No Nasties

Paridelphia

2009-08-05T13:30:00.001-04:00

Updates will resume regularly once the jet lag has officially worn off and my life in Philly has adjusted back to normal.

Internatty Hang Out

2009-07-30T06:10:00.005-04:00

The other week, my good friends Ali and Lacie stopped by! They were traveling around Europe for two weeks. It was fun times and we often forgot that we weren't hanging out in Brooklyn and /or Philly. We did a boat-load of vintage shopping and then we got lunch at La Victoire Supreme du Coeur. I ended up eating there three times in the span of two days. It's SO good. As I type this, I am preparing to go there again for the last time...!! Anyways, it was fantastic to see the two of them and nice to be in the company of a fellow vegan and a vegetarian.

I got this delicious mushroom roast with some sort of raspberry sauce and mashed pumpkin. Everyone else's food was really fantastic as well.

Later on, I went to "Palais de Tokyo" to use their photobooth. So fun!

A Discerning Brute in Paris

2009-07-30T06:02:00.003-04:00

Joshua Katcher writes a blog called "the Discerning Brute" which focuses on ethical food and fashion. He recently made a trip to Paris and published a fantastic post on vegan food resources.

You can read it HERE

He features one of my newly-crowned all-time favorite restaurants La Victoire Supreme du Coeur. If ever in Paris, eat there!

How ze French say... "Doppleganger"

2009-07-29T15:02:00.000-04:00

So I cannot go to most places without being mistaken for someone. This time it's Quebecois prodigy Xavier Dolan who wrote and directed the new film "J'ai tué ma mère" which translates to "I Killed My Mother".

I had seen the posters many times when I came to Paris and then one day two people stopped me on the street to ask if I was him. It was as bizarre as the Joe Jonas ones, but more bizarre since I did not know what Monsieur Dolan looked like.

Last night I finally got to see the movie and I don't really think I look all that much like him apart from the hair. We do have some similarities in the film though that I'm not going to delve into it, but I will say that unlike the film, my mum and I have a pretty good relationship!

Soo when it finally comes out in USA, I think you should all go see it. And I would like to see it with some English subtitles. I understood about 80% of it though soo hurrah!

Where Oh Where's That Wormwood

2009-07-29T14:38:00.006-04:00

What's a trip to Paris without a sip of Absinthe? Don't believe the rumors, it's just really strong, black liquorice tasting liquor.

The next day, Rie and I made another trip to Ladurée. This time we got sandwiches. They were the BEST sandwiches ever. I ordered the Club Champs Elysées sans fromage and it was really tasty. There was some sort of rosemary oil sauce that I'd like to try to make when I come home on Saturday.

Cough into the Mic

2009-07-26T11:30:00.007-04:00

Last Saturday we journeyed to Chartres to see yet another cathedral. The town is also famous for its chocolates so I bought some. I also got a weirdo mask. It was kind of dullsville but I had fun with friends.

Operatic Intentions

2009-07-26T11:23:00.004-04:00

The other week we went to the Paris Opera House to see the closing performance of La Fille Mal Gardée . It was a fairly funny story about a girl being forced to marry someone she doesn't love instead of the person she does. Stock storyline and characters, but over all fun. We also got extremely cheap tickets and perfect seats which made the whole experience grand! Enjoy the blurry golden photos.

The other week we went to the Paris Opera House to see the closing performance of La Fille Mal Gardée . It was a fairly funny story about a girl being forced to marry someone she doesn't love instead of the person she does. Stock storyline and characters, but over all fun. We also got extremely cheap tickets and perfect seats which made the whole experience grand! Enjoy the blurry golden photos.

I'm Coming Home America

2009-07-21T17:18:00.001-04:00

Does anyone remember this? I thought it was the funniest thing when I was in eighth grade.

Paris is Burning

2009-07-19T18:31:00.004-04:00

Blurry photos from "La Fete Nationale" on July 14th. In the words of one eccentric French woman, "the Eiffel Tower looks like a beautiful French pastry".

Saturdaze

2009-07-19T18:24:00.002-04:00

After a long day of shopping, I stumbled across a vegan restaurant in the Marais! I can't remember what it was called, but seriously, the food was so good. So good in fact, that I forgot to take a photo of the food before I ate it.

My entrée ( aka appetizer ) was a quinoa salad with carrots, avocado, and seitan. So so good.

And this beauty was a veggie burger. I was surprised yet pleased that it was basically a seitan cutlet rather than the usual Boca Burger style bleck-ness. It had a really good mustard sauce and mushrooms. Those were potatoes provençal next to it!

One of the few blog friendly photos from a Friday night of debauchery.

Sacre Bleu, Sacre Coeur

2009-07-19T18:19:00.002-04:00

These photos are rather old, the first week I was here, and so was Amanda.

We visited Montmatre, home to the Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur, and Amelie. Oh and also aggressive African salespeople selling strings. One of them called me "vanilla". I'm clearly caramel if anything.

Whipped Cream Lies and Van Gogh Suicides

2009-07-19T17:29:00.013-04:00

Last weekend ( not this past weekend ), I went to Chantilly and Auvers. The former is where whipped cream was invented and is also home to a large castle and beautiful garden. The latter is a tiny town where Van Gogh did some paintings and eventually killed himself.

Enjoy!

The Garden was amazing because it was woods and woods and then all of a sudden you'd come across hidden gems like a chapel ( that was UNLOCKED ) and a party house.

Auvers:

Societal Tastes

2009-07-16T04:34:00.004-04:00

Oof, I am terrible terrible at blogging in this city.

This past Friday, my friend from Japan Rie and I went to Ladurée on Rue Bonaparte. There are several Ladurées throughout the city but this one was the closest and fanciest. If you read my Japandrew blog, you may remember that Hannah, Lauren, and I went to the Ladurée in Ginza. That shop was styled after Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon whereas the one I just went to channeled the late 18th century fascination with the orient downstairs and a dark and cozy tearoom from the same period upstairs where we ate.

Rie got a DELICIOUS looking pistachio macaron with fresh strawberries.

