwamlhNESoWsls27md0ITBnGEb4nrL-9wz4ek068WZ7CNLRA1Ly1yBXwrnAhBA3dlXNRC7dDsqbZooYzLE8e4_MMhLJDKlaMsSLYvslGfL1m/s1600/inthecuriosity_nm25.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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You could almost say we drove across the entire state of New Mexico in 5 days. We visited <a href="http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/her-houses.html">Georgia O'Keeffe's home</a> in Abiquiu, stopped in <a href="http://chimayo.us/PC/index.html">Chimayo</a> for some healing dirt and traditional weaving, and drove through a snow storm to arrive at Walter White's suburban Albuquerque home. We visited all the main Breaking Bad film locations via the <a href="http://www.abqtrolley.com/index.php/2013BaDTourDates-PartII">ABQ Trolley Bad Tour</a>. So yeah, New Mexico was pretty Bad ass.</div>
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
<b>CHICAGO</b><br />
Chicago is a midwestern town in the guise of a big city. Though the food and shopping there is the same as what you find in any big city, Chicago's architecture and civic institutions cannot be beat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSkLuWEhT4dEiMh1uDdUyftujeFRobFiFl1u0B2uQ2aTjZcIhVFwD3UNmXELJqTPvH26vXmc2pQFrjr5VzF6pzanGIcbuTDCha_IA_XSqrSgYKDVkKbZxfCUXMGQYwmL0nfevJ2mdrVPS/s1600/chicago2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398.75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSkLuWEhT4dEiMh1uDdUyftujeFRobFiFl1u0B2uQ2aTjZcIhVFwD3UNmXELJqTPvH26vXmc2pQFrjr5VzF6pzanGIcbuTDCha_IA_XSqrSgYKDVkKbZxfCUXMGQYwmL0nfevJ2mdrVPS/s1600/chicago2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
Everyone recommends taking an architecture tour from the river, but we wanted to try something different. We signed up for tours with <a href="http://urbankayaks.com/">Urban Kayaks</a>. The architecture in Chicago is really beautiful and so unique. I can't say I've visited every city ever, but Chicago has got to have the best architecture. The architecture is all so daring and different from each other. It was SUPER fun to take the tour from a kayak. It was my first time kayaking, and it was not easy. It was definitely worth it though!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuALtothMhw0OykK6-KD8bPIai0VxU3VaX-W_2oRsa82V0SNyLt4Q_WwiSiMFiAspTnDtcbgCozkm8B2xYVLpbaDNTpDZCnIFdo89TMK03o-21ubUQ7xAHoWt_KJztKKurdsP9XEsFpy3A/s1600/chicago1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="1113.924" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuALtothMhw0OykK6-KD8bPIai0VxU3VaX-W_2oRsa82V0SNyLt4Q_WwiSiMFiAspTnDtcbgCozkm8B2xYVLpbaDNTpDZCnIFdo89TMK03o-21ubUQ7xAHoWt_KJztKKurdsP9XEsFpy3A/s1600/chicago1.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
Outside of the beautiful architecture you can't stop soaking up with your eyes, there are plenty of other places to visit in Chicago. We of course went to <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html">Millenium Park</a> where we visited Cloud Gate (aka the Bean), stumbled upon a <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/another-look-chicago/2013/04/sculptor-jun-kaneko-new-art-exhibition-at-millennium-park-photos/#image/1">Jun Kaneko</a> exhibit, and got lost in the incomparable <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">Art Institute</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JVJXF37387pg_w8y4w3WkmLfdfwAJmLRP88CdFiN63N34fbw7xF89hNgHE8a6JK8R0qPbmYWEw0nFWyeAuAWHIF2GAwX1TvW1dsvmZlOy5n2PhM98T1XAo8neWKp_xFTSv0xSs4rH5Mq/s1600/chicago4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="733.333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JVJXF37387pg_w8y4w3WkmLfdfwAJmLRP88CdFiN63N34fbw7xF89hNgHE8a6JK8R0qPbmYWEw0nFWyeAuAWHIF2GAwX1TvW1dsvmZlOy5n2PhM98T1XAo8neWKp_xFTSv0xSs4rH5Mq/s1600/chicago4.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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My real reason for visiting Chicago is to see one of my dearest friends, Ginnie. We visited Sue at the <a href="http://fieldmuseum.org/">Field Museum</a> and the <a href="http://flwright.org/">Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio</a> in Oak Park. As some of you may remember, I recently visited <a href="http://www.inthecuriosity.com/2013/09/late-summer-escapes-stories-from.html">Taliesen West,</a> so it was exciting to see an entire neighborhood of Frank Lloyd Wright homes and copycats. We were drooling over the windows and furniture, and we even picked out our future home. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymMUaQyqTt3mzYxTvoJPezJmrDJ0o47_sVga0-pKaw-rcQSmfXXoGhIN7BBZKFIX7t97O6ZmBaH6hd-6JY_OsuiaQB5-4cFySfGjj6GnvBrkDPTsyzJ08EBMtltD7t66EmvYfu3_Ptvem/s1600/chicago3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412.5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymMUaQyqTt3mzYxTvoJPezJmrDJ0o47_sVga0-pKaw-rcQSmfXXoGhIN7BBZKFIX7t97O6ZmBaH6hd-6JY_OsuiaQB5-4cFySfGjj6GnvBrkDPTsyzJ08EBMtltD7t66EmvYfu3_Ptvem/s1600/chicago3.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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The food is Chicago is just so... filling!! Lots of American classics, and lots of it - just huge portions!!! We had to had deep dish pizza, and we had both <a href="http://giordanos.com/">Giordano's</a> and the far superior <a href="http://www.loumalnatis.com/">Lou Malnati's</a>. We had <a href="http://www.ubdogs.com/">U.B. Dog</a> bc the famed Hot Doug's was closed for renovations. We had a hipster lunch at <a href="http://thepublicanrestaurant.com/">The Publican</a> where the food was worth the hype. My favorite meal of the entire trip was brunch with Ginnie at <a href="http://www.marionstreetcheesemarket.com/">Marion Street Cheese Market</a> in Oak Park. The food was amazingly good.<br />
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Chicago has a lot of great neighborhoods which I think we didn't fully explore. My favorite was Andersonville, where our newly transplanted friends live. I would want to go back just to explore that neighborhood. We stayed downtown at <a href="http://www.allegrochicago.com/">Hotel Allegro</a>, and downtown really is the most convenient place to stay as a visitor. </div>
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And finally, I think the highlight of my trip was going to a taping of <a href="http://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/">Wait Wait Don't Tell Me</a>. Not only did I have the best seat in the house, but Carl Kasell said my name TWICE on AIR. YEEEE!!!!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-17509070593273302612013-11-10T16:41:00.001-08:002013-11-10T16:41:37.458-08:00DESIGNING AT HOMEat home in the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<i>MONICA</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyrujFFA2h90KscbQjESQUqk-uhIjSkfVAReCJ2poCV_fTlGkrSy__urmQXlBazWVbso_z3mSCPtblLAwoP40peH3Y9m82KhAmrYaufRoCkvznFMldnByaQXib7Eia_sql7jHNnGzjIQW/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412.5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyrujFFA2h90KscbQjESQUqk-uhIjSkfVAReCJ2poCV_fTlGkrSy__urmQXlBazWVbso_z3mSCPtblLAwoP40peH3Y9m82KhAmrYaufRoCkvznFMldnByaQXib7Eia_sql7jHNnGzjIQW/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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In January of this year we shared our <a href="http://www.inthecuriosity.com/2013/01/2013-resolutions-girl-in-curious-city.html">2013 resolutions</a>. One of my resolutions was to help my mom design and build her retirement house. As we approach the end of 2013 I thought it would be a good time to share my progress on this hefty task. The design phase is wrapping up and we will submit all drawings for permits in late December/early January. If all goes well, construction should begin early spring. Pictured above is the location of the new house, aka the overgrown backyard of my childhood home in Torrance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqZ86wQgnEBmdAd7seRQrNJVPJJwsdNYdqFsIoBN3AzoXAy-t7l2GfhIjXgKydqFqoRzeZ1V2QUIwTLc9yItdhrB_ZDdPnPBPTzGuUsxx9dZoeLmx9z5Es0tBvyc-TP-6hhwmvPjH95I1/s1600/drawings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412.5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqZ86wQgnEBmdAd7seRQrNJVPJJwsdNYdqFsIoBN3AzoXAy-t7l2GfhIjXgKydqFqoRzeZ1V2QUIwTLc9yItdhrB_ZDdPnPBPTzGuUsxx9dZoeLmx9z5Es0tBvyc-TP-6hhwmvPjH95I1/s1600/drawings.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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The property is insanely long at 237 feet, oddly narrow at 42 feet, and the proposed second unit addition is limited to 1200 square feet by the city. These design challenges along with my mom's Feng Shui requests kept me pretty damn busy all year doing sketch after sketch. But the plan is finally finalized and I took a trip to city hall for a preliminary plan check with the planning department last week which went well. Although there are still a billion things to do, I have no life, and the dark circles underneath my eyes have officially spread to my cheeks, I love this experience.</div>
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<span style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFethOloiWA89i9TdMlXC6jnhk1A5PT1yKGnDjFqWlBzaL6figg2SGJ0myOBSV53iN6Q4olXWkj0HpiMMZJS3-Nhros0joVRnVj2VNuLFZpsX4XXY-LR0W05hB-yAbTDvUjM9qem8cqI13/s1600/ikea+.jpg" width="550" /></span></div>
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I wanted to share a useful tool that I used while planning out my mom's kitchen. Ikea has a free <a href="http://kitchenplanner.ikea.com/US/UI/Pages/VPUI.htm">Kitchen Planner</a> which helps you visualize how the space will look three-dimensionally. It even schedules out all the items by price and size thereby making life that much easier.</div>
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I'll do another update on this project once construction begins. Wish me luck!</div>
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<i>JUNETTE</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qr3fuRGiadag5i0htgWZuxWBp2wLnn8gtYOUOslTHWESaNE7De_Hin8cLE7zvp6eVwhIgIRX32TkFhkerFz-AuwfklsVbjBW6VAMHzNyZloQCo1UhID9NGGt63X1YdSeXPlwmdLjF7RA/s1600/newlr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qr3fuRGiadag5i0htgWZuxWBp2wLnn8gtYOUOslTHWESaNE7De_Hin8cLE7zvp6eVwhIgIRX32TkFhkerFz-AuwfklsVbjBW6VAMHzNyZloQCo1UhID9NGGt63X1YdSeXPlwmdLjF7RA/s640/newlr.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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</i> Recently, I made some relatively large investments for our place. I finally, finally reupholstered our 2 club chairs. They are the two comfiest chairs ever, but the fabric was fraying and I had always intended to reupholster them. After two or more years of stewing over the decision, I finally did it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNPQ1CylAB1vbUVEmqWqzzpfSKH7wq6qC0lF37yUXl2bjFd0x8mpxsxRAF1OBGFQCfoVCwTik9XmER8fksB_t7xnORNrHbIvq5ocI0c1zoppFJTZlZZkCBUyedRsQlWIUd5jbTEBTt89V/s1600/chairinsp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNPQ1CylAB1vbUVEmqWqzzpfSKH7wq6qC0lF37yUXl2bjFd0x8mpxsxRAF1OBGFQCfoVCwTik9XmER8fksB_t7xnORNrHbIvq5ocI0c1zoppFJTZlZZkCBUyedRsQlWIUd5jbTEBTt89V/s640/chairinsp.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<i><br />
</i> I was looking for a long time for the right fabric. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted, but I knew I wanted a pattern as opposed to a solid. As you can see from the inspiration photos, I was drawn to larger scale patterns. I also was ready to experiment with florals, like this <a href="https://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=41c3db5b-5101-4090-a674-80d8b9ecbcb8">one</a>, but in the end I couldn't do it.<br />
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<i>Chairs - $50 each from Craig's List</i><br />
<i>Fabric - 8 yards at $16 per yard from <a href="https://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=fadf53db-9ce3-460d-80aa-0b8d8c946af5">Fabric.com</a></i><br />
<i>Reupholstering - $300 each</i><br />
<i>~$478 per chair</i><br />
<i>Big whoppin bucks!!! But, since I spread out the costs over a 2 year period, it ended up being manageable.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEick83RQ4gK109phX-ys1XlrsJpMLZDbIRu3ZY_NETvq5BX4qyw2wUiluHV_5drwgL3LZANt-H-Zr0BRWJo1ypVZHxXSsZM1qpuhiZNPYPM2kzJbQnb_b9xrQuvY2RWcmTs0jbvz2_STPCx/s1600/zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEick83RQ4gK109phX-ys1XlrsJpMLZDbIRu3ZY_NETvq5BX4qyw2wUiluHV_5drwgL3LZANt-H-Zr0BRWJo1ypVZHxXSsZM1qpuhiZNPYPM2kzJbQnb_b9xrQuvY2RWcmTs0jbvz2_STPCx/s640/zoom.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Although I was very excited about reupholstering the chairs, I had given myself a true dilemma. Our dusty blue rug completely clashed with the chairs, and I had no idea what kind of rug would work with such a bold pattern. Since the chairs are so bold, I figured I would search for a neutral rug. I was thinking of binding off a rug remnant, but I was dissatisfied with everything they had at Home Depot. They just looked so boring and commercial. </div>
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I started thinking in the completely opposite direction after my sister suggested getting a bold rug. A neutral rug would be akin to admitting defeat. Like, oh my chairs are too crazy, please ignore them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz85HSdW6yDiasBsQCBBSYv7Oq1B6vAlgUPI-N1f3emIb8xHx6o_S1R1idnVOXbwz6NgUXOwKKcNsTUXv0bEbSpqzz2OFQc3wuNuGxCHozOJhZURmLyIaoQYXjiL2U1dVsoTOwWr1OKFBx/s1600/rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz85HSdW6yDiasBsQCBBSYv7Oq1B6vAlgUPI-N1f3emIb8xHx6o_S1R1idnVOXbwz6NgUXOwKKcNsTUXv0bEbSpqzz2OFQc3wuNuGxCHozOJhZURmLyIaoQYXjiL2U1dVsoTOwWr1OKFBx/s640/rug.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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I think mixing patterns in the home is a lot like mixing patterns in an outfit: vary the style and vary the scale. So, I knew I had to do a different type of style – floral, traditional, anything other than abstract. I first considered a floral rug, but that seemed too feminine for our place and frankly the floral rugs out there were too "old" for us. Then, I was intensely interested in a Persian rug, but all the great ones were $1000+. When I saw <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/Global-Inspirations-Lyra-Rug~YA28668~E6740.html">the rug I bought</a>, I knew in my gut that it would work. The colors complemented our sofa and new chairs, and the scale was much larger than the pattern of the fabric. I took a little bit of a gamble, because I didn't know if it was <i>too</i> bold. To me, it works perfectly, and I love it. BDF is a little hesitant. How do you all like it?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-71364497704514392822013-10-23T22:06:00.000-07:002013-10-23T22:12:13.194-07:00HOMEMADE ICE CREAMat home in the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa2Zls8qcfh5NcVGVHe5Q3IaxxOsXa9c5OTlo4EDUA8BQTCwnSLumOVGtZxK0Y8Rr2b4yByAyEzbrSWOySHZGcIym-O0IP-xlG-dWPONCzkUJr_OCtth7egf_YKsnvZDH0vnEAxjVwnqv/s1600/pineapple+soy+sherbet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa2Zls8qcfh5NcVGVHe5Q3IaxxOsXa9c5OTlo4EDUA8BQTCwnSLumOVGtZxK0Y8Rr2b4yByAyEzbrSWOySHZGcIym-O0IP-xlG-dWPONCzkUJr_OCtth7egf_YKsnvZDH0vnEAxjVwnqv/s1600/pineapple+soy+sherbet.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Pineapple Soy Sherbet</div>
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There is a new toy in our household and it is called the <a href="https://www.vitamix.com/">Vitamix</a>! Here's an easy, tasty, healthy and dairy-free treat.</div>
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Ingredients (serves 4):</div>
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1 cup soy milk</div>
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1/4 cup sugar</div>
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract</div>
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1.5 cup frozen pineapple chunks</div>
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Place all ingredients into the Vitamix or blender. Turn machine on and slowly increase to highest speed. Blend for 40-60 seconds or until a thick slushy consistency. Do not over blend or melting will occur. Eat immediately! </div>
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For some extra fanciness, drizzle chocolate coconut oil topping all over. Recipe <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/dining/02apperex4.html?_r=0">here</a>.</div>
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiCdWEslnH-S69fDGLwVet_zKQLyRMwIkK7lF7VQQRwx1AIybu5K8kjSk9fk8poHJCVpAqONCGJ7BFaf3ZwatJKo_t_e6pwuCgRNzDUafExwHv_5aOwe9ekaKncXwPMSYWSmoOETSilFi/s1600/icecream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiCdWEslnH-S69fDGLwVet_zKQLyRMwIkK7lF7VQQRwx1AIybu5K8kjSk9fk8poHJCVpAqONCGJ7BFaf3ZwatJKo_t_e6pwuCgRNzDUafExwHv_5aOwe9ekaKncXwPMSYWSmoOETSilFi/s640/icecream.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
Vanilla Ice Cream with Salted Caramel Swirl<br />
<br />
Per my sister's request, I tried a recipe for vanilla ice cream with a caramel swirl adapted from a recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0762437987/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0762437987&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">Scoop</a>.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1 3/4 cup whole milk<br />
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream<br />
1/4 cup granulated sugar<br />
yolk of 2 large egg<br />
pinch of kosher salt<br />
3/5 teaspoon of vanilla extract<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0080BKPWY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0080BKPWY&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">Trader Joe's Fleur de Sel Caramel Sauce</a><br />
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Makes 1 pint<br />
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STEP 1: Creating the custard<br />
Add the whole milk, half the sugar, and salt to a saucepan. Over a medium-low fire, bring to a simmer while stirring occasionally. While the saucepan is coming to a simmer, beat the egg yolks, remaining sugar, and vanilla with a hand mixer until well mixed. Slowly add the milk mixture into the eggs while continuing to mix. When all mixed, add the mixture back into the saucepan. Over medium-low heat, stir continuously and do not let the mixture boil unless you want chunks of scrambled eggs in your ice cream! After about 3 minutes, the mixture will begin to emit steam and thicken. Transfer the custard to tupperware and place saran wrap directly onto the top of the custard. Do not put the lid on the tupperware. Refrigerate overnight.<br />
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STEP 2: Make the ice cream<br />
Make the ice cream in your ice cream maker, as directed. It should take about 20 minutes.<br />
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STEP 3: Build in the caramel<br />
Warm up the caramel slightly in the microwave (or over the stove if you want to do extra dishes). In your ice cream container, first add the vanilla ice cream then spoon a layer of caramel. Repeat until all the ice cream has been transferred.<br />
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STEP 4: Enjoy!<br />
