Guest Post Series: Tara Stiles (aka Rachel's favorite yogi)

I love the idea of yoga- putting on my favorite pair Lululemon Groove Pants, rolling out my blue yoga mat, and getting my zen on.  However, in practice, I am not quite the zen goddess that I’d like to be.  My mind often goes elsewhere- thinking about the laundry I need to do, the groceries I need to pick up, and of course, how much I’d loooove an iced coffee right about now.  And, as much as I want to embrace the spiritual element that yoga classes offer, sometimes of the sacred Hindu texts, the personal intentions, and chanting is a bit too much for me.   

But, recently I stumbled upon a type of yoga that is more my speed, yoga that doesn't take itself too seriously. Enter Tara Stiles, yoga rebel.  As described by the NYTimes, Ms. Stiles is “a 29-year-old former model with skyscraper limbs and a goofball sensibility, focuses on the physical and health aspects of yoga, not the spiritual or the philosophical.”  She uploads short yoga routines with fun themes to YouTube—there’s high heel yoga, yoga for a long day, couch yoga, morning flexibility, yoga for a hangover—you name it, Tara Stiles has got it!  I am currently into the Morning Wakeup yoga– such a wonderful way to start the day.  Here's a clip....

Post by Jams N' Honey

Coffee date

Just had a lovely impromptu coffee date with the fantastic Miss Mariah, whose sister is getting married!!  Super exciting.  So, among other things, Mariah and I chatted about weddings (aka the super aesthetically pleasing.)  which of course, made me think of this.  And, these lovely folks....  Dreamy indeed.  Have a lovely afternoon, yall!

 Photo by Wedding Creativo

Briskly

Billy Collins Contest

This is so cool!  A poetry contest by the fantastic Billy Collins.

Write well my friends.

You, Reader

I wonder how you are going to feel

when you find out

that I wrote this instead of you.

that it was I who got up early

to sit in the kitchen

and mention with a pen

the rain-soaked windows,

the ivy wallpaper,

and the goldfish circling in its bowl

Go ahead and turn aside,

bite your lip and tear out the page,

but, listen -- it was just a matter of time

before one of us happened

to notice the unlit candles

and the clock humming on the wall.

Plus, nothing happened that morning--

a song on the radio,

a car whistling along the road outside--

and I was only thinking

about the shakers of salt and pepper

that were standing side by side on a place mat.

I wondered if they had become friends

after all these years

or if they were still strangers to one another

like you and I

who manage to be known and unknown

to each other at the same time --

me at this table with a bowl of pears,

you leaning in a doorway somewhere

near some blue hydrangeas, reading this.

The Fantastic Names in Jazz

By Hayden Carruth

Zoot Sims, Joshua Redman, 

Billie Holiday, Pete Fountain,

Fate Marable, Ivie Anderson,

Meade Lux Lewis, Mezz Mezzrow,

Manzie Johnson, Marcus Roberts,

Omer Simeon, Miff Mole, Sister

Rosetta Tharpe, Freddie Slack,

Thelonious Monk, Charlie Teagarden,

Max Roach, Paul Celestin, Muggsy

Spanier, Boomie Richman, Panama

Francis, Abdullah Ibrahim, Piano

Red, Champion Jack Dupree,

Cow Cow Davenport, Shirley Horn,

Cedar Walton, Sweets Edison,

Jaki Byard, John Heard, Joy Harjo,

Pinetop Smith, Tricky Sam

Nanton, Major Holley, Stuff Smith,

Bix Beiderbecke, Bunny Berigan,

Mr. Cleanhead Vinson, Ruby Braff,

Cootie Williams, Cab Calloway,

Lockjaw Davis, Chippie Hill, 

And of course Jelly Roll Morton.

Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane

L-House Update: 21

An L-House Update...

1. Aren't these pictures beautiful?  So raw and epic.

2. This is so cool.  A literary tour of New York City!

 3. Alliteration.

"Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta.  

She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock. She was Lola in slacks. She was Dolly at school. She was Dolores on the dotted line. But in my arms she was always Lolita."

4. Vintage opera posters.  I'd love to frame a couple of these for The Cottage...

5. A peanut-butter and jelly sandwich.  The king of peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches:

whole wheat bread that hasn't been refrigerated or anything, organic crunchy peanut-butter, and homemade raspberry preserves.  All guzzled down with a tall ice-cold glass of milk.

6. Late-night hypothetical question rants with new friends.

7.  A classic strand of pearls.  

8. Singing rounds with beautifully simple harmony.

9. Marilyn.  I wonder who owns this.

10.  This kept me entertained for a couple of hours yesterday evening...

Ralph Lauren, Spring 1972

A woman's heart

"Women keep a special corner of their hearts for sins they have never committed."

