Dynamo French Fries with Just an Xtra 120 Seconds!

French Fries..... boy I love them. I could eat them everyday- they are my favorite 'bad' food. I always have to look away from the McDonalds in Penn Station at the end of a long workday to not be tempted to get some for my train ride.
After watching a show about some really greasy french fries tonite, I remembered a good trick I used to use that I learned from a cafe I worked at awhile back.
Next time you bake some fries, take an extra minute and dump them in a large bowl.
Add: Parsley, Salt, Pepper, a little Olive Oil and Parmesean Cheese and toss them around in the bowl. sooooo delicious and that little extra minute, makes such a yummy difference. mmm...I think I'll make that with a mozzerella turkey burger tommorrow. A little tabasco spiced ketchup and delish!

SOTD- White Trash Wedding- The Dixie Chicks

Now this is having fun with music, and you just can't beat the harmonies of The Dixie Chicks. Great song. This is from their incredible 2002 record "Home". Every song is a good one.

Mind, God, Atheism, Yoga

My mom thinks (or wants to really believe) that when you die, your body just turns 'off', much like a machine. She always calls it, "game over" No soul, no spirit, no 'after-life' like Prince sings about in "Let's Go Crazy". I was not brought up in church or with an ounce of religion-far from it infact- and this philosophy works. You were just a good person, you knew how to do the right, good thing and did it. You worked hard, enjoyed yourself, and that was that. As it should be. Much to my parents disbelief, I'd spent some time in church...they were surprised. But to me, it is sometimes like going to yoga, or going out into nature, or reading philosophy, I suppose. My mom reminded me on the phone the other day what I used to say growing up "until a man in a white robe comes down out of the sky, I can't believe in all these man made rules".But there is something called 'Faith' and not just religious faith. Where do you think 'optimism' came from? It is simply a beleif in us (no other person or thing or mysterious unknown 'deity') that there is an energy that picks up on positive thoughts. And it does. But what IS that energy? Is it the cosmic big bang force that's like a machine that just follows your thoughts like a computer- 'garbage in, garbage out'? Is it some sort of God, is it just sheer will? Truly it is a mystery. This mystery always gets re-inforced when I watch shows like 'Nova' and the stars and galaxies and the flowers blooming, I mean how?? Do I even NEED to know. Not really, although I am a curious girl. :) lol
So, until the day that there is an absolute, I am open, but not convinced of anytning other than my own mind and heart. Any place that teaches love and peace-whether it is in nature or an occasional service or an intense meditative yoga class, or a good laugh with someone-a kiss, I'm open. I stand where I stand, in love, with no need to be co-orced into any 'regimen'. There are no absolute proofs, except your own heart. Don't believe the hype.
Really, it's all the same. Trouble happens when people look for something to cling too, and with religion, sometimes too desperately. It's really just about trying to find mind control and peace of mind. Walt Whitman always said he found it in nature (Leaves Of Grass anyone?)
I believe you can find this on a walking trail, in moments when your quiet and calm, when you think things through, or get lost in a physical activity that takes your complete focus, when you are in love or doing something your are completely passionate about. So, I am opting my occasional church stops for yoga class. This helps focus my body and mind and makes me feel physically good as well. Most religion is corrupt and reminds me of politics. I never was one for getting up every Sunday anyway--aren't we suppose to be sleeping and eating pancakes in our pajamas. ;)

Re-cycling and Avoiding A Shit Storm

http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters


This website is pretty cool, and despite it's name, is polar opposite of 'hippie chick'. It's got tech and media news,home, outdoors, goofy stuff---very dry, clever and funny, but also pretty smart and informative. Check it out.

