Monday, April 30, 2018

Sweetbitter



The bestselling novel about a young woman's coming-of-age, set against the glitzy, grimy backdrop of New York's most elite restaurants. Now a STARZ Original Series.

Now a TV series on Starz!


Newly arrived in New York City, twenty-two-year-old Tess lands a job as a "backwaiter" at a celebrated downtown Manhattan restaurant. What follows is the story of her education: in champagne and cocaine, love and lust, dive bars and fine dining rooms, as she learns to navigate the chaotic, enchanting, punishing life she has chosen. As her appetites awaken—for food and wine, but also for knowledge, experience, and belonging—Tess finds herself helplessly drawn into a darkly alluring love triangle. In Sweetbitter, Stephanie Danler deftly conjures with heart-stopping accuracy the nonstop and high-adrenaline world of the restaurant industry and evokes the infinite possibilities, the unbearable beauty, and the fragility and brutality of being young in New York.

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Instant Pot Wine



The thing is, I'm not so sure I trust the recipe. Particularly, the directions. Especially, where you get to the part of punching in the YOGURT SETTING. This is where it gets a lot more technical..sort of..or so I was led to believe.

See, we didn't have the Instant Pot with the Yogurt setting, but somehow we found a deal somewhere and ordered the thing. Waiting, practically at the doorstep to get it (in fear of those porch thieves). Got it on a Sunday morning....

And there the box set for about 3 weeks.

It was the boyfriend who wanted to do this, anyway. After all, he is the scientist. I'm just the 20-minute short cook, who sometimes, does not follow the instructions on the back the box.

We'd talked about the recipe. Not too many ingredients.

A cup of sugar
A bottle of 100% grape juice
& the wine yeast (which can be a hassle to find. Best get it online)

So we'd been discussing it for months off and on. It was a long winter. Other things came up. Finally, I took the plunge.

However, the boyfriend did not want to have a thing to do with making the wine. I had to do all that.

So anyhow, when you get to the YOGURT button on your instant pot, Hold it till it gets to LOW. Let the instant pot do its thing for 24 hours. It'll ding Yogurt the next day. You do the cycle all over again. Sure, the original recipe goes on for such a long paragraph about keeping this wine at 80 degrees. But its not like you can open the lid and check the temp..you might ruin the whole process.

Another important thing to the process is the VENT. Have it open to begin with. 6 to 8 hours, close it. Another 8 hours or so open it.

So have we drank it yet? Um, no. It has the last process to go through. The waiting period, up to 28 days.

The boyfriend, smelled it when we took off the lid (48 hours later) It smelled tangy. It was fizzy when we poured it back into the container and added the cup of grape juice we'd poured out and was waiting in the fridge. He said this was a good sign too.

He put some plastic over the lid which is not on tight and hid it in the back of our closet.

So..we are waiting. He's waiting for the dandelions to come out, too. He loves making dandelion wine..which will not be processed in the Instant Pot. Just the old-fashioned way.






Saturday, April 28, 2018

so here we are



I'm not sure what to do with this blog. Sometimes, I want to delete so much of it. Then I will find a post I treasure.

Should I go on and keep it in first person? Or fill it with little short fiction pieces? I doubt anyone will notice. I'm pretty sure they will never notice, either way.

Honestly, I'm the worst at Writer's group. I know my writing is hardly anyone's cup of tea, but its an outlet.

I've looked at other's writing on the subject of a writing blog. Some are pretty redundant in their quest for hope and peace. Which is totally great, but it's like reading the same bit over and over and what was the point after awhile? But they get nice comments.

Not that I'm after bitter comments.

For the most part, Blogspot is a quiet place. Practically silent these days.

Hopefully, soon I will get back to Ellie and Milo and Nico and Violet, but with the Polyvore upheaval I've been given this blank canvass to create, and I'm not sure where to go with those ongoing stories. Initially, it was other people who inspired me.

