Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Architect & Urban Designer in ONE!

I just found this firm today, Gehl Architects, who works on both Architecture and Urban Design projects.

The owner just wrote a new book 'Cities for People' (which I am looking forward to reading), and he will be discussing the book next week at the AIA NYC.

Firms like this excite me, they are different, and they combine my interests :)



If anyone wants to go to the AIA with me on 9/14/10 at 6:00pm please email me, or respond.
I would LOVE the company!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Horoscope Sept 2010

I stopped reading my horoscope approximately 3 years ago, for many reasons.
However, I met the author of the website I used to read and decided why not look it over this month...
I found some very uplifting things, and while I still don't believe in horoscopes this made me happy :).

"This month, the move of benefic Jupiter into Pisces again, to brighten your ninth house of long distance travel, higher education, and study, will be a happy change. Jupiter will arrive September 9 and will remain there until January 22, 2011. "

"In that regard, pay close attention to the calls you receive on September 18, or in the days that lead up to that gorgeous day. Jupiter (gifts and luck) and Uranus (surprise) will line up perfectly to give you a chance to travel or study, and the news may come in quite spontaneously. "


"Thanks to Jupiter's retreat into Pisces, you have an ideal opportunity to go back to school, not only for a college degree or to attend graduate school, but also, if you prefer, to get training in a new field to make you a more attractive candidate for a new and better position. Few things change our lives as dramatically as getting more education, and it's the one decision that people say is the best decision they ever made. "
--Applying to Grad School --

"In terms of your career, your long-range outlook has never been better. Although Jupiter, the giver of gifts and luck, will temporarily exit your tenth house of honors, awards, and achievement on September 9, Jupiter will return to your professional sector from January 22 to June 4, 2011, giving you plenty of time to get your ducks in a row.
You can have talks this month, however, and you can also start to set your blueprint for the future, although you may have to tweak those plans a little later. Keep an open mind and keep pressing forward."

"September 23, which will light your tenth house of profession. It is the only full moon of the year in this area of your chart, and it falls at zero degrees Aries, considered a very energetic, forceful degree. This full moon will light the top of your chart, your solar house of career reputation - so you may hear news about a special career project, promotion, or major position you've interviewed for. With Jupiter so close to this moon, the news should be fantastic and you can give your answer without delay. "

"As said earlier, you may see a development in an important relationship on September 8 (plus or minus one day) but only if you're involved now with someone. Those who are not involved in a romance won't likely notice too much, although it could be in regard to a business alliance. "

" Life is heading in the right direction, dear Cancer - you will see that in time!"

" Of all the signs, you have some of the very best for finding true love or for fanning the fires of love you already share with someone. 

"You may be huddled with a sister or brother after September 8, too - a plan may begin to jump to life soon, one that the two of you have cooked up. "

http://astrologyzone.com

Against: International Burn A Qur'an Day

I cannot believe that this is what the world is coming to.
It makes me sad, It makes me worried, It makes me disgusted.

How would Christian's like it if there was an 'international burn the bible day'?
God represents Love.
To love is to accept others as they are, not to change them.
Accept one another, learn about their ways, you'll realize that Christians and Muslims are not as different as you think.

Please fight against this hate, and help preserve religious freedoms.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Michael Moore & Fahrenheit 9/11



I have spent the better portion of my life being told that Michael Moore is crazy, he doesn't know what he's talking about, and not to listen to him.
While he might be all these things, he also gives a very compelling argument for truth, and to show the American people what is being kept under wraps. He seeks to show us the things that we don't want to know.

While my personal feelings are still mixed about him, this movie shines light on the Bush administration and on what really happened before, during, and after 9/11.

Food, Inc.

Yesterday started out as a 'lazy day' relaxing and enjoying ourselves.
It ended with us becoming informed about food, health, and the government.

http://www.foodincmovie.com
http://www.takepart.com/foodinc

Food, Inc. is a movie that I have been told to watch over and over again, yesterday I finally did.
I cannot believe our government. I cannot believe the big business, but most of all I cannot believe my fellow Americans.

