save a dish, bbq a fish

* Forgive me on the lack of pictures as of late.  My camera broke on my birthday and I just replaced (and seriously  upgraded) this week.  More posts and pictures are coming soon.

Moving on: as noted here we went fishing while in Corolla, NC.  There were several fishing boat outings that week and just between our family outing alone, we caught 24 perch and 18 blue crabs.  Another boat load of relatives caught mackerel and shark.  Needless to say we ate like queens and kings.
I don't know about you, but I love to BBQ.  Added bonus :the dish it saves me (or Steve) to wash.

Here's a fun way to make fish, especially previously frozen fish and keep it juicy! 

Sans Dish, BBQ Fish
ingredients

• 4-6 small fillets Wild Caught Fish/ Thawed 1 TBS Salted Butter
• Fresh minced garlic
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Bay leaves (dry is fine)
• White wine (but not so much where your fillets start to swim again *i couldn't help myself.)
• Half a lemon
• Cut peppers and onions
• BBQ
• 2 long sheets of Aluminum Foil

1. While you prep preheat your BBQ.  It doesn't need to be on high, fish cook very fast.
2. I am not even going to try to explain how to scale and fillet a wild fish, Steve and I (Steve did 20 fish, I managed to do 4) tried our best but I think we need some lessons from a seasoned fisherman. 
3. Put some cut peppers and onions
4. Lay the fish on a long sheet of foil, you want enough to be able to crimp and make a pocket with the additional top layer.
5. Pat the minced garlic of the fillets.
6. Chop your butter into multiple thin slices and lay over the fillets.
7. Pour your white wine so reaches each fillet, but not submerged.
8. Add your seasonings to taste.
9. Place bay leaf on each fish.
10. Make a pocket and seal it completely.
11. Place on a part of the BBQ that gets even heat and cook for approx 10-15 minutes or until your fish flakes off with a fork and separates from skin easily.  I usually open the pocket to check.  You will open it to find steamy yummy goodness.
12. Finish with lemon and serve.

enjoy!





Before

 



After



gifts are meant to be shared

Last year we had a garage sale.  Besides tons of duplicate items, (from moving in together) we had tons of wedding coasters, etched wedding frames, endless tea light holders, glass wedding bell paper weights, another wedding frame, a glass basket that held those (gross in my opinion) white almonds, endless bottles of wedding bubbles, oh I can't forget the place card holders. Lots of stuff.  I think I sold the coasters for 0.25.  I don't want to think about what the bride and groom of that wedding paid for them.  Some things I gave away, the rest went to goodwill.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not an ingrate.  It's sweet, just not my style.

Lately we have been trying to think of eco-happy gifts, in lieu of just-stuff.

Originally we wanted to send everyone home with individual wine bottles, but it's too expensive. Even the small ones (the vineyard won't do) are a waste because you only get one glass of wine - if that, then that's 120 more wine bottles out there because of us.

We went to a friend's wedding recently and they gave away ferns.  Currently, my fern sits happily in it's new pot on my fire escape with all his (he's a boy in my head) other plant friends.  I loved the idea.

The entire inspiration for the wedding is US!  What we like to do together, how we met, things we enjoy together.  (get it?) We went hiking on our first date hence an outdoors ceremony.  I changed my beer drinking guy into a wino, enter vinyard.  As most outdoorsy types usually do...we love trees.  Fun Fact* Steve can climb a tree better than anyone I've ever known. 

Trees it is. 

We are giving away trees.  Each of the round tables is going to be a different tree and everyone at their table will get their respective sapling to take home and plant in a park, garden, yard, or even on the side of the road.  We are going to have approx. 120 people, that's 120 trees (ideally) that are out there growing, housing animals and bugs, cleaning the air. 

:insert kumbahyah hand holding circle here:

I have to think up a cute- and equally eco-friendly way of packaging the saplings.  It would be kind of silly to try and be green for our wedding ( examples: all RSVPs are going to be done online to save paper, reused/ up-cycled decorations) to then turn around and use a ton of plastic and ribbon for a a tree that will be planted soon.

*keep in mind to always check that you are planting trees/plants/and flowers that are native to your area as to not introduce an invasive species - check here.

Here are some ideas I've stormed thus far:

• My bestie/m.o.h. works at a bedding/home fashion textile design place (so cool I know) and is always coming home with things they just throw away!- bedding, curtains, swatches, yards of fabric- in the garbage!- so perhaps we can "rescue" some of the more neutral/ linen type of fabrics (it doesn't matter if we mix and match as long as they are complimentary (sort of) shades) to wrap the saplings in like this.
• Using Biodegradable (Peat Pots) that can be planted with the sapling directly in ground.  Up the cool factor by getting our "seal" stamped on the planter to then grow with the tree.
• We could package with upcyled beer bottle glasses, but I think we'd use bottles sans labels.  I'm confident our housemates (consists of 3 apartments) can get together 120 beer bottles during a BBQ, easy.