When you serve the ice cream, spoon vertically rather than horizontally to give the ice cream a yummy and handsome caramel swirl. Savor the slightly salty caramel paired with the creamy vanilla ice cream!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-27663398552578905102013-10-12T15:45:00.001-07:002013-10-12T15:58:02.595-07:00LET'S FACE ITgirl in the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfECGlmI2rEQtABu20x1oVJCxCLsmm0RS6XfIZ5FScKvosE2hWpF7C3DkqwXrjOHOO1sNa3gB4a-RSzQffQOtjJ09OzaEPhpC-EdNP8A4pgqs1B4xJey8kQozQhnSvxzhRYr7vBlI7B-9/s1600/DSC_0263_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364.375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfECGlmI2rEQtABu20x1oVJCxCLsmm0RS6XfIZ5FScKvosE2hWpF7C3DkqwXrjOHOO1sNa3gB4a-RSzQffQOtjJ09OzaEPhpC-EdNP8A4pgqs1B4xJey8kQozQhnSvxzhRYr7vBlI7B-9/s1600/DSC_0263_3.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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I only wear makeup on business trips, at weddings or for that rare girls night out. I do not have a makeup routine per se. I just use products in random combinations. Here's a list of the ones I like to use:</div>
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For the face I wear <a href="http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Makeup-Foundation-VITALUMI%C3%88RE-91101">Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation</a> in 50 Naturel mixed with my moisturizer of the moment <a href="http://www.aesop.com/au/skin-care-1/sage-and-zinc-facial-hydrating-cream-spf15-2.html">Aesop Sage & Zinc Facial Hydrating Cream</a>. Sometimes I'll add <a href="http://www.korres.com/default.aspx?page_id=269">Korres Monoi Oil Bronzer</a> in Sunglow Warm and <a href="http://www.beautyhabit.com/paulandjoe_facecolor.html">Paul & Joe Face Color</a> in Peach for a little bit of liveliness. To set everything and get the dewy finish I'll spritz a healthy amount of <a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=fresh%20rose%20floral%20toner&skuId=661157&productId=P39970&_requestid=144867">Fresh Rose Floral Toner</a> all over my face.</div>
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For the eyes I use <a href="http://www.sephora.com/stay-all-day-waterproof-liquid-eye-liner-P253818?skuId=1221084">Stila Liquid Eyeliner</a> for the upper eyelid and <a href="http://www.beautyhabit.com/product8146.html">Paul & Joe Pencil Eyeliner</a> in Aubergine for the lower lid. I curl my meager lashes with <a href="http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/product/EYELASH-CURLER,default,pd.html">Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler</a> and desperately try to thicken them with <a href="http://www.sasa.com/SasaWeb/eng/product/viewProductDetail.jspa?itemno=104351203002">Shiseido Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus</a>. Unruly eyebrows get a grooming with the <a href="http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/eyes/eyebrows/eyebrow_kit">Elf Eyebrow Kit</a>. For really special occasions I'll bust out the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/naked-palette-P267200">Urban Decay Naked Palette</a>.</div>
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For the lips I swear by <a href="http://www.sephora.com/lip-butter-P199109">Korres Lip Butter</a> in Plum. This is the one makeup item I actually wear on a regular basis because it is nourishing for the lips and subtle. I recently received the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/glamazon-pure-performance-12-hour-lipstick-P375344?om_mmc=esv108602-GG&om_kwpur=341744180&ppc_crid=22023858257&site=us_search&esvcid=S1381618143_ADOGOe_AGI1215510_CRE22023858257_TID341744180_DVCc_RFDd3d3Lmdvb2dsZS5jb20%3d_RAWdGFydCUyMGdsYW1hem9uJTIwbGlwc3RpY2ts">Tart Glamazon Lipstick</a> in Fierce as a gift and boy is it fierce. It's really hard for me to pull off wearing such bright and bold lips. I look like a clown. Face it? I'm just not cut out for lipstick. Or keep trying? Any recommendations for less intimidating lipstick/colors?</div>
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGM-oQBjE2LW9u9tuqciWw9NBT9j0M9AC4s_gs8DLaeDAnFg-yGJNpE8JUfJIEJVXey97y7IPWP1vXeaoj8ItgFzp3jki5FaPXxlsjgQ6SSkW9F-beLgkWchs6KS77lLFATOjLfg7up75X/s1600/face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGM-oQBjE2LW9u9tuqciWw9NBT9j0M9AC4s_gs8DLaeDAnFg-yGJNpE8JUfJIEJVXey97y7IPWP1vXeaoj8ItgFzp3jki5FaPXxlsjgQ6SSkW9F-beLgkWchs6KS77lLFATOjLfg7up75X/s640/face.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<em><br />
</em> Let's face it - I am a makeup SLACKER. Usually when I start at a new job, my makeup routine is ambitious (for me). Then it begins a sad downward spiral.<br />
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Day 1-90:<br />
I decided that I wanted to have a fresh clean palette to match my new job. I knew that liquid foundation was the way to go because I could layer for full coverage or make it as sheer as I wanted. I bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DDHHTJC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DDHHTJC&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">Korres Quercetin and Oak Anti-ageing Foundation</a> in 20 Golden Beige, which was the first time I found the perfect color for my skin. I used a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002S8TOYU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002S8TOYU&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">cream blush from NYX</a> in Tea Rose and added powder blush from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00021DJ7I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00021DJ7I&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">Nars</a> in Deep Throat on top. For my eyeliner, I changed it up every day between stick and eyeshadow from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UKAD1E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002UKAD1E&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">NYX Smokey Eyes</a> palette. I finally invested in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004INFPO6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004INFPO6&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base</a> after rave reviews from just about everyone, and I layered random Clinique mascara samples on top. Finally, I drew in my eyebrows for a finished look using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053XJ8C0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0053XJ8C0&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">Tarte Emphaseyes for Brows</a> in Brown.<br />
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Day 90-120:<br />
I started to brown from the mean summer sun, and I finally had to switch over to a darker foundation I had lying around - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00161JKGC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00161JKGC&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">Smashbox High Definition</a> foundation in Light L3. I dropped the cream blush, and I alternated between no eyeliner but yes mascara and yes eyeliner but no mascara. I even still filled in my eyebrows.<br />
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Day 120-now:<br />
Due to the walking I do during my commute, wearing foundation was making my skin very sweaty, unhappy, and reactive. These days, I don't wear any foundation and am letting my skin take it easy. On most days, I even forget to wear blush. However, I have been consistently wearing eyeliner from Clinique - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BMGA6C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003BMGA6C&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">Cream Shaper in 103 Egyptian</a> (I know - politically uncorrect!!), mascara base and mascara. I really recommend the Clinique eyeliner because it smudges only a tiny bit, doesn't require eyeshadow base to last, has a slight shimmer to it, and is darkest brown but not black.<br />
<br />
I am hoping to get back on the pretty face train soon though. I want to bring back the cream blush because I love the texture and also the durability. Also, I think the eyebrows need to come back because they really help make your face look like a million bucks. I am also planning to buy a new powder foundation when I am in Portland (tax-free!!!). Send any recommendations this way!<br />
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Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117061049954529987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-65299233926829270232013-09-29T14:14:00.003-07:002013-10-04T09:02:06.599-07:00FALL FASHION BUYSgirl in the curious cityNow that fall is upon us (although you can't really tell here in LA), we went a little click happy with end of summer sales and preparation for cooler weather.<br />
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<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VLL-_SVXwNBbfh6JmPN9_0TFTVwUkZGhPTsWxiCVzqVlTkE4VN92x_p9GSVH54j2HsDrCrcV4tjYpzlfd4dBXrzfiPz-Q0CnOqITB20h_ej5JrQr8-RcCJ_VjJn4uAuQipd8xKnwDZUt/s1600/IMG_1803_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VLL-_SVXwNBbfh6JmPN9_0TFTVwUkZGhPTsWxiCVzqVlTkE4VN92x_p9GSVH54j2HsDrCrcV4tjYpzlfd4dBXrzfiPz-Q0CnOqITB20h_ej5JrQr8-RcCJ_VjJn4uAuQipd8xKnwDZUt/s1600/IMG_1803_2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.textileelizabethandjames.us/">Textile Elizabeth and James</a> sweatshirt... I still live in my high school swim team sweatshirt racked with holes and stains. Maybe this pre-tattered ombre piece will put it into retirement. </div>
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<a href="http://www.asos.com/Women/A-To-Z-Of-Brands/Ostwald-Helgason/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=8714&r=2">Ostwald Helgason</a> collar... For those days I don't feel like wearing anything under my sweater. I personally hate wearing button downs under wool sweaters because it gets too itchy and bulky for me. But I like the preppy look of the crisp collar over the neckline. So this little guy is an ingenious solution.</div>
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<a href="http://www.stevenalan.com/Hats%2C-Gloves-Scarves/womens-shoes-and-accessories-hats-gloves-scarves,default,sc.html#http://www.stevenalan.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-stevenalan-Site/default/Search-Show?cgid=womens-shoes-and-accessories-hats-gloves-scarves&view=all">Steven Alan</a> scarf... A lightweight linen scarf for those not so frigid socal nights.</div>
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<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopsale-accessories/28638963.jsp">Anthropologie</a> pompom belt... I was worried it would be too cutesy but it's actually quite elegant when wrapped around a flowy dress. </div>
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Other items lingering in my shopping cart include a <a href="http://www.yoox.com/us/38300026KQ/item?dept=#cod10=38300026KQ&sizeId=3">flannel shirt</a>, a <a href="http://us.asos.com/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2881937">shirt skirt</a>, and yet another <a href="http://us.asos.com/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3249293">sweatshirt</a>.</div>
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<em>JUNETTE</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx-kR7vsk-iMfC_JjDIoHi6eWFjvYPXog39Uy8tEJYZiw6oK1cHzO6Q8PjFaps_VHeuesxlsBoffiD1OyE3ZBHYQXrGOykB1vvPr77moqshpKy8BXYGjw1ua6MZnVZ7AGRa8RB-E2O4-E/s1600/fallbuys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx-kR7vsk-iMfC_JjDIoHi6eWFjvYPXog39Uy8tEJYZiw6oK1cHzO6Q8PjFaps_VHeuesxlsBoffiD1OyE3ZBHYQXrGOykB1vvPr77moqshpKy8BXYGjw1ua6MZnVZ7AGRa8RB-E2O4-E/s640/fallbuys.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">1. </span><a href="http://www.target.com/p/3-1-phillip-lim-for-target-sparkle-dress-black/-/A-14618066#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=phillip+lim" style="clear: #1155cc;">sparkle dress</a><span style="background-color: white;"> from Target x Phillip Lim 3.1 collaboration</span><br />
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2. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/3-1-phillip-lim-for-target-reg-mini-satchel-with-gusset-taupe/-/A-14623276#prodSlot=medium_2_6&term=phillip+lim" style="clear: #1155cc;">mini satchel in taupe</a> from Target x Phillip Lim 3.1 collaboration</div>
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3. <a href="https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/JEWELRY/necklaces/PRDOVR~70938/70938.jsp" style="clear: #1155cc;">circle locket</a> from Madewell</div>
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4. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/3-1-phillip-lim-for-target-sparkle-sweater-navy/-/A-14617751#prodSlot=medium_1_5&term=phillip+lim" style="clear: #1155cc;">sparkle sweater</a> from from Target x Phillip Lim 3.1 collaboration</div>
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5. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/3-1-phillip-lim-for-target-tote-with-gusset-black/-/A-14621588#prodSlot=medium_1_59&term=phillip+lim" style="clear: #1155cc;">black tote</a> from Target x Phillip Lim 3.1 collaboration</div>
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6. <a href="http://us.asos.com/Max-C-Printed-Blouse/110kbi/?iid=3262992&mporgp=L01heC1DLUxvbmRvbi9NYXgtQy1QcmludGVkLUJsb3VzZS9Qcm9kLw..&WT.ac=rec_viewed" style="clear: #1155cc;">patterned blouse</a> from Asos </div>
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7. <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/parker-expandable-dining-table-g830/" style="clear: #1155cc;">parker dining table</a> from West Elm</div>
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8. <a href="https://www.madewell.com/AST/Navigation/Sale/AllProducts/PRDOVR~61839/99102963356/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~striped%20mni/61839.jsp" style="clear: #1155cc;">striped mini</a> from Madewell</div>
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I took advantage of a few sales to rack up more than a few points on my credit card this month.</div>
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Madewell is having a sale on its sale! Use code: HELLOFALL. From Madewell's sale section, I was able to find a fun necklace and skirt. BDF saw the necklace and asked me if it was a pokeball... as in POKEMON. I couldn't stop laughing, and now that's all I can think of when I wear the necklace...</div>
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I also checked out Asos for the first time in a long time - they have so much stuff that it's almost painful to search through it all. I ended up returning all the pants I tried (I never learn my lesson), but I found a blouse with a beautiful pattern as well as a sweater dress (not pictured) to wear over leggings. My sister-in-law gave me something like ten pairs of leggings from her store, so I have been looking for long shirts and dresses I can wear in the autumn and winter.</div>
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I also learned how to stalk twitter in order to buy some awesome buys from the Target x Phillip Lim 3.1 collaboration. It's a crazy world out there, and I am light years behind in terms of technology... Due to some help from a kind friend, I was able to purchase the sparkle dress, sparkle sweater, and two purses before they even released the sale on the Target website. I found all the affirmation I needed when I saw that Marlien from <a href="http://www.lecatch.com/2013/09/phillip-lim-target-sparkle-sweater.html" style="color: #1155cc;">Le Catch</a> also bought the sparkle sweater!! I also am really happy with the purse purchases - they're not leather but they are well made and look relatively genuine. I gave my sister the large tote, and she was happy with it as well.</div>
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Finally, I know that this isn't technically a fashion purchase, but I bought our dining room some new accessories - actually just one. I found out a few months ago that BDF actually hates our dining table. He always humors me with my "vintage" purchases, but I guess he didn't like the scuffed up look of our wobbly table. After months of searching, I finally decided to use the rest of our wedding gift credits to buy a new table, just in time for the autumn and winter social gatherings! The 15% off dining sale is still on at West Elm, if you're interested.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-66840199181534318902013-09-17T21:31:00.001-07:002013-09-17T21:58:29.644-07:00LATE SUMMER ESCAPESstories from the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
Over Labor Day weekend we drove up north for a little 10 year dorm reunion at Berkeley. And although we've made the trek countless times, there is always something new to see and explore along the way. This time we decided to make two stops in Paso Robles and Santa Cruz.<br />
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</em> <em><b>Paso Robles</b></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6Y4wIMjmgLFEMA-YyyASPR9mX_8i8aeYi-HyQ_X1b9tKsSMfU8w7AuHor5UUhH_3QY_jVOby4s6XwNel6vTReh1U2-LM0csaDQdVLgl0-ZrHOw-QZKk6hvcNkzDyl-apawxPIIUK6Qyq/s1600/paso+robles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="409.0625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6Y4wIMjmgLFEMA-YyyASPR9mX_8i8aeYi-HyQ_X1b9tKsSMfU8w7AuHor5UUhH_3QY_jVOby4s6XwNel6vTReh1U2-LM0csaDQdVLgl0-ZrHOw-QZKk6hvcNkzDyl-apawxPIIUK6Qyq/s1600/paso+robles.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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We really enjoy wine but have yet to fully graduate from the <i>lets chug a bottle of Two Buck Chuck</i> phase. In an effort to refine our tastes, we visited three wineries. The first <a href="http://www.tablascreek.com/">Tablas Creek</a> was my favorite. A traditional and beautiful winery with genuinely passionate and knowledgeable people. We picked up new tips on wine storage and learned about wine maturation and different grape varietals. The second winery was <a href="http://www.justinwine.com/">Justin</a>, which is a modern vineyard with a little less warmth but the best wine. One word, ISOSCELES. We mulled over its $70 price tag but regrettably walked out miserly empty handed. However a serendipitous trip to Costco recently led us back to the bottle (at a cheaper price!). Our last wine tasting was at <a href="http://www.tobinjames.com/">Tobin James</a>. This winery had the vibe of an a old western saloon full of loud and rowdy people. Cheers to good energy, good wine, and having a good time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ga__QF3A-kFwuaqimgVVOxj-2mOhjoua4l1z7VLtO8OqrUOxeFHdW7XFlCxx4js_oCurSnm_-FqzYS5HOm1whyphenhyphenZGu2e4VopFBVKiAD_PfWAHRJ63yzgl_5JdZLyP8HCVgbCKA_CJbdtC/s1600/IMG_1637_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ga__QF3A-kFwuaqimgVVOxj-2mOhjoua4l1z7VLtO8OqrUOxeFHdW7XFlCxx4js_oCurSnm_-FqzYS5HOm1whyphenhyphenZGu2e4VopFBVKiAD_PfWAHRJ63yzgl_5JdZLyP8HCVgbCKA_CJbdtC/s1600/IMG_1637_2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4Jxs_i4HCbdPix29R2wcIyaDrZEgL3uPHRM7YNxhte8J_aUzDSfOId4BtlJri2nfD3V_zDkSNJcIECIW4PaueX0QNwtJ_tgBR5HDzLA5EROuwbshF9scLw-145iR1l5O_y6_i_IrSzie/s1600/IMG_1643_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4Jxs_i4HCbdPix29R2wcIyaDrZEgL3uPHRM7YNxhte8J_aUzDSfOId4BtlJri2nfD3V_zDkSNJcIECIW4PaueX0QNwtJ_tgBR5HDzLA5EROuwbshF9scLw-145iR1l5O_y6_i_IrSzie/s1600/IMG_1643_2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
Dinner was in downtown Paso Robles at <a href="http://www.thomashillorganics.com/home.html">Thomas Hill Organics</a>. The food tasted as fresh and delicious as it looks, which is always a welcome delight.<br />
