FOUND: MY FINAL POST OF 2009

  From Norrywood with Love

  xoxo Youngwood Court, HP, LA, CA 

FOUND: CHEERS TO THE END OF 2009

Every last day of the year, since I have moved back to LA, (tomorrow will be year 4), I have bundled up & grabbed the finest champagne in my fridge (yes, I always have a stock readily on hand) and headed to our beach club in Santa Monica with one mission in mind:  Sit, Watch and Drink to the final sunset of the year.  

Taking it all in, celebrating my accomplishments, drinking to forget all my failures, and looking forward to year where I can challenge myself further... 

Sometimes my family is there, sometimes our friends join in... most importantly... it is MY tradition.... a tradition I share annually with my bottle of  bubbles!   pop pop pop pop 

FOUND: PANINI-ize EVERYTHING, trust me

 

Knowing my  love for all things Bread- my dad got me a panini maker for Christmas.  

I have determined everything tastes better when grilled inside a panini.  

This gift is brilliant and you know what else is brilliant- Trader Joe's carries fresh Panini loaves for $3 a pack.  

Today's panini of the day:    

*Bacon & Egg Panini with roasted heirloom tomatoes, fresh arugula, with a blend of fontina & parmesan cheese

FOUND: FUNNY

I remember one day I was at Grandpa's farm and I asked him about sex. He sort of smiled and said, 'Maybe instead of telling you what sex is, why don't we go out to the horse pasture and I'll show you.' So we did, and there on the ground were my parents having sex.

by Jack Handey

*sorry the poster doesn't match the quote, they both just made me laugh. 

FOUND: LA PAINTING

So, while trolling Etsy during Christmas, I stumbled upon the most fantastic painting that I had to buy for my sister.  The Palm tree says it all.

The best thing about this painter is that she is willing to take images of city silhouettes from patrons and create a painting based on that image.  

Needless to say, if you have a favorite vista or maybe you window overlooks some lovely trees or power lines, you should give Leora Lutz a jingle. (website below)  

http://leoralutz.foliosnap.com/#goto=city-silhouettes-urban-landscape

FOUND: KINKY, THE BAND (YOU DIRTY PEOPLE)

TELL YOUR NEIGHBOR:    Kinky @ the Conga Room - this Wednesday  

Do it!   Your ears might hate you afterwards (Brooks & mine rang for days after the last concert), but if you need a good dance sesh- this is the perfect opportunity!  And the crowd is mighty raucous, so be sure to wear steel toed boots- your tootsies will get a good mashing if you don't.

I feel like a Tecate with Lime... anyone else?  

FOUND: LA BIZARRO

The book to your left should be on the coffee tables of all of my LA native friends.  It should be sitting on top of Tim Street Porter's LOS ANGELES book, if you want my opinion.  

My mom purchased it at the LACMA store for my brother's stocking  when we were on our first annual "Xmas Eve LACMA & Patina visit". 

While noshing on my Meatball sub & tomato/basil soup I chose an excerpt to read aloud to my mom that I would love to share with all of you-  but I can't- because mom didn't give me the book, she gave it to Brooks.  

I will be purchasing a copy for myself so I can share the excerpt with you. 

The authors were interviewed on Losanjealous.com - one of my favorite LA Blahgs - see below

http://www.losanjealous.com/2009/11/20/lovett-maranian-la-bizarro-2009/

FOUND: REINCARNATION OF HAMMY

My friend Freya (see Chromeo photo below) just adopted a dog, Hamilton aka Hammy.  Which, for those of you who are unaware, was the name of my first and second hamsters.  

I am pretty convinced that this here dog on my left is the reincarnation of my first hamster...

*Side bar; my second hamster took his own life, he bit the cord to my bedside table lamp.  RIP Hammy Jr.  You were incredibly skilled runner and your disciplined daily training inspired us all! 

FOUND: NEW CHROMEO VIDEO, YO

Just in case you don't know who Chromeo is.... 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppNC0uAaCv0#watch-main-area

did i just catch you tapping your toes?  That's what I thought... 

FOUND: BROOKS + CHROMEO= NYE 2010

So. It is official.  

My parents were right all of these years.  

LIFE IS NOT FAIR.  

Brooks, my darling younger brother, just won tickets to Chromeo for New Years Eve at Club Nokia for being a great writer. He submitted a written story to an LA- blog about his favorite past NYE and wham bam thank you ma'am, has tickets in hands.

  Needless to say, I wouldn't be able attend anyway... but still... I am jealous.   