I could only eat the sorbet... BUT it was probably the freshest tasting sorbet I've ever had. I got raspberry, cassis, and chocolate. The raspberry was surprisingly the best as I usually just assume it's going to be a rather boring flavor.

Coffee pitcher.

I got this really fantastic coconut coffee. I really just want to go there for coffee and maybe one scoop of sorbet once a week... Which I guess means only two more times.

Rie and I are going to attempt to go to the Ladurée bar where they serve "macaron inspired cocktails in an art deco setting".

Other updates:

-- Vintage shopping galore
-- Café sitting
-- Parties
-- Harry Potter tonight
-- Rocky Horror tomorrow
-- Luis Buñuel, Pedro Almodovar, and William Castle retrospectives all around
-- New mistaken identity for myself ( will be revealed soon, basically a French-Canadian film prodigy )

Found: Vegan Nutella

2009-07-14T12:07:00.001-04:00

Odds and Ends

2009-07-12T17:38:00.002-04:00

Just some photos of the view from terrace on top of the building I'm living, some of the Centre Pompidou, and mint flavored Orangina.

Après moi, le déluge

2009-07-10T16:35:00.002-04:00

Well, this is semi-Paris related.

Today in class we were discussing famous cafés and I recalled that Valentino and Giancarlo Giammetti met in one which reminded me of the film "Valentino: The Last Emperor". I saw the documentary while I was in Miami towards the end of May and I was really riveted by it. It placed heavy emphasis on Valentino's pure passion and being subjected to it just made me want to run out of the theater and create create create. I was aware but not completely knowledgeable of his work until I saw the movie, but it's amazing to see how much he really influenced everything in fashion. Also amazing: Every piece in his collection is HAND-MADE by really sassy Italian seamstresses ( think your Italian step-great grandmother if you are so fortunate to have one ).

It was the first movie I had seen in awhile and I was very pleased with it. The next movie to see in "le ciné" will either be Brazil, Rocky Horror, or French Harry Potter. I love Parisian cinematheques!

Oh in bad news, the café where they met is actually in Rome. It's just called the "Cafe de Paris", boo.

I'm in Louvre

2009-07-09T05:02:00.005-04:00

On Amanda's first day here, we discovered that the Louvre is actually free on Sundays. We were at first deterred by the really long line, but we were inside in a matter of minutes.

Ah, the Louvre. What to say about it... the building is beautiful and the pyramids too. But let me just say that I am thoroughly happy I did not have to pay for it because it was un petit peu disappointing. It was crowded to the brim (probably because it was a free day) and it was just unbearable. And obviously the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo were obscenely cluttered but ya know, I would feel odd leaving Paris without having seen either. So Amanda and I made sure we did that first.

Icon.

~*Icon*~

Love me some Archimboldo.

Mona Lisa crowd.

Blursville.

People freaking OUT to see it.

Napoleon's dining room.

As an art history minor (haha), I am not very fond of most 17th to 18th century art, but that's not to say I do not appreciate it ( same goes for impressionism, blegh ) so I was not way interested in most of the rooms in the Louvre. One room I did love however was the 16th and 17th century Netherlandish and German art. I'm a bit bias though because I really liked my Northern Renaissance art class.

Anyways, there were lots of meat market scenes and this odd reptilian painting:

View from the 3rd floor.

After being stressed by the museum, we wandered through the amusement park in the Tuileries ( think local town fair with a French twist ) and then headed to the Eiffel Tower to see it in the day time.

Ponds, Poppies, and Plague

2009-07-08T17:12:00.000-04:00

Oh la la, sorry for the lack of updates, as you may imagine, Paris is busy busy busy. Amanda came through on Saturday night and left today so we were busy soaking up some Parisian times.
This past Saturday however, I went to Giverny and Rouen. The former is home to Monet's home and also the pond where he painted some of his famous water lily paintings. The latter is the place where Joan D'Arc was burned.

That bridge from that painting, ya know?

Everything smelled like lavender.

So many poppies everywhere. It just made me want a bagel real bad / heroin.

Town of Giverny:

Rouen:

Cathedral at Rouen. I basically felt like I was in the Temple of Time from Zelda:

Towards the end we went to this building that was used as a mass grave during the plagues. It was an odd way to end the trip because right from the beginning I had eerie feelings of the black death and then BAM, feelings were confirmed and confronted.

This clock was neat as not only did it tell you the phase of the moon but it also displayed the Roman god that corresponded with the day. For example, Saturday had a painting of Saturn.

Place where Joan D'Arc died. Bitch got burned.

It was a desperately long day and I wanted to go out at night but I was so so tired. Not to mention it took us about three hours to get home via a comfortable bus.

Big Three

2009-07-05T18:17:00.006-04:00

On day 2 I had to do placement testing. Afterwards, explored the rest of the city. I was on a mission to find some vegetarian / vegan restaurants. I did some research and found a nice little veg grocery nearby and a CHEAP vegan restaurant nearby. So I walked all the way over, but it was closed by the time I got there and it doesn't open up til Monday. Soo falafel again. ( Maoz is here and it's actually the cheapest food option I have, at six euro you get a big falafel soundwich, all the fixins, plus frites AND a drink. It's quite unbelievable ).

After the disappointment, I decided to hit up four major landmarks: 1.) the Louvre 2.) L'Arc de Triomphe 3.) Eiffel Tour.

I walked the entire which meant that it took forever and that I got to see the Tuileres, Luxor Obelisk, and the Champs Elysees. So nice!

Oh also! This is something I had no idea about until and I got here so I must share it with you: It seriously does not get dark here until well after 10:30. No exaggeration!

Sights while walking to closed restaurant.
Le Pantheon in the background.

I got to the Louvre at a really nice time! Just as the sun was setting at like... 10:00pm.

And just like that night, tonight I am very tired! I will update soon about my field trip to Monet's house and Joan of Arc's town of doom and plague and also about today. Ciao!

Alors Allô

2009-07-05T18:03:00.005-04:00

et bienvenue à Paris.

Well I'm here!

On July 1st my dad came to take me to the airport after taking me to a farewell lunch at Sabrina's and saying goodbye to some good friends.