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<i><b>Santa Cruz</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XSmrtwElng2xuvacpY_0TiVuDh7ieVA3qTVBTw1sJ5EobpWmJuinWdC4KNOcdAXtUi00dAor4gd88bxdHOwhuobZRLst0mU-vGis-YC4t1GcsZyjNgfPNG83rTMqmMhVbG4tW1l0Tbgk/s1600/IMG_1675_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XSmrtwElng2xuvacpY_0TiVuDh7ieVA3qTVBTw1sJ5EobpWmJuinWdC4KNOcdAXtUi00dAor4gd88bxdHOwhuobZRLst0mU-vGis-YC4t1GcsZyjNgfPNG83rTMqmMhVbG4tW1l0Tbgk/s1600/IMG_1675_2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDhhyphenhyphen6WRgs45tzJwOu9PN3axTOr4VsqXUUrADbHqhmTJdGK3dJ_C5rivpDd6F8dSOEvcIug1sLu12UUWYpfQn_o0WXFzhZvTun1lwD9euVWz9zny23GjkONsM3k2RSb2jXI8L_ZEBA4bi/s1600/IMG_1670_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDhhyphenhyphen6WRgs45tzJwOu9PN3axTOr4VsqXUUrADbHqhmTJdGK3dJ_C5rivpDd6F8dSOEvcIug1sLu12UUWYpfQn_o0WXFzhZvTun1lwD9euVWz9zny23GjkONsM3k2RSb2jXI8L_ZEBA4bi/s1600/IMG_1670_2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL3b2ziU8Pera3-rkUkY7FU8nJHrTwiSXNSPOj5pOHh9p2g5CAXp2TA9THeoLUHVCLbUvZvTT98dmXb04yTdepjDqOx7tiRX3g1jKpQzpGiumWb2eqP9rOzdLD4EY9HHRGVucq4CvBIIZ/s1600/nisene+marks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="409.0625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL3b2ziU8Pera3-rkUkY7FU8nJHrTwiSXNSPOj5pOHh9p2g5CAXp2TA9THeoLUHVCLbUvZvTT98dmXb04yTdepjDqOx7tiRX3g1jKpQzpGiumWb2eqP9rOzdLD4EY9HHRGVucq4CvBIIZ/s1600/nisene+marks.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
I love hikes that end with a waterfall, so when I read about <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/666/files/TheForestNiseneMarksWebBroch2012.pdf">Five Finger Falls</a> on the <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2013/08/santa-cruz-ca-city-guide.html">Design Sponge</a> guide, I was sold. However, we never made it to the waterfall. Two and a half hours into the hike we realized we wouldn't make it there and back before nightfall. We were pretty bummed but still had a lot of fun almost touching a giant fungus growing out of an ancient tree and doing leg lifts on a rickety bridge.<br />
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At night we went on a <a href="http://www.kayakconnection.com/tours_page.php?id=54&keywords=Starlight_Bioluminesence_Tour">bioluminescence kayaking tour</a>. Think of that scene in Life of Pi when the ocean starts to glow and that huge whale flips over the boat, but not as crazy. Antony at first couldn't believe it and was in denial. But after our eyes got more adjusted to the darkness the water came alive. Every time we paddled our kayaks it would agitate the plankton in the water and cause it to glow and sparkle. We could also see fish jet around beneath us like they were wrapped in Christmas lights. Magnificent, so cool, must do!<br />
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Finally I just want to mention we stayed at the most breathtaking Airbnb house overlooking the entire Elkhorn Slough called the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/444465">Timshel</a>. Our hosts Mark and Claire were incredibly kind and accommodating and the house was pure magic.<br />
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
This year, the guys diverged from their usual annual golf trip to Vegas and instead chose Scottsdale, Arizona. Although I must admit that I have never once had a hankering to visit Arizona (I only think of their recent Stop-and-Identify law, desert, and more desert), there were a few interesting stops that we made.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSNfE2SHTdg3rIm_tX-m0caaxhnL_cDJrUuhXgeFPsFJRfRjopU2Ul0HgQ1VTRIw0mbQ2Snfd3nHwzc42OIZRjUABF07nh-8uopN71SqH-Q3l8sGwyigJOmU_OMqwpNmlFiPtuizpvJnX/s1600/scotts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="912" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSNfE2SHTdg3rIm_tX-m0caaxhnL_cDJrUuhXgeFPsFJRfRjopU2Ul0HgQ1VTRIw0mbQ2Snfd3nHwzc42OIZRjUABF07nh-8uopN71SqH-Q3l8sGwyigJOmU_OMqwpNmlFiPtuizpvJnX/s1600/scotts1.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
The highlight of the trip was visiting<a href="http://www.inthecuriosity.com/2012/02/loving-frank-lloyd-wright.html"> Frank Lloyd Wright'</a>s Taliesen West. It was his winter home toward the end of of his life, and it functioned (still functions) as an architecture school. The design and construction materials themselves are taken from the mountains against which the campus is set, and the architecture students still live in tents!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvWkfU7thxhitYnGurBEKOBnoKWpTbRGyB9G7_jnPaLoJ67cr5AGkNI5mN1Ni5UZSCISYlqD4O4SjcCNAUbLUDoVMpeCHY1lXDXuJ3e3BCo2w_VdiajbG3xdTEjLTTLBbhHuYofeXPz_c/s1600/scotts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvWkfU7thxhitYnGurBEKOBnoKWpTbRGyB9G7_jnPaLoJ67cr5AGkNI5mN1Ni5UZSCISYlqD4O4SjcCNAUbLUDoVMpeCHY1lXDXuJ3e3BCo2w_VdiajbG3xdTEjLTTLBbhHuYofeXPz_c/s640/scotts2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
What I enjoyed most was seeing the interior spaces and the furniture that Frank Lloyd Wright designed and used himself. We were able to see the actual living spaces that he and his family used.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZx2RFUfHIVdODEwwvmO0ny3RILLsbRWfc6DnPfeeRZXhnFoyxE5jXbjWe_9MP3fr0m-xUP7h9ofWd4_B2YsPr-gUH2J-8c_kI5TvQtYZ-dP2lg3myNaGKqAqtSR9wrVwTMVhY2W7vjTy/s1600/scotts3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZx2RFUfHIVdODEwwvmO0ny3RILLsbRWfc6DnPfeeRZXhnFoyxE5jXbjWe_9MP3fr0m-xUP7h9ofWd4_B2YsPr-gUH2J-8c_kI5TvQtYZ-dP2lg3myNaGKqAqtSR9wrVwTMVhY2W7vjTy/s1600/scotts3.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
What was not so enjoyable was the intense dry heat. The photos came out crisp and clear, but man oh man was I sweaty behind the camera!<br />
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What I noticed about the Scottsdale area is that there is nothing but plenty of space. That means everything is spread apart, and everything is huge. The cacti are huge, the houses are huge.... and as far as I could tell, everything in Scottsdale looked pretty new.<br />
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A short while away, we went to Phoenix, which felt more compact and less sparkly clean and new to me. We were in Phoenix to drop by this scary place called <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/last-chance-bargain-shoes-and-apparel-phoenix">Last Chance</a>. It's basically the one and only Nordstrom outlet of outlets. We waited for the store to open for an hour, and once it opened, I got shoved aside by some vicious and large women. Maybe due to this hapless beginning, I seemed to have missed the amazingly brand new Celine purse (one lucky woman found it), all the Toms (people were carrying armfuls), and Tory Burch everythings (apparently that's the brand of the moment). It's a wild a crazy store, but I'm glad I experienced it once...</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117061049954529987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-85978744164362687032013-09-10T10:16:00.000-07:002013-09-10T10:19:31.563-07:00AT HOME WITH A FRIEND Vol.4at home in the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em>
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<em><a href="http://www.inthecuriosity.com/2013/09/the-things-we-carry-vol7-girl-in.html">Rita</a> and Stuart live in a cozy home in Westchester. They gutted and redid most of the house a few years ago when they first purchased it. Recently Stuart, an architect, remodeled the kitchen for Rita. Prepare to be inspired by their well-traveled good taste as they show us around their home.</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oJyQkyYv9ClA_hHzwW-brCMulGY35oRPzxr2zLKt9-AQA6nH-45eWigcs0Nj6KSl0etAyKQHTOSpwCG9Cof_r0FcT5J7hgotHnUpAl9OMKVZpib5abwse8HOEDYyh-TDq34FXxyHC0-K/s1600/IMG_1397_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oJyQkyYv9ClA_hHzwW-brCMulGY35oRPzxr2zLKt9-AQA6nH-45eWigcs0Nj6KSl0etAyKQHTOSpwCG9Cof_r0FcT5J7hgotHnUpAl9OMKVZpib5abwse8HOEDYyh-TDq34FXxyHC0-K/s1600/IMG_1397_2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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The Chef's view of the Dining room, the wall hanging is a bed spread from Rajastan.</div>
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We recently opened up the dining room and redesigned the kitchen. The light pipes really brighten it up.</div>
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The remodeled kitchen; the ugly fridge continues the insurgency against an otherwise splendid Ikea-esque contemporary utopia.</div>
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New kitchen, new clutter!</div>
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Pooch is our cranky cat from Hong Kong. She's an old girl now, but still rules the house with an iron claw!</div>
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We have a strange mix of stuff we have collected over the years that wards off the whiff of minimalism and makes the place ours (or are we just messy?). The Burmese harp straddles the Chinese knockers, a nice juxtaposition to the Desert Christmas Tree!</div>
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The living room; low key and comfy, note the step to help Pooch to climb up to the sofa.</div>
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We have a small hall that acts as a memory gallery for family photos, travel sketches and other weird items.</div>
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The rug is from Nepal, it serves as a reminder for Pooch to behave.</div>
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Some of Rita's pottery.</div>
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Mo proudly shows off her new contemporary style house (<i>designed and built by Stuart</i>).</div>
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The Garden is our retreat, we grow a lot of veggies. Hard work, but a nice place for a beer once it's done.</div>
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French doors, or "freedom" doors as they are called in our neighborhood. We call freedom fries chips! It's an English thing.</div>
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
<em><i>Gina and Sean live in Downtown LA, in a beautiful historic building. Though the details of her building are beautiful and charmingly vintage, the open loft layout gives it a very modern feel. Gina gives us a quick tour of their home.</i></em><br />
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<i>[Entry Way + Kitchen]</i> I bought the deer head on Urban Outfitters.com. They have some very interesting home decor items on their website. I just wanted it when I saw it, and when I had put it together, I realized it would fit perfectly above the fridge. The chalkboard wall is actually from the guy who lived here before I did. He painted it and wrote all those bars and restaurants on it. I left it because I really like it! I even like what he wrote on it. As far as local eateries go, I like this place called <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/maccheroni-republic-los-angeles">Maccheroni Republic</a>, which is right around the corner on Broadway. They have really, really good pasta there. Sean's favorite restaurant is Pho 86, which is in Chinatown (a short drive) and is also very good.</div>
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<i>[Bathroom] There are several beautiful mini collections of art placed throughout the condo, and even in the bathroom. </i>A lot of the art in our place is from my favorite artist, Matisse. My favorite thing he did is "Icarus," which is hanging above the dining table. I love art and have always done it in some shape or form, so I am particular about the way it is hung and shown in my house. Some of it is from random thrift stores. Actually, the comic books in the hallway to the bathroom <i>(not pictured)</i> are Sean's artistic contribution to the house. He collected comic books when he was young. (NERD)</div>
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<i>[Vintage Details] </i>This building was built in 1912. if you look at the original photographs of Downtown Los Angeles, this building is in all of them! It was originally built as an office building. When the developers bought it to restore it, they had to tear out layers of carpet and linoleum, and underneath all that were the original wood floors and the original tile from the hallways of the office building. That tile strip that goes through my unit was once part of the hallway. Also, the doors on each of the units were originally office doors. Because it was designated as a historic building by the City of LA, we also get a break on our property taxes by ~70%! That was a large selling point to me since the HOA fees are high in this place.</div>
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<i>[Bedroom]</i> <i>Gina divided the main space into a living room area and a bedroom/closet space with faux walls. </i>The bird decals are from a website called dalidecals.com. They have all kinds of decals on that website and you can choose the color along with the finish (matte or shiny). The birds were the first thing I put up when I moved into my condo. Originally, I had wanted a large tree decal, but all the choices they had looked too static. I wanted something that could look like there was movement in it, so I went with the birds. <i>What a great view right?! When I asked her about if she ever made awkward eye contact with her neighbors across the street, she told he she actually hadn't because it's an office building.</i></div>
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<em>[<i>Living Room</i>] I dont think I have a specific style. I tend to like things that have clean industrial lines, but I am also a hoarder, so I like to fill spaces with little knick knacks. I also like things that have a sense of humor.</em></div>
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[<i>On Living in Downtown LA</i>] I like living in Downtown because it is like a fake city. Some people like to pretend like it is a mini-Manhattan, but it will never be that because it doesn't have any of the congestion that Manhattan does. The fact is that it is still pretty empty on weekends and weekdays after 6pm because that is when the office buildings become empty. I love that about it because we can ride our bikes freely. I like that the buildings in the Historic Core were not torn down and rebuilt. I like being here and knowing that it's all been here for such a long time. I even like that I have a homeless arch-nemesis... a man that really hates me and yells "Bitch, what are you looking at?" every time I see him. Once I came back from a long business trip in China, and I was exhausted. I got out of the cab and walked around the corner to the front door of my building. My arch-nemesis was right there and welcomed me home with his signature glare and his pet name for me, Bitch. It's the best!</div>
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Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117061049954529987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-29935182430300925322013-09-08T17:32:00.000-07:002013-09-10T10:16:59.344-07:00THE THINGS WE CARRY Vol.7girl in the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmslyFZiGfou_WQ8zB3p85G5DipwOQnmiiZ0rzMO3hPCpXPQBCRno2cnn24cWaMFb3r8zT4m4tY4MWkUCxhmT3vAQh4LmyTdw1PkdnHXjEvZ9bEo2_hqvqN4h5MlmRn5l2IQv86mULL22l/s1600/rita+diptych.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276.71875" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmslyFZiGfou_WQ8zB3p85G5DipwOQnmiiZ0rzMO3hPCpXPQBCRno2cnn24cWaMFb3r8zT4m4tY4MWkUCxhmT3vAQh4LmyTdw1PkdnHXjEvZ9bEo2_hqvqN4h5MlmRn5l2IQv86mULL22l/s1600/rita+diptych.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<i>Bear like rabbit is called Babbit. I had her since 1999 when my husband Stuart and I were on our world tour. She was picked up from an orphan basket, with a dozen of her siblings in Eureka, N. California. I had her for the whole 8 months - in New York, Philadelphia, Canada, UK, West Europe, India, and Nepal. I even took her on my hike in Himalaya for 3 weeks. I found her a nice top in Hong Kong, I know she doesn't need it but she looked cool with it! Since then, I take her on all my trips. She is my best travel pal, of course besides my hubby!</i><br />
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I work with Rita everyday. I can't believe I've known her for 6 years now. She is like an older sister to me. Her nature is to take care of everyone. I look up to her in many ways, especially her spirited propensity to see the world. I cannot wait to share Rita and Stuart's newly remodeled kitchen and <a href="http://www.inthecuriosity.com/2013/09/at-home-with-friend-vol4-at-home-in.html">eclectic house</a>. It's full of objects from their travels which will make you ache to see the world for yourself.<br />
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
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<em>When we first got engaged, Sean and I were talking about having kids in our very far future, and I blurted out the secret thought that I had been mulling over for a while. And although my feelings may change later, this secret thought is the truth: If I got pregnant and while giving birth, I found out that I was pushing out a puppy instead of a human child, I would not be upset. I would be happy. </em><em></em><br />
<em> And as I told this to him, I grabbed my dog Dobby, put him in my shirt and pretended to give birth to him.</em><br />
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My love affair with dogs did not have a strong start. When I was a kid, my uncle took us to the pound to pick a dog. We chose small brown mutt puppy with a black spot on her back. We all sat in a circle in the laundry room, looking up names in the encyclopedia. We decided on "Melanie." When we came out of the laundry room and announced that her name would be "Melanie," my dad promptly told us her name would either be "Mung-mung-ee" (which is dog in korean) or "Happy." We chose Happy. We neglected Happy and I secretly did not like to go outside to see her because she would jump on me and rub mud all over me. Also, she feasted on her own poop and all the plants in the back yard. After a year, Happy ran away and did not come back. Much later, I found out Happy was given away to another family where her life ended in a not-so-nice way. If you are Korean, you'll know what I mean by a word that rhymes with "go-shin-tang." </em><br />
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I have 3 dogs in my life who are mine and not family dogs. Lily was my first dog that I adopted. She was born deaf and partially blind, and was abused as a puppy, so when I got her, it was a struggle to make her love me. It took a while, but it eventually happened, and she loved <b>only me</b>. She tolerated other humans, but I was the only one she loved unconditionally and truly.</em><br />
<em><br />In every way, dogs are the good that humans are too complicated to be. I really think that dogs project pure emotions, something that I don't think people are capable of doing. Every human emotion is adulterated by another. Example #1: Even though getting married was one of the happiest and most fulfilling moments of my life, I was also racked with fear. Example #2: When Ron makes prefect, Harry is very happy for him. But he is also filled with jealousy and anger at why he wasn't made a prefect. Dogs think like this: "I am so hungry!" "I am so excited!" "I am really happy!" "I am mad that you are petting the other dog!" "I am sleepy!" "I love you!"</em><br />