Chromeo is possibly one of the best groups I have seen live.  and let me tell you... Sneaking into Teddy's with the band last year was pretty much the only way I was ever gonna get in to see them perform.  

Long story, but it's a good one.   

Let's just say that my exclusive connections at IN-N-OUT on Sunset- hooked me up with a premo-vip table for post-dance-fest sustenance just before closing.  Nothing better than a Double Double and a chocolate shake to cap off the perfect night! 

LOST: Hopefully some weight in the new year

If you know me well, you would know that I was voted in middle school- Most Likely To- NEVER GO ON A DIET.  

As you can imagine, I am not one to weigh myself.   Ever.  

Though, this Christmas my eating has top the charts and although I have achieved eating goals I never thought possible... I am thinking it would be best to give my stomach a wee break.  

Yesterday I went to a southern brunch hosted by the Rheinsteins for a new Las Mas debutante...  four mimosas, 3 different types of bacon, cheesey grits, sausage casserole, biscuits, pasteries, a lemon bar, a brownie, and a half-loaf of pumpkin bread later... 

I was shocked to still have room for more.  This might just be a problem... 

"Twas the week after Christmas and all through the house Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse."

FOUND: SIBLINGS READ MY BLOG!

This Christmas my siblings pretty much kicked gift-giving's ass.  Yes, they not only read my blog (shocker)...  they took it to the next level and bought me virtually everything that I wanted... 

From the  Moldy Lunch Bags to the Kate Spade Recyclable bag to the Reading on the Loo book... 

I couldn't have done it better myself!   Go Brooks & Katie!   This blog post is for you! 

I LOVE YOU  BOTH!   

FOUND: NUTCRACKER (waltz of the snowflakes)

It's not quite Christmas until I read E.T.A. Hoffmann's, The Nutcracker. Now... there are many versions of this book in existence... but, none scare the crap out of me as much as the one that includes Maurice Sendak's illustrations.   Holy Baby J.  There is some creepy dark shit in there.  If you don't believe me, stop by and check out the book at my parent's house.

Lucy: "Maurice, Where the Wild Things Are, is tame compared to the Nutcracker.... you left quite an impression on my brother and me! Brooks and I can't help but shudder when we see that book on the coffee table around Christmas time."

**CHANGING TONES***

I leave you all with a nice rendition of The Nutcracker ballet- it is divine... gets you right into the spirit of the holiday!   Wishing I got out to see the Nutcracker this season... oh well. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcxixZjeulE&feature=related

FOUND: Mom's Childhood Home

While driving through Evanston, IL  my mother did her annual driving tour of her childhood... pointing out her local five and dime, her elementary school, and her home.   I loved every moment  of it. 

I already can see myself doing the same... driving by Landis, St James, and 433.  

I am my mother's daughter!  

FOUND; Crisp $100 bill

My office just gave me an envelope with my name on it and $100 inside for my Xmas present.   I feel like I need to give it back. Honestly, the gift they give me all year round is working at this company... I feel as if I don't deserve it!  

Merry Christmas!  

FOUND: STREET XMAS TREE

I love neighborhood Christmas Lights.  

Mom & I did a mini lights tour through Kenilworth while we were in Chicago!  We found a tree that was dripping with lights, every branch blanketed with tiny bulbs. 

 The most magnificent & impressive display of lights and ornaments I have EVER seen.  Please note: This house is over 3 stories... WOOF.  what a job. 

Thank you rich suburban family for sharing this display with us! 

FOUND: (Lyrics) talking heads- this must be the place

Home is where I want to be
Pick me up and turn me round
I feel numb - born with a weak heart
I guess I must be having fun
The less we say about it the better
Make it up as we go along
Feet on the ground
Head in the sky
It's ok I know nothing's wrong . . nothing

Hi yo I got plenty of time
Hi yo you got light in your eyes
And you're standing here beside me
I love the passing of time
Never for money
Always for love
Cover up and say goodnight . . . say goodnight

Home - is where I want to be
But I guess I'm already there
I come home - she lifted up her wings
Guess that this must be the place
I can't tell one from another
Did I find you, or you find me?
There was a time Before we were born
If someone asks, this is where I'll be . . . where I'll be

Hi yo We drift in and out
Hi yo sing into my mouth
Out of all those kinds of people
You got a face with a view
I'm just an animal looking for a home
Share the same space for a minute or two
And you love me till my heart stops
Love me till I'm dead
Eyes that light up, eyes look through you
Cover up the blank spots
Hit me on the head Ah ooh

FOUND: FUNNY MONOLOGUE

S H O R T   I M A G I N E D 
M O N O L O G U E S .