The plane ride to Atlanta was bearable but my next flight was delayed an hour or so and it was just dreadful. My vegan meal consisted of weird steamed vegetables, risotto, and a strange red sauce. It came with bread AND delicious delicious fruit for dessert. Everyone else got brownies but the fruit was so refreshing after being in that stuffy airplane. The lady next to me ( a corporate flight attendant from Texas ) offered to upload some movies onto my iPod, but I declined.

Then I got to Paris with jet lag, laid in my room, had orientation and then ventured into the city a bit.

Oh also, all I can eat here basically is FALAFEL. Which is okay and not okay. Also, I tried to tell someone I was "végétarien" but they thought I said "italien" and just said "d'accord" which means okay. We sorted it out later, but still.

Really big window, so nice at night. And day.
Hutch / desk.

Views from my window.
"Wash room". It's just a small little tiled room with a sink in it in my room...

Views of Rive Gauche. It's just a few blocks away!
Notre Dame is also RIGHT close by.

And finally...
I love Orangina and here they have TWO new flavors that are "Cowboy and Indien" themed. The cowboy is mint orange and the indien is grenadine. I donno what either flavor has to do with either group of peoples, but whatevs.

Enjoy!

Un Moment, S'il Vous Plait

2009-07-02T10:09:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts! I have just setup my computer in my room in Paris. Fun updates will ensue. A bientot!

Blazers

2009-06-27T22:03:00.003-04:00

All from FaceHunter.

First Crushes

2009-06-26T19:42:00.002-04:00

My dad / step-dad's and my mom's.

Prostitution Whore

2009-06-25T01:57:00.002-04:00

I Dream of Peroxide

2009-06-24T13:15:00.002-04:00

All I want to do is bleach my hair out. I guess it's good the person I normally go to is out of town for a bit.

Feel the Power, See the Energy

2009-06-23T13:36:00.002-04:00

I want this oh so badly.

"Fabulous Yard Sale Across Street!"

2009-06-22T09:10:00.000-04:00

Check Out These Buns

2009-06-21T08:01:00.000-04:00

I bought a new Vegan cookbook and I have to say it's a dream come true. It combines my favorite meal of the day, BRUNCH, with my favorite vegan chef Isa Chandra Moskowitz of the Post Punk Kitchen. You should go out and buy the book. Featured above are the cinnamon buns recipe. I can also vouch for the pumpkin pie pancakes! Cannot wait to make the rest.

Este Noche

2009-06-20T18:34:00.002-04:00

Penthouse, Penitentiary, and Park

2009-06-20T10:15:00.000-04:00

Thursday night I got a strange text message from Claire saying that Leah had invited us to come to a penthouse party. I called for elaboration and what I assumed was exxxaggeration: The penthouse was home to a wealthy gay couple who were out of town and told their housesitter (a friend of Leah's) that she could throw a party AND use whatever was in the fridge including alcohol. I was still skeptical about the prospects but met Claire for a quick drink at Oscar's while waiting for Leah to get out of work. We headed on over the penthouse and bumped into Leah and Cesar at perfect timing. We were led upstairs to the top floor and all promises were fulfilled. The rest of the party-goers could have been a bit less vanilla, but I still had a good time.

The following morning I met up with Claire for bagels, cake, coffee, and $3 tiny OJs at Mugshots followed by park lounging.

Photos of Me in the Middle of the Ocean

2009-06-19T07:03:00.000-04:00

Foods of my Past

2009-06-18T21:01:00.002-04:00

The weather is still intolerable so I have been spending most of time indoors, making food. Yesterday I decided to make two of my favorite childhood foods: pierogies and shoo fly pie.

The pierogies were spot on! They tasted just like I remembered which is strange because my pop-pop's recipe calls for eggs. I even sucked it up and actually cooked with onions. Bleck.

The pie on the other hand did not turn out to swell. Something went wrong with the molasses. It's too sour / it might have burned. Oh well.

Cesar came over for some chickpea cutlets and for pie. Unfortunately it was his second slice of pie ever and it tasted terrible.

Oh well, next time!

Decadent Daze

2009-06-17T20:00:00.000-04:00

A day of luxury renewed my faith in Philadelphia. I fulfilled my bagel fantasies in the morning and then met up with Sylvia for pool crashing, saunas, and steam rooms. Later we napped on the top floor of the Kimmel Center amongst trees and listened to awful Jerry Seinfeld impersonators at the Seinfeld party or what have you along with Xavier and a friend. The situation quickly became one in which you feel awkward and embarrassed for the performer. Eeesh. Naturally the day ended in Rittenhouse with champagne. Currently I am watching Cesar play 'Ocarina of Time'. Not exactly exuberant, but still enjoyable.

Trash

2009-06-17T06:25:00.000-04:00

Summer Cesar

2009-06-16T13:24:00.000-04:00

Brain Drain

2009-06-16T09:00:00.002-04:00

Philly loses another one of its finest citizens! This time its dear Nikki who is moving back to Florida after several months here. The short time I knew her was filled with laughs, bootie shorts + long cardigans, and the occasional forty fueled pillow talk.

Come back and visit!

Weather Underground

2009-06-15T10:13:00.000-04:00

The weather has been so unlike what it should be for late spring / early summer! Rain and chilly weather have been forcing me remain in my bedroom longer than normal. As I like to be optimistic, the climate has allowed me to sport cardigans and coats more often and to also remain in bed listening to the Velvet Underground.

Ride into the Sun

Candy Says

Chelsea Girls

My Friend the Zoo

2009-06-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

Ice Cream Your Jeans

2009-06-13T17:44:00.003-04:00

Thanks for coming!

Still Free of Nasties

2009-06-13T17:43:00.004-04:00

Hi hello!

After a long absence from the blogging world, I think it is time that I return to the "No Nasties" lifestyle. A lot is different: I'm 21, Joe Jonas and I look nothing alike, junior year is over, and I rarely watch the View these days. BUT I am still committed to the original mission statement:

"So why 'No Nasties'? Well, it's the way in which I live. How does one define a 'nastie'? It can be anything from High Fructose Corn Syrup to uncommonly foggy weather during November when you think you do not have to worry to much about humidity but BAM, there it is. By reading this blog I hope you, the reader, can learn from my no nasties lifestyle and embrace all things enjoyable and invigorating."

