Little Peach: Carly's Blog

Conan!

2010-09-01T14:42:00.003-04:00

*Sigh* Conan will be back November 8th! I've had a crush on the man since middle school...scary, I know.

4 Months Until Holy Matrimony!!

2010-06-23T01:28:00.001-04:00

Yikes!!!!!! There's a lot more planning to do....

A Fav New York Moment: Golden Girls Night (Dedicated to Rue McClanahan)

2010-06-03T23:23:00.004-04:00

In the continued reflection of my favorite times in New York and the near completion of my bucket list, I am compelled to write about one of my favorite things (if not, my FAVORITE thing), The Golden Girls. I was devastated to hear of Rue McClanahan's death this morning.
RIP, Waterlily.
A few months ago, Time Out New York posted one of their "your perfect Saturday" items on Twitter. My jaw dropped when one of the listings was "We Love the Golden Girls Tribute." My ggpic (golden girls partner in crime), Allison, and I ventured to the historic West Village bar, the Stonewall Inn. The evening started off quiet (but hey, we were pretty early) with cocktails and famed GG episodes playing on the television screens. There were fantastic drag queens walking around and a crazy flow of GG devotees dressed as their favorite characters (men and women alike.) It was quite a perfect evening...And as appropriate as Blanche's raunchy comments, the Stonewall served cheesecake on a stick! The evening concluded with a long (yea, maybe a bit too long) drag show with breaks for GG trivia questions (Allison and I were both brought to the stage...and both answered our questions correctly!)
Pictures of the evening were posted online:
Enjoy: http://newyork.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/photogallery/we-love-the-golden/1801356/content

Please tell me your favorite Golden Girls moment (esp. featuring Blanche Devereaux).

One of my fav quotes:

Blanche: Oh hi Rose.
Rose: Hi Blanche.
Blanche: What's wrong?
Rose: Oh it's Miles. Lately he's been kind of, well, tight and I hate it.
Blanche: Well I'm just the opposite, I love a tight man. Tight man with cast iron pecs....Thighs that could choke a bear.....Butt you could eat breakfast off of...Then the two of us would...(She looks at Rose) Well Rose! When'd you get in?!
Rose: Blanche, I've been here the whole time! I was telling you about Miles being tight!
Blanche: Oh I LOVE A TIGHT MAN! Tight man with cast iron pecs, and thighs--
Rose: No, tight with money! He's cheap!
Blanche: Tight with money? DUMP him!

NYC Reflections & Bucket List: 1) TV Tapings (tips and info)

2010-05-25T22:00:00.002-04:00

As of tonight, I can cross this guy off my list: ~~Late Nite with Jimmy Fallon~~
Great guests--Kim Cattrall and Frightened Rabbit. Show highlight=Jimmy slapping my hand at the end of the show. I will never wash my right hand again....Anyway, the real best part was The Roots! Whoever decided to make them the house band of a late night show is BRILLIANT. The tuba player, Damon Bryson, ran up and down the stairs during the audience warm-up time. Very impressive! It was relatively easy to get stand-by tix today. They hand out tickets at 30 Rockefeller (49th Street side) at 9am. We arrived at 8:25 and ended up 9th and 10th in line. When we returned at 3:45 to see if we got in, they took the first 70 people!! That seems like a ton---but when it got right down to it, only 14 of us were guaranteed admission (*phew*). I'm not sure if any of the others got in! It's definitely not a line-up like SNL (which I tried to get and failed....didn't get there early enough), just make sure to get there 30-45 minutes early!