-Cornelia Otis Skinner 

Tallulah Bankhead

Top fives

I have to ask.

A bit of wondering made me curious.

What are the five movies do you think everyone should see?

What are the five songs do you think everyone should hear?

What five books do you think everyone should read?

Plays attended...?

Operas..?

An interesting prospect, I think.  It tells so much about a person.  As my friend Mariah would say, it's "character development."


I mean, they don't necessarily have to be your personal favorite but, tell me.  I'm in a wondering sort of state, and I wonder what stories and songs are out there that I haven't yet discovered!  Let me know!

Sherlock.

Last week I finished a miniseries by the BBC: Sherlock.  It's an absolutely fantastic portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, but in this case, Sherlock is glued to his cell phone, and Watson has just returned from a tour in Afghanistan....

The modern adaptation just goes to show how brilliant the stories really are, as they have the same effect even when told across time.  The characterizations, acting, lighting, and cinematography are all wonderful.  (The acting particularly-- I freaked out when I realized whom else Sherlock has played!  Also, he and Watson are both cast in The Hobbit!)

The best part?  It's all on Netflix instant play.  However, there are only three episodes per seasons, it is, after all, a miniseries...

Never could two characters be any more different:

Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes from Sherlock, and as Paul Marshall from Atonement

L-House Update: 20

An L-House Update...

1. A Homemade Life.

2. Lovely leather luggage tags.  I like how they have the coordinates.

3. This cool dress.

4. Eating good cheese, fresh bread, and nectarines at midnight with a good friend.

5. Beautiful Handwriting.  Don't you love the white on green?  It's so fresh!

6. These are hilarious...

7. Sippin' iced tea with lemon on the porch.  Preferably in a rocking chair with a good book in hand.

8. A bit of news, my parents have once again proved that they are simply the amazing-est!!  As I write this, they are en route to visit this lovely lady in Beijing!!  Too cool.  Too crazy! I so respect and admire their taste for adventure. 

9. Pretty, pretty pictures.  Golly.  Let that imagination of yours run wild.

10.  What a cool idea for a book....  I'll bet the illustrations are marvelous.

  

Stroll.

Sunglasses. Clutch. Scent. Dress. Shoes. Vest. Belt.

Guest Post Series: Rachel's "Crazy with Kale"

Surreptitiously placed in the produce aisle between bunches of spinach and arugula is the oft-forgotten dark leafy green: kale.   

Until recently, I, like many grocery store shoppers, neglected kale, opting for more familiar greens- broccoli, romaine lettuce, and even swiss chard.   However, after reading article after article in Self, Women’s Fitness, and Shape magazines (I told you- I HEART magazines!) extolling the benefits of this superfood, I decided to face my culinary fears and cook with kale!  Let me tell you, I have not been disappointed.  Not only is kale healthful, rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A and calcium, it is delish!  

Kale is to me what shrimp is to Bubba from Forrest Gump.  Kale is just about as versatile as shrimp, which is a major feat because, as eloquently stated by Bubba, himself, “you can barbecue shrimp, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauteé it. Dey's uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich."  Below are a few of my fave kale recipes.  I’m sorry to report that I have not yet found a recipe for kale burgers (I know, you’re heartbroken…) but, nonetheless, enjoy and get your kale on!  

Kale Frittata

Boiled Kale with Fried Eggs and Toast

Lemony Kale Salad

Kale Crisps with Sea Salt and Lemon

Garlicky Greens

Kale Salad with Toasted Coconut and Sesame Oil

 Photos via Orangette and 101 Cookbooks

Le Smoking

Marlene Dietrich dressed as a man in Morocco, (Don't you love the huge flower?!  It looks like a hydrangea!) and Yves Saint Laurent's groundbreaking design, Le Smoking-- the suit for women.

Rihanna, Janelle Monáe, and Audrey Tautou (as Coco Chanel in Coco avant Chanel) All rockin' the modern woman's tuxedo.

Well, I've always wanted a top hat (á la Jo in Little Women).  And, a full tux would be fun to have, but I don't know if I'd be bold enough to wear it out and about!  What about you ladies?  Do you think you'd have the gumption to work this look?

Create.

 

Blouse. Shoes. Skirt. Bracelet. Necklace. Bag. Lip Balm.

Moses by Frida Kahlo

L-House Update: 19

An L-House Update...