This time around I plan to have an emphasis on disposable photos, fun timey clothes, baked goods, and good times.

Enjoy!

Landslides I Love

2008-11-04T23:49:00.004-05:00

After a grueling hour sitting in Japanese class (writing letters to family and friends) I was delighted to walk into the cafeteria and hear "...presidential elect Barack Obama". The next four years will be smelly old person with only the rich and close-minded-ness in mind-free!

Good job America. And an extra special good job to Pennsylvania.

Now I can look forward to coming back to a better America. I do not look forward to hearing conservatives and right-wings and Elisabeth Hasselbeck whine for the next four years, but what can ya do!

Things I'm Missing: Vegan Holiday Treats

2008-11-04T06:32:00.002-05:00

As Hannah pointed out, it's no roasted yam ( popular Japanese winter time treat ) but it still sounds delicious!

Also, go vote everyone! I voted a month ago and it's no where near as thrilling as going to the polls.

Off the Beaten and Bloodied Path

2008-10-30T23:35:00.007-04:00

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope you are enjoying it. If you are in Philly, I know you are. Soo many riots. Makes me nostaligic for the good ol' race riots of the sixties, eh?

Anyways, here are seven good movies to watch on Halloween night that stray a bit from the usual and more obvious films such as "Halloween" or "Nightmare on Elm Street" which are still classics none the less.

In no particular order, my suggestions for Halloween hedonism pregamery:

1. What ever Happened to Baby Jane?

While much of the horror lies in Bette Davis' face in this movie, the storyline is full of tension and just general creepiness. The plot tells the story of a former child star who quickly faded out of the public eye "taking care" of invalid sister who's brilliant career was cut short by an automobile accident that happened under curious circumstances. Quotable dialogue is croaked out by Davis while she tortures ( and basically acts out her real life hate towards ) Joan Crawford. Memorable highlights include rats, birds, gin, Bette Davis upskirt, etc. This "psycho-biddie" film teeters on camp but still remains more of a unnerving style of creepiness.

2. Rocky Horror Picture Show

Speaking of camp, RHPS is the King-dressed-as-a-queen of camp and cult cinema. Created as a spoof of science fiction films of the fifties, Rocky Horror has amassed a following of fans who act out the movie while it is being projected, usually at midnight shows. This is a good silly movie to get you in the mood for a fun evening but probably not good if you prefer movies that conform to what is comfortable for you to understand.

3. Freaks

Even if you do not watch this for Halloween tonight, GO see this at sometime in your life. Filmed in 1932, Freaks tells the story of love, friendship, and deception in the world of the circus. The film is highly notable for its use of real "circus" freaks that were popular and touring the country during the time of filming. This film quickly turns into a horror film at the end in the vein of German expressionism that was going on in (surprise) Germany at the time. If physical deformities make you a bit queasy, I suggest not eating candy before or after watching this film.

4. Sunset Boulevard

This film-noir gemstone is all sorts of crazy. The Gothic setting and general atmosphere of the film sets the unsettling tone for this tale of an aging silent film star. Sunset Boulevard can be seen as a precursor ( and far superior ) to "What ever Happened to Baby Jane?" and other films that explored the underbelly and effects of Hollywood. Enjoy Norma Desmond's decaying mind in a decaying mansion!

5. A Clockwork Orange

Science-fiction, futuristic Russian slang, ultra-violence, murders via phallic sculpture, iconic costumery, Kubrick etc. etc. I'm sure most of you have seen "A Clockwork Orange" but I'm putting it on this list as I am going as Alex for Halloween tonight ( again, for my 300th time ).

6. Oni-Baba

I saw this movie freshman year at a Temple sponsored event. This black and white Japanese film is a bit slow but the cinematography is beautiful. The story is interesting to boot and this is a good example of how awesome Japan is at creating horror through mood and story rather than sudden noises and "jumpy" moments. Also, I felt compelled to put at least one Japanese film on this list.

7. Blue Velvet

In accordance with my love of Twin Peaks ( and since there's not enough time to watch every episode on Halloween night ) I opted to put his famous "Blue Velvet" on this list. Again, this film is filled with disturbing scenes, dismembered body parts, and the dark underbelly of America suburbia ( no, I'm not talking about you suicide-inducer Lori Drew! ). This movie also features a pre-Green Porno Isabella Rossellini, pre-Jurassic Park Laura Dern, and a pre-pubescent pre-Twin Peaks Kyle Maclachlan.

Happy Halloween! Hope you have a good one. Also, be thankful you are not at Temple University Japan campus as all the anime-nerds, manga-weirdoes, and general otakus have opted to dress up in Kimonos ( so awkward when they are white ) and of course, as their favorite anime / manga / pokemon characters. Ugh!

Funny Because It's True

2008-10-21T23:16:00.001-04:00

I miss America(n comedy news shows like SNL and The View).

Damn Fine Cup of Coffee

2008-10-15T05:24:00.003-04:00

While I was only two years old when the show debuted, I've had no excuse for not watching "Twin Peaks" via DVD or online years ago.

I only watched the pilot two days ago and I'm already hooked! I mean, I like David Lynch's films "Mulholland Driver" and "Blue Velvet" but I've never been one of his dedicated fans. "Twin Peaks" however, may be turning me into one.

Things I like about it:

-- Black coffee mentioned several times per episode
-- Kyle Maclachlan's acting
-- The pretty Asian woman
-- Noiseless shades
-- Mary Janes
-- Fresh-faced Lara Flynn Boyle

Also, when I used to work at Dorney Park during Halloweekends, they always played this one song I could never recognize, then a few years later I was sitting at my favorite Philadelphia coffee house and the song came on. I asked the mustachioed barista what it was and he said it was...

Laura Palmer's Theme

Truly a great song that I love even more after hearing it several times per episode.

Anyways, go and watch this show if you have yet to see it! I wish I could find the SNL parody clip of it from 1991 that was ALWAYS on TV when Comedy Central repeated SNL into oblivion.