So be it..I might even divulge a little bit of my own adventures. Which has nothing to do with style nor fashionista wanna be.



Tuesday, April 24, 2018

The Last Black Unicorn


From stand-up comedian, actress, and breakout star of Girls Trip, Tiffany Haddish, comes The Last Black Unicorn, a sidesplitting, hysterical, edgy, and unflinching collection of (extremely) personal essays, as fearless as the author herself.

Growing up in one of the poorest neighborhoods of South Central Los Angeles, Tiffany learned to survive by making people laugh. If she could do that, then her classmates would let her copy their homework, the other foster kids she lived with wouldn’t beat her up, and she might even get a boyfriend. Or at least she could make enough money—as the paid school mascot and in-demand Bar Mitzvah hype woman—to get her hair and nails done, so then she might get a boyfriend.

None of that worked (and she’s still single), but it allowed Tiffany to imagine a place for herself where she could do something she loved for a living: comedy.

Tiffany can’t avoid being funny—it’s just who she is, whether she’s plotting shocking, jaw-dropping revenge on an ex-boyfriend or learning how to handle her newfound fame despite still having a broke person’s mind-set. Finally poised to become a household name, she recounts with heart and humor how she came from nothing and nowhere to achieve her dreams by owning, sharing, and using her pain to heal others.

By turns hilarious, filthy, and brutally honest, The Last Black Unicorn shows the world who Tiffany Haddish really is—humble, grateful, down-to-earth, and funny as hell. And now, she’s ready to inspire others through the power of laughter.

Monday, April 23, 2018

The Islanders


A series that was remarketed back in 2015 by Katherine Applegate still gives off a nostalgic teen vibe. that was originally written in the late 1990's under MAKING OUT. Recently, I found volume 3 at the Dollar Store. It was a happy treasure to consume.



Granted, these kind of books are not what's hot on the shelves these days when it comes to YA after such series like Hunger Games have taken over. It has to be epic. While this series features friends, boyfriends, bad boys, and manipulative best friends, as well as questions of will we or won't we be together?

There are a variety of characters to keep up with. Some are more original than others. Although, Lucas might be the one who tugs at your heart. While some just might make you angry.

Still, I love this series. And was happy to find it. After all, this time.

Sunday, April 22, 2018

edem soul music

Her Bio: Edem Kegey is a Vocalist. Edem was born in Maryland in 1991, and at the age of 3 began to sing. At age 7 she began to audition for jingles, and even a spot in her local church choir. After suffering a loss in her family at 9, Edem and her family moved to the Midwest.
When she was just 10 years old, she knew singing was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. When Edem sang at the John Beasley theater at 15 she was little frightened but knew this was the road to her dream.
From 15 to present, Edem has tried to establish a sound, that was not only unique but represented her Soul's Expression of Music.
When asked her belief on Music Edem said, "Music should be made from the soul, if you don't feel it, how can anyone else? I want to make music for the people. I want to create music that moves you in every way."

Reason

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YswzIOd9V8&feature=youtu.be

Lay it down

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP7YZabo32o

When I fall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNlengL5huw

Hejoleh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBOwyeCIvrg

Thursday, April 19, 2018

gunslinger girl


James Patterson presents a bold new heroine—a cross between Katniss Everdeen and Annie Oakley: Serendipity Jones, the fastest sharpshooter in tomorrow's West. 

Seventeen-year-old Serendipity "Pity" Jones inherited two things from her mother: a pair of six shooters and perfect aim. She's been offered a life of fame and fortune in Cessation, a glittering city where lawlessness is a way of life. But the price she pays for her freedom may be too great....

In this extraordinary debut from Lyndsay Ely, the West is once again wild after a Second Civil War fractures the U.S. into a broken, dangerous land. Pity's struggle against the dark and twisted underbelly of a corrupt city will haunt you long after the final bullet is shot.

This is Lyndsay Ely's debut and its explosive with its futuristic approach with a genuine wild side. If you are a fan of WESTWORLD you'll love it. Lots of trendy themes going for it. This one just might be the one to keep you up all night to finish.