- - - -

NARCISSUS PLACES
A PERSONAL AD.

BY MATTESON PERRY

- - - -

I'll start with a little bit about myself. First off, I'm handsome. Very handsome. So handsome, in fact, that people have called me "beautiful" and "gorgeous," terms typically reserved for beautiful women. That's how good-looking I am. Whatever. I don't want to get into which term of beauty best describes my attractiveness, but, rest assured, you will not be disappointed. (I know I never am.) When you first see me without a shirt, you will probably lose your breath a little bit, as if you had just fallen into cold water. Don't worry, this is normal. Get used to it, because I don't wear my shirt much. (If you've got it, flaunt it.) If I had to name my best asset, I'd probably say everything. My calves are like perfectly cooked turkey legs, you could use my chin as a straight edge while working on a blueprint, and my skin is the color of a perfectly roasted marshmallow. Dozens of people have gotten "lost" in my eyes (I include myself in that count), so consider yourself forewarned! I'm 6 foot, 180 pounds, and the perfection doesn't stop below the belt, if you know what I mean. I've been asked by more than one child to be their new daddy. (Don't interpret this to mean I like kids—I'm just saying I'm way more handsome than a lot of fathers.) My interests include gazing into lakes, pools, mirrors, freshly waxed cars, shop windows, metal elevator doors, the back of a spoon, and most anything else that's reflective. Once you see me you'll understand. I like to think of myself as pretty laid-back and down to earth. I love to travel. Masturbating is also a favorite pastime. My favorite food is pizza.

What I'm looking for: No fatties. Four-twenty-friendly preferred.

FOUND: HOLIDAY WALLPAPER FOR IPHONE

Discovered this tree while walking down Main Street in Santa Monica/Venice  I stumbled upon this magnificent Christmas Tree... made of Shopping Carts... Ho Ho HOLY SHIT.. I said under my breath as I tilted my head back to take it all in. 

My interpretation of the "artistic" message: Pretty Literal- Shopping Carts are a part of Christmas... the artist wants us to recognized what this holiday has become. Clearly a holiday time where I spend  most of my blog posts listing what I want to buy and what I am buying for people.  

Here's my confession-   I would much prefer stumbling upon a tree of this variety to one that was made out of little baby Jesus dolls.  That could be a bit too literal for the public...  for now, the message is disturbing enough.  From here on out: NO MORE SHOPPING POSTS ON MY BLOG.   (*unless I find something really really sweet worth sharing) 

*It's my Wallpaper for my iphone.  (I try to keep my wallpaper seasonal... )

FOUND: ABIGAIL'S GIFT TO ME

My dear friend Abigail... nailed my Xmas gift this year!  Apparently my friends do listen when I wax lyrical about my obsessions for reusable/ sustainable items with smart designs.  

I now own a "I am Not a Paper Cup..", that holds hot beverages... 

Which proudly sits next to my reusable insulated Cold Cup from Starbucks.  

They are best friends! 

FOUND: MOM'S GIFT TO ME AT MY DOORSTEP

Unbeknowst to my Mother, one of her gifts was dropped off by Santa a wee bit too early....  A SUBSCRIPTION TO THE CS MONITOR!  

https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/TF/CSX/CSX_HolidayGiftDonee_63off.jsp?cds_page_id=70479&cds_mag_code=CSX&id=1260838062266&lsid=93481847422016976&vid=1&cds_response_key=I9MCSX261

Well done Mamacita-mia!  A nice year of weekly deliveries... My favorite way to kickstart the week- sharing an intimate 30 minutes with a decaf latte and the CS Monitor.  

Thanks mom! 

FOUND: CHALLAH, A LA SMITTEN KITCHEN

Last night I went to a fabulous Chanukah potluck, and I made a Challah... hollah!  

This recipe is quite tasty and I give it two spatulas up! 

http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/09/best-challah-egg-bread/

Best Challah (Egg Bread)
Adapted from Joan Nathan

The secrets to good challah are simple: Use two coats of egg wash to get that laquer-like crust and don’t overbake it. Joan Nathan, who this recipe is adapted from, adds that three risings always makes for the tastiest loaves, even better if one of them is slowed down in the fridge.

Time: about 1 hour, plus 2 1/2 hours’ rising
Yield: 2 loaves

1 1/2 packages active dry yeast (1 1/2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil, plus more for greasing the bowl
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon salt
8 to 8 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup raisins per challah, if using, plumped in hot water and drained
Poppy or sesame seeds for sprinkling.