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Even Lily, who was probably one of the most complicated dogs to have because of her background and special needs, was a direct manifestation of her previous environment. Then, when her environment changed, and I was obsessed with her and making her love me, she also changed.</em><br />
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Lily passed away a year ago. We found a tumor on her paw, which got infected because she was licking it. The vet gave her antibiotics for the infection, but she had a kidney condition that was undetected. Eventually, her kidneys failed. It was one of the saddest periods of my life. For a couple weeks, every morning, Sean would come over and I would hug her while he did an IV drip on her to flush out her kidneys. Even though she was physically weak, she climbed up to lay across my chest every night and rested her head on my shoulder until she fell asleep. </em><br />
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<em>We had to put her down.</em><br />
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After we put her down, Dobby was weird. He gained a lot of weight. I wanted a playmate for him, but had to wait until Sean was ready. Then we found Bruno at a rescue in Lake Tahoe. We drove to get him a week before our wedding!</em><br />
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Now that I made myself cry with my story about Lily, I'll get back to my main point. I chose my dogs as the Things I Carry because I love them and they love me. They also love Sean, but this post is about me. </em><br />
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Gina is my older cousin who always seemed to know the answers for all my questions (even if now I realize she may have made up the answers.) It's all too easy to be swept away by her confidence and passionate feelings (for example, the night she declared her undying love for Zack Efron, and I was tricked into watching movie after terrible movie starring Zack Efron.) Gina is artistic, has her own unique style, and is a true softie at heart. Gina was an art student, and now she is in the fashion industry. She is a newlywed, and she shares her hip downtown home with her husband. I can't wait to show you their place later this week!</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117061049954529987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-39626063730882224622013-08-25T21:51:00.002-07:002013-08-25T21:51:37.487-07:00TECH TALKat home in the curious cityAlthough I catch on pretty quickly with new technology, I am always more than a little reluctant to try something new the first time. Today, my guest blogger is BDF, who actually studied computers in college. *Insert nerd snort here* As you can imagine, he is the one always introducing me to new apps and fixing the internet. BDF will share how he used his tech savvy to do a cable TV workaround for our home, and I will focus on some everyday useful apps. <br />
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<div class="post-column-left"><em>BDF</em><br />
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We are one of the many households who have cut the cable cord. Not to say that we don’t watch movies and TV; we still watch plenty of TV. From <i>Say Yes to the Dress</i> to <i>Breaking Bad</i>. We watch all of our TV from online resources and in this post I’ll explain our setup.<br />
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Although we have an LCD Samsung TV, it is not a SMART TV so we needed a device that accesses the internet and displays it on our TV. I didn’t want to plug a laptop in and out every time we want to watch TV so we have the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006VCOZYI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006VCOZYI&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">Acer RL70-UR10P Desktop</a> which is a wi-fi enabled nettop that is running Windows 7. A nettop is a small computer without an optical disc drive. We needed Windows 7 because some of the websites I use to watch Korean TV shows (not dramas, more like variety shows) require Windows. Also, it's always plugged in and comes in handy when we need to look at slideshows or youtube clips. The nettop came with 2GB of ram, which isn’t enough to stream HD content smoothly so we bought an additional <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NU47XI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005NU47XI&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">2GB</a>. <br />
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For the keyboard, we have a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0090BTY8Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0090BTY8Y&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">FAVI Entertainment SmartStick Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad Mouse, FE02RF-BL</a>. It’s about the size of long cellphone and it does the trick. The keyboard even has a small little touchpad that allows us to point and click without needing a bulky mouse. <br />
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With this set up, we can watch almost anything we want with one exception. Sports. With the <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/lad">Dodgers</a> being on FIRE and football season coming up, we need, actually I need to be able to watch the <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/sfo">Niners</a> play. So the next piece that will complete our set up will be a HD TV tuner. Hopefully we can get the major networks broadcasting over the air and I will test be testing this out this week to see what kind of reception we get. <br />
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</div><div class="post-column-right"><em>JUNETTE</em><br />
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I try to keep my phone simple and uncluttered without a million apps. It's hard because there are apps for just about everything out there. I tend to gravitate towards apps that are aesthetically pleasing and intuitive to use.<br />
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<a href="https://www.evernote.com/">Evernote</a> is my absolute favorite app, and I use it every day without a doubt. My techy alternate persona would have the elephant logo tattoed over my heart. I like that Evernote is accessible via phone and computer. You can even download the web clipper so that you can save things to Evernote directly from your browser. On grocery shopping days, I go through my recipes and type in my list on my laptop. Then when I'm at the market, I pull up my list on my phone. My favorite feature is definitely the checkbox. Nothing is more satisfying than checking off items on my Evernote. I have a few basic categories, and I use Evernote to collect links for DIY projects, my workout routines, and compilation of random research I've done. You can also share notes with others, which comes in handy when I want to share links or send BDF to the market.<br />
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<a href="http://cloud.feedly.com/#welcome">Feedly</a> is another app I use everything. I know I'm late to the RSS/feed game, but I arrived at last. I used to open up my daily links one by one in my browser. I kept hearing this buzz around Google Reader... but only because it was shutting down. In my search for an attractive but not too complicated feeder, I saw a lot of crazily complex and ugly apps. I like Feedly because I can subscribe to specific blogs, instead of having the news of all the world displayed at once. I know I could expand my use of it to fit all my needs, but I still read my news on a separate app (<a href="http://www.npr.org/services/mobile/iphone.php">NPR</a>).<br />
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<a href="http://www.shapelyapp.com/">Shapely</a> is my favorite photo editing app, which I like to use in conjunction with <a href="http://instagram.com/junettesheen">Instagram</a>. I seriously cannot believe Shapely is free!!! And I kind of feel sad that I'm sharing it with our dear readers because I was secretly hoarding this app. It makes my photos look that much better! I'm so greedy, I know.<br />
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Those are all the apps I can truly recommend right now. I keep it simple, and pretty low tech. A few other apps you could check out are 1) <a href="http://trello.com/">Trello</a> - which BDF recommended to me as a project management tool. It works on both your phone and computer like Evernote does; 2) <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/%E2%80%8E">Stitcher</a> - through which I discovered there's a whole world of podcasts out there!!! It's pretty crazy.... a podcast for every interest and every type of listener you could imagine. I only use it to listen to This American Life, which is great because otherwise I wouldn't have a chance to listen to it. If I listened more to podcasts while commuting or at work, I think I would use this app at a much higher level; 3) <a href="http://dayoneapp.com/%E2%80%8E">Day One</a> - a daily journaling app which I only downloaded because it was free during the iTunes anniversary! It has great reviews though; 4) <a href="http://evr.st/%E2%80%8E">Everest</a> is a handsome app, which I wish I had more time and energy to fully utilize. It's an app that helps you reach your goals, one day at a time. And no, "start using Everest everyday" is not one of the goals in my Everest app.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-78109861812222953052013-08-19T21:47:00.002-07:002013-08-19T21:47:43.633-07:00ONE GOOD INGREDIENT: PEARSat home in the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttrjXiv4QOsHnvO1wa3XH9opGN438JHzcq9kWZyMnHxOvAnXxtKsDhR2GAP5kwJbHREGh0Rg_ha7wsd3f1HT5n_ssLx52cwR6ARCuyd80mLFsOgkOdQ4q5Iy3PfW7BXEmLVBZ4jli0h7j/s1600/inthecuriosity_pears2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttrjXiv4QOsHnvO1wa3XH9opGN438JHzcq9kWZyMnHxOvAnXxtKsDhR2GAP5kwJbHREGh0Rg_ha7wsd3f1HT5n_ssLx52cwR6ARCuyd80mLFsOgkOdQ4q5Iy3PfW7BXEmLVBZ4jli0h7j/s1600/inthecuriosity_pears2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Last weekend Antony and I visited his grandmother for lunch. As we were leaving, she picked some pears from her tree for us to take home. They are Asian pears so I knew I wanted to keep the flavors of this dessert subtle and not overly sweet.</div>
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<b><i>Green Tea Poached Pears </i></b></div>
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recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/339007/green-tea-poached-pears-with-pistachio-b?czone=food/produce-guide-cnt/produce-guide-fall">here</a></div>
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Ingredients</div>
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80g <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yamamotoyama-Original-Sweetened-Iced-Green/dp/B0007A0PX0">Green Tea powder</a> (6 packets)</div>
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1/2 cup sugar</div>
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5 slices of ginger</div>
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orange peel of half an orange</div>
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2 tsp vanilla</div>
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1 pear</div>
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whipping cream</div>
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/314327/salted-pistachio-brittle">Salted Pistachio Brittle</a></div>
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Mix 3 cups of water and 5 packets or around 60g of green tea powder until it is dissolved. Add sugar, ginger, orange, and vanilla to the mixture and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.</div>
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Peel and core the pear, leaving the stem. Put the pear in the simmering liquid and cook the pear for 30 minutes or until tender.</div>
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Remove the pear, discard the solids, and continue to cook the liquid for about 45 minutes until it is reduced to a thicker consistency.</div>
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Meanwhile add the last packet or 20g of green tea powder to whipping cream. Whisk cream until fluffy.</div>
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Place the pear on a plate and drizzle the reduced sauce on top. Add a dollop of green tea whipped cream and salted pistachio brittle on the side.</div>
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This is the fanciest dessert I have ever made. The flavors are very complex because if I didn't make it myself I probably wouldn't be able to guess all the ingredients. The ginger and orange give the pear a zing which is then tamed by the green tea whipped cream. The brittle adds a crunchy contrast and sweetness to it. </div>
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
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Pears are one of my favorite fruits, and incorporating them into desserts is a delicious way to up your daily serving of fruit. This baked pear recipe is easy and quick, with very little prep and cleanup.<br />
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<b><i>BAKED PEARS - TWO WAYS</i></b><br />
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1 bartlett pear, cut in half, cored, and peeled (if desired)<br />
brown sugar<br />
1/2 lemon<br />
marscapone<br />
white sugar<br />
vanilla ice cream<br />
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First, prepare the pear by washing and cutting it in half. Cut the core out, and peel it if you want. I left the pear on for one half but not the other. Sprinkle the pear halves with brown sugar and lemon juice.<br />
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To prepare the marscapone topping, mix white sugar with marscapone at a ratio of 1:2.<br />
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Bake the pears in the oven at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Let the pear cool for a few minutes, then choose the topping. Serve the pear with either ice cream or a dollop of marscapone.<br />
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Your mouth will appreciate how the topping is cold but the pear is warm, and the way your spoon glides through the pear is satisfyingly. I prefer the marscapone topping because the flavor contrasts more with the pear than the ice cream does... but both options are worth trying out for yourself!<br />
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Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117061049954529987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-23207210586905407352013-08-12T00:07:00.002-07:002013-08-12T10:53:15.633-07:00CURRENTLY...girl in the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
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I am currently watching:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJGoQPZVjKifdzFGairSmNnlTKs7iHy31H5Ql6vUEwGnQx5aZClzXmuY14_gkJHSOOOAVY8c6li-4Lt7IZU-bIp7y50itEITHo0gPEHTSRaGkeBpAfgMnDng8HAA7T3AmhXxNCekZ5FLJ/s1600/currently+watching_inthecuriosity..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484.6875" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJGoQPZVjKifdzFGairSmNnlTKs7iHy31H5Ql6vUEwGnQx5aZClzXmuY14_gkJHSOOOAVY8c6li-4Lt7IZU-bIp7y50itEITHo0gPEHTSRaGkeBpAfgMnDng8HAA7T3AmhXxNCekZ5FLJ/s1600/currently+watching_inthecuriosity..jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<em><br /></em><a href="http://www.amctv.com/shows/breaking-bad">BREAKING BAD</a> - Just watched the premier of the first episode of the final season and geez. I can't really describe how I feel other than stating that this is my favorite show of all time. To me the most significant stories are those of ordinary people in extraordinary situations, albeit fictional.<br />
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<a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mud_2012/">Mud</a> - Ellis, Neckbone, Mud, Juniper. These are the names of the characters in this film set in Arkansas along the Mississippi River. Modern day <i>Adventures of Huck Finn</i> kind of story. Just a really great film.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pbs.org/kenburns/dustbowl/">The Dust Bowl</a> - A PBS two part documentary about the dust storms in the Great Plains during the 1930s. Still need to watch part 2 but I loved part 1. The interviews with the families who endured and survived the natural disaster are so touching. I find just the manner in which they speak, using idioms and phrases long forgotten, so interesting.<br />
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<a href="http://aiweiweineversorry.com/">Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry</a> - I've been following the work of artist Ai Weiwei for a while now but never really researched into his past. This documentary delves into his history and follows the pivotal moments of his career as an artist and activist. Very insightful and educational for anyone interested in art, movements, humanitarianism, communism, the power of one and the power of the internet.<br />
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnTG_-W15ItCRrLzCvr-fEEQuJiWJXAg-uyVX6pGzWFBD3-rDsoYZkTvUqqUvHLFDghgnizpGPfBxkyxweeJv0efgwWZ-ac5d5XaZfrrCyoHH_A2USrjqX7UPJTP7fL4-nmKFEVDAhYrH/s1600/reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnTG_-W15ItCRrLzCvr-fEEQuJiWJXAg-uyVX6pGzWFBD3-rDsoYZkTvUqqUvHLFDghgnizpGPfBxkyxweeJv0efgwWZ-ac5d5XaZfrrCyoHH_A2USrjqX7UPJTP7fL4-nmKFEVDAhYrH/s640/reading.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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In the past two months, I've picked up my pace of reading a little. Unfortunately, my book selection is at the mercy of the Los Angeles Public Library's ebook collection and availability. Here's what I've been reading on my daily commute, free time, and sometimes past midnight on weeknights (gasp).<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345521315/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0345521315&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">The Paris Wife</a> by Paula McLain tells the story of Ernest Hemingway's first wife during their courtship and marriage. On the whole, it's a frustrating and depressing story, because it's pretty common knowledge that Ernest Hemingway had many wives, committed suicide, and his one true love was a nurse played by Sandra Bullock (in In Love and War). I kept thinking that she was so dumb for staying with him for so long. I think the book is very well written, with some of the passages having a dreamy quality. I found myself agreeing with the narrator's realizations and thoughts on love and marriage. I definitely recommend the book but be forewarned that you'll probably feel sad and suspicious of all men for a couple days after reading it.</div>