1. Gregory Peck.  There are no words.

2.  I mean... this is what I would want my birthday party to look like...

3. When you're done with your day.  Going back home.  You're a bit tired.  You get into your car, and the thing is-- you've forgotten how loud you'd turned up the volume.  But, it's okay.  In fact, it's quite fabulous.  Because that random radio station you found is in the middle of playing that superbly fantastic epic song you love so much.

4. An update on my sister in China and The Body Project!  The Ikea in Beijing cracks me up/reminds me of that part in 500 Days of Summer.

5. Jersey Cows.  Particularly one named Elsa or Daisy or something very quintessentially cow-name-y.

6.  Aren't these cool?  Talk about detail!

7. I-would-like-a-pair-of-these-please-now-k-thanks.  Lovely on a stroll in the summer evening...

8. Having an impromptu coffee date turned sandwiches turned writing discussion turned intense music search with a friend...

9. The ultimate fruit salad.  Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, watermelon, pineapple, banana, more strawberries.  (There are never enough.) Freshly chopped mint.  A little bit of honey and a smidgen of lime juice.  The best part?  You have to eat it all in pretty much one sitting so that it doesn't get weird next-day-fruit-salad-ish.  But, I think we're okay with that...

10. Raymond Carver poems.

The best in reds

As summer is upon us, painting your toes a good strong red is definitely in order.  My favorite three: Russian Roulette, Vodka and Caviar, and Fishnet Stockings.  (The names put together crack me up.)

Thank you!

 

  

 © 2011 The Nowhere Years

 

As you can see, the title of the blog is a bit different!  A big thanks to Jaime, who drew the pear (beautifully), and my mom, who painstakingly worked her graphic design magic!  (My only reaction from watching her is, good lord that stuff is so much more complicated than it looks!!) 

And, why a pear?  Well, I love pears.  Bosc pears particularly. They're just so elegant and romantic.  I've always known that should I ever have a logo, a pear would be it.  And, here it is!!

Happy Listening!

Here is the final playlist!  Thank you so much for all of great suggestions.  Definitely expanded my music library!

1. Be My Baby by The Ronettes
2. The Click Song (Live) by Miriam Makeba
3. I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair) by Sandi Thom

4. Elephant Gun by Beirut

5. Lost in My Mind by The Head and the Heart

6. You Can Call Me Al (Paul Simon Cover) by Jens Lekman

7. Down on the Corner (Emynd Drum Edit) by Creedance Clearwater Revival

8. Summer in the City by The Lovin' Spoonful

9. If Looks Could Kill by Camera Obscura

10. California by Joni Mitchell

11. Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes

12. Complainte de la Butte by Rufus Wainwright 

13. Sea of Love by Phil Phillips

14. Something in the Air by Thunderclap Newton

15. Philosophy (Inc Misirlou) by Ben Folds

16. Heartbeats (The Knife Cover) by Jose Gonzalez

17. Melt With You by Modern English

 © 2011 M. Hunter Korroch

Guest Post Series: Rachel's Sauteed Veggies with Chicken

Hello everyone! One of my oldest, dearest, and most hilarious friends has agreed to write a weekly guest post for the summer!  Rachel is the author of the blog Jams 'N Honey, and is both a fitness and gastronomic guru.  Each week, she'll be sharing a fitness tip, or one of her delicious, inexpensive, and easy-to-make recipes.  I'm so looking forward to having her here on The Nowhere Years! --m.

Hello lovely readers! My name is Rachel and I am beyond excited to be guest blogging. A little about me:

1. I am, unabashedly, a nerd

2. I am addicted to magazines and nail polish (it is actually a problem…)

3. I love to cook, preferably while singing along to my Pandora station of the moment

4. I am a spinning instructor

5. My current goal is to become a zen goddess. I am not entirely sure what this entails, but I recently bought some scented candles so I figure I am on my way…

So, now that we have the introductions out of the way, I wanted to share a recipe for one of my favorite summer dinners: Sautéed Veggies with Chicken. This is the simplest of dishes, but it is healthful and oh so satisfying.

For the chicken:
I am all about ease when it comes to cooking, so when preparing chicken, I rely on my dear old friend George Foreman. If you don’t have one of these lean, mean, grilling machines I highly recommend investing in one. For this particular recipe, I simply season one piece of boneless skinless chicken with garlic salt and pepper and grill it on the George Foreman for 10 minutes.

For the veggies:
First things first, grab whatever veggies you have in the fridge. My favorite combination is spinach, mushrooms, red onion, and eggplant. I don’t worry too much about measurements when it comes to vegetables, because, really, can you ever have too many? Wash and chop the veggies to your liking.