During my time here in NY, I've gone to many, many TV tapings (excluding Colbert, The View, Good Morning America, and SNL.) Here are some tips and info:
Martha Stewart: I got these tickets through NYU, so I'm not sure how hard it is to get tickets. This was a really fun experience, and you walk out with a little goodie bag of stuff from that day's show (I got Tom Brokaw's book and a pomegranate!)
Regis and Kelly: I needed tickets for when my cousins/best friend visited me. The online request form wasn't working, so I did it the old fashioned way, and I wrote a snail mail letter to the show. I figured I would NEVER hear from them, but I did! They do read their mail, and they awesomely provided me with tickets for the show! They let you take pictures during the taping, and both Regis and Kelly graciously talked to fans during the breaks. Also, her husband Mark came out at the end, and I think all the ladies in the audience were happy to see his cute face!
Rachael Ray: I did an online request for these tickets, and I think I received an email a few weeks after that. You cannot request a particular day, so it's really hard to get advanced tickets and travel plans worked out if you live outside of NY. The email they sent me offered one date they had tickets for (and it was within that same week!) You can do standby, but I didn't have a good experience the time I tried this--they release those tickets at "varied" times, not the times listed on the website. Regardless, it was a really fun show (with the studio audience on a revolving piece that moves with each segment), and you get to take home the snack of the day! Yum...Okay, YUM-O!
David Letterman: I tried the online request form, but it seemed to just go out into the atmosphere...So, I went to the studio to fill out a form in person (RECOMMENDED.) They called me within hours for tickets! But, be warned, you cannot get tickets unless you answer a David Letterman trivia question. I read about this online prior, and I did some research!! I've been a lifelong Letterman fan, but I didn't know all the crazy details! They asked me a question about the announcer, and thankfully I got it right!! Good times---David does the audience warm-up (not a comedian.) Very cool!
Conan O'Brien: I was LUCKY enough to get tickets to Conan's last week at Late Nite---I sent an email to some 'bye-bye conan' address. He is my ultimate favorite, so all I can say is that it was amazing!!!
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: These tickets are hard to get, so make sure to monitor his website! When new dates open up, you have to reserve them fast! And of course, your tickets do not guarantee admission. So...get there early!! My family and I were the LAST people admitted, so....I highly advise you arrive before the "recommended" time! Jon was hilarious, though!!
The Today Show: You have to do it once! Go early and bring a sign (I haven't done the sign thing, but it definitely brings some attention to ya!) Also, stick around and see if they need audience members for anything. My dad and I were asked to join the audience for a later segment with Hoda & Kathie Lee. We had a great time, and my dad ended up getting pictures with the beautiful hosts and we got a pic with Meatloaf (one of their guests that day.)

Meatloaf, Me, and & Dad

When I visit NYC next, I will try SNL again! I think the key is---go out Friday night and have fun nearby Rockefeller. Then, arrive around 2am, and camp out! This will be my goal....

Any other tips?

My New York Bucket List

2010-05-24T18:34:00.003-04:00

This is, sadly, my last week in New York City. I've spent two glorious years here, but I'm packing it up and moving to Michigan (for love, for work, and a start-up business.) I wrote up my "New York Bucket List" about a month ago in an attempt to finish all that 'unfinished' business. I plan to devote the next few weeks of this blog to sum up the amazing experiences I've had in NYC and the last-minute fun of my "bucket list."

Here it is: (I've crossed out the things I've managed to accomplish in the last two weeks):

~~Guggenheim~~
Empire State Building
Cyclone at Coney Island
Free concert in Central Park
~~The Cloisters~~
Saturday Night Live
Jimmy Fallon
A walk through Williamsburg
Live jazz (other than Lincoln Center)
Met Opera
Chelsea Piers (bowling?)
The Frick
Rent kayaks from the New York City Downtown Boathouse
March in the Veggie Pride Parade, May 16^th
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, Queens
See a movie outdoors (Bryant Park or Brooklyn Bridge)
The Addams Family
~~Promises, Promises~~
Wicked
~~Upright Citizens Brigade (Sunday Night)~~
New York Public Library
Madison Square Garden (Knicks)

Five Months!!!

2010-05-23T23:19:00.002-04:00

In five months from today, I'll be gettin' hitched!!!

Carly the Intern's Third Posting for The Laurie Berkner Band Blog

2010-04-02T20:23:00.003-04:00

I wrote up a little blog posting today about Summer Music Festivals for Children and Their Families.