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I stepped away from the comfort of my laptop to borrow the physical book for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594203334/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1594203334&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">Bringing up Bebe</a> by Pamela Druckerman. I've had this book on my to-read list for a while, and I finally felt motivated to read it after being surrounded by lots of parents and child development experts at work. I haven't finished the book, but a lot of the ideas are really interesting - interesting enough to study more and perhaps implement with my future family. If anything, the anecdotes are fun to read and the author has made me laugh out loud more than a few times.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307388972/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307388972&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">The Newlyweds</a> by Nell Freudenberger is a book I picked up because of the title and cover. I was intrigued by the story at first because it tells the story of a Bangladeshi woman who marries an American man she meets over the internet. In order to not give the book away, I will just say that I didn't really get to know the husband character - maybe the author wrote it that way on purpose - and I didn't like him much. The book is worth it to me to learn more about life in Bangladesh, but the story took a strange twist at the end that was simultaneously weird and predictable.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812974158/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0812974158&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">The 19th Wife</a> by David Ebershoff is a book that I could not put down. The Kindle distorts your sense of the length of the book, but I felt that this book was neverending... in a good way! I have never had Mormon friends, so it was <i>fascinating</i> to learn about the early days of Mormonism (and polygamy). The historical story is intertwined with a modern-day murder mystery, which kept me glued to the book. I was fully satisfied when I finally finished the book, and I feel at least a little more aware of Mormonism. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345525558/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0345525558&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">The Language of Flowers</a> by Vanessa Diffenbaugh was another interesting read. I liked the story because I was able to learn about the current foster care system - which leans more toward Law and Order SVU than Anne of Green Gables. The main character's distrust of all people and emotions becomes tiresome after a while, and I think the story and characters could have been more fully developed. It seems like one of those books that was written and sold off to the publisher pretty quickly.<br />
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Any book recommendations? Please share!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-43926501860966828482013-08-04T21:38:00.002-07:002013-08-04T21:38:06.279-07:00NEW EATS Vol. 8discover the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
I can really like a place but still somehow forget about it. To actually go back for a second time is in fact a rarity since there are so many new places to try on the foodie list. Well, I could not stop thinking about <a href="http://www.cucinaurbana.com/home">Cucina Urbana</a> after my <a href="http://www.inthecuriosity.com/2013/07/out-of-town-weekenders-stories-from.html">San Diego trip</a> two months ago. I began plotting another trip down to SD just to eat there again, but luckily while browsing their website I discovered they have a sister restaurant called <a href="http://www.cucinaenoteca.com/home" style="text-align: center;">Cucina Enoteca</a> at the Irvine Spectrum. I promptly emailed my OC friends and made dinner reservations.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz16htDvDIVjQcP7YdkQ276LpwLcNiYw2TohDwgMhgKOwXy29dEfegAXcprTc5ZR3UPDTcIUxHV0Dih9vtMvvAGXhwBRq1Hteoc9mUo9Z9g3X2xL5J3lMMQyjPpdy0lSKo7qIPHOMBdXf1/s1600/inthecuriosity_cucina+enoteca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz16htDvDIVjQcP7YdkQ276LpwLcNiYw2TohDwgMhgKOwXy29dEfegAXcprTc5ZR3UPDTcIUxHV0Dih9vtMvvAGXhwBRq1Hteoc9mUo9Z9g3X2xL5J3lMMQyjPpdy0lSKo7qIPHOMBdXf1/s1600/inthecuriosity_cucina+enoteca.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
The menu at Cucina Enoteca is a little different from Cucina Urbana. They still have my favorite <i>Stuffed Fried Squash Blossoms</i> which is probably the best appetizer I've had in one bite. You know how some dishes require flavors to build bite after bite? With this dish all you need is one bite and you can die happy. They however did not have the <i>Charred Heirloom Broccoli </i>pizza which was kind of a bummer because I'm a broccoli fiend but it allowed me to try something new. I got the <i>Grilled Asparagus Bianco</i> pizza and although I have to say it was not as delicious as the broccoli pizza, it did have a great spicy kick that makes all the cheese that much more satisfying.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HjkM1du5bs9Y6O8qmH0HlhLmMnqgly5j3b6vHjEm62mplIUuxHq7wyhtx87WHlD9eyZT5tCsAOKx9d_tCZgxwh4YVbZrCu07oIhpa2VCT_NKdiJSCK0kcux-8a8YvRT9JNLYmhZzq_9G/s1600/inthecuriosity_cucina+enoteca3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HjkM1du5bs9Y6O8qmH0HlhLmMnqgly5j3b6vHjEm62mplIUuxHq7wyhtx87WHlD9eyZT5tCsAOKx9d_tCZgxwh4YVbZrCu07oIhpa2VCT_NKdiJSCK0kcux-8a8YvRT9JNLYmhZzq_9G/s1600/inthecuriosity_cucina+enoteca3.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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There is a section on the menu called <i>Vasi</i> which is an appetizer served in a mini mason jar with toast. The concept itself is cute and the execution is spot on. The two I've tried are the <i>Gorgonzola Walnut Mousse + Poached Pear</i> and the <i>Tuna Conserva + Bean + Olive + Egg</i>. Both get my applause. Other menu shout outs include the <i>Short Rib Parppardelle, Pepperoni + Fennel Sausage Pizza, Mediterranean Mussels, </i>and the <i>Tiramisu</i>. Still a million things to try on the menu so anyone up for a drive down to Irvine with me?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lOf3cSpYWj_WzwO-mCy-HbXTWVTgueO5uJWRQ9Fhicn-8R0mNDpRWBPG1-loQHIaBP4-5hZ8bQBDXuX5NQ92MaqD6cuMBlbdWnpIMy-TwKEGWxmgCgK2p1fGQ0T9Lz0KxeinPBAZNKSt/s1600/inthecuriosity_cucina+enoteca2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lOf3cSpYWj_WzwO-mCy-HbXTWVTgueO5uJWRQ9Fhicn-8R0mNDpRWBPG1-loQHIaBP4-5hZ8bQBDXuX5NQ92MaqD6cuMBlbdWnpIMy-TwKEGWxmgCgK2p1fGQ0T9Lz0KxeinPBAZNKSt/s1600/inthecuriosity_cucina+enoteca2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrD5wbSBif9BeRQtKw4hSkbr-H31HdvePSM0__MvrCej4xG6QTeL_scAlDCikeeLEtrNmCZ-gJeLb9N_RFbb9a9aLGAVzMl81_KYWFUfrHaVa5vgZETWHc0BPAYevk8mtINBmvBM2sWehb/s1600/fusion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="796.38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrD5wbSBif9BeRQtKw4hSkbr-H31HdvePSM0__MvrCej4xG6QTeL_scAlDCikeeLEtrNmCZ-gJeLb9N_RFbb9a9aLGAVzMl81_KYWFUfrHaVa5vgZETWHc0BPAYevk8mtINBmvBM2sWehb/s1600/fusion.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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</em> After my sister and brother in law moved to the Mount Washington area, they introduced me to some delicious eats near their home. My sister had told me about <a href="http://fusionburgersla.com/">Fusion Burger</a> for a while before we had the chance to try it. According to her, a former chef from Umami Burger opened up Fusion Burger, and so its her go-to gourmet burger spot. I first tried Fusion Burger shortly after my first trip to Umami Burger, and I would recommend Fusion if you care about the burger, but not the decor. If you enjoy hipster-watching and going out to dinner as an event, then stick with Umami Burger.<br />
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The burgers at Fusion Burger are similar to those at Umami burger - small and relatively pricy... but flavorful and satisfying. The menu consists of a variety of very unique burgers, like the Mexican BBQ burger which I had to try. My sister had either the house or classic burger, which was dripping with juicy goodness. I was definitely wowed by the taste of the food, although the decor (or lack thereof) might be offputting to some more delicate souls out there. </div>
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Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117061049954529987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-24599811677412838812013-08-02T10:36:00.001-07:002013-08-02T14:45:50.819-07:00ONE GOOD INGREDIENT: FIGSat home in the curious cityI grew up eating Fig Newtons during recess on the school yard. I don't think I made the connection that Fig Newtons are made from figs until I ate my first real fig in college. I always thought Fig Newton was a person. I was pretty parochial before the age of 18. Anyway, figs are abundant and totally in season right now so it's the perfect opportunity to pay homage to Mr. Fig Newton!<br />
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I asked my freshman year college dorm mate, the lovely Jessica Smith from the cooking blog <a href="http://girllikescake.com/">Girl Likes Cake</a>, to be our guest blogger. She is currently attending pastry school in San Francisco so she knows her business in the kitchen. Just to reminisce a bit, Jessica was one of a handful of people who expanded my mind that first year away from home. She got me into Lynard Skynard and J Crew. I know, she's the coolest!<br />
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<em>MONICA</em><br />
<b>Goat Cheese and Quince Fig Pizza</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpeFW2iqeXoZRh0DJkyXyP00LMjqP8YJlzhDRcLSpvLaOZURqdsViApdvEesgGjtdbdJ50H5TxWUUA17__GZn8Q5hjdyXLFjB_FhD611XwzgDPAo-90AWIHSGz3aTIvL5r12VFtizprih/s1600/figpizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpeFW2iqeXoZRh0DJkyXyP00LMjqP8YJlzhDRcLSpvLaOZURqdsViApdvEesgGjtdbdJ50H5TxWUUA17__GZn8Q5hjdyXLFjB_FhD611XwzgDPAo-90AWIHSGz3aTIvL5r12VFtizprih/s1600/figpizza.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<i>Ingredients:</i></div>
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10 figs halved</div>
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16 oz Pizza dough (Trader Joe's)</div>
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1 tbs fresh rosemary chopped</div>
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2 cloves garlic chopped</div>
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1/2 red onion sliced thinly</div>
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2 oz goat cheese</div>
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1 oz quince paste thinly sliced (Trader Joe's)</div>
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3 tbs olive oil</div>
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Red pepper flakes to taste</div>
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Salt and pepper to taste</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEB12r9XO_8A6bqkyVHXs3f_qaJr5n6QRyaJJ5Pos9JcxdXHHljay81UmMhntikLtrlAtFRdfv8jg_eaC00xCubHa5yRIyM_XbyV6yV_MDFhNK_FaRiaXyaKWjOKzGm7N5vQY9rLT_5jek/s1600/figpizza4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="407.34375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEB12r9XO_8A6bqkyVHXs3f_qaJr5n6QRyaJJ5Pos9JcxdXHHljay81UmMhntikLtrlAtFRdfv8jg_eaC00xCubHa5yRIyM_XbyV6yV_MDFhNK_FaRiaXyaKWjOKzGm7N5vQY9rLT_5jek/s1600/figpizza4.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Start by letting the pizza dough sit out for 20 minutes before handling it.</div>
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees.</div>
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Coat the sliced onions with 1 tbs olive oil and toss with salt and pepper. Broil/grill it for 5 minutes until it becomes tender and barely charred so when you bake it with the pizza later it ensures caramelization. </div>
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Roll the pizza out, or if like me you do not own a rolling pin, pat it out. Drizzle the pizza with the rest of the olive oil. Add the toppings to the pizza - figs, garlic, onions, rosemary, goat cheese, and quince paste. Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste.</div>
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Bake pizza for 20-25 minutes until crust starts to golden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz9IxBSmTNFQoTrEXmZNnlG9UF_vmxCYcdAEtkG2NyYeXWi5QeE4DBMEqeMpTroN-JGHIXeG3gAwkXCC7w3koM9xSxl7p93h5Vlibm4fuJyrs8oIk2ii_06OmBLfEp9pBSg05tKX2kyl0/s1600/figpizza3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz9IxBSmTNFQoTrEXmZNnlG9UF_vmxCYcdAEtkG2NyYeXWi5QeE4DBMEqeMpTroN-JGHIXeG3gAwkXCC7w3koM9xSxl7p93h5Vlibm4fuJyrs8oIk2ii_06OmBLfEp9pBSg05tKX2kyl0/s1600/figpizza3.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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The pizza turned out deliciously. This recipe was derived from a bunch of fig recipes I looked up online, none of which seemed that great individually so I combined ingredients from here and there. I threw in the quince paste as an experiment and it worked! It gives a subtly sweet and tart flavor that enhances the fig and contrasts well with the goat cheese and rosemary. The paste melts in the oven and coats the dough really fantastically. FYI q<span style="text-align: center;">uince paste is this very dense jam made from the quince fruit. I found it in the cheese refrigerator at Trader Joe's.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Antony's only comment in between inhaling the pizza was he wished there was some meat on it. So next time I will cut up some proscuitto and put it on his half of the pizza. </span></div>
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<em>JESSICA</em><br />
<b>Mascarpone Fig Tart</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX640nP49HHivcWItg2diy1fFMipZecNi1fkX08eyLwCNeREUelLz7175id-8BNDWGZfXnyIxrDCs9AqbeLYY-dt63wLy1lLw0dBrs-N1xJoSrPi2AGtt1hubKElNXkVdXkKEywdiLcw7Q/s1600/fig+tart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="405.625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX640nP49HHivcWItg2diy1fFMipZecNi1fkX08eyLwCNeREUelLz7175id-8BNDWGZfXnyIxrDCs9AqbeLYY-dt63wLy1lLw0dBrs-N1xJoSrPi2AGtt1hubKElNXkVdXkKEywdiLcw7Q/s1600/fig+tart1.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<i>Ingredients:</i></div>
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One 10 inch baked tart shell (recipe below for Buttery Tart Dough)</div>
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12-15 ripe black mission figs</div>
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About 1/4 cup of loose honey (I used orange-blossom which was lovely!)</div>
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3/4 cup of fresh mascarpone cheese</div>
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1/2 cup heavy cream</div>
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3 tbs powdered sugar</div>
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Splash of marsala or muscat wine, to taste</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84NzfXl3vaKXEH9t73ttc2YibqfzwjaBqrLQE5wBowKPOB5WHXy3u64cnnIuyCvxyS5vI4UyQ0n3SxdhyphenhyphenDPK__wadF8HNTsSlShxuMjou6lM3A87-pdC_lM5ZXtNlGp9-I2TE_d7mbszV/s1600/IMG_3943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84NzfXl3vaKXEH9t73ttc2YibqfzwjaBqrLQE5wBowKPOB5WHXy3u64cnnIuyCvxyS5vI4UyQ0n3SxdhyphenhyphenDPK__wadF8HNTsSlShxuMjou6lM3A87-pdC_lM5ZXtNlGp9-I2TE_d7mbszV/s1600/IMG_3943.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Preheat your over to 400F. Clean your figs and cut into quarters, removing any stems. Place them on a parchment-covered rimmed baking sheet and drizzle honey over them. Roast in the over for 15 minutes or so, until the honey is bubbly and the figs are slightly roasted. Allow to cool.</div>
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Make your filling. Using an electric hand mixer or kitchen aid, lightly whip the mascarpone in a large bowl. Slowly incorporate the cream and then add the sugar and wine. Mix until the cream is thickened and fairly stiff (imagine if you could cut through it to make a nice slice). Adjust sugar and wine to taste.</div>
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Smooth the filling into the cooled, baked pie shell and arrange your figs on top in a pretty pattern. Enjoy!</div>
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<b>Buttery Tart Dough</b></div>
All credit for this dough goes to the amazing Ms. Stacie Pierce, former pastry chef of <a href="http://www.chezpanisse.com/reservations/">Chez Panisse</a> and currently of <a href="http://littlebeebaking.blogspot.com/">Little Bee Baking</a> in San Francisco. Check her out and look forward to her forthcoming shop in Bernal Heights! You can definitely sub in any other sweet tart dough if you have a favorite standby!<br />
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<i>Ingredients</i><br />
2 cups all purpose flour<br />
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1 tsp sugar</div>
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1/4 tsp salt</div>
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10 tbs cold unsalted butter</div>
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Approx 1/2 cup very cold icy water</div>
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Make sure your butter is the right temperature. It should be cold but somewhat malleable. A good test is to press a finger gently into it. If you can make an impression without butter coming off onto your finger then you're good! If it's too soft pop it back in the fridge for a bit.</div>
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Mix together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.</div>
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Cut the butter into small squares. Flatten each one into a little pat as you drop them into the flour mixture. </div>
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Begin to incorporate the butter into the flour. The flakiness of a tart dough comes from the little pockets of butter, so you don't want to mix it completely. The goal is to make the dough just come together without overworking it. Begin by raking the butter loosely through the flour mixture with your hand, gently breaking the butter into little pieces. When this is mostly done, start drizzling in the cold water a little bit at a time. Continue to rake your hand through the dough and add water as needed until it starts coming together. There will still be some dry patches and crumbling bits. Don't press and squeeze the dough as this will overwork it. You may not need all the water depending on the humidity in your kitchen and the temperature of your butter. </div>
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Divide the dough into two equal portions. Gather each portion gently into a ball and cover in piece of plastic wrap. You can gently knead the dough through the plastic wrap to smooth out the dry bits and shape the dough into a round, flat disc. Check to see if you have white marbled strands of butter throughout - this is a good sign!</div>
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Refrigerate your dough for about an hour before you roll it out. </div>
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For the recipe above you'll just need one disc and a 10-inch fluted tart pan with removable bottom. Refrigerate dough for about an hour before rolling out. </div>
