Highline and Brownie Browns

I took some pictures this weekend - I finally checked out the newly opened Highline Park and also baked some triple chocolate brownies on Sunday. Highline was a bit touristy (not surprisingly, I went on a weekend with nice weather), with a very metallic and industrial feel. I only spent 15-20 mins there but managed to snap a few shots. The brownies were sweet, and made use of four types of chocolate.Here is the photo update:Pocket Cam Collage SeriesViews...

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Blueberry Ricotta Muffins

Thursday night ... what else to do than to bake blueberry ricotta muffins? I was surprised by how fast I worked and how I'm starting to measure less and less. Some interesting key ingredients that I added in the batter: buttermilk, ricotta cheese and fresh blueberries. Preparations and Finished Product Stud Muffins I also gave two muffins to my neighbor, but her parents accepted them because she was still at work (I met them while waiting for...

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Packing in Last Bit of Sarah Time

The weekend seemed busy ... I didnt sleep that much, but yet didnt do that much either. It consisted of three things: work, eat and a lil exercise. Oh I did get another 2nd degree burn. Oops. It's Sarah's last weekend in the city before she takes off to visit family, travel for fun and head to school. And so we packed in a few last minute activities: Friday (baked apple tarts, ate 3 dinners (rice and vegetables, lasagna and Lombardi's pizza)...

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A Father Who is Strong and Sensible

Happy Father's Day!I just spoke to Old Bean and thought I'd write a few words about him today. I wont focus on the more amusing stories about mental math quizzes (buying refrigerators & trolls), telling me to take out the trash during Hurricane Bob, or even the rake chasing incident ...My father is someone great - he has confidence, skill in the most specialized tasks (automotive/carpentry) and a kind heart (random acts of kindness). And for...

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A Little Italian Night

I decided to make risotto yet again ... this time with chicken sausage (there was a sale at my neighborhood Morton's - and I very rarely go there). Last night I slowly cooked some risotto while doing laundry to maximize efficiency:Mushroom Risotto with Red Onions, Tomatoes, Peas and Chicken SausageI've been wanting to make panna cotta for quite some time; when I realized I had all the ingredients already at home, the decision to make became a no...

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Some Sunday Things

Continuation of Project Apt ... My Home Style II (L-R, Top to Bottom): Jewelry in Scotch Glass; Necklaces in Tea Cup; EBIT and Snoops; Golden Pig; Polka Dotted Sash on Chair; Modern Rug; Yellow Book End on Floor; Graduation Precious Moment; Colored Pillows in a Row Sunday morning started a bit late - After Corpus Christi, I headed over to help Sarah prepare for her work bakeoff (required ingredient: strawberries - how versatile!) around...

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Saturday Morning at Home

My Home Style, (L-R, Top to Bottom): A Purple Sombrero; A Telescope; Green and Blue; Some Pink Art; Russian Dolls; Sheets and Yamaha; Literature; Peruvian Chess Set; Leather TableOver the past week, I've been trying to clean up my apartment because it's been messy for too long. A week later, and after getting rid of some things, I realize how much work it is to paint and am not sure if it is worth the effort.I've been scrounging online for various...

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Icarus and Bruegel

Landscape with the Fall of Icarus This morning was not so good. I woke up, decided not to exercise (out of sheer sleepiness) and received an email that I had made some faulty error (work). Already not a good start. Moments later, I looked down at my hands and arms and realized they were blue from last night - I had oil painted on canvas a blue sailboat in blue waters against a blue sky. En route to work after being delayed by emotions and...

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Bud's Birthday (in September)

Bud in Elementary School, My First Experimentation with B&W FilmRandom Thought of the Day - I was talking to Bud today and learned that he shares a birthday with Horatio Nelson (in September), one of the greatest admirals in history ...Not to be confused with Horatio Nelson Jackson the first man to drive across the country with the bare minimum (tools, clothes, pistol, etc.). I learned about the latter through my dad who had watched a documentary...

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Bake-ful Weekend

Preview: A Collage of Weekend FoodSome food quotes from the week: - "Living with u would make me fat" (Jenny)- "I got u a kitchen aid slotted turner for cooking. It is non-stick and can sustain up to 450°" (Mom)The weekend was busy, fun and sunny: I cooked, exercised, grocery shopped at several (5) places, worked and met up with a lot of people.  I even tried out Le Pain Quotiden on 65th and liked their fresh mint tea ...Saturday...

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Vegetarian Dinner on a Weeknight

Had a friends dinner last night, and again, Sarah cooked for us. She came up with a Caribbean themed meal, which was a bit of a surprise given her initial cryptic email telling us what ingredients she needed (i.e. okra, mustard seeds, dried coconut, banana, milk, ice cream, cilantro, rice, etc.). The main dishes of the night were spiced kidney beans, lightly pan-cooked okra/squash, coconut rice and banana milkshake (I got to make this!). One...

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Painting Project Survey Says

After finally getting a hold of the renewal/leasing office, I renegotiated down my monthly rent … and decided to stay. I told a sad story (who needs comps) and was able to get a price reduction of ~26%, which is not too shabby at all. Having lived in the same apt for two years, I've decided that I still need some change. In the near future, I’ll likely put together some more art pieces and buy a new rug. I've always wanted a monochromatic apt...

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