Please read: http://thelaurieberknerbandblog.typepad.com/the-laurie-berkner-band/2010/04/summer-music-festivals-for-kids-and-their-families.html

Putting on a show at The Bitter End (one week from tonight)

2010-03-30T20:10:00.009-04:00

For my concert management class, our final project is to put on a show. So, my team (Candace and Joyce) and I got together two artists and landed a historic venue.
The artists are Analogue Transit (a band that I first spotted--and fell in love with--at NYU's CMJ/MEISA Battle of the Bands) and Lacrymosa (the stage name for a girl I interned with at Cherry Lane Publishing.) They were the first two artists I thought of when I knew we were putting on a show. We were lucky enough to grab them, and The Bitter End was interested enough in the line-up to let us book a night! Candace has been the venue contact, I'm the band contact, and Joyce has handled promotions. If you're in the New York area, check it out:

*CaCaJo presents...

Analogue Transit & Lacrymosa @ The Bitter End

Date: Tuesday, April 6th

Doors: 9:00 pm
Lacrymosa: 10:00 pm
Analogue Transit: 11:00 pm
Cover: $5.00

About the Artists:

Lacrymosa:
http://www.myspace.com/lacrymosa

Lacrymosa is the solo-moniker of Caitlin Pasko. Hailing from Virginia Beach, VA, Pasko was taught classical piano from a young age, and quickly showed a preternatural genius for the instrument. Her mastery of impressionistic cadences and romantic conveyance of melody gave way, despite her rigorous background, to a songwriting ability beyond the pale of her peers. At twenty, she’s channeled the playful character of Regina Spektor and Feist in the creation of a stamp all her own, one steeped in the mystic literacy of Joanna Newsom and Kate Bush, capable of deep deliverance and nurture.

Analogue Transit:
http://www.myspace.com/analoguetransit

Brooklyn-based duo Analogue Transit represents the transition of sound from analog to digital. The members of the group, Jeff Shreiner and Kwaku, have taken the basis for their sound and christened themselves with it. Artistically methodical in their approach, the two musicians incorporate both analog and digital techniques to make music that is progressively forward-thinking without losing the lovingly hand-crafted touch of analog production. To be clear, though, this is not the tired battle of old school vs. new school. Rather, Analogue Transit place themselves in an alternate universe where the old and new co-exist, engaging in a seamless dialog uninterrupted by disputes between generations and the gaps created by things lost in transition.

*CaCaJo = Candace, Carly + Joyce

Record In Michigan & Louisiana And Get A Tax Credit

2010-03-29T16:05:00.003-04:00

Here's an article from Hypebot today. Here's some incentive for the music industry to come back to Michigan!
http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2010/03/record-in-mi-or-louisiana-and-get-a-2542-tax-credit.html#">

It's no secret that the economy is struggling just about everywhere and that governments at all levels are attempting to do something about it. At least two states, Michigan and Louisiana, have extended their efforts to include musicians and the music industry by offering tax credits.

A little known clause in a Michigan law designed to attract filmmakers to the state extends 42% tax credits to those producing records within its borders. But these credits don't apply to every project. The minimum which must be spent for the project to be eligible is $50,000. That's far below most indie projects and some are calling for the threshold to be lowered. Others are reportedly going to wrap video production into the budget to reach the needed total.

Recording budgets in Louisiana can be much smaller to qualify for that state's giveback, but the tax credit is smaller as well. Projects in Louisiana, which is being actively promoted by the sates Office of Entertainment Industry Development, can total as little as $15,000 which will return a credit of 15 - 25%.

via www.hypebot.com

The Hunt for Cute Wedding Shoes

2010-03-28T00:47:00.006-04:00

Please, no flip flops. No Father of the Bride sneakers with lacy bows. I need something with a heel and something full of sass and sauciness. Well, maybe not so much sass. My dress isn't exactly sassy. But I'm definitely having trouble finding the perfect shoe to match my style and keep me dancing.
If any past/present/future brides stumble upon this blog, please advise.
Where to get comfy and beautiful shoes (not to mention a bit of color)? Maybe that can be my something blue.
Some shoes that have caught my eye:

Comfy and pretty (but plain...not stunning.)
Naturalizer "Prissy"

Adorable--I love the heart on the bottom of the shoes!
Luichiny Duchess Sandal

A Vegetarian Bride

2010-03-24T20:47:00.001-04:00

What a great posting on the Earth Friendly Weddings blog today! I would LOVE to have a purely vegetarian wedding; but with the exception of my mother, everyone in our family (including my fiancé) eats meat. However, it is extremely important for me to represent my vegetarianism in the cuisine at our wedding. So, our very talented caterer will be preparing homemade pasta with julienne vegetables and MY FAVORITE eggplant parmesan. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

A Vegetarian Bride

The Search is Over: I Have Found My Wedding Dress!!!

2010-03-15T23:00:00.007-04:00

FINALLY. FINALLY. FINALLY.
I'm nearly seven months away from my wedding, and I've finally found THE dress. Today, March 15th, will be the day I'll always remember.
I cannot show pictures, of course...."you know who" reads this!
But, here are some of my favorite dresses from this year!

Whimsical personified: Jim Hjelm, Style: JH8962

Dramatic and romantic: KittyChen Couture 2010: April

8 Months Until Our Wedding!!!

2010-02-23T22:58:00.007-05:00

Oh my goodness!! The Knot sent me my monthly reminder email. But every time I get one, I get a little more nervous!! There is so much left to do!! Thankfully, I'll be returning to Michigan for a week in March to do more wedding planning!

Goals for that week: cake, flowers, meet up with the DJ and caterer!

We will also go up to Charlevoix to visit our beautiful wedding site--Castle Farms. :) Castle Farms is featured this month in Brides magazine for castle weddings!

Black Bean Enchiladas!!

2010-02-22T12:49:00.002-05:00

Over the weekend, I went to a tex-mex dinner party. I elected myself to bring the vegetarian option, so I cooked up some black bean enchiladas! I improvised a bit and didn't use much of a recipe; but they turned out yummy, so I thought I'd share what I did!

Ingredients:
--Tortillas (I used a mixture of regular flour tortillas and spicy lime habanero tortillas from Trader Joe's---a lot of people use corn tortillas, but they are more difficult to keep shut after you assemble the enchiladas. So, if you use corn, make sure to warm them up or dip them in enchilada sauce before hand...to get them soft and easier to work with.)
--Green chiles (small can or get them fresh)
--One red pepper
--Two garlic gloves
--Two cans black beans (I used Trader Joe's refried black beans with jalapenos)
--One can enchilada sauce (I used the red vegetarian sauce from a regular grocery store..The Trader Joe's enchilada sauce has chicken in it, so beware!! It is not marked very well, and I almost bought it on accident!)
--One can plain tomato sauce
--Taco seasoning
--Two bags of cheese (monterey jack, cheddar, etc.)

What to do:
--Put the beans into a sauce pan to warm up.
--In a frying pan, put some olive oil, chopped garlic, chiles (I put half in of a 6 oz. can, but you can do more/less), and half of the red pepper chopped up.
--Add the can of enchilada sauce and about a 1/4 can of tomato sauce to the pan and stir it up.
--Return to the beans. Add a couple spoonfuls of the enchilada sauce mixture to them, along with about 1/2 can of plain tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and a handful of cheese. I do this to taste...not really measuring. So, add the ingredients as you wish.
--Now that you have the beans and sauce ready, you can start to assemble. Coat the bottom of your baking dish with enchilada sauce (so those little puppies don't burn.) Then, put a scoopful of beans down the center of a tortilla and top it with cheese. Then, roll it up, and put it in the baking dish seam side down (haha...so they won't open up!!) Repeat for as many tortillas are you're making.
--Once you're done with that, top the enchiladas with the remainder of the enchilada sauce and sprinkle with lots of cheese! I topped them with sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and sliced red peppers.
--Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes (checking midway through to make sure they are melting and not burning!)
--Serve with sour cream or any other yummy garnishes you can think of!!

Another Blog Post for The Laurie Berkner Band: Pizza Friday

2010-02-21T23:31:00.005-05:00

Yea, I know it's Sunday, and this post is about Friday....but it's been a busy weekend!