What's in a Name?

2008-10-12T09:52:00.002-04:00

Apparently a lot.

Thank goodness I'm on the other side of the world right now.

Baked Alaska

2008-10-05T08:06:00.002-04:00

Why America why?! I will not be coming back to America if this is what the future holds. I mean, differences in politics aside, she's absolutely terrible.

God Hates Katy Perry

2008-10-02T23:15:00.003-04:00

Ohh Katy Perry. Real lezzies hate you and so do Christians. I despise your "gay-for-pay" antics as well, but I also hate close-mindedness. Either way, curiosity killed the cat ( and sent it straight to eternal damnation ).

Look Who I Ran Into!

2008-10-01T23:09:00.003-04:00

Good ol' Barry McGee! Well, not him personally but his artwork. It was displayed on what looked like an ababoned store-front. His paintings and graffiti were all over it. As well as some other graffiti that I do not believe belonged to him. It may have seemed random at first but right across the street was a MoMA design store so there is probably some correlation there.

Neat stuff! I'll investigate more soon ( if there is an exhibit of sorts ).

Yay for Yelle!

2008-09-29T01:09:00.000-04:00

Yelle just released a new video for my all-time favorite song ever (by Yelle or other artists) "Ce Jeu".

It features everything a typical Yelle video does: Shiny floor, black background, and fun / interesting lighting. Oh and course silly costumes that flirt with being "nouvelle-rave".

C'est tres tres bon!

Palin Drones (On and On)

2008-09-25T03:53:00.008-04:00

Hi hello. Is it bias if I'm about to supply a bunch of links from Jezebel which feature videos highlighting why I do not like Sarah Palin?

Yes, if the word bias means "the right thing to do"!

Here are the worst highlights from her interview with Charles Gibson.

Here are the hightlights of the worst parts of Palin's interview Kaite Couric.

And a YouTube clip of Cindy "Botox and Vicadin Cocktail" McCain ( she has the best candy ):

Also, I read that Cindy McCain was giving a speech about how her and her husband were torn apart by The View panel. Juhs so you can see how savage they were, here is a clip from Gawker:

http://gawker.com/5049152/you-and-sherrius-white-folk-well-take-care-of-you

Oh The View!

How I miss watching you in between my classes. The Japanese View is no good ( it also does not exist.)

OH and of course, the soon-to-be legendary SNL season opener (in case you haven't seen it). Dead on impression that is also kind of depressing because of how much truth there is too it.

Another Sarah Silverman PSA

2008-09-23T11:18:00.000-04:00

$$$

La Mere du Style

2008-09-22T03:51:00.002-04:00

So Yves Saint-Laurent died a few months ago (making this post a little late) but his mother is still kickin'! I like how most old ladies from Europe still get fancy and take care of themselves.

Of course, she is super-wealthy, but ya know...

Mackin' on my Macarons

2008-09-21T20:04:00.004-04:00

If you know me personally, then you know that when I watch a movie that I like, I usually become fairly obsessed with it.

Anyways, I watched "Marie Antoinette" the other day and pretty much loved Sophia Coppola's signature cinematography and story-telling.

The costumes, food, lighting, etc. etc. were all brilliant!

Naturally, the pastries were a highlight for me and as a result, when I come home from Japan (and if I still like the idea) I plan on making batches and batches of these:

There's one slight problem since these macarons (note the one less O to make sure you're not confused with a coconut macaroon) are basically like meringues which translates to "virtually impossible to make vegan".

But do not fret.

At my Christmas dinner party there will be plenty of vegan sweets like these to be passed around.

Bizarre Note: I live in Tokyo as of right now and I love the films "Marie Antoinette" and "The Virgin Suicides" yet Sophia Coppola's existentalists in Tokyo film "Lost in Translation" bores me to tears! I attempted to watch it again last night and I finished the first half and had no desire to wait 20 minutes to load the second half of the film. What's wrong with me?!

Hard drive Highlights

2008-09-14T11:17:00.004-04:00

My Webcam Has the Weirdest Features

2008-09-05T04:10:00.002-04:00

Paintings of Cakes ( 2.0 )

2008-09-01T20:35:00.001-04:00

This one even features a Betsey Johnson dress.

By Kiersten Essenpreis.

Going Away Cake and Haircut

2008-08-30T10:16:00.002-04:00

I keep wanting to call this a birthday cake, but it was for my going away party. Anyways, it was a delicious vegan coconut lime cake with a sweet lime buttercream icing. My mom iced the cake beautifully and we tinted the piped icing green by adding a tiny bit of matcha powder. Organic food coloring!

Then also I got my hair cut and that pastel plaid button-up and that blazer. Hurrah.

Japandrew

2008-08-29T21:37:00.002-04:00

CLICK THE PHOTO FOR MY NEW BLOG!!!

Dolce & Gabbana is so Clueless

2008-08-25T22:47:00.000-04:00

Not to make another post about plaid (we'll say this is more tartan than plaid) BUT I watched Clueless four times within in the span of two days. As always, I was impressed by everyone's crazy plaid outfits and I guess D&G was as well since their AW 08 line is chock full of it.

I plan on wearing head to toe tartan while in Japan because I feel like I can truly dress outta control there.

Ya dig?

A Photograph of Terrible

2008-08-25T11:01:00.002-04:00

This photograph represents what I hate about Heidi Montag and also American Apparel. It's a very good example of someone who thinks they're totes zany and original because they bought Vegas and / or lamé leggings. You can witness this type of girl shopping around American Apparel these days in Philly and especially in King of Prussia mall. Maybe this will help get rid of the head to toe AA trend that was acceptable 1.75 years ago but is now a bit lazy, eh?

Wrappin' It UP

2008-08-25T00:30:00.003-04:00

Hey-o.

Going-away party was a big success. Friends and family blended smoothly. Food was delicious.

I've been in Philly since yesterday and now I am still here for my final night.

Still need to pack, print out stuff, and get a converter.

Hi-yo.

Goodnight.

Where Was This Gem Hiding?!?!

