The Snow Child: Review

Admittedly my book of choice has some element of the fantastical. When I read the description for The Snow Child I was intrigued. An elderly couple moves to the Alaskan frontier in the 1920’s to escape the emotional stress of losing a baby. Times are tough on the homestead and just when they think they won’t last through another winter, their fortune changes. In the momentary bliss of the first snow of winter they make an angelic girl out of snow. The very next day their creation is gone, but they see glimpses of of small pixie-like girl running throughout the forest with a fox as a companion. She is wearing the mittens of child they made out of snow. Spoilers to follow…

Woodchuck Hard Cider

My new drink of choice for the summer. Woodchuck Hard Ciders. Ciders are so refreshing and light they make the perfect summer companion. And they don’t weight down your belly after you’ve had a few. It’s also a good beer alternative for the gluten impaired. Woodchuck, in particular, make a great variety from Pear (shown) to Granny Smith to seasonal concoctions. The Summer Cider has a hint of blueberry. And it seems, at least in the Philadelphia area, that it’s becoming a popular draft item. I understand if cider isn’t your thing, because, let’s be honest, it tastes like adult juice. But sometimes that’s just what I’m looking for.

Mariachi El Bronx

Mariachi El Bronx is a reincarnation of the LA punk band, the Bronx. I have always been a fan of the modern Mariachi-esque style, Ozomatli, Kinky, Los Lobos. These guys are another I can add to the list. Generally it’s just el fun to listen to. Horns, strings, accordion and a dance beat. Add some tequila and let the party begin!

Tracks include:

1. 48 Roses (sample)
2. Great Provider
3. Revolution Girl (sample)
4. Fallen
5. Norteño Lights
6. Mariachi El Bronx
7. Map Of The World
8. Bodies of Christ
9. Poverty’s King
10. Matador
11. Everything Dies
12. Spread Thin

BONUS! They are playing a free show tonight at Philadelphia’s Sailor Jerry’s.RSVP to get in.

Peace Rose

Our Peace Rose blooms were in full force this week. These roses became popular in the U.S. at the end of WWII when each of the delegates at a UN meeting were given a rose with a note that read, “We hope the ‘Peace’ rose will influence men’s thoughts for everlasting world peace”.

BOK-pocalypse!

BOK-pocalypse!

(Justly named because when you put the Bok Choy in the wok last to steam, it looks like it takes over everything. But don’t worry, it dramatically reduces in size post-steam)

• Sesame Oil
• Onion
• Carrot
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
• BOK CHOY!
• Scallions
• Garlic 
• Ginger
• Soy Sauce
• Jasmine Rice
• Sriracha to taste

Marina and the Diamonds

Gig poster for Marina and Diamonds at the TLA

Purchasing Land in the Mojave Desert

We took a West Coast adventure in March with the intention to buy some land in Apple Valley, CA right in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Many called it “crazy”, we called it an “investment”. One plane ride and mini road trip later, we signed some papers… In the end, the seller pulled out of the deal and our plans for a sustainable-off-the-grid-bungalow were scrapped.

The views are literally breathtaking at times. The mountains surround you on the seemingly alien foreground of rock and fauna. Desert one moment, lush oasis another, and snowy mountain top the next. You can experience all these in one day’s car ride.

Moving out West may or may not be in our future plans, but for now we can say, “Remember when we went to California for a weekend?”.

Strawberry Basil Bruschetta

For Mother’s Day I was asked to bring an appetizer to our family gathering. I had just bought a delicious batch of strawberries that I wanted to use. So I found what looked like a tasty Strawberry Basil Bruschetta amongst the Whole Foods Recipes. So simple and fresh.

MIX:

• 1 Cup Strawberries diced (don't forget to dry them, if you washed them)
• A stack of fresh basil leaves chopped roughly 
• About a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• A drizzle of Balsamic vinegar
• Fresh ground pepper to taste

SPOON OVER TOP:

• Creamy goat cheese, I used a Trader Joe's Chevre
• Lightly toasted baguette sliced (Whole Foods used whole grain, I used regular)

"Out of the Game"

Rufus Wainwright and Helena Bonham Carter make a naughty combination in Wainwright’s video for his single “Out of the Game”. The actress plays a sexy librarian and lip syncs to the song as she encounters different versions of Rufus in the library, naughtiness ensues. To top off the all-star collaboration, the single was produced by Mark Ronson.

Graffiti6 Review

I’ve been recently listening to Indie Pop duo Graffiti6. The album, appropriately named Colours, is vibrant, a collection of fun little dance grooves. Puts to mind a Gnarls Barkley kinda of sound, and maybe the vocal drama of Prince. The lead singer looks more like a character from 90210 than a frontman, but he gets the job done. There are slower jam tracks like “This Man” and “Calm the Storm” that sort of trip up the flow of the entire album. (I secretly agree with the Barney Stinson philosophy… “people often think a good mix should rise and fall, but people are wrong. It should be ALL RISE, baby!”)

But I think “Free” is the track that originally caught my ear. A little soulful, makes me want to put my arms around people and sway to the chorus, “and I can’t live without you and it’s hard to breathe when you’re not near…” At little lyrical cheese never hurt anyone. Looking forward to see them perform at the Firefly Music Festival in July. http://www.graffiti6.com/