**I started re-cycling again yesterday and was catching myself up with some news here. I couldn't help myself. Water bottle after water bottle, piles in land fill after land fill. Can't keep doing it. I tried to pretend it didn't make that much of a difference lately, little old me, but it does. A bunch of little old me's equals a big collective 'whole'.
Jon Stewart from The Daily Show lived in Sag Harbor (where I used to live) and loved the little coffee shop 'Java Nation' on main street. There was a good month stretch where we would run into each other there quite frequently. One morning we were both shoulder to shoulder at the milk station, he fixing his coffee and I throwing mine out. I also had an empty vitamin water bottle, and though I meant to throw it in the re-cycle container, I mistakenly reached for the regular garbage. Jon Grabbed my arm and re-directed it to the re-cycle bin. He then said, verbatim-"I know it's a bitch, but my wife makes me do and the environment is a shit storm. Who the hell knows, this might be helping".

Don't Toss That Old Banana!

In the summer months, sometimes when it's really hot, you may feel lethargic at the end of the day. Some kind of quick protein always helps-- a protein bar, some chips and hummus or a simple banana. But what if that last lonely banana is just too 'not nice' to eat? (and they tend to go a little faster in the summer months) A lack of motivation and resources are sure as hell not going to have me blend a whole smoothie. But I find the below easy and quick in the summer with my too ripe bananas for a quick pick me up.
Just throw some ice, a little lowfat milk and the banana into the blender and zap! A treat that's not only full of protein (milk and banana) but freezing cold to chill you out. It's that perfect 'I'm a little hungry, but not for dinner yet' in between thing.
And another quick tip- instead of just buying a 'small bunch' at the grocery because that's all you know you'll eat, get a bigger bunch in the summer and take half of the bananas, slice them and store them in a ziploc freezer bag in the freezer. Then you'll have frozen banana chunks to do the above, or have them handy for a more elaborate smoothie, or frozen cocktail later. The frozen banana chunks get to tasting like thick ice cream when they are frozen--yum!!

Movies To Force A Good Cry

Most any girl will tell you-- if you feel like you need to cry, but you find yourself so pent up, watch a romantic movie and let the tears flow, just to get it out. Or to get out that feeling of love that you feel has gotten stuck. Or to show yourself that you are still emotional and open hearted and sensitive. It's true girls, huh?
I'm not a big 'chick flick' girl, but I have always had an absolute penchant for the films based in the more sweet, innocent 1940's when it comes to this. I've also been known to favor that decade of girl's style, with the dresses and the cute hair and flowers. I sometimes feel I was born in the wrong decade. I don't think girls should look sloppy or unkempt as much as they sometimes do these days. And boys were such dapper dressers too. I think everything was just so much more feminine and pretty. But I digress---these movies not only make me happy, but make me cry. Like a good 'get it out' cry. I always wonder if guys do corny things like that too. I might tend to doubt that. There's a secret male readers that maybe some of the girls will never cop too, but that we've all done!
(Divine Secrets Of The YaYa Sisterhood, The Notebook, and Forever Young are just some top notch ones for that. ps- They all end happy! :)

Conversation

Me and my male boss this morning-

Me- "Joe- How do I show I'm not a pain in the ass?"

Joe- "Stop BEING a pain in the ass"

That was the conversation from beginning to end (he's a man of few words) lol

Why is there sometimes a tendency to over analyze and make the simplest things difficult? When right there it is. I've said it before, you get what you give. I'm gonna start reading more of my Buddhist stuff- where they tell you to just be quiet. Just 'be'. Because when it comes down to it- at least I know this is how I feel and what I've seen to be true- noone wants to be with the hottest, the smartest, or the greatest success story the most, we just want someone to be nice the most. Gosh, be nice to the people you love. That's all that matters. Trust me- frustrations come and go, but the memory of kindness is what you remember most about someone. It can be the opposite, so just be kind first and foremost........oh, and funny is good too.

SOTD- You Can Call Me Al- Paul Simon

So much for 'new music month' in June- I just have to post what I feel I want to share, sometimes new, sometimes old, what can I say. I love this video

"NOTHING GREAT WAS EVER ACHEIVED WITHOUT ENTHUSIASM"-

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

ie- put a damn smile on your face , despite whatever comes your way.

Vision Board.......