Long story short, big business has bought up over half of our nations farms, they run the farms like a factory, they pump all of the product full of things that do not occur in nature and are unpleasant for our bodies, they give the farmers no way out except to do what they're told, and the government backs them up and passes legislation to do so.

Like most other American's I didn't know that all of these additional chemicals were inside of my food, I didn't know that chickens could grow so quickly or that they could be genetically engineered to have 'larger breasts' because that what we want to eat, I didn't know that corn diets were extremely bad for the cows, I didn't know that companies keep farmers from using their own seeds and force them into buying their genetically engineered seeds, and I didn't know that I was unwillingly pumping all of this into my body.

This movie was knowledgeable, and has definitely changed the way I will be eating in the future.
Anyone who is eating American grown foods needs to educate themselves and watch this movie, or better yet do research on your own so you know what you're 'really eating'.
And help pass Kevin's Law.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Food for the Day.

Breakfast:
Oatmeal with Honey and a cup of coffee

Lunch:
Tomato, Cucumber, Salt, Pepper, Baby Spinach & Mayo sandwich
Hummus & Pretzels on the side

Snack:
Banana

(Snack we're going to ignore: Nerds)

Dinner:
Spinach Salad, with walnuts, goat cheese, and dried cranberries

A few recipies

Now that I've decided to look into a few healthy eating tips, I've also decided to try out a few recipes:

Lunch/Snack:
Tomato Tea Sandwiches:
Tomato, Cucumber, Mayo, Salt & Pep
(i make a similar version in wrap form, its a good healthy lunch).

Apple Quesadillas:

Melt some butter in a skillet, then lay a flour tortilla in the pan and top with grated cheddar and thinly sliced apple on one side. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden on both sides. Cut into wedges.
(Zucchini Q's are great too!)

Bean Roll Up:
Spread bean dip on a flour tortilla, top with shredded cheddar and roll up. Brush with vegetable oil and bake 10 minutes at 400 degrees F. Serve with salsa.

Jicama Sticks:
Peel a jicama; cut into sticks. Toss with lime juice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro, salt, sugar and chili powder.


Dinner:
To Be Continued....

Healthy Eating Tips

I am a fairly healthy eater, however lately it seems that my healthy eating habits are not paying off.
I've decided to enlist the help of the World Wide Web, and do a little research.

Here are just a few tips I've found:


(http://helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm)
Healthy eating tip 4: Fill up on colorful fruits and vegetables 
Fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet—they are low in calories and nutrient dense, which means they are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Fruits and vegetables should be part of every meal and your first choice for a snack—aim for a minimum of five portions each day. The antioxidants and other nutrients in fruits and vegetables help protect against certain types of cancer and other diseases.

Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day—the brighter the better. 

The brighter, deeper colored fruits and vegetables contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants—and different colors provide different benefits. Some great choices are:
  • Greens: Greens are packed with calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, vitamins A, C, E and K, and they help strengthen the blood and respiratory systems. Be adventurous with your greens and branch out beyond bright and dark green lettuce—kale, mustard greens, broccoli, Chinese cabbage are just a few of the options.
  • Sweet vegetables: Naturally sweet vegetables add healthy sweetness to your meals and reduce your cravings for other sweets. Some examples of sweet vegetables are corn, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes or yams, winter squash, and onions.
  • Fruit: A wide variety of fruit is also vital to a healthy diet. Fruit provides fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Berries are cancer-fighting, apples provide fiber, oranges and mangos offer vitamin C, and so on.
Make sure you're really getting whole grains. Be aware that the words stone-ground, multi-grain, 100% wheat, or bran, don’t necessarily mean that a product is whole grain. Look for the new Whole Grain Stamp. If there is no stamp look for the words “whole grain” or “100% whole wheat,” and check the ingredients.


Try different types of protein. Whether or not you are a vegetarian, trying different protein sources—such as beans, nuts, seeds, peas, tofu and soy products—will open up new options for healthy mealtimes.
  • Beans:  Black beans, navy beans, garbanzos, and lentils are good options.
  • Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios and pecans are great choices.
  • Soy products: Try tofu, soy milk, tempeh and veggie burgers for a change.
  • Avoid salted or sugary nuts and refried beans.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Grid

I am beginning the process of designing my portfolio, and I figure I should do it right this time.
The last few portfolios were not well designed, it was just throwing some photos on a page, drawing some lines around them and deciding that this was the 'best look'. However, this time I want to actually put some thought behind the layout, which is one of the most important features.