 

I thought these newspaper pots would be fun for next years seedlings, but not for the wedding.

I'd love to hear some eco-friendly wedding ideas from you... yes you.  Email or comment below no sign in needed...other than name and what you want to say.

ps... in exactly one year from today, we will be getting married 7.14.11.

fuerza bruta

Last night I went to a show, an event, a party.

FUEZA BRUTA - Brute Force - was 70 minutes of "what the hell is going to happen next?"  I don't want to give it away but let's just say there was.

• Standing Room Only
• Dancing (cast and audience).
• House/Techno Infused Beats
• Water (lot's of it)
• Acrobatics
• Swimming on the ceiling.

I recieved tickets for this show for my birthday last week and Lucy, Eugene, Jazz, Steve and I went in NYC after work.  We came out drenched but quickly dried in the city heat.
I wouldn't mind going again.
They also have another show La Guarda, but I believe it's not in the US as of now.  If either comes your way, go.

sunflower follow up

They're alive!  As mentioned here and before that, here.  My sunflowers became some serious snacking for various critters; between the caterpillars, ants, and a rambunctious little ground hog, I had almost thrown in my gardening gloves.  Until I saw this recipe and then modified it a little bit.

Weeks after brewing my Spicy Garlic Tea, and diligently applying it with a paint brush (this concoction is course no matter the amount of super fine straining...it just kept clogging the 4 different spray bottles I used) every time it rained, watering it only for the dirt and the bottoms to get wet... WE HAVE A CROP (or my Bergen Co. NJ version of a crop).

One point for organic! 

Who says you need harmful chemicals to keep away various species!?

What are some home remedies you've made/used to be more environmentally friendly?

Check em!

puh-lease help me chose a camera.

So (of course) on my birthday my camera decides it's had enough.  Thankfully my pictures are safely on my SD card.  I don't understand why the lens jammed, no one even dropped it!

I am now in the market for a camera with a decent lens, 10+ MP, an SLR, and overall EASY.*in the $500 range. 

I need suggestions people.  I am looking to invest in a nice camera, and there is sooo much to sift through out there.

If you were me, which would you buy?

the dress

I can't really post pictures of the dress because Mr. Snoopy might peep.  I never understood how annoying, exhausting, depressing, and annoying it can be searching for THE DRESS.

Men have it eaaaaasy. 

Case in point: wandering in Hoboken, my fiance (yes he) liked a dress in the window we stopped to look at it.  It was overpriced polyester junk so we passed.  As we are walking back to the car, a sign read GRAND OPENING.  Guess what kind of store?  It was a suit/tux store.  Just for shits and giggles we went in.  Beautiful suits.  Right away the old man pulled some suits  that he thought would look nice on Steve and didn't even ask what his size was (not like Steve would have known) and then he put on THE suit.  A three piece tan seersucker suit with thin pin stripes and light weight for our July 2012 wedding.  The lovely gentleman said the suit should be altered a smidgen here and here and we could pick it up in a week.  We picked out two ties, and were out the door in less than a half hour, suit purchased complete with ties (we are still working on the dress shirt) and that was that.  I don't know what the etiquette/protocol is for suit shopping with your soon to be husband, but what I do know is when he put on that suit I got teary eyed.  Through out this entire planning process that's been my gauge, if I don't get teary isn't not it.

So that was the suit story, the dress story wasn't as romantic.  See timeline below.  After becoming annoyed at

• People cattle at Bridal Stores.
• Getting UNSOLICITED calls from David's Bridal even after I told them to stop- to my cell no less.
• Over priced made in china shit that resembled glorified curtains (ie. Bridal Gowns)
• Going to sample sales and being told the Maggie Sottaro dress complete with busted zipper, broken, missing, hanging beading, a dirty train, rips, and make up stains that was at least 2 sizes too big, was deeply discounted to $3,000.  It would have been $1000 to fix the fushtinkana shmata (yiddish for fucking rag)
• Knock off gowns made in china bait and switch horror stories (you tube it-very scary)
• No refunds on a dress I never got to touch/see until it was shipped to me.
• Finding elements in one dress that I loved and loathed.
• the realization that A. It's A dress that you wear once. B. It will be destroyed with our outdoor ceremony and dancing.  C. My daughter(s) will most likely not want to wear/remake it because white dresses (even) preserved may yellow.  D. I hate wasting/wasted money

Which led me to Etsy.  I love Etsy.  I was just curious and searching custom gowns, and I found her, Tova of Couture De Bride.  I looked at her designer/celebrity inspired gowns (made in the good ol' U.S.of A) from scratch in Teaneck, NJ, right there, in the shop.