Father's Day

Your parents. If you can have a close emotional relationship with your parents, be so grateful for it. The one great gift of a good parent, from my own experience, is that they can be better than any other advice or help in working things out that you can get. They really, really know you (flaws and all) and don't bullshit you. My dad has given me some of the best advice in the past two weeks and doesn't sugar coat things. He makes me be accountable for everything I do. He's always been fair and calm and wise, since I was a little girl. I want to be more like him. Oddly, many times, he has taken the opposing side's stance as far as my mistakes. But, like I said, he's got no time for bullshit.
He makes me be a better woman.
Talk to your parents. Have a good relationship with them and listen to their advice.
Happy Father's Day Dad- I love you!

Love

The concept of love, and not just romantic- I talk about it all the time. I say 'I love love', I plug it on Facebook and my blog heading, and though I do believe what I say, I'm not so great at it sometimes in my personal life. So, learn as I am also, from my mistakes.
Here's one.
When you love someone it doesn't matter how they dress or do their hair, because that's not what you will miss when they are not around. That stuff doesn't matter, it's just you own judgements on your self that are not nice coming out on them..and it just makes them feel not good enough for just being who they are. It's a terrible way to be and I will never not let someone kind and good be made to feel that stuff matters ever again.Take it from the biggest mistake maker of this-me.
Love who they are inside the most. That's love.

My Relationship With White Clothes...Not Good

Sitting down to have some chips and salsa, and being a neat nick, but also being a bit goofy and clumsy, I promptly pulled my knee length dress up to the top of my thighs to stay out of salsas way. Cupping my hand under my chip as I went to take a bite, wouldn't you know the one drop that falls off, lands on the tip of my white dress. haha- Of course it does. rargh.

But, as you know, I always like to give something within a blog, whether it's a thought, a song, a story or a tip, so here's today's. Try these chips for dipping next time your out shopping:
"Food Should Taste Good"- Multi Grain Chips in 'Everything' Flavor.
So delicious, done with a little salt, a little onion, a little garlic, and good oil, you'll love them with Salsa! go to www.foodshouldtastegood.com to see more of their products.
And by the way, isn't that such a clever name. So simple and true. Another one of those "why couldn't I think of that" moments. Then again, I never thought of starting a food company! :)

Nightime-

Uh-oh..it's nightime. I used to always stay up in my room listening to music and writing in my journal at night back in the day. It was just quiet and the world was sleeping and I felt like it was a still time to get things done. Just me, my thoughts and the crickets. But, as an adult, I always find myself tired at bedtime, yet unwilling to want to really go to sleep. there's so many thing you can do at night. I have to look at the clock and give myself the utmost latest I could fall alseep to be productive the next day. Like a little kid, me and nightime....so tired, but so don't want to go to sleep. Attempt 7,897,098,00---lol

The Prisoner- Showtime Series Disc..Amazing

My dad owned this video series when it came out in the 80's, (it was originally a show from the late 60's) and I was always confused and fascinated by the episodes as a kid. So, when my latest Netflix disc (actually it was 2 discs -about 4 hours) came yesterday, and it was the prisoner re-done with James Caviezel, I was really excited to see what they'd done. I had gotten it for someone else originally, but figured I'd watch it anyhow out of curiosity. What an amazing, captivating re-make. James Caviezel was so good and damn, he is just sooo sexy.
This is the idea, if you are interested in seeing it too. I highly recommend that you do! Forgive me if my summary is a bit confusing..it's just something you ultimately have to see to really get the full concept.