Please check out the blog I wrote for The Laurie Berkner Band Blog. It's about making pizza on Fridays with your family!

The picture is of my adorable cousin Everett--the chef!

http://thelaurieberknerbandblog.typepad.com/the-laurie-berkner-band/2010/02/pizza-friday.htmlwww.comop.org/cupidschase

One of My Postings on The Laurie Berkner Band's Blog!

2010-02-17T16:06:00.004-05:00

Hey Hey!
As an intern for Two Tomatoes Records/The Laurie Berkner Band, I had the opportunity to write up a little something for the band's blog.

Please read about how to make homemade instruments! :)

http://thelaurieberknerbandblog.typepad.com/the-laurie-berkner-band/2010/02/youre-a-mover-youre-a-shaker-youre-an-instrument-maker-.html

An Economical New York Weekend: Discounted, Cheap, or Free!

2010-02-08T12:19:00.004-05:00

Everyone is trying to save money, right? Definitely me! I never go out in NYC unless it's discounted, cheap, or free! So, I thought I'd share with you some of the fun and economical things I did this weekend!

Friday
Last Friday was the end of NYC Restaurant Week (even though it was just extended until February 28th.) So, my roommates and I took this opportunity to have lunch at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill. I am a huge fan of Chef Flay and his awesome throwdown style! Unlike many of the restaurant week menus, Mesa Grill had an amazing option for vegetarians!
For $24, I devoured this fantastic three-course lunch:
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER + GREEN CHILE SOUP with Blue Corn-Goat Cheese Taquito
CORNMEAL CRUSTED CHILE RELLENO filled with Roasted Eggplant + Manchego Cheese with Sweet Red Pepper Sauce + Balsamic
PINEAPPLE BUTTERMILK UPSIDEDOWN CAKE with Pineapple-Vanilla Ice Cream

Saturday
I participated in my first yoga class (I’ve done yoga videos and countless pilates classes, but this is obviously different!) My roommate and I went to Yoga to the People on St. Mark’s Street in the West Village of Manhattan. It is a donation-based studio---they suggest $10, but you are encouraged to put in whatever you can. Some throw in $5, some put in $20. No judgments. Their goal is to make yoga available to everyone. I will definitely become a regular.
Their website with schedules/locations: http:// www.yogatothepeople.com

After the class, we went to S’Mac. I had HEARD about this place, but I had never been. It is a small restaurant that serves ONLY macaroni and cheese---but MANY variations of it!!
And I dare to say, I had THE BEST mac and cheese I’ve ever had!! Just imagine this: Goat cheese, sauteed spinach, kalamata olives, and roasted garlic. This is their Mediterranean dish, and it is AMAZING!!! Also, it’s served in precious lil’ skillets!

Sunday

A couple girlfriends and I decided to take a FREE cooking technique class at Williams-Sonoma at Columbus Circle. It is not a hands-on course. You simply observe the chef, take notes, ask questions, and most important---you get to sample the food at the end! I LOVE to cook, and I was intrigued by the subject: Italian Comfort Foods! Chef Judi prepared marinara sauce (delicious), meatballs (yeah, I don’t eat these..never ever. But, I could use the mixture along with veggie/tofu crumbles to make veggie “meat”balls), and a spinach/ricotta calzone. YUM.
The bottom of this site has some info about the next class: http:// .shopsatcolumbuscircle.com/go/fb/guide/store.cfm?StoreID=257

If you know of any cheap/fun things going on, please let me know!! :)

Faygo - Sanders - Better Maid (the crown jewels of Michigan)

2010-01-28T21:38:00.006-05:00

This afternoon, my roommates and I received an AMAZING package from my cousin (and matron of honor) Brandy. To thank us for her NYC visit in November, she decided to send us a 'From Michigan with Love' kind of package. It contained:
Faygo Soda POP: Rock & Rye (my personal fav), Grape, and Moon Mist
Sanders: Hot fudge and butterscotch caramel
Better Made potato chips: Barbecue (my personal fav) and Sour Cream & Onion

If you've never tried these yummy products of Michigan, don't worry, you can order them online!!
Faygo! http:// www.faygo.com
Sanders! http://www.sanderscandy.com
Better Made potato chips! http://www.bmchips.com

Otherwise, just ask a sweet Michigander to send YOU a care package! :)

Yea, I drank the Rock & Rye and ate some chips before I took this picture...whoops!