Too good to be true?... not at all.  The actual shop specializes in modest bride wear (Orthodox Jew, Muslim, African-any other modest requiring religions) and won the Best Bridal Salon for Best of  Bergen Co. 2010. 

Tova is the head designer and designs non-modest gowns too.  Her creations are be-a-u-ti-ful.  I called her and she had the sweetest voice.  She listened and addressed my concerns and even invited me to be fitted by her at the shop (since we are practically neighbors being 15 minutes away).
Her range of talent spans from modest to not, classic to Gothic, "so in" and "out there" fashions.  Take some time to look through the site, some of the dresses are wild!! There is truly something for everyone.  They cater from sizes 0-40 with over 60 colors.  If you want to be a lime green bride, (I don't but) you can!  I'm still bummed that she doesn't make bridesmaids gowns. 

The turn around time for the dress is 3 months so I will begin in the fall by going to meet with her.
I asked (as any bride would) the what if questions-what if I gain/ lose weight, what if I don't like how it looks when completed, what if this, that, and the other.
She offers a guarantee-not money back-but to do/ redo the dress until we reach the goal.  That's much better to me realistically.  I rather that than "So sorry your wedding is coming up and you despise your dress - here's your money back, minus the solution, there's the door, go fuck yourself (in a sense)." 

But the old trust tear gauge that's how I really knew...I got teary eyed when I saw the first few dresses as well as after I spoke (ok, ok and a little during) to her. 

Here are some links about Tova at Couture De Bride
Designer Inspired Wedding Dresses (mine is going to be custom, but the inspiration is on this page)
Etsy (Tova's shop)


Time line of  the dress.

happy (early) birthday (present) to me

As noted here, I play piano and sing/write songs.  I have 2 harmonicas.
The first is my grandfather's (mom's side) which is an old Hohner Chrometta 12 harmonica in the key of C (but if you press the button on the side it goes to C#)
The other I have no idea where I acquired it from, but it too is in the key of C.
I know some songwriters may only write in one key (kiddin') but a lady needs options.
So for my birthday (July 8) I bought myself a harmonica set.

I love Amazon, I really do.  That place is amazing.  I ordered them and got them the NEXT DAY.  I didn't pay for next day- I only paid for standard!  Happy birthday to me.
Last night I played for quite a while trying out the harps with the keys...magic.  (Now all I have to do is learn to hold a drum stick with my toe and I'd be set)

I didn't really know my grandfather (I remember one FL boat trip when I was 5 - he let me steer the boat) but what I do know it that he played the harmonica and guitar and was self taught (kinda like me).  Maybe he's looking down and laughing that his grand daughter is playing his old Chrometta and now has a harmonica set all her own.

I hope so.

postcard invites

As mentioned here, we had unsuccessfully taken engagement photos (granted we took them by ourselves because of fiance's unwillingness to "pose" he hates posed.)  So this weekend we are going to venture back to the Millbrook Vineyard for (another) wine tasting and some pictures, in that order (bring on the wisps to rid ourselves of wine mouth - and photoshop).

We have set a date for our engagement party September 24th 2011 at the Alpine Pavilion by the boat basin in Alpine, NJ.  It's a charming 1920's stone pavilion over looking the Hudson River complete with "beach" and a NYC view.  It should be a nice time of year, cooler, just as the leaves are changing, reminiscent of the fall hike that the now fiance and I took on date number one.

After we get the picture (my fiance kindly reminds me daily it only takes one - with more aspects than just pictures) we (I) am going to make a postcard in Illustrator and send 'em on out asap.  I was playing around at the airport waiting to fly to N.C., but I have to keep it a secret until it's sent out, sorry.  But I promise to update with the finished product.

The front is easy (sort of) after getting the right shot.  I'm thinking of applying a few layers of vintage in photoshop to match the back see bottom for front inspirations.

I am drawing inspiration from vintage postcards- here are just a handful out of the ones I looked at. 
Comment on which is your favorite back?  I don't know how we're going to pick!  I'm thinking a little here and there and we'll eventually get it.

1

2

3

4



5

 Here are some vintage styled fronts I like (see captions).