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Preheat oven to 375F. Spread some flour out on a flat, cool surface. Gently roll your dough out to about 1/8 inch. Lay gently in the pan and trim so there's about 1/2 inch overhang. Fold this overhang back over itself inside the sides of the tart and press to seal. This dough is really yummy and flaky, but it will inevitably shrink, so make you're at least starting out with the dough all way up the sides of the pan. </div>
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Cover the tart gently with foil and fill with either dry beans or pie weights. Bake for about 15 minutes. Remove the foil and weights and bake for another 15 minutes or so until just lightly golden in places on the bottom. Allow to cool. </div>
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Unused, tightly wrapped dough will last a few days in the fridge or about 2 months in the freezer. </div>
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Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117061049954529987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-79712543695056220322013-07-28T15:38:00.000-07:002013-07-28T16:04:25.773-07:00THE PLANNING NEVER ENDSat home in the curious cityWe continue our makeover of Cindy's living room by getting into more design details and budgeting. Check out each step of the process so far: <a href="http://www.inthecuriosity.com/2013/05/livable-spaces-at-home-in-curious-city.html">Initial Survey</a>, <a href="http://www.inthecuriosity.com/2013/06/makeover-planning.html">Plan Schemes</a>, and <a href="http://style%20diagnosis/">Style Diagnosis</a>.<br />
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<em>MONICA</em><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Josefin Slab'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Cindy's Living Room - Plan and Section Study</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Josefin Slab'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">There are a few things that Cindy wants to make sure works well in the chosen plan scheme below. Firstly, there should be enough comfortable space to walk behind the couch and secondly, the TV above the fireplace should not be so high that it strains the neck of those watching from the couch.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGLv2w6dutc3KYsNtL7c4ktD50feoA3kcFJ5R1pWmFeGH87hnhN-5zyBW0yXjBug2g7oF9AKNcmNkcCDBR9S-ARE6g7if31MPnSDysEMCzMwEyOUDtDC6uS-HviNY970yua4VWTr1nsI2/s1600/cindy+plan_section2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="820" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGLv2w6dutc3KYsNtL7c4ktD50feoA3kcFJ5R1pWmFeGH87hnhN-5zyBW0yXjBug2g7oF9AKNcmNkcCDBR9S-ARE6g7if31MPnSDysEMCzMwEyOUDtDC6uS-HviNY970yua4VWTr1nsI2/s1600/cindy+plan_section2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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For the plan and section above, I used furniture from Junette's <i>Bold and Classic</i> option as the drawing base because both the couch and the rug dimensions are the largest of the three options.<br />
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<b>Issue One</b>: The walkway behind the couch is the main circulation path from the front door to the dining room, kitchen, and bedrooms. Cindy's bedroom is also located directly off of the walkway so it needs to be wide and unobstructed. The couch is currently aligned with the wall by the front door and nook area. This allows the walkway to be 4 feet 10 inches wide which is very comfortable for the average person. For your reference, the minimum width for any household hallway or stairway is 3 feet, which is also the dimension for handicap requirements.<br />
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<b>Issue Two</b>: By moving the TV above the fireplace, it sits 4.5 ft above the floor. The viewing angle becomes a concern because the TV is now so high. I checked movie theater and home theater standards and <a href="http://www.thx.com/professional/cinema-certification/thx-certified-cinema-screen-placement/">THX </a>recommends the horizontal viewing angle to be within 36 degrees. For the <a href="http://www.hometheatrebasics.com/home-theatre-tools/vertical-viewing-angle/">vertical viewing angle</a>, the viewer's sightline should be between 10-20 degrees of the centerline of the screen, 15 degrees being the optimal angle. The design is slightly shy of the perfect 15 degree viewing angle, so we recommend Cindy to get a TV tilt mount which will allow her to adjust it to her preferred angle. While I was checking the viewing angles, I came across some viewing distance recommendations. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimum_HDTV_viewing_distance">Wiki </a>has a list of TV size to viewing distance ratios that are pretty handy. Cindy has a 42" TV so the range for viewing distance is between roughly 5.5 feet and 10.5 feet. At around 9 feet, our setup falls within the optimal viewing distance.<br />
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Josefin Slab'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Cindy's Living Room - Budgeting and Color Schemes</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNqHRPUP7yEV-GO_mbc4-vmwo73TwQx_OosbN3Mbk4qJpy-Fl9eS44wfXQ-tHqka87o39ahb_qQwJJ3bAKxlUt2PfR4OXj1gHlZCkoTHS7wDKudAK0M5mT3D_37-4Ff7dbcfUJ_6BNnxI/s1600/Color+Scheme+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 10m; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNqHRPUP7yEV-GO_mbc4-vmwo73TwQx_OosbN3Mbk4qJpy-Fl9eS44wfXQ-tHqka87o39ahb_qQwJJ3bAKxlUt2PfR4OXj1gHlZCkoTHS7wDKudAK0M5mT3D_37-4Ff7dbcfUJ_6BNnxI/s640/Color+Scheme+1.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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The tricky part of re envisioning this living room is that Cindy wants to invest in good pieces but still stay within her budget. The walls are painted light yellow with white trim, and Cindy did not want to change the color, so I came up with three color schemes and coordinating pieces. Of course, the color schemes are flexible and actually many of the pieces are interchangeable. We'll see how things really go down once we test out sofas, because I think that will help indicate which general direction Cindy will decorate her living room.</div>
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I think it would be best to use two phases of decorating in order to accommodate Cindy's budget and to take a step back to see what works/doesn't work.</div>
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Phase I would include:</div>
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1) mounting the TV on the wall behind the fireplace with a tilt mount</div>
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2) purchasing a new sofa - Cindy decided on a regular sofa instead of a sectional</div>
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3) purchasing a new rug</div>
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4) organizing and restyling the built-in bookshelves</div>
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5) changing the window treatments</div>
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Phase II is mostly about arranging the nook in front of her side window. It's visible, but not a huge priority in terms of everyday use. </div>
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The first color scheme is nice and light, with mostly neutrals and a bright pop of teal. I see this <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/everett-upholstered-sofa-g994/?pkey=csofas&cm_src=sofas||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-">West Elm sofa</a> in gray performance velvet or linen coming together nicely with <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/02/diy-roman-shades-from-mini-blinds.html">gray shades</a> and a vintage coffee <a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/tables/coffee-tables-cocktail-tables/pierre-vandel-glass-coffee-table/id-f_818317/">table</a> such as this one. I really love this Ikea <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40227902/">rug</a>, and I think it would create a fun and young vibe to the space.</div>
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Sofa: $1099</div>
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Vintage table: ~$150</div>
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Rug: $70</div>
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DIY shades: ~$200 for 3 big windows</div>
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Total: <b>$1519</b></div>
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The next color scheme has more bold, modern colors, but it's still classic red-white-and blue. I love a good dark blue and orangey red. Orangey red is far superior to red-red!! Every time I go to Urban Home, I try out their sofas, and I'm convinced they are pretty good quality, so I definitely think we should test out this <a href="http://www.shopurbanhome.com/display_product.php?prodid=2794">sofa</a>. I saw <a href="http://patternsociety.com/shop/union-rug">this rug</a> a few weeks ago on Design*Sponge and I have been just waiting to show it to Cindy. Finally, I really really love this <a href="http://www.cb2.com/peekaboo-clear-coffee-table/f699">modern coffee table</a>, and I would swoon if Cindy picked it! Oh, and I'm pretty sure DIY roman shades are the way to go, but in this case, they would be white with blue or red trim.</div>
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Sofa: $599</div>
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Table: $279 (but I have a 10% off coupon!!)</div>
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Rug: $199 for 5x7</div>
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DIY shades: ~$200 for 3 big windows</div>
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Total: <b>$1277</b></div>
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Finally, we have an earthy toned color scheme, that I think would be really warm and inviting. I think the Sofa Company has some great choices, and I think <a href="http://www.thesofaco.com/custom-furniture/Sofas/Gigi.aspx">this sofa</a> in khaki or hunter green would be a really stunning and yet comfy sofa. I know this rug might seem a little too literal, but hear me out! If we keep the sofa, shades, table relatively plain, we need <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=28309219&parentid=A_FURN_RUGS">this rug</a> to add a little boogie woogie to the room. Please oh please someone make me a dress out of this rug (a la the Von Trapps). Oh, and the <a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/tables/coffee-tables-cocktail-tables/danish-mid-century-modern-rosewood-coffee-table/id-f_703272/">table</a> would be a classic vintage buy, and I have definitely seen one just like this one (secret location!). Can't go wrong with those legs!<br />
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Sofa: $1250 (it's listed as $1545 but I'm pretty sure you can configure it at a lower price)<br />
Table: ~$200<br />
Rug: $79<br />
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DIY shades: ~$200 for 3 big windows</div>
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Total: <b>$1729</b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-5885133612387034752013-07-24T20:31:00.001-07:002013-07-24T22:58:46.422-07:00FANTASY AND INDEPENDENCEsex in the curious cityWe are finally onto Season 3 of Sex and the City, Episode 1: <i>Where There's Smoke...</i>! In this episode Samantha achieves her sex fantasy of getting it on in a fire station while Miranda upholds her independence by refusing help from Steve when she gets laser eye surgery. Both Samantha and Miranda take their respective goals to the extreme, so we wondered, what do real people do?<br />
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Monica asked her friends: <i><b>Where do you fantasize about having sex?</b></i><br />
Junette asked her friends: <b>H<i>ow do you keep your independence in a relationship?</i></b><br />
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<em>MONICA</em><br />
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In order to protect the reputations of my friends, you know in case they run for President one day, I will keep their names and answers anonymous. Well, loosely anonymous since I sketched their faces which are now plastered on the web, but I also participated in answering the question to mix it up a little and keep you all guessing.</div>
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<b>Fantasy One</b>: <i>Definitely outer space would be the ultimate place to have sex. Imagine being surrounded by nothingness with a view of the stars, sun, earth, and moon floating in the distance. And the anti-gravity aspect would be so cool in general. Flying sex! Imagine that!</i></div>
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<b>Fantasy Two</b>: <i>Ok so if it's a public place, maybe a hotel elevator or a fitting room, but never anonymously...definitely with someone I was with and only if it was hella clean and no one would catch us. When I say "catch," I mean I hope no one interrupts it, [so if the elevator has a camera] well...enjoy the show!</i></div>
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<b>Fantasy Three</b>: <i>I thought of the woods before. I like soft grass, leaves, nature because it's open. It can be kind of romantic if you are away from the city and if you're on your back looking up at the night sky and the stars and the silhouette of the trees above you, plus I'm into fairy tales. It just seems like in buildings it feels so restricting and maybe acoustics, but in the woods it's an open area where the air flows and you can be resourceful with the "props" around you.</i></div>
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<b>Fantasy Four</b>: <i>I've done it in a lot of places. I used to keep a Word doc but I think it's on an old computer. Off the top of my head, best 3 (there's too many to list), Dwinelle, airplane, and in a club. Those are places I've had sex, not places I fantasize about, I don't really fantasize about any places.</i></div>
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
I have always prided myself on staying independent when dating. The message I received when I was growing up was to <i>never</i> depend on a man, whether it's for homework, dinner, carrying groceries, or even emotional support. I see now that it was to toughen me up for life in a man's world, but looking back I also see that it led to problems in my past relationships. BDF never pushed me to give up that independence unlike certain unnamed males from my past. Eventually, though, I found myself being dependent on BDF, which I must admit I struggled against at first. Depending on another person binds you together and can strengthen the relationship, but it is scary in its vulnerability. As someone who fancies herself fiercely independent, it was truly a test of humility to depend on BDF for certain things and in certain ways. I am reminded of this passage from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345521315/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0345521315&linkCode=as2&tag=inthecurcit-20">The Paris Wife</a>, where Ernest Hemingway's wife struggles with being independent while he is away on assignment, "<i>...those weeks in Paris were still on my mind. They'd scared me and had me thinking about what it meant to be really strong, on my own terms."</i><br />
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The push and pull between two people as they struggle with independence and power in a relationship is intriguing, and I was curious on how others view it. I asked two friends on their perspectives on independence in relationship: In your relationship(s) with significant others both past and present, have/do you value your independence? Do you have any advice or rules you abide by?<br />
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<b>The (In)dependent Woman:</b><br />
<i>I have always been one to put my independence ahead of my relationships. I definitely treasure my alone time, and for the most part I have always drawn that bold line between me and The Boy with ease. It was as if we lived separate lives - different groups of friends, different hobbies/interests, etc. I hated the idea of being clingy and having to burden someone else with things I wanted or needed to do. I think trying so hard not to rely on someone and leading such separate lives eventually built up a lot of insecurity within the relationship. So in short, it was fine... until it wasn't. </i><br />
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<i>And then I met This One. In my current relationship, the idea of being independent is unfamiliar and almost "punishment." We do everything together, from hiking Runyon, biking PCH, running each other's car maintenance errands, sharing a watermelon for dinner while taking turns scrolling through each other's instagram feeds, etc. We don't even live together! I have certainly lost my independence, but I don't miss being in such an independent relationship at all. </i><br />
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<i>Having some breathing room between each other is important though, especially at my borderline adult age (late 20's) when we aren't jaded old folk yet. I have found that setting a schedule at the beginning of the week helps to keep a balance in a relationship. In other words, when you're in a "one flesh, one blood" relationship like mine, you have to plan for your independence/your alone time. Make a schedule together and prioritize your twice-a-week yoga class or promise to reserve a night or two each week for old friends that you've lost touch with since you've become a lovebird. I found that having some separated time helps us to appreciate each other even more when we're together, and I want to theorize that it makes you even more attracted to your significant other because you learn/experience different things that you end up contributing back to your relationship. Another plus is that it gives you time to plan surprises for each other, like when he surprised me with a song he wrote, or when I surprised him by cooking him his favorite Korean homemade stew. ::insert emoticon with heart eyes::</i><br />
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<b>The Independent Man:</b><br />
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<i>When I think about independence and relationships, I think of Khalil Gibril's poem, The Prophet. Specifically, the poem speaks of marriage as a thing that binds but requires independence to thrive:</i></div>
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... You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.<br />
You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days.<br />
Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.<br />
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,<br />
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.<br />
Love one another but make not a bond of love:<br />
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.<br />
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.<br />
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.<br />
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,<br />
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.<br />
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.<br />
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.<br />
And stand together, yet not too near together:<br />
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,<br />