Saturday, April 14, 2018

muc muc

OK, I love these and so want to make them in the most thrifty way possible. I find them cuddly. I like the idea that I can use a sharpie for the eyes and a bit of blush on the face.

So the Muc Muc is considered a Polish doll. Still, there is a folk feel to it. Maybe old country with a modern spin, finding a use for those leftover sweaters you've already made a hat out of. And sometimes, it's a good feeling to make something and to give a truly homemade gift. It's a great way to keep a memory of a piece of clothing. I also find them rather cuddly and huggable.

I work with someone who does a lot detailed work when she creates her sock creatures. As of yet, I have not been able to just go with the sock and let the sock do its thing. Yeah, she's that kind of artist.

I have found Grace Yen's sock art to be a lot of inspiration. Look her up on Pinterest.

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

April is Poetry Month!



A collection with a feminist ethos that cuts across race, gender identity, and sexuality.

Creative activists have reacted to the 2016 Presidential election in myriad ways. Editors Danielle Barnhart and Iris Mahan have drawn on their profound knowledge of the poetry scene to put together an extraordinary list of poets taking a feminist stance against the new authority. What began as an informal collaboration of like-minded poets—to be released as a handbound chapbook—has grown into something far more substantial and ambitious: a fully fledged anthology of women’s resistance, with proceeds supporting Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights.

Representing the complexity and diversity of contemporary womanhood and bolstering the fight against racism, sexism, and violence, this collection unites powerful new writers, performers, and activists with established poets. Contributors include Elizabeth Acevedo, Sandra Beasley, Jericho Brown, Mahogany L. Browne, Danielle Chapman, Tyehimba Jess, Kimberly Johnson, Jacqueline Jones LaMon, Maureen N. McLane, Joyce Peseroff, Mary Ruefle, Trish Salah, Patricia Smith, Anne Waldman, and Rachel Zucker.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Fiction Tuesday


It was unimaginable. When she was eight years old, Lily Decker somehow survived the auto accident that killed her parents and sister, but neither her emotionally distant aunt nor her all-too-attentive uncle could ease her grief. Dancing proves to be Lily's only solace, and eventually, she receives a "scholarship" to a local dance academy--courtesy of a mysterious benefactor.

Grown and ready to leave home for good, Lily changes her name to Ruby Wilde and heads to Las Vegas to be a troupe dancer, but her sensual beauty and voluptuous figure land her work instead as a showgirl performing everywhere from Les Folies Bergere at the Tropicana to the Stardust's Lido de Paris. Wearing costumes dripping with feathers and rhinestones, five-inch heels, and sky-high headdresses, Ruby may have all the looks of a Sin City success story, but she still must learn to navigate the world of men--and figure out what real love looks like.

With her uncanny knack for understanding the hidden lives of women, Elizabeth J. Church captures both the iconic extravagance of an era and the bravery of a young woman who dances through her sadness to find connection, freedom, and, most important, herself.

This book is nothing like Church's last book. You might enjoy this one more with its rich history of the nostalgia of Vegas. Still, not to say everything is beautiful in the story. Yet, you might find yourself wanting to find out what happens to Lily, especially with such a villain around like The Aviator. 

Saturday, April 7, 2018

nothing survives



OK, I'm not gonna deny it, I am going through Polyvore withdrawal. I don't think people realize the site and community was so much more than fashion. Most of us were not there for fashion, but for friendships and creativity.

Honestly, I would have never worn any of those high-end wardrobes. I'm either thrifting or going out to a sale at Forever 21, um maybe once a year. I get what need at Wal-mart.

But I found Polyvore as a tool I could use while blogging. I enjoyed the creative aspect of collages. There were so many real artists there. And NO nothing about fashion.