1. I like the coloration of this picture, I don't want a full black and white or sepia.



2. I love photoshop tutorials.  That will be in upcoming posts however.

p.s. today is my birthday, twenty-three.

banana bread rising

I have begun design of bananabreadandhomstead.COM . Yes indeed folks it's time.  If I ever had a style it's go with it, and then run with it. 
I told myself

"Self, if I blog consistently about current musings, eventually I will make it a .com that way no one will have to type .blogspot.com...bananabreadandhomestead is long enough" 

GoDaddy had told me that my other .com (upbeatbaby if you must know yenta {nosy-body in yiddish}) was up for renewal.  Just out of a little smidge of curiosity I typed in bananabreadandhomestead.com it was available...so I said, today is that day.

What am I going to do with my newly minted .com you ask...
I'm not sure yet, but the sky is the limit. 

In short... Who knows what could be on there.

... maybe a few feature bloggers, give-aways, music, local (and maybe not) must see places...limitless I say.

I can tell you what I know will be on there... recipes, inspiration, how to's, gardening, DIY, wedding stuff (I do, hear by swear, this won't turn into a wedding blog *i mean completely-a-wedding-blog)....etc...

What would you like to see on the .com?
ps. to comment you don't need an email, or to sign in, or to be a follower, none of that stuff...just comment :)

i'd like to be...

under the sea, in an octopus' garden in the shade.

Corolla, NC.
* except top left- that was taken in the plane over NYC on the way to NC.

The Outer Banks, NC

Love the Outer Banks!

Who: Us and family from his side.
What: fishing, kayaking, beach bummin, and visiting light houses.
Wear: Lived in bathing suits, tube tops, short/maxi skirts, not to mention my newly found hat.

I had such a great time, I was bummed that I couldn't stay the entire week with everyone.  I have a ton of pics but I will put those up on FB.

Fun things to do in Corolla- Fishin, go Crabbin (delicious blue crabs), fillet 24 perch (okay, 4 and my fiance did the rest), kayak (and try to walk in marshes and sink thigh deep in the mud- my fiance), talk, laugh, and drink with my soon to be family (even though I feel as if they are already), watch an 87 year old grandpa play quarters (he's too much!), get my tail beat by an 8 year old in pool (no lie), beach bummin, boogie boarding, seeing ghost crabs, coyotes, and foxes at night... and to think I was only there a few days.

sweet sweet patriotism

I have news for you, I love America. 
Apple Pies, Red White and Blue, Bagel Lox and Cream Cheese (ok so it's a NY thing) Local breweries, seeing American flags on the front porch flag poles, seeing everyone who celebrates 4th of July, our Independence day, sitting together under fireworks no matter what walk of life or country you're originally from....love it all. (not to mention the star spangled banner that is sung after fireworks every year by myself and a special few- you know who you are)
To me that's when summer has set in, when I see all of these things (and it also reminds me that my July 8th birthday is right around the corner).
When we were in Corolla, NC I couldn't help but buy some Sparklers, Morning Glories, and Roman Candles... my little brother was visiting from Nashville and we lit them up!

I stashed a box away and decided to incorporate the sparklers for a festive feel to top the cake.

We had a little BBQ and I (am sorry I skimped on the pictures) felt the need to make a patriotic cake.  We had just came back and were exhausted so I decided to nix the scratch.

Patriot's Cake

• 1 Box Angle Food Cake (follow their directions)
• 1 Bunt round
• 1 Whipped White Icing
• Fresh Strawberries
• Fresh Blueberries
• Frosting Spatula
• Baking rack

1. Make the cake as directed and allowed it to cool for 45 minutes.
2. (Don't be cheap) use the entire container of icing and frost the cake.
3. Cut the strawberries leaves off and then into slices (from tip to leaves).
4. Make a pretty pattern with the strawberries and blueberries.
5. I stuck 5 sparklers (like a 5 point star) in the cake and lit it.

mmm, mm...sweet, sweet, patriotism.

banana bread for your homestead

Obviously by the title of this blog - I love banana bread.  I don't know about you, but we are guilty of over buying produce (example : bananas) and then not making it until it comes to "Shit! We have to use this stuff."

That's why I love this recipe.

You need the bananas to be mushy, black (sans mold) and over ripe.

When I wasn't working as much I used to make it all the time, but I haven't in a while...until I noticed  our fruit bowl was full of over ripe bananas.

BONUS: This week we are traveling to Corolla, NC.  If my snack can brave LaGuardia Airport and TSA without getting (too) smashed - we can all enjoy.

There are a million alterations to my original recipe.

Here are some yummies to add

Berries, a coffee cake crumble top (see bottom), nuts, dried chopped apricots, chocolate chips, raisins... or (if your feeling daring) all of the above.  For this particular batch I am going tame because I am not sure if any one has nut allergies, etc...