2008-08-22T22:47:00.002-04:00

So basically I was going to blog about all these movies I watched with my step-mom and one of those movies was 'Clueless'. And then I found THIS:

Accidentally Vegan Obsessions

2008-08-22T22:38:00.002-04:00

Two things that normally are never vegan: Skittles and (most commercial) chocolate.

And bam. When combined, they somehow transformed into a vegan delight.

Anyways, I had my first taste a half hour ago. So delicious. Gave me an instant headache though... but regular Skittles always did that too. I hope they have them in Japan. Actually, I guess it doesn't matter because I'm sure they'll have more delicious candy over there.

Hurrah!

Pack it Up

2008-08-22T12:57:00.003-04:00

I am not getting very far with my packing. Tomorrow is my going away party with the family followed by my final visit to Philly for a bit. Should be fun / sad.

Don't Get Me Started About the History of Plaid

2008-08-21T17:52:00.003-04:00

Every single item in this photo is spot on.

Photo from Jezebel.

Pencil Dilemma

2008-08-21T16:32:00.002-04:00

How hard is it to find the above items?! I've been everywhere. I guess it's not as hard as trying to break some weird OCD where I can only use those specific items (brand AND style) to do my school work and what not.

New Japanese Friends

2008-08-20T07:32:00.003-04:00

I leave in a week.

Making up for Lost Time

2008-08-17T00:15:00.000-04:00

A Message From Sarah Silverman
by SU2C

A Yuppie Once More

2008-08-16T21:48:00.003-04:00

Remember my birthday post in which I wanted my car to work again? But then my parents ended up selling for scrap, scrapping my dreams, and causing me to barter and argue for use of my mother's Passat.

Well anyways, my dad is currently engaged in a ferocious war for this car:

Unlike my other car it's from 1968. I'd prefer one from the eighties, ya know, with a cassette player, power steering and windows, etc. but I suppose I should not be picky eh? I believe my dad likes the idea of me driving it. My mom (another avid supporter of all things from the 60's / 70's in terms of cars) loves it as well.

Does not really matter since I will be abroad for about a YEAR and will not need a car for a bit.

Oh wells.

Where the heck did summer go??

The Ronson Tenenbaums

2008-08-12T11:55:00.004-04:00

This photo is topical because the similarities between the two families are sort of neat / apparent and also, Kristina and I watched the movie while eating Gianna's last night before we went out for a (somewhat sloppy) night.

Connie Francis Said it Best

2008-08-11T21:10:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the lack of updates; I have been in Philadelphia for a good number of days now.

Parties, Honey's, shopping, Hannah, Kristina, houses, Rittenhouse, etc. etc.

Be back to the valley whenever.

Cupcake News

2008-08-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

I did not use food dye in these! The organic matcha powder turns them into a brutiful Nickelodeon green.

Tiramisú cupcakes for Yasmin!

L'Orange Mechanique

2008-08-08T12:17:00.001-04:00

Oh oh oh I love these.

Photos by Max Vadukul.

Do You Think the World Owes You a Favor?

2008-08-07T17:39:00.003-04:00

What the heck are you even talking about?

After this weekend I will officially be ready to go to Japan aka I do not feel well and work just vastly compounded everything today.

In other news... I'll try to be more uplifting!

Tokyo Slumbers V. 2.0

2008-08-06T10:00:00.002-04:00

Noticing anything different?!

That's right.

Half of No Nastie's BBFF (blog BFF) Throw a Hand Up will be living in the same building as ME this upcoming semester in Tokyo.

Hurrah!

Give Her a Hand Ladies and Gentlemen

2008-08-05T11:45:00.000-04:00

Keep Miss Tina Serge in your prayers.

She recently had major life-altering surgery to her hand.

Photos of her SERGE-cally (thanks Claire) enhanced hand:

See you Friday deary!

Go On Then, Ask Alice

2008-08-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

Trip out on THAT beautiful piece of music "composed 90% of sound clips from Alice in Wonderland".

Rehoboth Report

2008-08-03T23:49:00.002-04:00

Hi hello!

I'm in Delaware on another vacation. I am not even going to call these vacations anymore since I go somewhere practically every weekend. Juhs been travelin'.

Anyways, after a delicious brunch at BALASIA, my father and I headed to Delaware. He bought a new "boat" which usually consists of two pontoons with a tarp in between and a sail:

But actually now he bought a small yacht, which is really enjoyable. No splashes!

Anyways, after that we went to the boardwalk. Rehoboth used to be home to lots of scuzzy dykes, white trash, hippies, and an assortment of other undesirables that made it so much fun and has now been gentrified (and I don't mean in the fun way that hipsters do to poor ethnics in Brooklyn) into some sort of Nautica / American Eagle / Vera Bradley late spring ad campaign. I noticed this change five minutes on the boardwalk when I was quite literally shoulder checked and called a "fag" by some dude in what I can only assume was a "rugby stripe" polo, pookah shells, and a beautiful, slightly off-kilter baseball cap that shows his care-free attitude.

I wasn't even wearing tight pants or my giraffe sweater to bring on such hate!

Oh well. Later, father, Olga, and I delved into an infamous Russian beverage that we chased with pickles.

Things to look forward to: Claire and Kristina's moving-in party AND perhaps my last trip to NY for a long time. Oh also, Japan.

Destroying Western Civilization Checklist

2008-08-02T00:16:00.001-04:00

I'm basically reiterating the other day's postings and jazzing them up a bit! You may recall yesterday's post about the AdBusters article in which they claimed that a certain group of people that dress neat and listen to neat music and go to neat parties and do neat drugs are single-handedly destroying Western Civ. I find it all very funny that the magazine is getting all fussy about it when there are way more important things going on in the world so I decided to make a checklist so you can see if you yourself, are helping destroy Western Civ**.