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.</div>
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<i>There is a lot here, but one key takeaway for me has to do with the importance of understanding and maintaining a deep sense of who you are that is independent of the relationship. </i><i>In my experience, this understanding is an element that grows the relationship that will ultimately serve to strengthen and empower both people. </i><i>This understanding will also enable you to do things to become a better person for the other, rather than doing things for the other because it is required of you. </i><i>It's all quite vague because I'm still trying to figure it out myself. But I hope that if anything the poem can speak on my behalf.</i></div>
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Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117061049954529987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-7457795253587107092013-07-13T16:57:00.000-07:002013-07-13T20:15:25.239-07:00SUMMER SALE WEB BUYSgirl in the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cEbl2pUBygHsgmOUG-g5gZCb3JD5dv8IDTM9pAOpmaRu4htIMoCbIAyvwExMJ8FflAimXh_wyl7BbMWPMZSrr4f3Yo2iTTeCs2uTOXEG0FNQUJgrUQsvLROdJStWOcQiPVBek8DRS_gA/s1600/inthecuriosity_sale+buys3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="409.0625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cEbl2pUBygHsgmOUG-g5gZCb3JD5dv8IDTM9pAOpmaRu4htIMoCbIAyvwExMJ8FflAimXh_wyl7BbMWPMZSrr4f3Yo2iTTeCs2uTOXEG0FNQUJgrUQsvLROdJStWOcQiPVBek8DRS_gA/s1600/inthecuriosity_sale+buys3.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
I've been pretty frugal since I bought my car so that's why I went a little crazy when all the sales started happening. <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/">Anthropologie</a>, <a href="http://www.stevenalan.com/">Steven Alan</a>, and <a href="http://www.saturday.com/">Saturday</a> together cured my shopping constipation.<br />
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Ever since my friend Josh made me watch <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Before_Sunset">Before Sunset</a>, I've been obsessed with the black open back tank top that Julie Delpy wears throughout the movie. You can kinda see it in <a href="http://www.a2review.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/before-sunset.jpg">this picture</a>. By the way I highly recommend watching the entire trilogy <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Before_Sunrise">Before Sunrise</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Before_Sunset">Before Sunset</a>, and the most recent <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Before_Midnight_(film)">Before Midnight</a>. The movies really capture love and relationships at every age and stage in life, it's pretty uncanny. Anyway back to the tank top...so I found Kate Spade Saturday's version called the <a href="http://www.saturday.com/Sexy-Back-Top/4CMU0068-90,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_4CMU0068-90_color=338">Sexy Back Top</a> and I absolutely love it.<br />
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I never really got into the peplum trend for some reason. I think because I find peplum tops too cutesy and I'm trying to minimize the cute coefficient in my closet. These <a href="http://www.stevenalan.com/RUFFLE-SHORT/91838,default,pd.html">Ruffle Shorts</a> I scored at the Steven Alan sample sale are by the New York brand <a href="http://sea-ny.com/">Sea</a>. They are subtly peplum which I can accept and I really like the graphic print.<br />
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Finally my favorite buy is the <a href="http://shop.linusbike.com/collections/linus-bags/products/the-linus-market-bike-bag">Linus Market Bag</a> for my bike. I got it for half off on Anthro which is insane because I've never seen anything Linus makes marked down. The bag is essential since I ride my bike to Trader Joe's every week now and it surprisingly fits a ridiculous amount of groceries. It is also perfect for biking to the park for picnics.<br />
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
If online shopping were a class, I would receive a big fat "F-". I'm sure some of my favorite online stores despise me and quiver in fear when I make a purchase for fear of my unrelenting return rate.<br />
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At the Zara summer sale, I managed to find a few items I liked: <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/trf/last-sizes/quilted-printed-dress-c441025p1049707.html">this printed dress</a>, <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/trf/shirts/jacquard-top-with-faux-leather-straps-c437644p1103050.html">this jacquard top</a>, and <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/trf/trousers/skinny-cargo-trousers-with-zips-c437650p1048059.html">these cargo skinnies</a>. I only kept the printed dress, and I'm not even sure if it counts because I gave it to my sister. So, that brought my success rate to 33%.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZwJ3IbNnfqJOHKK1gmX_UXhxM7oNO_pnQv108VlbPDznNGrlLI_Z9et3LGLEq6tGxUZAPFy6o1iaURE0BIL_oPzuAX0Fw_wv6UwVc0TeEbeIjztLwAQe6aNsuuC39o20QbjvjmhvxL4a/s1600/skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZwJ3IbNnfqJOHKK1gmX_UXhxM7oNO_pnQv108VlbPDznNGrlLI_Z9et3LGLEq6tGxUZAPFy6o1iaURE0BIL_oPzuAX0Fw_wv6UwVc0TeEbeIjztLwAQe6aNsuuC39o20QbjvjmhvxL4a/s640/skirt.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
Right before Anthropologie's sale, I purchased five items with my birthday month discount. I was thinking, "Cha-Ching $$$" but then the sale happened and I cursed my bad luck. I bought <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/27563808.jsp?cm_mmc=Email-_-CustServ2013-_-OrderConfirmATG-_-Product">this pretty blue dress</a>, but it wasn't proportionate on my body. I bought <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/26333823.jsp?cm_mmc=Email-_-CustServ2013-_-OrderConfirmATG-_-Product">these laser-cut patent leather sandals</a>, but they were too big. I bought <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/27987908.jsp?cm_mmc=Email-_-CustServ2013-_-OrderConfirmATG-_-Product">this white blouse</a>, but it was too sheer. I did keep <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/26826313.jsp?cm_mmc=Email-_-CustServ2013-_-OrderConfirmATG-_-Product">these bermuda shorts</a>, and its ugly grandma gaudiness appeal to me. Doesn't it just look like something a very orange retiree would wear whilst on vacay in Florida? Love it, and I plan to wear it on my next vacation and embarrass BDF. Ha ha!!! My favorite buy is <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/27165547.jsp?cm_mmc=Email-_-CustServ2013-_-OrderConfirmATG-_-Product">this striped skirt</a>, which is soft, silky and swingy. I think 2 out of 5 is still a failing grade, but the skirt makes up for all the other purchases that didn't work out.<br />
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Whenever I wear the skirt, I feel like Carrie when she goes to Paris. I visualize the photo above, but actually looking at it now, the skirts are not very much alike. Womp womp womp. However, I think the skirt helps me channel Carrie's fabulousness and confidence ; )</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117061049954529987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-70776758912757136632013-07-06T22:37:00.002-07:002013-07-06T22:37:50.505-07:00OUT OF TOWN WEEKENDERSstories from the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
A few weekends ago, Antony drove me down to San Diego and forced me to be merry. It was actually nice to relax and let someone else plan a trip for once. The first day we wandered along the shores of <a href="http://www.lajollabythesea.com/la-jolla-cove">La Jolla</a> where we got acquainted with the local wildlife.<br />
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At dinner we sipped sangria and lingered the last moments of sunlight away alongside the most impressive spread of Italian food from <a href="http://www.cucinaurbana.com/home" target="_blank">Cucina Urbana</a>. We concluded the night with the sweet taste of <a href="http://extraordinarydesserts.com/" target="_blank">Extraordinary Desserts</a> in hopes that it would bring us sweeter dreams, and it did. The next morning we explored <a href="http://www.balboapark.org/">Balboa Park</a> before heading back home. San Diego was short and indeed sweet.<br />
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
Last weekend, BDF and I went on a long-anticipated road trip along the Central Coast with our dogs. On the way up, we took the 101, stopping for brunch in Santa Barbara at the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/scarlett-begonia-santa-barbara">Scarlett Begonia</a>. We overheard the waitress saying that everything there is made with love. Eyeroll!! But, that was early on in the trip, when we were still tired worker bees in need of a break and full of cynicism. We then stopped in <a href="http://www.weekendsherpa.com/stories/wildflowers-at-laguna-lake-park-slo/">San Luis Obispo</a> for a quick hike, before we headed into Monterey. We stayed at <a href="http://www.hotelcasamunras.com/%E2%80%8E">Casa Munras</a>, which was charming and comfortable enough. It's so pretty with bougainvillea growing over all the walls there. By the time we reached Monterey, we were hot and tired, and we went for some <a href="http://www.pizzamyheart.com/%E2%80%8E">pizza</a> instead of a nice dinner, but the pizza hit the spot!<br />
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The following day, we paid the $9.75 in toll to ride along the 17-mile drive to Carmel.<br />
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The drive really is beautiful, and you see plenty of the ocean and greenery. Smash posed for his facebook profile photo, and I thought BDF would crash the car because he kept his eyes on the golf courses, not on the road...<br />
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Carmel is supposedly the most dog friendly city! The beach there is lovely, and our dogs went crazy running around off leash. We wandered around the downtown area for a little bit and daydreamed about buying a summer home in Carmel.</div>
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On our return home, we took <a href="http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/drive-a-dreamy-route,5281/">Highway 1</a> for the drive that I had been looking forward to for many months. Though towards the end, I was definitely feeling carsick, it was well worth the extra hour it added onto the trek home. I am glad we did the drive going south, because all the views of the coastline and water are monay in the bank. Did you know that such varied landscapes could be contained in just 88 miles? I never knew how diverse (and reminiscent of Hawaii) California could be. </div>
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So the dogs could get their crazies out before the last portion of the trip, we stopped in Cambria for a short <a href="http://www.weekendsherpa.com/stories/fiscalini-ranch-preserve-in-cambria/">walk/hike</a>. It wasn't a very strenuous hike - more like a walk, but the boardwalk was a nice touch and the views were killer. I loved this little detour, and now I ask myself why I live in the big city instead of a seaside town being the next John Steinbeck. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-64708145394973769092013-06-30T13:44:00.000-07:002013-06-30T14:05:42.075-07:00YOGA IN LAdiscover the curious cityI have been wanting to share my thoughts on yoga for a while now but never felt entirely confident since I am still fairly new to the practice. Luckily my good friend from college Lara Estrada is a yoga instructor here in LA and was more than happy to be our guest blogger.<br />
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Yoga is so popular in LA and it brings in many different crowds. There are the physically fit people who come for the sweat, the spiritual souls who come to meditate, and everything in between. Our bodies weren't made to sit in chairs and drive in cars all day; they were made to move and take us places. Our lungs weren't created for shallow breath; they function for depth, energy, and connection. Yoga can bring us back to the true core of our being by first allowing us an opportunity to use our bodies as they were meant to be used - to move and to explore. With consciousness in movement and connection to breath, there is a development of focus and awareness in this busy world that's always providing more ways to distract.<br />
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<em>MONICA</em><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[(1+2) Believe Fitness Studio; (3) Yoga at the Raven]</td></tr>
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My first real yoga experience began a little over a year ago. I use "real" because I've dabbled in yoga prior through workout videos like P90X. It's a little embarrassing to admit but what got me to try yoga at a real yoga studio was Groupon. I have always been a believer that you shouldn't have to spend a lot of money to workout, especially when you can just do videos at home or go for a run. But after my first class, my entire perspective changed.<br />
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I had always associated exercise with the physical. I need a tight butt or toned abs. Before yoga I swam, ran, did pilates, and various barre workouts. None of these addressed the mental or spiritual. Yoga challenges both the mind and the body but in the most non aggressive way. One of my teachers once described it as the <i>calm within the storm</i>. For me, the calm is the mind and the storm is the body or the calm is the self and the storm is the world. Yoga is the conduit for helping me find the calm within the storm. It is a means for me to convey energy which might otherwise have been clogged.<br />
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The yoga community is so embracing. These are the studios that I frequent on the Eastside, each with its own wonderful qualities.<br />
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<a href="http://www.yogaattheraven.com/"><b>Yoga at the Raven</b></a> - This is the yoga studio that started it all. Tony Guiliano was my first teacher and is still the best I've come across. He makes yoga relatable and challenging. He can break a pose down to its molecular level so that the entire class can understand it and approach it individually. He makes me want to give 110% and I always go home feeling more accomplished. The yoga studio itself offers many difference classes, one of them being AcroYoga which is so fun. It combines acrobatics with yoga and is a partner based class. The studio also has various workshops and events like yoga to live music, which I highly recommend.<br />
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<a href="http://onedowndog.com/"><b>One Down Dog</b></a> - This is a pretty new yoga studio that I started going to because it is walkable from my place. I am happy to have found it because it is a fun and energetic studio. It offers three types of classes: chill, flow, or sweat. I really like the sweat classes taught by Jessica Rosen because it is essentially a yoga dance party. She plays awesome music and encourages free dancing and moving in your yoga poses. If you are looking for a combination of both cardio and yoga then this is the place.<br />
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<a href="http://www.yogalaechopark.com/"><b>YogaLA</b></a> - This studio is very community oriented. They have special donation based classes so that everyone who wants to do yoga can do yoga. They also have the largest variety of classes, some even for kids. My favorite class to take here is Yoga and Sound which incorporates the sounds of live gongs and crystal bowls to the flow of your movement.<br />
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<a href="http://www.allstill.com/"><b>Still Yoga</b></a> - I've taken many different classes at this studio but my favorite is their therapeutic restorative yoga. If I had a long day or have any back pains I go to this class to wind down and stretch it all out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.believefitnessstudio.com/"><b>Believe Fitness Studio</b></a> - This studio is on the Westside and I've only taken one class here but I wanted to mention it because it is so different. Lara and I took an Anti-gravity yoga class recently which utilizes a fabric hammock to suspend you in the air while you do various poses. It was a very cool experience and the inversions were amazing. I definitely want to try it again.<br />
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<em>LARA</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABsscOfmVJy58P6bGWOqYlfN-UV32JGQgMw6L7cc4T9OEf4PiHmzegg7hCELa6xEFFxyUE-x3gp1wkD8knd04aL3GXi4r4X9J7McolBBSJg7kUzdtYsGdRr0_0RrqSGG_qP0KR4X_d9De/s1600/inthecuriosity_yoga_lara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383.28125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABsscOfmVJy58P6bGWOqYlfN-UV32JGQgMw6L7cc4T9OEf4PiHmzegg7hCELa6xEFFxyUE-x3gp1wkD8knd04aL3GXi4r4X9J7McolBBSJg7kUzdtYsGdRr0_0RrqSGG_qP0KR4X_d9De/s1600/inthecuriosity_yoga_lara.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<em><br /></em>What draws me to this practice is the connection and flow that happens when coordinating breath with movement, and movement with spirit. I enjoy soulful classes, where the body is challenged and the mind is brought to a calm center. The peace and connection is what I love the most, what I seek out in other teachers, and what I try to bring to my classes when I teach.<br />
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I consider myself blessed to be a yoga teacher, but first and foremost, I am a lifelong yoga student. Yoga has given me so much awareness and sense of purpose in my life in the short time since I've been practicing, and it's the only thing I'm willing to spend time and money on to learn about in more depth. I am beyond excited to travel to Bali in a few weeks to complete my 300-hour graduate training! There's so much more to discover, and I can credit much of my progress so far to the teachers I have been blessed to connect with on my journey. These ladies are my faves on the Westside! If you're looking for a class that will leave you energized and spiritually lifted, book a class with these amazing women!<br />
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<a href="http://yoganani.com/What.html"><b>Linda Baffa</b></a> (Equinox, <a href="http://www.thegreenyogi.com/">The Green Yogi</a>, <a href="http://www.yogavistastudio.com/">Yoga Vista</a>)<br />
When I first moved to LA and was searching for yoga teachers to connect with, Linda was the first one that felt like home. I loved her flow and when she sang a Sanskrit chant at the end of class, the beauty of her voice brought tears to my eyes. I had the pleasure of taking an Advanced Asana training with her earlier this year, and I learned so much from her ability to teach complex poses in a way that makes sense to the body. In our workshops, she was able to guide me further into postures than what I thought I was capable of. Linda will definitely challenge your body and mind, but is also one of the kindest souls you will ever meet!