Once the veggies are ready to go, heat up about 2 tablespoons of EVOO (so Rachael Ray right now…) in a non-stick skillet on high heat. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, as well as a bit of minced garlic (I keep a jar of this stuff in my fridge to save on preparation time) to the skillet and mix. After about a minute, toss in all of the veggies EXCEPT THE SPINACH, stirring occasionally. Spinach cooks super quickly so add if after 4-5 minutes (the other vegetables should be well on their way to caramelize-ation at this point). Cook until the spinach is nice and wilted (about 2 minutes), and you’re done! For a little something extra add , add a few sun-dried tomatoes. So easy, so delicious, so versatile!

Empower.

Clutch. Earrings. Blouse. Shoes. Sunglasses. Pants. Nail Polish.

The Burning House

The Burning House poses a very interesting question: If your house were burning down, what would you take? (I love all the photos of pets and babies, I'm glad they made the list!) What do you think you would bring?

Photos via The Burning House

Period Dramas vs. Street Style

Check out these two incredible posts (une & deux) from Miss Moss

Cold Mountain

Sense and Sensibility

Out of Africa

Photos via Miss Moss

Explore.

Pants. Backpack. Scent. Scarf. Blouse. Hat. Shoes.

I'm With Paul

Just saw this on A Cup of Jo.  Had to share.

Awesome People Hanging Out Together.

L-House Update: 18

An L-House Update...

1. Check out this pretty and inexpensive look book by Ruche.

2. The smell of a bookstore.

3. Fresh blueberry pie.  (With grated lemon zest on the bottom!!) I used to hate fruit pies.  The world has changed.  I love fruit pies.

4. First editions.  Once, my friend Aubrey found a first edition of a James Bond book at a little book sale in Cambridge.  Live and Let Die.  Oh that one could simultaneously be James Bond and found in a first edition.  Simply the suavest.

5. Aren't these cool?  This one's my favorite:

6. Freshly baked bread.  Check out this awesome recipe.

7. This I Believe.  I love this program so much.This is my favorite.  Please read it, or take a listen.  And, if you're able... go.

"I am a citizen of the world.  My roots cover the earth."

8. Most amazing restaurant experience I have ever had.  The Blind Cow in Zurich.  Here's a cool NPR story about it.  (Aubrey and her Aunt Laura took me there as a surprise.  I had no idea what to expect until we got inside!!  Quite the shock.)

9. A fantastic tumblr.  I'm all for well-tailored attire.

10. My dad got me a subscription to this glorious magazine one year as a birthday gift...

 

Born Into Brothels

"Silhouette" by Kochi

 

If you have never seen Born Into Brothels, I highly recommend it.  After who knows how many years of people telling me to watch it, I finally did last night.  It's both beautiful and heartbreaking.  It's the story of a woman who lives in a brothel of Calcutta's red light district.  She teaches the brothel's children about photography.  Each kid is given a camera and through that, we are allowed a glimpse of their world. 

I read up on a few other "Kids with Cameras" projects.  You can find them here, here, and here.

The Day Lady Died

A fantastic tribute to Billie Holiday.  Also, throwback to sophomore year of high school anyone?

The Day Lady Died

By Frank O'Hara

It is 12:20 in New York a Friday

three days after Bastille day, yes

it is 1959 and I go get a shoeshine

because I will get off the 4:19 in Easthampton   

at 7:15 and then go straight to dinner

and I don’t know the people who will feed me

I walk up the muggy street beginning to sun   

and have a hamburger and a malted and buy

an ugly NEW WORLD WRITING to see what the poets   

in Ghana are doing these days

                                          

I go on to the bank

and Miss Stillwagon (first name Linda I once heard)   

doesn’t even look up my balance for once in her life   

and in the GOLDEN GRIFFIN I get a little Verlaine   

for Patsy with drawings by Bonnard although I do   

think of Hesiod, trans. Richmond Lattimore or   

Brendan Behan’s new play or Le Balcon or Les Nègres

of Genet, but I don’t, I stick with Verlaine

after practically going to sleep with quandariness

and for Mike I just stroll into the PARK LANE

Liquor Store and ask for a bottle of Strega and   

then I go back where I came from to 6th Avenue   

and the tobacconist in the Ziegfeld Theatre and   

casually ask for a carton of Gauloises and a carton

of Picayunes, and a NEW YORK POST with her face on it

and I am sweating a lot by now and thinking of

leaning on the john door in the 5 SPOT

while she whispered a song along the keyboard

to Mal Waldron and everyone and I stopped breathing