**Maybe that's the hipsters' plan all along?! Destroying civilization would be sooo edgy and radical.

CHECKLIST (aka items mentioned in the article):

-- American Apparel Deep V
-- Non-prescription glasses
-- Macbook
-- Being a DJ
-- Fixed gear
-- Skinny jeans
-- Leggings
-- Flannel (vintage preferred)
-- Keffiyeh
-- PBR
-- Coke-discos
-- Nightlife photographers

Also, I was reading the blog of the guy who wrote the article and he just strikes me as the sort who would vehemently mouth-off about hipsters yet emits a certain 'hipster' vibe himself (ie macbooks, FRUiTS magazine, artsy design magazines you can't buy at Borders, old photos of really pretty French racists, etc. etc.)

Anyways, like I said before who caresssssssssssss. Just have fun and no nasties and what ya know.

This is What I Was Talkin' About

2008-08-01T10:00:00.001-04:00

On the View Yesterday

HERE

I Just Wanna Have Fun AdBusters

2008-07-31T14:10:00.001-04:00

Stop being so cross about my generation having fun and wearing zany clothes in articles like THIS and start telling me more about the impending Chinese global rule.

Why are you not Watching the View right now?

2008-07-31T11:09:00.001-04:00

Shit's going down.

Do old ladies bickering make you uncomfortables?

Dear Readers,

2008-07-25T14:46:00.003-04:00

It's the weekend again, and you know what that means...

Time for me to travel by car, train, Bieber bus, subway, and my dad's Volkswagen van all over the Tri-State area.

This weekend's trip covers the following:

Philly, Brklyn / Mnhttn, Japanese consulate, anddd even a little stop in Delaware to visit my dad.

It's gonna be nuts! Unfortunately for you, I have no idea when I'm going to return and this week sucked as far as me updating soooo I had to do this, but I'm gonna have to give you silly scheduled posting for awhile.

Favorite Salvador Dali Painting

2008-07-24T23:00:00.000-04:00

So simple!
So controversial!

Just like meeee.

Making a Racquet

2008-07-23T23:00:00.000-04:00

Oh freshmen year!

For Yasmin's Mom

2008-07-22T23:00:00.000-04:00

It was a Queer, Sultry Summer...

2008-07-21T22:08:00.010-04:00

...the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs and I didn't know what I was doing in New York.

Actually, I did know exactly what I was doing in NY:

Having a grand old time!

I just got back today around 8 p.m.

Also, those commie bastards were fried years ago.

Tokyo Slumbers

2008-07-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

My room in Tokyo. Notice the kitchenette!

The Impossible Made Possible: Girl Talk

2008-07-19T10:00:00.001-04:00

Oh sweet sufferings! What better way to enjoy a mash-up of your favorite songs than in video form!

I cannot wait to see the rest of the tracks done like thisss.

If everything went to plan (I'm writing this scheduled post on Thursday), I should be recovering from a hang-over after Lacie's party. Still more NY time ahead of me! Woop.

Reunited

2008-07-18T11:55:00.002-04:00

I finally get to see these three ladies this weekend!

I'm going to New York again this weekend for Lacie's big move-in party in Brooklyn. Then I'm visiting another friend I haven't seen in awhile on Saturday, followed by Jen and Joann coming up to NY on Sunday for the day.

Woop!

Enjoy your weekend.

Allentown to Hollywood

2008-07-18T11:42:00.003-04:00

No, this post is not about how some talent scout noticed my lollipop sucking skills and now I'm being whisked off to Hollywood to star in porn, it's actually about Amanda Seyfried.

Mmm wood paneling.

Anyways, Amanda was on the View today and it reminded me how much I just think she's tops. She was really good in Mean Girls and now she's co-starring with Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia!.

Another reason I really like her is the fact that she's from Allentown and graduated from a high school just down the road! She's also sort of a friend of friends and even dated a friend of a friend. Less than six degrees of separation, woop woop.

She's definitely going to be an actress to keep an eye on.

Stichcraft and Bitchery

2008-07-17T22:28:00.006-04:00

What a crafty summer!

Shorts to cupcakes to bags to a myriad of things.

If only I would have spent more time filling out LOAN APPLICATIONS.

Chocolate with chocolate fudge icing, chocolate with peanut butter mousse, strawberry shortcakes, and vanilla cupcakes with Thai coconut glaze. Vegan organic HEAVEN.

These herringbone trouser shorts used to be just regular herringbone trousers with terrible bootcut legs. A few snips and a whirl of the sewing machine and I'm lookin' smart and feelin' good or something.

And my bag that I use to haul my work clothes or sometimes when I go places. It's made out of Ikea fabric that went on sale two days after I bought it. Sick!

Tomorrow I leave to go to New York for the weekend and you know what that means... scheduled posting!

MTV Promo and American Apparel BJ

2008-07-16T23:28:00.002-04:00

Remember that old MTV commercial where a girl is working at a bar and she looks super busy and she's getting super sleazed on? And then later she goes home, counts all her tip money, looks extremely content and does ballet because she just got into dance school or something?

That's basically how I feel after an eleven hour shift. I sit on my floor and count my tips and smile and rub my sore legs in bliss. The only difference is I don't (often) get sleazed on nor am I saving up to go to ballet school because I am not limber enough to touch my toes.

But you get the idea.

Also, new provocative ad from American Apparel.

Oh la la, quelle trash / artsy porn.

Also, I sold my first dozen cupcakes today! Wooooop.

She's Soooo Rock Star

2008-07-15T14:27:00.006-04:00

Let me just say that I cannot stand Heidi Montag or her smarmy boyfriend Spencer Pratt, who's name befits him so very much. Also, let me point out that I have never seen "Laguna Beach" or "The Hills". All I know is the basic premise of both shows (rich bitches I don't care about similar to the ones I didn't care about when I was in High School and their lives) and I also know that for whatever reason, Heidi, Spencer, and a slew of other rich kids have been making appearances on talk shows like the View and David Letterman promoting the fact that they do not really do anything.

To throw off their image of just being good-looking and MTV's knowledge that idiots will watch them be pretty and whine, Heidi and the gang decide to do their own wittle projects. Everyone picks the same projects: Acting (they've honed their skills on their reality shows), Music (they own mp3 players), or Fashion (they are able to assemble an outfit out of the clothes featured on a Forever 21 mannequin). No one ever decides to be a Chef (they like the eating / not-eating aspect of food), Painter (sadly, painting skills cannot be acquired on Rodeo Drive), or Veterinarian (Typically no fame / self-promotion involved, but lots of cuddly animals!! awr).