PS - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Training for a 5K = wedding dress motivation!!

2010-01-27T20:41:00.004-05:00

Even sick with a cold and sniffling all over the place, I'm still trying to train for a 5K next month. I know a 5K isn't a ridiculous amount of running, but it's really making me work!! I'm more of a dancing/pilates/elliptical machine kind of girl. I enjoy running...but only for short amounts of time!

So, I've tried to squeeze the usual 8 weeks of training into 4 weeks. Dave and I have agreed to do this together! He will be in town for the Valentine's Day weekend, and it was hard to pass up an opportunity to run in Riverside Park. :)

This is helping to motivate me (even more than I already am) to shape up for my wedding gown (which I haven't chosen yet....)

Check it out: http://www.comop.org/cupidschase
The charity: http://www.comop.org/cupidschase/Cupid%27s%20Chase%202010.pdf"

9 Months Until Our Wedding and Engagement Photos!

2010-01-23T15:30:00.003-05:00

Happy Saturday!
I got a reminder this morning from The Knot that it is 9 months until the big day!! I'm so excited, but I've been having nightmares about not having my hair done and people being bored at the ceremony!! Just last night, my mom had a dream that I wore an ill-fitting huge YELLOW dress at the wedding!! Yikes!! I guess stress does that to you! Once I get the wedding dress chosen, I'm sure my dreams will become more pleasant! :)

Our AMAZING photographer posted a sneak preview of our engagement photos! Please take a look: http://eccampbellphotography.blogspot.com/2010/01/carlydave-are-engaged.html. EC Campbell photography is E'lisa and her husband Chris. E'lisa did our engagement photos, and she is so spirited and in love with love! She made the session so much fun!!! Dave and I took the pictures in Ann Arbor, MI--where we met.

One of my favorites, The Law Quad at the University of Michigan:

A December Update

2009-12-06T11:48:00.003-05:00

It's been quite a whirlwind of a semester. And again, I haven't updated as frequently as I had hoped. I guess that will be a New Years Resolution!
The second year of grad school has been going well--I've had the opportunity to participate in the Songwriters' Forum course. I honestly feel like I'm becoming a much better writer because of it--they even seemed to enjoy my sad Christmas song last week. :) But on the flip side, I'm working on a happy Christmas song (as we speak, actually.) I'll be posting it soon!!

Internship and work have been the greatest!! I've been interning for The Laurie Berkner Band and working with a 3rd grade class in Brooklyn. The third graders are the sweetest, most adorable creatures. I keep a journal just to write down all the cute things they say. New York has been crazy this semester!! I'm trying to do as much stuff as I possibly can while I'm still living here!!! The best, so far, have been the Tim Burton exhibit at MoMa, Jude Law in Hamlet, and Daniel Craig/Hugh Jackman in A Steady Rain, and The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. WOW.

Perhaps the most fun, though, has been wedding dress shopping! With the help of my cousins/best friend/roommate, I had an appointment at Kleinfeld (the Say Yes to The Dress store in Manhattan.) It was so much fun trying on dresses!!! And I think....I may have found the one. :) *sigh*

Anyway, here's a photo of our awesome Thanksgiving dinner in my little apartment---mom, Dave, former roommate, and current roommate cooked an awesome dinner!

Settled back in NYC, missing Michigan today!