Banana Bread (for your homestead)

2 cups all-purpose flour (I use whole wheat!)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

2-3 Overripe smashed bananas

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.  Or use these- they make individual little loaves and cook faster than the hour cook time- if you have a toaster oven and use these they will only cook in 45 minutes- The previous two were tips from my Bubbie (yiddish for grandma) sometimes Bubbies know best when it comes to baking...but shhh don't tell them!
3. In a large bowl, combine EVERYTHING!  You will get an arm work out.  I personally like chunks in my b.bread but if you don't - beat the eggs, sugar and bananas in a separate dish until it's smooth, then combine everything.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean.
5. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

For a nutty coffee cake crumble on top

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar (i like mixing white and brown for this)

1/4 cup chopped almonds

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons cold butter

Teaspoon of Cinnamon

Add ingredients together and fold, you want a lumpy consistency, you have to use cold butter to obtain the lumps... Crumble over batter in pans and bake as directed above.

enjoy.

Update: Banana Bread was successfully transported and made a great addition to an early morning snack before fishing, it didn't last past day one.

flea markets and rainbows

My fiance traveled to NC early leaving me to my own devices this weekend.  Saturday was filled with retail therapy and some much needed playing/writing.  Gay marriage is now legal in NY! Yes!
Sunday was a wonderful and colorful day!  My bestie Lucy and I went to NYC to go flea-ing and to celebrate at the Gay Pride Parade.  It's such a special moment in the LGBT community, not to just be just recognized but to be able to receive an actual marriage licence.  I am straight, but I still celebrate for my friends in the LGBT community.

On a funny note side note people thought we were lesbians.

Before and after the parade we did some lovely flea-ing in the hells kitchen area.  GOLD MINE!  As indicated before, I am searching for old clear and colored bottles for our centerpieces.  I got some really beautiful ones, but I did sadly pass on cobalt blue bottles (25 for a bottle that had no writing!!!? NON-negotiable, really?!)  I love those expeditions in the city, especially with Lucy- she gets it, no one else (except my mom maybe) would wander around for HOURS and hours looking and digging through odds and ends. 

After wards we went to a cheerful Mexican food restaurant and split Guac, Nachos, and Ceviche... Not to mention a large pitcher of Sangria.  The colors reflected how, not just us, but how everyone around us was feeling... bright, festive, jubilant, and gay.

summer blues

... that make me happy!

Blue Skylines

 

Blue toes

 

Wedges I bought for a steal...

in store for half the price listed on site.

Perfect temperature water

Navy pleated chiffon skirt

-bought on clearance for 19 in store. (doesn't this skirt beg to be paired with a crisp sleeveless blouse, red pumps and a swipe of red lipstick? America the beautiful indeed).

Blue Berries

three

 I enjoy a drink, or two (three) after work, and on weekends, and any other time.  I really love to collect the bottles.  For our centerpieces for the wedding (we are going sans-florist) we are going to use various collected bottles with flowers such as Queen Anne's lace (one of my favorites), poms, and statice (amongst others).  St. Germain Bottles are the best.  After boiling them, using a steel pad to scrub off the labels, and snipping the metal ring once attached to the screw top, they are quite pretty with one cut flower from the garden.

Case in point...

1.

This is definitely on the list of crafts.

2.

3. All the pretty colors.

Deterrent Tea

You can see my previous garden post here, but as you know my sunflowers have been getting chomped on lately.  Unacceptable, but I didn't want to use a pesticide on the sunflowers because I plan on harvesting their delicious seeds.
I researched and found a recipe for an all natural pest-deterrent made from items you may have in your kitchen already.  I altered the ingredients because I was lazy and didn't want to run to the store, but it still works.

Word to the wise, you will need to apply it every 2 days, or more if it's been raining, because it washes away.

  

You'll need..

• Food Processor/ Blender
• A pot with lid
• Spray Bottle
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Fine Strainer/ Cheese cloth
• 7 cups of water
• 3 whole garlics
• 1/2 cup of red pepper flakes
• 2/5 cup of Chile pepper
• 2 Table Spoons of Vegetable oil
• 2 Table Spoons of ALL NATURAL UNSCENTED laundry detergent

1. Peel and chop your garlic using 1 cup of water.
2. Strain the garlic to get as much juice out of it as possible.
3. You might want to process it again after the first round of straining by adding another cup of water and pressing on the strainer with a spoon to juice the garlic.  Set aside juice.
4. Put the garlic remnants aside.
5. Add the Pepper Flakes and Chile Pepper to the remaining 5 cups of water. 
6. Bring the Pepper Tea to a boil, remove from heat, and let stand for 30 minutes.
7. When the Pepper Tea is cool strain it and add it to the garlic juice.
8. Add your strained pepper flakes to your discarded garlic bowl. optional:

   I scattered the discarded pepper flakes and garlic around my sunflower garden to emphasize the smell.  It didn't look so pretty so if you're worried about aesthetics I would skip this part.