Heidi used her exposure to pursue not only singing (watch out Billie Holiday, I think you may have competition) , but she also decided to delve into FASHION. Finally, someone is bringing their skill of matching black with grey and halter tops with skinny jeans to the fashion world.

It seems I missed her first line (must have been far too underground and cult for me to enjoy) but thankfully I have photos of her NEWEST collection, enjoy!

Precious metals indeed! Nothing says rock star like a big tattooed emblem. I'm going to wear this to the club evurrytime they pay me $1,000+ to be there.

I think she got her line mixed up with Hot Topic's newest arrival.

Trouser jeans must mean they are just the bad parts of trousers put into denim. Also, what are the right details for summer nights? Do they have graham cracker, marshmallow, and choco bar containers to make perfect s'mores?

Won't be able to hide = no fatties. How fun that all you need to do is Febreeze your dress with ugly jewelry and you're ready to go from shopping to drinking to clubbing.

Oh yes, those FREEZING nights in the Hills. Also, if you know me, you know I love me some tight black pants, but blargh at low-rise. I mean, look at the space between her hoodie and jeans, her vagina is practically acting as her belly button there.

Finally, a designer brave enough to make a pintack.

This reminds me of one of those Halloween costumes that's just a slutty version of an occupation. Like this would be... slutty power-lesbian CEO.

Mmm, this is very "Rock of Love" aka 40 year old white trash groupie.

So there you have it. The "Heidiwood" collection. Heidi Montag will have people asking "Hedi Slimane who?"

Just kidding.

Hitchcock Blonde: Ingrid Bergman

2008-07-14T23:00:00.000-04:00

I was going to title this "My Favorite Hitchcock Blonde" but while currently watching Eva Saint Marie's performance in "North By Northwest" the title is now being fought between the two. And also maybe Tippi Hedren. Or Kim Novak. Alls I know is, Hitchcock picked some highly-praisable actresses!

One of my favorite Hitchcock films is "Notorious". It's one of his earlier films, but has all the elements of his infamous style.

The film was on the other day RIGHT after "All About Eve". It was a Turner Classic Wet Dream.

Anywho, here is a really adorable video of Ingrid Bergman, Alfred Hitchcock, and a little key you may remember if you saw "Notorious".

Connecticut Tension and the Richest People in the World

2008-07-13T20:00:00.000-04:00

Hello.

I am a shower, a four mile run, straight hair, and several hours and miles past my trip to the North, aka Connecticut.

Yasmin and I are currently trying to process the whole thing. We both feel a bit weird and I cannot come to a conclusion as to how I feel about the whole damn thing.

In my summary of the trip, I will try to remain neutral in my commentary so as to just give ya the facts and not skew the entire thing for you, the beloved readers.

Who: Me, Jen, Yasmin, Max, Brendan, Ans, Kurtz, and Bubba

What: A bizarre road / camping / sk8 / beach trip

Where: Connecticut

When: Friday July 11th - Sunday July 13th

How: With many arguments, pissing, moaning and some jokes.

Friday we left at a little after noon and began our journey. Stopped in Stamford to skate / sit on a bench with Jen and Yasmin and listen to some dumb girl talk to Kurtz. A memorable quote from a boy at the skatepark was "You guys see Zohan yet?" or something to that effect. We promptly left after that.

We stopped at a falafel place that was reallll decent. The girl working the counter was probably the prettiest girl I have seen in awhile. We carried on and eventually reached our campground.

It was really bizarre / trashy. We set up the tent and then just sat around. A very special 'captain' helped take the stress of the day off of me and then I went to sleep.

Others went swimming and then they were yelled at for being too loud.

The next morning we packed up and shipped out. Our next destination was the beach which was pretty much the only part of the trip I enjoyed.

Nothing like laying in the sun for hours and gettin' all sweaty and then jumping in the water!

Later, our friends befriended this bizarre kid who lived in the top of this old Victorian house and it reminded me of a squat house. He won the lottery and crashed the Cadillac that he bought with the money. He skates though.

He tried leading us to a beach but it was basically five billion miles away and we had to cross through an ethnic park filled with fishermen. We headed back to the beach where I resorted to texting and eating graham crackers.

We tried sleeping on the beach but we were kicked out so we had to traverse the beach and sleep on private property. I woke up in the middle of the night and panicked because I forgot where I was. So fun for the kids.

Also, I had to use a portapotty and it was in a huge football stadium of a parking lot at 2 a.m. and all I could think about was something 'biting me' and /or a car smashing through the disgusting box.

Today we woke up at 5 a.m. on the beach which was mad scenic, followed by diner food which was immediately followed by arguing about more skating.

In the end, I got home around noon. I ran four miles to shake off all stressors and and anger, showered, and then the entire family came over for a party.

THE END (thank goodness [just kidding, I love all my friends, but I do think everyone was angry at one point])

Now for photos:

Retaining Gold

2008-07-13T10:00:00.000-04:00

While I am away camping, consider purchasing this gold retainer necklace. It's only $300. I'm thinking about maybe wearing my old retainer on a chain around my neck. Mine is extra special because it has two fake teeth on it.

***Bonus Andrew trivia***

The Most Fantastic Chair I Have Seen in Awhile

2008-07-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

This chair was designed by Stefan Zwicky and it's made out of recycled materials!

Genius.

Also, this is a scheduled post while I am camping.

Woop woop!

Connecticunt

2008-07-11T10:00:00.001-04:00

Camping trip this weekend.

As you are reading this, I am probably knee-deep in a three hour car ride hopefully listening to some good tunes. I am very pleased to not have to be driving this time.

Food I packed:

Three apples (one a day!)
A loaf of bread
Toffuti cream cheese
NUTRITIONAL YEAST
Four bottles of this lemonade crap Jen and I are pretty psyched on
Two bags of pretzel rods
Two vegan chocolate bars for making s'mores (sans marshmallows of course)
Tofu pups

Gonna be delicious!

Let me share some photographs from previous camping trips.