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in 1 3/4 cups lukewarm water.

2. Whisk oil into yeast, then beat in 4 eggs, one at a time, with remaining sugar and salt. Gradually add flour. When dough holds together, it is ready for kneading. (You can also use a mixer with a dough hook for both mixing and kneading, but be careful if using a standard size KitchenAid–it’s a bit much for it, though it can be done.)

3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Clean out bowl and grease it, then return dough to bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until almost doubled in size. Dough may also rise in an oven that has been warmed to 150 degrees then turned off. Punch down dough, cover and let rise again in a warm place for another half-hour.

4. At this point, you can knead the raisins into the challah, if you’re using them, before forming the loaves. To make a 6-braid challah, either straight or circular, take half the dough and form it into 6 balls. With your hands, roll each ball into a strand about 12 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide. Place the 6 in a row, parallel to one another. Pinch the tops of the strands together. Move the outside right strand over 2 strands. Then take the second strand from the left and move it to the far right. Take the outside left strand and move it over 2. Move second strand from the right over to the far left. Start over with the outside right strand. Continue this until all strands are braided. For a straight loaf, tuck ends underneath. For a circular loaf, twist into a circle, pinching ends together. Make a second loaf the same way. Place braided loaves on a greased cookie sheet with at least 2 inches in between.

5. Beat remaining egg and brush it on loaves. Either freeze breads or let rise another hour.

6. If baking immediately, preheat oven to 375 degrees and brush loaves again. Sprinkle bread with seeds, if using. If freezing, remove from freezer 5 hours before baking.

7. Bake in middle of oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden. (If you have an instant read thermometer, you can take it out when it hits an internal temperature of 190 degrees.) Cool loaves on a rack.

Note: Any of the three risings can be done in the fridge for a few hours, for more deeply-developed flavor. When you’re ready to work with it again, bring it back to room temperature before moving onto the next step.

Round or straight braid? Raisins or skip them? Straight loaves of braided challah are eaten throughout the year–typically on the Sabbath–round challahs, often studded with raisins, are served for the New Year and the other High Holidays that follow. I made one of each, so you could see examples.

FOUND: Reason not to be nervous

And here I am nervous about reading in front of 200 people at a wedding....  I was just put in check by this article: 

Abby Sunderland makes her own sails pitch

Five months after her older brother Zac made a celebrated solo voyage around the globe, Abby Sunderland, 16, prepares to do the same

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-abby-sunderland14-2009dec14,0,18479.story

Wow, I am a wuss.   Not another peep out of me.   

FOUND: My Reading for Kelsey's Wedding

So I am reading at my cousin's wedding on Saturday.  I adore her and her fiance and for that reason, I am conquering my irrational stage fright and standing in front of 200 people on their behalf.  I love the readings she selected, so it makes it that much easier.   Nothing like a good raw challenge, to make you feel alive and present in a moment.   

One little nugget worthy of sharing is the final line,  

" Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way..."  -MBE

Please feel free to send any positive vibes my way... or tips... I will take whatever I can get at this point!  The countdown begins... 

FOUND: 5 NEW SONGIES TO TAKE ME BACK...

1-lissy truillie -ready for the floor  (takes me back to coachella)

2- data rock- amarillion (takes me back to coachella part 2)

3-camera obscura- lloyd, i'm ready to  be heartbroken (takes me back to the movie theatre, not sure which one though)

4-ben folds- effington  (takes me back to college)

5-clap your hands and say yeah, over and over again (takes me back to my drive to work this morning)

FOUND: A GIFT I WANT.. shocker

While shopping for others... I found yet another gift I wouldn't mind receiving myself.  UGH. Christmas... I really do enjoy giving gifts... but why oh why can I not shake the urge to shop for myself this holiday season.  

Found this gem, while doing some online research today:  

A gift that gives and gives and gives for 20 MONTHS!   Imagine, every month you get to open up a box of 25 colored pencils.  

Now, I don't know about you... but art supplies = my candy.   Where candy destroys teeth & art supplies destroy my wallet. 

$33 is totally reasonable! 

http://500pencils.socialdesigner.com/cases

FOUND: Gingerbread Skeletons

 Morbid... yet... festive.   Nothing like a display of Gingerbread Skeletons to bring holiday cheer to a home.  

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 1/2 cups flour, sifted
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1 white decorating icing, with small tip

Directions

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter together. Add molasses and water.