   To make this mixture stick to your plants we need to add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of ALL NATURAL UNSCENTED laundry detergent.  I emphasise all natural and unscented to A. Be okay for the environment B.Not to be scented to attract any critters.
9. Spay frequently ( I spray every 2 days or after it rains)  your mixture will coat the plant with a reddish tint. 

SOME FAQs
Will it make my produce/seeds spicy?
No (unfortunately) it will not, it washes right off.
Will it stain?
It will stain your clothes, I sprayed this mixture on my strawberry plants (with white flowers) and they only a rainshower away from being white again.
Will it harm my young plants?I put it on young seedlings (1-2 inches) and they have been just fine.

FYI- This stuff is spicy, don't rub your eyes!! (before adding the soap/oil) I tried a finger dip, it was HOT for me and I adore spicy...I'm rethinking this as a marinade for hot wings.

UPDATE!

It's been 2 weeks since I applied this mixture and I have noticed that the ants have left my plants alone as well as caterpillars and groundhogs.  I hope the plants bounce back from their chomp!  I have also sprayed the mixture on my strawberries and the squirrels have left them alone too.  I even use them on my tomato plants.

I have begun a replacement crop for my sunflowers on my fire escape/ terrace and plan to replace the badly damaged plants.  I am also going to fence in the sunflower bed, that's one of the next DIYs.

mason jar meet insecurities, mason jar meet shelf.

I have this tendency (as most creatives do) to begin one project and then another and another, before completing the initial one.  Case in point- spring of 2008-summer 2010 I went through a songwriting burst.  I had plenty of new material brief time line: finished audio tech school in Nashville- moved from Nashville after a year of working in the recording industry scene- dealt with heartbreak on a few levels from love, money, career, ego- to Bergen co. NJ to work in the NYC recording scene- ended a long relationship- worked like a crazy person- left the fancy NYC recording studio- fell so much in love- moved in together- worked in schools teaching music to young (-5) children- started my own business (UpBeatBaby music classes)-started working at an undisclosed  company that I really love that has nothing to do with with music but gives me the people interaction i crave- getting engaged- planning wedding. :wipes sweat from brow:

Like I said before the re-cap, I had a ton of new material, the means/know how/ equipment to record, master, and release an album...At the peak of playing shows, featuring shows, writing, recording, shooting an album cover etc... I completely threw myself into starting my business and left my quasi completed recordings in Protools (recording program) at static levels.

After starting my business and going through the first sessions, I was proud in once sense but secretly disappointed in my flighty-ness and asked myself why I turned my back on this project.  I never stopped playing and writing, but I did stop working on the album. 

Instead I played Beatles's songs, and wrote kid songs that took all of 10 minutes, made instruments, sang and danced - encouraging our UpBeatBabies to explore their creativity and musicality, at the same time I had shelved mine...

What a hypocrite, right?

Recently on a car ride with my fiance (the type that you end up talking about random thoughts left stagnant in the mind).  I started to tell him that I want to restart the album project.
With that finally! look he told me something that I already knew, never shared, and needed to hear.

I had stopped, yes in part to starting UpBeatBaby, but because I didn't believe in myself.  I can write songs, I have always been received warmly on stage, I've had many nice compliments from people that have been in the scene for a long time... but I always discounted it, and shrugged it off.

During the recording process I scrutinized to the point that I would do and redo, again and again, over and over again, thus accomplishing nothing.  I did record some roughs. But was in the process of redoing those for the "finished project"- still in my hard drive.

This is a pattern, I recognized it in audio school too.  As the only young woman in my class I was very quiet, kept to myself, and barely did projects with a partner (which we were supposed to do, but I always found a loop hole).  But as the girl from Jersey, I was usually very out going and loud.   God forbid the question "Do you play?"  "er. yea. a little.

I discounted myself.

I submerged myself in the gear and tech side, and rarely played any music to anyone.  When I had a few I'd jam with a group, but only after a few, and only this that and the other thing....

I will never forget this...The last week of me being in Nashville one of my friends from school stopped over to wish my luck and say good bye.  In the house full of boxes in the middle of the mess that was my life at the time, he saw my keyboard and asked if I would pleeease play a song.  He had never heard a song, I grumbled "alright"- At the time I really hated playing in front of "a" person, it was too intimate for my comfort zone.

After the first song (I think I played two)
It was the strangest reaction  I had ever received, he was still, quiet, laughing and shaking his head, and making sounds like, puh, uhh, whaa...he was shocked and REALLY pissed off that I had withheld.  He was/ and still is to this day, especially when I said I'd send him tracks when I got settled in NJ...
but never did.  sorry man.