At the beginning of the first episode of the Prisoner series (originally starring Patrick McGgoohan), an unidentified McGoohan is seen angrily resigning a high-level government job, only to be drugged, kidnapped and taken away to a mysterious, Orwellia community known as The Village. Though allowed to be free on the colorful grounds, he couldn't escape, unless he be chased down and killed by a huge, balloon-like sphere known as a 'Rover'. On each 60-minute episode, he (his name is now Number 6) is confronted by "the new Number Two", whose job it was to get information from our hero (though just what sort of information is never explained) Defiantly shouting "I am not a number! I am a free man!", Number Six succeeded in defeating the efforts by Number Two each time -- and the never-seen Number One -- to break him down. Throughout his strange adventures, Number Six learns two valuable lessons: To stubbornly maintain his individuality at all times and all costs, and to trust no one. Kind of true sometimes, but ultimately sad, no? It has been said to be a metaphor for the struggle of man's mind in the world of challenges. Kind of spiritual, but also very moving in it's portrayal of man's intellectual skill of thought, the engineering of your brain power and personal control of man's mind. I was inspired by how little I use my own brain's capabilities and strengths after watching.
I recommend this re-make. And like I said, even if you don't love it, James Caviezel is just so captivating a man.

Another Life Truth

Don't talk something down to the ground. It can risk anything good from continuing to exist and makes it instead so difficult. And you can truly trust me on this. Walk away and let it sit and just be. Let it work itself out, instead of trying to figure it out.

Bob Marley- Legend

When I moved to New York at 18, I had a little apartment, but it had a HUGE deck out back. I had a boom box with a cd player and some deck chairs and a bunch of cd's. The one that I always had to re- buy cuz it played constantly and got scratched, but that an outdoor summer hangout just can't be without, is Bob Marley "Legend"
I've always said it's the one reggae album everyone should have i thier library and the perfect summer chill out music.

Today....

This magnet is on the fridge at work. They say it was on there when they leased the space, and they've just kept it there as a joke. But after forcing myself to go in for the day after trying to wimp out this moring because hadn't slept well.....I think this magnet fits right about now at 4:30 pm. lol

Life Is What YOU Make It

If you keep saying "it' s horrible, it will never work, I'm awful, it's impossible for me"-not only will all those things be the only thing that happens to you, but your biggest cheerleaders and people that constantly show you the reality that those things are certainly not true, and try to encourage you, well, you will perform what they call "manifest destiny". You will finally have them throw up their hands and agree with you. And that's terrible. It does happen that way. It can happen negative like above, or it can happen in amazing powerful ways. YOU create all of it. It can be very sad when you create it negatively. You will lose all respect and support.
So be very careful to see what really is the truth, that things are good, and see new starts as golden opportunities for making things even more amazing than what you had in your life before. Be careful because you don't ever want to feel the feeling of convincing someone that you are awful and things are a mess. Life is just a challenge and even when you have the things, (and usually it's money and material things) that you convince someone makes you lovable and of value as a person, you never know what challenge might happen and it could be something really trying. The only reason that people are worthy is because they think so of themselves. Other people just want to admire how someone handles themselves, not what the situations they deal with are. The beauty is in the grace of attitude. Attitude...and a good sense of humour helps a lot. It is noone's fault.

There is nothing more disrespectful than having a person believe in you and not only do you always disagree, but it must make them feel, "aren't I something that makes them happy." And taking a bad perspective out on anyone. Another person on your team in life is the greatest gift you could ask for anyway.
So it's how you handle it and perceive it that makes it either good or bad. I relate it to that old analogy of someone living in a mansion and whining about what they 'don't have'. It is the poorest way to waste your life. I've spent the past year painting the bad picture, and I can tell you that it certainly does happen how YOU make it happen. You keep convincing someone, they will eventually agree with you, and so will life. I was really good at convincing the opposite of how 'tragic' it all was, when it isn't at all. I have so many things going for me. So many chances for better and bigger opportunities. What's standing in my way but myself? All those so called made up 'bad things' you continually whined and convinced someone about you, just are not true. So, make the opposite of negative happen. talks positively, be brave be strong. Do amazing things.
I love being able to have this blog to just say it and maybe prevent any of you from making that t mistake. It also helps make me feel less down when I am sad. It helps me to write about it, as most of things that I share and write about are for me too.
The simplest things--laughing and sharing a meal and hanging out and love, if you have that, you have EVERYTHING.