While brainstorming I have come upon an idea that I just can't shake, The Grid. The city grid, the streets and plots of land that create the footprint of the city.
I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate this into my lay out, to be both modern and functional. The more i imagine the better off I'll be.

Then comes the question, which city's footprint should I use? or should I design a new one that's never been seen? Maybe use a different one on each page? Maybe just use an abstract grid.... oh the possibilities.

One Million Acts of Kindness

http://www.onemillionactsofkindness.com

A few days ago, while I was at work, I came across a big blue and white sticker with the image of a dove and a website around it. This intrigued me so I turned the sticker over and on the back there was this websites mission statement:
"One Million Acts Of Kindness is a goal. A goal for each person to individually perform One Million Acts Of Kindness in their life. Can you imagine a greater goal for one’s life? It is a constant mind-set of kindness every day of your life for the next fifty-five years. Doing for others and kindness in your heart for everyone. It is my wish that you will dedicate your life to a charity… finding the passion in your heart for something or someone in need."

After reading this I got to thinking, why can't we do this? Why don't we all try to do just one 'act of kindness' a day? The world would be a much better place, and this man has a great mission!

While I personally haven't done anything spectacular lately for others, I am definitely more aware and am finding myself starting to notice there are a good deal of deeds we can do in one day that we never even notice, or think about.

Some Examples:
-When someone forgets their umbrella say 'excuse me' and give it back, they will appreciate it.
-Hold the elevator for someone
-Bake something and give it out to your friends and loved ones
-Simply saying 'Bless you' after a sneeze

If you do some small things like these you'll be rewarded with a smile and maybe a new friend.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Upbeat Profanities

Although this song may be filled with profanities, the beat, the tune sucked me in.

F**k You
-Cee Low Green

SF, My next lover

Dear San Franciso,

One day in the future when New York and I break up, I think you will be my next lover.
I need to know more about you, and your neighborhoods, your culture, and your life.
You are so beautiful from the outside, yet the inside is a stranger to me.
San Francisco, we will meet again down the road.

Levi's

The jeans of my youth.

They seem to be making a come back, or at least have more creative appealing ads this season.

I remember a time when I would only wear levi's, and all other jeans were off limits.
Then somehow it seemed that other cheaper jeans were better, and the levi's made their way out of my collection.
Well this year the Levi's are back.
They even have a new design out specifically for curvy women, which most of us are.

Yeah for the come back!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Shopping Galore!

It seems these days I stay home to try to save money, but I end up spending a good portion of my days shopping online (rather than working on my Grad School Apps or GRE :( ).

I have found some great deals though!

If you have the money or time, right now is a great time to shop, a good deal of summer clothes are on sale and very cheap; as well as most websites seem to have huge sales going on.

Below are some of my favorite looks of "right now" as well as some items that are on my "wish list for the Fall"


1. Nine West - Vanished $109
Oxfords are super cute, I've wanted a pair for the past year or 2 and I think maybe this fall I will finally spend the money.

2. Kate Moss
Apparently she wore this outfit in the spring, but I think it is a great Fall outfit.
Maybe even if it were paired with some Oxfords :)

3. Reese Witherspoon
Simple & Classy
Anyone can wear this, its simple but looks so nice, you can wear it just about anywhere.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Whole Foods

Grocery shopping, well shopping in general, is one of my favorite pass times.
All the beautiful fruit and veggies, all the meats, the cheeses, the nuts, the juice...
So many possibilities in one place.

One of my favorite parts of my new apartment is the fact that I can go grocery shopping at Whole Foods. This whole foods is not only in a great location, but it has 2 stories. The upper deck even has a bridge from one side to the other (which is where I took this photo).

If you are ever shopping at Whole Foods, and need a recommendation for a snack I recommend anything 'Annie's brand' and the Whole Foods Hummus with pretzels, YUM!