2009-09-12T23:50:00.005-04:00

Alright, it's been officially a week since I've been back in New York City. Things are a bit different--new job this semester, yet-to-be determined internship, rearranged bedroom, and newly painted walls (thanks to my awesomely creative roommates.)
I've had two classes so far--songwriters forum and managing the performing artist. We already have a verse/chorus/verse/chorus assignment for songwriters class. We aren't supposed to use any old material, so I'm searching for lyric topics and inspiration. I've been working on kid's music so much recently, I haven't been writing the usual pop lyrics. So, this is great for me!! Speaking of kid's stuff....I am almost done with "Thankful"--a song about being home for the holidays with your family. I am really grateful for that time with my family, so hopefully kids will appreciate it too!
ps--I miss Michigan today because the Wolverines had a great day! :) GO BLUE! I can't wait to be able to go to a football game next season!

In other words, the fountain is up and running in Washington Square. See pics of the park and the new apartment walls.

One of my Songs Featured on Photography Website!

2009-09-10T22:38:00.007-04:00

Check it out! Andrew Knapik Photography is using "I Can Change Your Mind" on its website! Andy's my cousin-in-law and father of my baby cousins Evy and Logan (my sweet goddaughter)!

Check out his awesome work: www.kpiphotos.com

a wedding planning weekend

2009-08-31T22:46:00.003-04:00

this past weekend, dave/i/family made a whirlwind trip up to charlevoix to work out some more details of our destination wedding. we checked out four hotels and met with three caterers. one of the perks of being engaged is getting chefs to cook for you. we had an amazing chef, from charlevoix, prepare dave/mom/i a full dinner! she even cooked strictly vegetarian for mom and i. i have to rave about this meal (and I'll reveal her name after we actually choose someone!). we had a michigan salad with homemade dressing, fresh greens, walnuts, blue cheese, and soft apple slices. we also had homemade pasta with asparagus and thinly sliced zucchini and squash (which will still be in season in the fall when we have our wedding.) she has inspired me to go out and buy my first mandolin (i need to be able to slice veggies like that too!) who knew i'd get a cooking mandolin before an actual musical mandolin. *sigh* maybe someday...anyway, here's a pic of dave and i on the water! northern michigan is truly beautiful :)

Pesto!

2009-08-26T23:38:00.004-04:00

Most recent attempt at making fresh pesto:
So, I've done this before using mom's food processor. However, a couple weeks ago, I was cooking dinner for Dave and his family. I decided to make pesto because the basil plant was starting to outgrow its little home on the patio. So, I plucked most of its leaves (it was sad looking when I was done.) I mixed together all the basil, walnuts, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan cheese goodness! I was using Dave's blender instead of a food processor (I mistakingly forgot mine at home...) I was having trouble getting it to mix about, so I grabbed a wooden spoon to quickly stir things around. Since I was rushing around trying to get everything else prepared, I apparently didn't let the blades completely stop. So....the spoon became part of the pesto. I got out as much as I could, and the pesto still turned out great! Everyone is still alive who ate it, so I guess a little fiber doesn't hurt anyone. :)
To serve it, I buttered slices of baguette bread. I placed them on a baking sheet in the oven for about 10 minutes (to get nice and toasty on the bottom.) Then, I smeared goat cheese, pesto, and diced tomatoes on top. I baked them for another 5-8 minutes. YUM! Goat cheese is amazing! And because I was the only vegetarian present, I asked Dave to make baked lemon chicken! It turned out so pretty:

listen: new instrumental track

2009-08-11T00:44:00.002-04:00

so, i spent some time this summer working on instrumental music to submit to a movie soundtrack contest. even though my piece wasn't chosen, i had a really great time working on it. i've posted it under the music section: "i could change your mind." this was my first recording using pro tools! all by myself! yippee! it was really fun, and soooo much easier than my old means of recording...

2009-08-10T00:46:00.000-04:00

seriously, where has summer gone? allison made my website in april, and i have yet to properly update it!! i have made a promise to myself to get it all taken care of this week. then, my mom, dad and dave (the only people probably reading) can have something new to look at instead of "currently working on the website..."

i'll be moving back to new york in about 3 1/2 weeks. it's hard to believe. this has been an eventful summer in michigan, but it's almost time to ditch the car and return to the subway.

good nite.

2009-05-15T00:37:00.000-04:00

Currently working on the website....