Less is More

As I've moved into progressively smaller and smaller spaces, I've had to get rid of a lot of things.

I thought I would hate this, but I don't.

I love it!

Then, while reading The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World , by Chris Guillebeau last night (its just ok...), I learned about a website called Zen Habits.

Zen Habits is about finding simplicity, focusing on what's important, and finding happiness.

Topics include:
Finance & Family
Health & Fitness
Goals & Motivation
Habits
Happiness
Productivity & Organization
Simplicity

Sounds perfect!

(The article The Case Against Buying Christmas Presents is especially interesting this time of year...)

What a Cheese Ball

Today was our annual office holiday potluck and for some reason I decided to make a cheese ball.

I thought it would be funny, but...

It was really good!

Cheese Ball

Ingredients
1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Ground pepper
1 cup finely chopped pecans

Directions
In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese with cheddar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a generous pinch of pepper until well combined. Mix in 1/4 cup pecans. Cover cheese mixture with plastic wrap, and chill at least 2 1/2 hours or up to overnight.
Divide the cheese mixture in half, and shape each half into a ball. Spread remaining 3/4 cup pecans on a plate, and roll balls in pecans to coat completely, pressing nuts to adhere. Serve chilled.

Out with the Old

97s.



Friday night, the Old 97s played The Music Hall in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The Old 97s are an alt-country band that have been around forever (well, since 1993).

This is a band that must be seen to be appreciated.

And the show Friday night did not disappoint.

Rhett "Let the Whisky Take the Reins", so forgot some lyrics...

But then he looked up, and smiled, and all was forgiven. (Rhett must also been seen to be appreciated.)

Some favorite Old 97's songs include:
Big Brown Eyes
Salome
Time Bomb
Please Hold On While the Train is Moving
Melt Show
Designs on You
Barrier Reef
Dance with Me
The Grand Theater
Coahuila

I could go on.

And on.

And on.

I highly recommend going to see these guys. I'm already looking forward to the next show!

(The Fillmore in San Francisco on January 22?)

I Love a Parade!

Not just any parade - the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

This was my fourth Thanksgiving in New York City, but first Thanksgiving Day parade.

My friend & I got off the train at the corner of 53rd Street & 7th Avenue, just in time.


We then went into my office building, which has a perfect view up 7th Avenue.



Eventually we went back outside, and watched the balloons,



and Joan Rivers

go by.

Soon it was all over,


and we were off for some après-parade Bloody Marys at PJ Clarke's, followed by a delicious dinner at Nice Matin.

It was a great way to start the holidays!

I saw this picture in San Francisco last month...


in the back room of the Urban Fauna Studio.

I love everything about this - the shoes, skirt, turtleneck, tights...

And that knit cowl.

The big, burly guy who owns the shop glanced over, and said the words I longed to hear: "Oh, yeah. We have that pattern.".

The pattern is from Imperial Yarn, a family owned and operated ranch located in Maupin, Oregon.

Once a year, they shear the wool from the sheep, then transform it into a wide selection of fibers and yarns, without harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, leaving it naturally soft.

The wool used to make this "Sumptuous Cowl" is called 2-Strand Pencil Roving. I'd never seen this before! It's incredibly soft, and comes in "cakes" rather than skeins.



The cowl is knit with strands from 2 cakes held together (so, 4 strands in all!), and is all knitting and purling, so its quick and easy.

And gorgeous!



Now I just need to find those shoes...

Perspicacity

[pur-spi-kas-i-tee]

–noun

keenness of mental perception and understanding; discernment; penetration.

Also, an open-air market on the beach in Seaside, Florida selling casual, trendy clothing and accessories.

Seaside is located in the heart of Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast along Highway 30A, a 20-mile scenic road between Destin and Panama City Beach.



This year, Frommer Travel named the Florida Panhandle beaches, including Seaside, as a “top 10 destination” for 2010 (the only continental U.S. destination on the list). And last year, Travel & Leisure magazine named Seaside in its 100 Greatest Trips issue.

(So, it's nice.)

Seaside is a community with both permanent residents and seasonal guests. So, in addition to diverse shops and restaurants, there are year-round cultural events and festivals.

This past weekend was the 20th Annual Seeing Red Wine Festival, featuring hundreds of wines from around the world.

My friends & I conducted our own "wine festival" on the beach, though...



One of our favorite restaurants is The Red Bar, in nearby Grayton Beach, one of 30A's oldest communities, with historic cottages, quaint shops and galleries.

Be prepared, though - there will be a wait. But the beer is cheap and the music is good. The house band plays most nights, but on Sundays from Noon-3pm and 7-10pm, and on Monday nights from 7-10pm you can see the awesome Dread Clampitt.

Also, Bud & Alley's is delicious (which explains how it's stayed in business for 23 years - and counting!), and right on the beach in downtown Seaside. In the evening, the roof deck bar is a popular spot to watch the sun set over the Gulf.

Our favorite meal, however, was at Old Florida Fish House Restaurant & Bar, further along 30A. Of course the fish was incredible, but so (surprisingly) was the hanger steak. And there is music and dancing in the bar.

I've been to this area several times, and can't wait to go back (permanently?). The Seaside motto is "More than a way of life, a way of living!".

Looks good to me.

A November (Blue) to Remember

Best "November" song ever.