I had felt on edge this week. One person had been hacked on the site and her sets were deleted. Many were upset about this, but I felt it might be bigger. It might be coming where the whole site would go. I can imagine it being that prosperous. If it were making lots of money, I don't think the Polyfamily would want to sell out so fast. Also the Internet seems to have a lot more regulations in place than we probably know. And the Internet just isn't nearly as fun as it used to be. Especially, feeling you are being watched in everything you do.

This is probably only the beginning in this vast world economy of ours as more things tumble and fall to pieces in this bleak web of ours.

Nothing last forever.

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Its a sad day on Polyvore

One minute I'm hearting sets that I like on the so called fashion community app (which was much much more for those who enjoyed making collages and art) next minute I'm on Ssense which I can not make any sense of.

I don't think we will be able to be creative as we once were and have lost many friendships (worldwide) in the process.

Hopefully, some of the Polyvorians I once knew will find my blog, or http://elliencompany.blogspot.com/

Honestly, I don't know how Polyvore can get excited about this. It's devastating! I will miss my creations and creating collages there. I was on Polyvore for 5 years and just shy of 40,000 followers.

This is what I found at the Offical Blog of Polyvore... http://blog.polyvore.com/

Polyvore began 11 years ago with the mission of democratizing style and providing our community with a new way to discover and shop for things you love in fashion, beauty and home. Today we’re sharing with our global Polyfam the latest step on our journey: SSENSE, a pioneering international fashion platform known for its exclusive original content and curated selection of fashion and luxury brands, has acquired Polyvore. SSENSE will welcome our Polyvore community into their platform starting today. While this is bittersweet news, we’re excited for our community’s future within SSENSE!

We believe that SSENSE is the right community for the Polyvore members, and we’re inspired by their commitment to offering a directional mix of the most coveted labels in the world.

Starting April 5, 2018, the Polyvore website will discontinue operations and the Polyvore apps will no longer be supported. All of your content will be available so you can download your brilliant, inspired creations—to do so, please go to account-update.polyvore.com by May 10, 2018 and follow the instructions to request a download of your content. You will have until May 15, 2018 to retrieve that download of your content.

Unless you choose to opt out, we will share your username, email address and other Polyvore data with SSENSE so that they can contact you with information about SSENSE. If you would prefer that we do not share your Polyvore data with SSENSE, you can opt out of this sharing by May 15, 2018 by visiting account-update.polyvore.com. You can also create an account at SSENSE.com to start creating a wishlist and subscribe to their newsletters right away.

It's a mix!


Wednesday, April 4, 2018

April is Poetry Month!

April is Poetry Month!


The Poet X: A young girl in Harlem discovers slam poetry as a way to understand her mother’s religion and her own relationship to the world. Debut novel of renowned slam poet Elizabeth Acevedo.

Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking.

But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers—especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about. With Mami’s determination to force her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to herself.

So when she is invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she doesn’t know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out, much less speak her words out loud. But still, she can’t stop thinking about performing her poems.

Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent.

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

The Flight Attendent

Flight Attendant


Cassandra Bowden is no stranger to hungover mornings. She's a binge drinker, her job with the airline making it easy to find adventure, and the occasional blackouts seem to be inevitable. She lives with them, and the accompanying self-loathing. When she awakes in a Dubai hotel room, she tries to piece the previous night back together, already counting the minutes until she has to catch her crew shuttle to the airport. She quietly slides out of bed, careful not to aggravate her already pounding head, and looks at the man she spent the night with. She sees his dark hair. His utter stillness. And blood, a slick, still wet pool on the crisp white sheets. Afraid to call the police--she's a single woman alone in a hotel room far from home--Cassie begins to lie. She lies as she joins the other flight attendants and pilots in the van. She lies on the way to Paris as she works the first class cabin. She lies to the FBI agents in New York who meet her at the gate. Soon it's too late to come clean-or face the truth about what really happened back in Dubai. Could she have killed him? If not, who did?

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Jump into Spring

Jump into Spring!

Fighting a cold here as well as flurries! Happy Easter!