Fun fact... I had secretly entered a songwriting contest via YouTube, my video went over by 1 second and by the time I got the email disqualifying my song and urging me to submit a 1 second shorter one... it was due the day before... oh well.  It remained on you tube until I met my now fiance. 

The first time I cooked for him he quoted that submitted song, trying to be cute and coy, he was received by a reaction he definitely didn't expect... I thought I had subconsciously plagiarised some unknown poet or song, I was fuming inside over that line, I couldn't wait to tear up the verse and re-write...

Little did I know he had looked me up and found that song on YouTube and memorized it.  We laughed it off and after dinner I brought him into my music room and played for him.  I had never done that before and have it feel so right.

He really encouraged me to do open up, he got me to do my first Open Mic night in NJ as a Valentine's Day present for him (I'm a sucker, no?).  Together we went full force in it for months and months, and then... it. just. stopped.  He questioned but accepted my (b.s.) decision.  Until that car ride.

"I believed in you, more that you did."  I'm lucky enough to have some one who does, some aren't.

I really hate to disappoint.

I think I'll make a mason jar and stick my insecurities in there, and them keep them on a shelf... that's where they can stay.

Eggplant Farmer Johnny

I enjoy cooking and baking things I never have before.  But not nearly as much as I enjoy making family recipes.  From my Mom's famous biscuits and gravy, my Bubbie's Garlic Baked Salmon, my Great Grandmother's Kasha Varnishka, or my Aunt's Eggplant Parmesan (there are many, many, many more from these matriarchs that I cannot wait to share) it's nice to share memories though recipes while making new ones with all the important people in my life.  I haven't had my aunt's version in many years but it was so good that a second (and a half) portion was sometimes necessary.

This particular recipes is from my Aunt's Eggplant Parmesan-but we always called it Eggplant FarmerJohnny

1 Large Eggplant (1lb)

1 Jar Tomato, Garlic Basil Sauce (no Ragu, that stuff is gross) and a sauce pot

2 Eggs

Mozzarella Cheese

Plate of Bread crumbs (Italian Style)

Plate with paper towels to absorb oil from eggplant

Seasoning- Garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and a drop of sugar (to counteract the sometimes acidity of the tomato sauce)

Garnish with Garden Basil

Cooking oil (the sliced eggplant should be floating in the oil, but don't overdo it)

Large frying pan

Oven preheated to 350

Preheat oven to 350.

After washing your eggplant lay it on it's side and slice no more that 1/4 inch thick circles.  Leave the skin on.

Beat 2 eggs in a bowl large enough to accommodate quite a few eggplant slices.

Pour breadcrumbs into a plate, little by little that way you don't waste breadcrumbs.

At this time pour cooking oil (canola, vegetable, olive oil whichever your choice I use veg.) into pan and heat on high.

Also, put tomato sauce on low-med heat to warm while you're frying and add seasoning to taste.

Dunk the eggplant slices into the egg.

Bread the eggplant and set aside ( *DISH SAVER- I use the edge of my breadcrumb plate to save on dishes and stack it tall!)

Fry the slices until golden brown on each side.

Place them on plate with a paper towel in between each batch.

After frying follow this order of assembly.

Sauce-Eggplant-Sauce-Cheese-Eggplant-Sauce-Cheese continue with cheese ending.

Garnish with fresh basil from garden or grocery.

Heat in oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

This step is optional- for that browned cheese I switch to broil setting for 3-5min on 350.

Mangia!

...how does your garden grow?

As promised, here are current pictures of my garden.  Please excuse the dried grass in the garden (my landlord mowed the lawn and left me to clean up...thanks?), that will be this weekend's project.  I learned a few things.
1. Rose bushes like to be cut before spring season, I did this and It BLOOMED there are tons of gorgeous playboy roses. Compared them to last year here.
2. Don't expect your bulbs all come up, my ranunculus did, but not my tricyrtis, I'm still hoping for next year.
3. Learn what poison ivy, oak, and sumac look like, this year (thus far) I've managed to rip it up, and not get it... last year over the course of a summer I was lucky enough to get it 3 times.
4. Weed your garden a little bit every 2 weeks, it keeps it looking fresh and doesn't make it confusing when bulbs are coming up.
5. PLAN your space, I read this in Martha Stewart's Living (one of my favorites), I didn't do this and before I knew it I was planting two many conflicting plants.  Rule of thumb, high growers in back, to low in front, this year I have a hodgepodge because of my travels and randomly picking plants I see and like.  From the garden store to (admittedly) pulling over on the side of the highway for wildflowers that I MUST have.  Really, I did this 3 weekends ago and love my purple flowers  that I dug up and transplanted in my garden.  Word to the wise: Don't be greedy ( I only took 2 plants), and don't transplant flowers that aren't native- you don't want an invasive species in your backyard.  To put it lightly I am going to have to transplant and replant next year to get things in order...at least I'm learning right? RIGHT!
 6. LOOK FOR GREEN OPTIONS... I know it is frustrating when you have a garden being eaten away by something... just ask my sunflowers.  I was going to spray pesticides but if I am going to harvest and eat the seeds later, I don't want to.
I am going to brew a Garlic Pepper tea to spray on my plants, I got the recipe here.  I can't wait to try it this weekend!