ps-on a whole different topic real quick-- Whoever started that chain on FB about plugging the BP hole with Sarah Palin- brilliant. Best idea so far. If that woman ever became a political leader, I'm gettin' the hell out of dodge. I did a big blog about her months ago, and am glad to see I am not alone in my feelings. You can read it here:
http://trennylynn.blogspot.com/2009/11/sarah-palin-drivvle.html

SOTD- Pinback- 'Fortress'

I got an email this morning regarding my occasional music posts, and they said, and I quote-

"I like what you put up for songs, most of the time, but it seems like sometimes it's songs I already know or songs that are a little older. Maybe I'm more familiar with them because we come from a similar generation? Being a so called music person, what are you listening to that's most current? What newer bands are you liking? I don't mean to cut down what you write about, I like it, but I'd love to get turned on to new stuff. I am not such a music person and tend to listen to whatever I hear is good."

ok- so I am making June 'new music month'. I'm just gonna post and write about bands that I have been liking the past year or less. Here's my first. I really dig this song. If you want to hear more of their stuff, the Album is: "Summer of Abandon" by Pinback

ps- I don't necessarily think though that to be listening to fabulous music and feel current and fresh, it has to be on the Billboard charts of that year. I have a friend that just uncovered a new love for Mozart and she and her boyfriend play it when they are relaxing. So, to them, it's new. Still, June will be current bands!

'Most Desirable'Winner-Marissa Miller

The most desirable winner at the ESPN 'Guy's Choice' awards last Thursday night. She could be a girl's award winner too----:) sexy.

The Tunic- The Perfect Summer Garment

Isn't his gorgeous? I saw this embroidered tunic in a boutique window yesterday and just fell in love. Even though I work in fashion in NYC, it is rare that I will spend lots of money on fancy designer labels, and the reason is three-fold. *I know how much things cost to make (much much less than retail) and it's a moral thing *Budget restrictions *and usually, if you have a good eye, you can find something similar for a fraction of the price.

But sometimes, there are garments that are made and designed like beautiful pieces of art and they not only are wonderful to invest in and wear, they can go so far as to be one of those things you can hand down and it becomes special and classic vintage. I went inside to see this tunic up close and it was flawless. It is Juicy Couture- $168. You know I will find it for wholesale!!!

So, girls, please don't forget to stock your closet with one or tow nice cotton or silk tunics for the Summer. Not only are they the perfect choice over a bathing suit, if long enough they can double as a cute little dress with sandals for after sunning cocktails or dinner. They also dress up basic jeans and can be a breezy, sexy, comfy option around the house.

You can get super cheap ones at Forever 21, H&M or Old Navy. Moderately priced ones at Guess and BCBG. If you want designer, go for it!

Here's to the Tunic!

SOTD -Daft Punk- Around The World

Everytime this video used to come on back in the day, I could not look away- no matter how many times I'd seen it. The rhythmatic movements, you will find, are mesmerizing. Just see for yourself. You will find it hard to look away too!

RIP- John Wooden

Ok- even I'm surprised that I am dedicating a blog to the recent passing of UCLA Basketball coach, John Wooden. There is a reason.
When you take the train and the local paper is your only reading material of choice as you forgot a book,you- well at least I do being an avid reader-read it pretty much cover to cover. This includes a glance at the Sports section. I was drawn into the 2 page spread on Wooden in the New York Times sports pages this morning by the sub-title, which read,
"He was a wizard of success that used simple philosophy to teach his players not only about the game, but about life."
I like coaches, teachers and mentors like that. I find their teachings very valuable. So, I continued to read. The article went on to quote many different past athletes and current coaches, all of whom have been molded and/or have been inspired by him. They claim Wooden was a big fan of the 'catchphrase', which they later deemed 'Woody-isms'. (Ie- "Be quick, but don't hurry"-to name one)
Many were quoted in the article, and below, is my favorite, and the reason I am blogging him today. I wanted to share it.:

"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes. When you blame others you are trying to excuse yourself. When you make excuses in life, you cannot properly evaluate yourself and where you stand. Without proper evaluation, failure is enivitable."

Genius.

The guy won UCLA 88- that's 88!!!- championship titles during his long career. There's something there.