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<b><a href="http://www.yogaworks.com/en/locations/california%20south/los%20angeles/south-bay?tab=teachers&staff_id=%7B7F79198B-C06A-4BBB-BF9D-A35344CD4970%7D">Casey Coda</a></b> (<a href="http://www.yogaworks.com/en/locations/california%20south/los%20angeles/south-bay">YogaWorks</a>)<br />
I had the absolute honor of completing my 200-hour teacher training with Casey through YogaWorks in Costa Mesa. I like to call her my Yoga Mom because she nourishes my spirit with so much love that it can only be described as motherly. I love taking her gentle yoga classes. Sometimes people don't understand why I enjoy gentle and restorative classes when I'm capable of handstands and arm balances. I don't always need to sweat. I like to feel supported and move my body gently too. Casey is a an absolute sweetheart and a true yoga guide that makes everyone in her presence feel comfortable and safe.<br />
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<a href="http://malachimelville.com/"><b>Malachi Melville</b></a> (Equinox, <a href="http://www.exhalespa.com/locations/venice/">Exhale</a>, YogaWorks)<br />
You can feel the depth of Malachi's wisdom and soul in the way that she teaches. She exhibits her expertise with clear and precise instruction for alignment. She also gives the best hands on adjustments that are so skilled and therapeutic that it often feels like you're getting a massage. She teaches with joy that springs from her true connection with her practice. The end of class meditation and savasana is always my favorite with Malachi. She speaks with knowledge that awakens your spirit, inspiring courage and positive change. I literally cried when she stopped teaching at South Bay YogaWorks! I miss being able to take her class every week.<br />
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<a href="http://www.myartofyoga.com/"><b>Shelley Williams</b></a> (YogaWorks, <a href="http://www.yogaloftmb.com/#!classes">Yoga Loft</a>)<br />
Something magical happens when a person with years of dance experience steps into the realm of teaching yoga. Shelley has such a refreshing and cool energy. To me, her teaching style embodies the ocean, with its waves and fluidity. Her classes are lyrical in movement, with sequencing that flows like a dance. Although her classes are physically challenging, her manner of teaching is so encouraging and lighthearted that you are able to push past the discomfort with a calm state of mind. And she goes to Costa Rica every summer to teach yoga and spend time with her family-- how cool is that!?<br />
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There are many amazing teachers in LA and I haven't taken enough classes to experience them all. Everyone brings something unique to the practice. If you're looking for a soulful class that has more depth than just a physical workout, I highly recommend any of the teachers above. They have greatly inspired me in my practice, in my teaching, and in my life.<br />
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Come practice with me in Downtown at The Yoga Place, 7:00am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. You can catch me subbing on occasion at Your Neighborhood Studio in Culver City or LiveYoga Wellness in Westchester. Visit my website <a href="http://laralovesyoga.com/">Lara Loves Yoga</a> and find me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/laralovesyoga">Facebook</a>. I wish for everyone to find joy in their yoga practice and in every part of their life!</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117061049954529987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-39623421894423968332013-06-27T23:43:00.000-07:002013-06-27T23:43:16.978-07:00LA SUMMER IN FULL SWINGstories from the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KsQ-8sCeuNnXVAuaijMncu_gWt9niNDQdLixA1xx0j8_W-c4ittzi0veYYdoBWBSTTOL0U_2VN7R7Elf81dyQJ2L77avYa_MLMGAPd4f9rW1S9a_C7Ud44qmVL1FLm9CxQjGC0ACDi_F/s1600/IMAG0081+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KsQ-8sCeuNnXVAuaijMncu_gWt9niNDQdLixA1xx0j8_W-c4ittzi0veYYdoBWBSTTOL0U_2VN7R7Elf81dyQJ2L77avYa_MLMGAPd4f9rW1S9a_C7Ud44qmVL1FLm9CxQjGC0ACDi_F/s1600/IMAG0081+copy.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Last weekend I finally got a bike just in time for <a href="http://www.ciclavia.org/">Ciclavia</a>. I had been eyeing the <a href="http://www.linusbike.com/models/mixte-3/">Linus Mixte 3</a> because it comes in a smaller size which is perfect for short legged gals like me. However I have this constant fear that my bike will get stolen if it is too cute, shiny or new. It was fate because the perfect petite and used beauty was parked outside <a href="http://www.cocosvariety.com/">Coco's Variety Store</a>, and so she was mine and I was hers.</div>
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Ciclavia was an amazing experience for posers like Antony and I because it is such a welcoming and communal event. The sight and energy of the city on wheels is quite powerful and it makes me fall in love with LA all over again. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh4mY3WP9SYoKbOSf9NCbm54FCC5hSj3REgqLBodZAINOihNiX2B4W0Pyg08BUrHb20tm97fmCZmt0I8j09LGcFKOqfBR5A8p4eBcmu6e-kNSAUbQ3vpUb7Jv0ljCnR-7L2Jn_Jysjle2/s1600/IMG_0736_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366.09375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh4mY3WP9SYoKbOSf9NCbm54FCC5hSj3REgqLBodZAINOihNiX2B4W0Pyg08BUrHb20tm97fmCZmt0I8j09LGcFKOqfBR5A8p4eBcmu6e-kNSAUbQ3vpUb7Jv0ljCnR-7L2Jn_Jysjle2/s1600/IMG_0736_2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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My <a href="http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/">Hollywood Bowl</a> season officially kicked off this past Sunday with She & Him and a bottle of pinot noir. I have four more concerts this summer, the next being Josh Groban's fourth of July extravaganza!!! It is just magical listening to live music under open skies with a belly full of picnicking goodness. Hedonism to the max.</div>
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
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My birthday was the perfect excuse to enjoy the multitude of free summer events in LA.<br />
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In the morning, we went to the Getty to check out two exhibits and have a relaxing picnic lunch. The Getty is truly a unique cultural gold mine that we're so lucky to have in LA. I regret to say that I hadn't been there in years!! We saw <a href="http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/overdrive/">Overdrive</a>, a fascinating and in-depth look at the city of Los Angeles, and my inner urban planning nerd wanted to lay in the middle of the exhibit and soak it all in. Instead, I peered much too closely at all the models and pictures and read all the captions twice. I also really enjoyed the <a href="http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/focus_ruscha/">Ed Ruscha</a> exhibit, where the subject was vernacular landscapes - my fave nerd topic. Admission to the Getty is free, but parking is $15. We went on a Saturday, and I recommend going early and leaving early to avoid the crowds.<br />
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In the evening, Monica and Antony rode their bikes to meet us at MacArthur Park. BDF and I took the subway, but we might as well have walked! I have actually NEVER stepped foot in MacArthur Park though I've lived so close, but <a href="http://www.levittla.org/june-22-2013/">LevittLA</a> gave us good reason to check it out. It felt safe with lots of staff, volunteers, and even security around, and we had to grab some tacos for dinner. I really enjoyed <a href="http://www.vaudandthevillains.com/">the Vaud and the Villains</a>; hot scantily clad girls (part of the act!) dancing and tons of rowdy instruments made for a great time. Something about that boisterous jazz puts me in a good mood.<br />
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P.S. We also checked out <a href="http://parachutemarket.com/">Parachute Market</a>, and it was disappointing, especially for $7! I wouldn't go again.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1961829573810050003.post-32638581505532245332013-06-23T12:51:00.000-07:002013-06-23T13:04:42.033-07:00ICE-CREAM IN LAdiscover the curious city<div class="post-column-left">
<em>MONICA</em><br />
What happens when mister Ice Cream and miss Shaved Ice get frisky and have a love child? Out pops Ice Snow (also commonly known as Fluff Ice). I first tried this mind boggling dessert two summers ago at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/class-302-rowland-heights">Class 302</a> in Rowland Heights, which according to Yelp is still the best ice snow place in LA.<br />
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The texture of ice snow is the genius part - it is airy and fluffy unlike traditional dense ice cream yet it still has a creamy consistency. I closely observed how it is made when I went to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/salju-dessert-alhambra">Salju Dessert</a> in Alhambra. The ice cream comes in an icy cylindrical block. Then it is placed in a shaved ice machine to get shaved down. The result is tiny little strings of ice cream. The preparation is very similar to Taiwanese shaved ice - various toppings like red bean, taro, grass jelly, mochi and condensed milk. Salju was definitely not as good as Class 302 but it is a much closer option. A popular ice snow place on the westside that I really need to try is <a href="http://www.blockheadsla.com/">Blockheads</a>.<br />
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And in case you don't know what Taiwanese shaved ice is, it is the best non dairy alternative to ice cream (just don't add condensed milk).<br />
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A couple of high school friends and I headed to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/sinbala-restaurant-arcadia">Sinbala </a>in Arcadia for dinner which also serves Taiwanese shaved ice. So instead of the toppings being technically on top, the toppings are at the base of the dessert with the shaved ice piled on top like a tower. Taiwanese shaved ice toppings are a little different from those you find at say Yogurtland. You can get items like barley, red bean, aiyu jelly, almond jelly, taro etc. The shaved ice part is then topped with a healthy drizzle of condensed milk (optional) and brown sugar. </div>
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I grew up eating Taiwanese shaved ice so this is my absolute favorite dessert of all time. It reminds me of Sundays when my mom would drive us from Torrance to the San Gabriel Valley to buy groceries, go to our optometrist, visit friends, and eat shaved ice, which was the only way she could get my brother and I to shut up in the car ride home.</div>
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<em>JUNETTE</em><br />
I was complaining to myself the other day (in a very first-world urban-centric way) that were just aren't very many ice cream places in LA. I'm talking <i>ice-cream</i> ice cream, not yogurt, not soft serve, not popsicles, and NOT gelato. Everyone knows about <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/scoops-los-angeles">Scoops</a>, famous for its brown bread ice cream, and <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/milk-los-angeles-5">Milk</a>, the only Mid-City option for ice cream. <a href="http://www.diddyriese.com/%E2%80%8E">Diddy Riese</a> has commercial ice cream, but the ice cream sandwiches (and their low cost) are to-die for. My favorite place hands down is <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/mashti-malones-ice-cream-los-angeles">Mashti Malone's</a>, and I always get the mango ice cream there. But Mashti's is so far when you're faced with LA traffic... I was in an uninspired ice-cream rut.<br />
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So, I did some research on Yelp, and I dragged BDF to two new-to-us ice-cream spots in LA - <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/neveux-artisan-creamery-los-angeles">Neveux Artisan Creamery</a> and <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/carmela-ice-cream-los-angeles-2">Carmela</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMOituuPhyphenhyphenV1ltmaznz6_5U7ZbgwKfmfFPyAwOOLDXBVi4Mz0vGU9LYSwL9B19cyjh3owTL2KERjHvRx6nHvIqir8oHzN-LKgreGZh-NOAVqnUPeixDUf6GIhv9-XKHSAryjc7BTrohdN/s1600/carmela2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMOituuPhyphenhyphenV1ltmaznz6_5U7ZbgwKfmfFPyAwOOLDXBVi4Mz0vGU9LYSwL9B19cyjh3owTL2KERjHvRx6nHvIqir8oHzN-LKgreGZh-NOAVqnUPeixDUf6GIhv9-XKHSAryjc7BTrohdN/s640/carmela2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Carmela is on 3rd Street, right across from the new Trader Joe's on Fairfax. It was actually pretty easy to find street parking, but the line at Carmela took much longer than anticipated. Carmela's new shop is tiny, with just a small table for customers, but the aesthetic was adorable. It was very ice cream parlor-ish. The flavor selection is wider than the one at Neveux, and the scoops are much more generous too. I tried the salted caramel and strawberry buttermilk, and BDF tried the lemon verbena vanilla bean. The strawberry buttermilk was delicious, and it had a slight tang that I think can be attributed to the buttermilk. The salted caramel was decent, but had an artificial tint to it. It was trying too hard to be salted caramel ... if that makes any sense. BDF's lemon vanilla ice cream was delicious; classic vanilla with a slight summer zing to it.<br />
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Neveux Artisan Creamery is on Melrose, and parking can be a challenge in the evenings. After circling no less than 3 times, we found a spot a block away. I tried a scoop of the salted caramel, and BDF got two scoops - the espresso caramel and strawberry balsamic. The salted caramel was pretty heavenly, and I think it was the clear winner in my mini taste test. The strawberry ice cream was interesting, but a little too much vinegary when eating the whole scoop. The espresso caramel was very good, and the taste of the coffee was strong. The flavors at Neveux were more sophisticated and intense. Neveux's eat-in area was roomy and calm, but it was pretty warm in there.<br />
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It was great to get out and try out these new dessert spots. Ice cream is the perfect complement for warm LA summer nights. Call me if you think you might be in an ice-cream rut. I'll diagnose you and rush you to the nearest ice cream spot!</div>
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