Three.

1. Dutch Tulip field from afar.

2. "The" Perfect Engagement Photo (see next post)

3. My Pride and Joy of my garden this year...Columbine Flower.

The "Perfect" Picture

(Still not turning this into a wedding blog I swear) But it's so damn hard to take "THE" picture... You know, the one that will be printed on the magnet for "Save the Date"... that magnet will then be on your mother's, grandmother's (and don't forget in law's) fridge long enough for your first kid or two, to be born and out of diapers.
Case in point, 2 weekends ago we went to book (whoo hoo) the place for the wedding.  It's a charming vineyard in Upstate, NY about 1.5 hrs away from NYC- Millbrook Vineyards.  After we went through particulars we decide to set up the tripod and take a few shots, between the hair in my lip gloss, and my crooked tripod set up that resulted in my fiance looking like the leaning tower-they were not keepers to say the least, don't worry I'll post them after I load the trillion that exist.  We most definitely won't be using them.
Here are some ideas that I love.

 I could never convince Steve to do the above one with me. He HATES posed, hence the reason I am setting up my camera/tripod and shooting a bunch with a timer, he stiffens up when it comes time to take pictures.  They may be posed...but I think these are too adorable. 

If it were up to him he'd use the one of us (me seasick) on a fishing boat at 7am last year.  We got some great shots of my "chumming" overboard.  I will eventually (after we send out "The" picture) post what we decided on.

and some that I loathe.

 

Hello easy listening the beach version. 

 

Why not an actual article in wedding magazine/blog, or even an announcement in your local paper?  Why of all magazines... would you choose OK!?

As promised here are 3 of the most decent shots...FAIL.

Which leads us to...



Tending to your garden.

Most who live in this area are spatially challenged.  Take our house for instance.  We share a 3 family house with my fiance and I on the 3rd floor (yes we got engaged, but as I'm reminded frequently not everyone cares/wants to hear wedding talk so I will try to refrain... for now), our neighbours with one toddler on the 2nd, and newly weds on the first. 

Our yard needs the have the ability to accomidate

• BBQs with respective eating and hanging room
• small bonfires (we have a fire pit yes)
• a toddler who likes to play outside
• a garden

....in a very limited space.

Last weekend I began the task of transforming our backyard into a garden.  The obstacles are...

• over coming the ivy/vines that plague but complement at the same time
• not monopolizing too much space in the yard.
• planting hardy plants that can stand to be investigated by a toddler.
• that are sweet smelling but not over powering to draw bees during our gatherings.
• did i mention we have a very small yard... if i had to guess the entire yard is 25x25.

Last year I undertook the task of digging a bed, weeding, pruning/training a wild rose bush that grows on our old iron fence, uprooted invasive saplings, and planted wild flower seedlings that disappointed me by barely growing.  Looking back I will never put seeds directly in ground (even if that's what the package recommended)  I am going to try my thumb at growing, then harvesting sunflowers, but first let me begin. 

The pictures below are from last year. 

This year I have a better idea of what I'm working with and a new goal... 1.To have fresh cuttings fragrant our (and friends') home.  2. To grow my entire bridal bouquet for our summer 2012 wedding.  This weekend I will update this post with new pictures of the yard after I plant (weather permitting, they say rain)... but here is some inspiration.  On our fire escape/porch like last year...I am going to plant herbs (lavender, basil, mint) and tomatoes. Because of the critters hiding in the bushes it's impossible to have anything grow in the yard, my eggplant flowers last year kept disappearing.

Any suggestions out there?

I am going to give seeds one last shot this year by growing Magnificent Sunflowers...

These beauties can reach 12' and be harvested at the end of the season. 

Word to the wise: Last year I grew these in egg crates on the fire escape and everytime I had one sprout there was a respective bird ready to eat it... Out of 30 I ended up having n0 sunflowers... This year, I will protect them with glass or a cage until they are big enough to fend for themselves.