2. 2

   In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, nutmeg, baking soda, ginger, and allspice. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet and blend until the dough holds together.

3. 3

   Cover and chill for 2-3 hours.

4. 4

   Preheat the oven to 375°F.

5. 5

   Roll out dough 1/4" thick on a lightly floured surface.

6. 6

   Cut into shapes with cookie cutters and transfer to cookie sheet.

7. 7

   Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on baking sheets or cooling racks.

8. 8

   Using the white decorating icing, decorate the cookies with "bones" so that they resemble skeletons.

FOUND: Eat at a Tar Pit

 So excited about The Tar Pit. Mark Peel.. so sad you lost your money to Madoff and had to move off my parent's street... but so pleased your restaurant will be booming & the libations will be a flowing!  

1950's rum-based cocktails within walking distance of Martel.  

Dangerous. 

FOUND: 4 Impersonal Gifts for Women under $55

A post inspired by a friend of mine who asked me if I could help research gifts for her sister-in-laws... impersonal gifts that won't make it into the trash or get re-gifted.  This gift guide is for those who want to impress with the thought put in, but really... it is just a great gift... no matter who you give it to! 

1- Kate Spade  Zippy Bag @ $50 (free shipping) 

*This bag unzips into a portable bag you can take to the      farmers market... perf

 

                      2- Mani Pedi  @ $55  (be sure to pay for the tip for the receiver)

                        *This gift would never get returned and works with all tastes and sizes.  Allows the receiver to select her favorite color.... 

        

3-  Subscription to THE NEW YORKER (great for men & women)

     * You can easily find cheap subscription sites online!!  

4- Everyone needs a little more KARAOKE in their life!   And seeing as though most everyone you know owns an ipod, this gift is just the ticket!  

FOUND: Holiday Cold Cup

One wasn't enough for me.  I need a holiday version!  

My co-worker gifted me her extra one when she found out I called every Starbucks in Southern California trying to hunt one down.  

Does that make me pathetic, or desperately festive?  

FOUND: Loo Read #2

The first version revolutionized my loo-reading experience.  Very excited they released a second volume.  Very Necessary. 

This is a great gift for the person you know who enjoys a good read... in the loo. *

*many apologies if this repulses you, I mean loo could include the bath-tub, where I do most of my reading. 

FOUND: Gift for Dad

 Commuter Tie.  Brilliant.  

However, seeing as though most LA residents, drive to work... it might not be the right gift for Papa Bennett. 

I do love PINK.  So innovative & keeps it classy! 

FOUND: Liberty in LA?

 I swore up and down that I wouldn't be one of those TARGET fanatics who go bananas every time there is a new collaboration between a designer & Target. 

Well, until now! 

LIBERTY IS DOING A LINE AT TARGET!!!  

My plan: camp out at my local TarGhetto on Washington, where I will be the only one lusting for liberty! 

http://www.luckymag.com/blogs/luckyrightnow/2009/12/its-true-liberty-of-london-for.html

FOUND: Winston as a Dancing Tween

Here is Mr. January.... for our office Dog Calendar.  

Winston is dressed as a Dancing Tween (TLC), one of our shows and yes, his nails are painted.  

What you don't know about Winston is that he can walk on his back legs for almost 5 minutes straight....  what is more impressive is that he can dance for 10 minutes straight!  

FOUND: Yogurt container reuse #3

I have one word for you... OVERKILL. 

I first thought it was cute and creative, now I am just thinking... I would rather drink those two glasses of wine on the table, while someone else figures out how to make one of those fixtures. 

FOUND: Yogurt Container reuse #2

While researching more ways to reuse glass yogurt containers... I found some inspiration for my vanity inside my closet!   I am thinking I might paint my window and drawers a bright and poppy color!  

Please Note:  Glass jars lined up.... love it! 

FOUND: VW REINDEER

 I desperately want to decorate my jetta-wagon.  I saw this and christmas bulb went off in my head.  RUDOLPH... is german... my car is german... WUNDERBAR! 

Now, where does one find a Ruldolph costume for a car?

Anyone want to start up a car-costume business with me? 

FOUND: Yogurt Container Reuse

I like recycling.  

I buy yogurt in glass jars and after I eat them I turn them into home decor! 

Voila!   

Eat and Decorate. 

FOUND: PERSIMMON BEER

Brooks is brewing Persimmon Beer  for Christmas dinner...  keeping it local, seasonal, and organic at the Bennett House.  

Mom is making a Persimmon pudding to pair with it.  Yummers!