Young at heart, long in tooth

I know, it's been a long time since I've contributed to this blog. One of my dozens of resolutions is to rectify that.

With that, I offer my first blog of 2010. A short but sweet notice that the documentary film Young at Heart, which I missed in the theaters, is premiering in full on PBS on January 12 (that's tomorrow!). Even if you have to DVR it, like I do, you should plan on watching it. The acclaimed documentary follows the Young@heart chorus, a gaggle of grannies/grampies from New England who sing everything from "Coldplay to the Clash" (ok I stole that from the website).

Check your local listings for exact times. And peep this amazing find: David Byrne and the chorus:

Project Runway -A Forgettable Season

I should start by mentioning this: I have been a loyal Project Runway fan from the start. I remember waiting for that first episode, chomping at the bit to see what sort of crazy creations Bravo's producers would bring to light on cable TV. From day 1 in December of 2004, I felt not an ounce of regret as I began to plan my schedule around each weekly episode.

That first season took my secret-fashionista mind to places I never thought it could go. From corn husk and beach chair dresses, to jersey wedding gowns with red accents and dip-dyed glamour, the crew of Season 1 participants failed to disappoint. Maybe it's because Jay McCarroll remains my favorite designer from PR (and also the winner of Season 1) that I've been continuously disappointed in the rest of the characters each season. (Or maybe, it's because Austin Scarlet remains my number 2.)

In Season 2, Chloe's collection reflected patterns and colors that looked like something my baby dolls wore. Santino was good, but the producers focused so much on his bullying and his arguing with the judges that it made it tough to decide whether his looks were getting better or worse... Season 3 is barely worth a mention.

Christian Siriano and Jillian Lewis provided a little fun (albeit not incredibly unique) in Season 4. And in Season 5, Leanne Marshall had a hit with her collars and pleats... but her design aesthetic was definitely a one-hit wonder.

Which brings me to now. As I turn to my on-demand to review what I already know - that Irina wins, despite being a catty, generic designer... I'm starting to wonder if I should even bother.

Project Runway (and Lifetime TV) must up the the wow-factor in upcoming seasons. It's not just the execution of garments that matters. It's the ideas behind the creation of garments that matter. It's not just imporant that designers can sew - it's important that they push the limits of convention and present the judges (and the audience at home!) with innovative, beautiful design and construction that remind us why we should keep watching.

Because let's be honest - if I want to see one more ready-to-wear dress or belted sweater, I can always go to the Gap. Or sew it myself.

As fall changes to winter...

Autumn is, for the lack of a better word, the most magical season. There's something about the beginning of the natural renewal process in Fall; the leaves change, then fall, and paint neighborhoods in a new light. Soon after, winter meets fall - bringing with it chills and perhaps, if you are lucky, a couple of snow-covered December mornings.

With that, we're going to get a little Oprah on you - presenting just a small selection of our favorite fall-ish things (in no particular order):

1. Boots. Sure, maybe this just applies to ladies, but compliments increase exponentially in these shoes, which makes us think that its not just us who like 'em. Target has boots between $15 - $30 that certainly do the job.
2. Hiking: Is there a better time to check out the Billy Goat Trail? Probably not.
3. Crisp mornings: Nothing makes getting up easier in the morning than a walk to the DC Metro littered with leaves, well except...
4. Pumpkin-flavored goodies: it used to just be pumpkin spice lattes, but pumpkin flavored stuff is one of the best things about fall and fall mornings. Muffins, doughnuts, soups, beers-- and bonus points if these items are accompanied by cream cheese frosting. Pumpkin whoopie pies HIGHLY encouraged.
5. Crisp apples: For when you get sick of pumpkin flavors... I bring you the apple. Consider making the Neely's homemade apple sauce. I have had it on pancakes drenched in syrup and... it was gooood.
6. Scarves: instant cool that keeps you warm. Fake black pashmina from the scarf vendor at M and 19th? Yes please.
7. The arts scene: The fall is a high-time for plays in DC. Check-in with the Washington City Paper or the Washingtonian to figure out what fun plays are going on in any given week.
8. Charlottesville: There's no excuse nor reason good enough for not going to Charlottesville this fall. A 2 hour drive will land you in the center of Virginia wine country - an excellent place to sample a good red, check out the autumn foliage, and eat some excellent food.
9. Mulled wine (perhaps, with a little brandy...)
10. Winter beers: Whether you are charmed by the likes of a Full Moon, Fireside Nut Brown, or Pursuit of Happiness Winter Warmer Ale (which tastes a bit like pine) - these beers are bold, range the spectrum of dark and light, hoppy and smooth. Definitely check out Churchkey or one of these well-known haunts for a cask ale!
11. Soup: There are a million and one ways to make soups - and fall is the perfect time to turn all the crap that is going bad in your fridge into a soup or stew that will last for a week (and longer if frozen!).
12. C-A-P-S... It's that time of year. Time to check out everyone's favorite DC team (read: the only team that consistently brings in winning seasons). Grab a sweater and hit the Verizon Center - or just saddle up at the Green Turtle and catch the action from right outside.

So, there you have it. 10 + 2 reasons to be excited about the turning of the seasons. So put on a snuggie, grab your boyfriend and girlfriends, your kitties and pups, and think about how you can make the best of autumn in DC.

This Season's Big Match-up: Art on the Avenue vs. Crafty Bastards

Fall makes me think of pumpkins, apple-picking, cider, Octoberfest, Halloween, and the beginning of the craft season. I've already broken out my knitting needles (that's right) and started working on a few home-made Christmas presents (that's right)!

Local churches, community centers and streets have opened their doors to local and regional artisans and crafters pushing their goods. I find a lot of inspiration walking from booth to booth at these shows, but get especially giddy when I think of Art on the Avenue and Crafty Bastards. This year, they fell on the same day; I chose to visit Art on the Avenue since it was located 2 blocks from where I live and I hadn't been before. Recreationaluse and Keiai enjoyed their Saturday afternoon checking out Crafty Bastards.

Having been to Crafty Bastards a few times, I will say it is a must-attend. The vendors are young and spunky — I especially love the guy who carves intricate details into leather belts, but typically walk away with screen-printed t-shirts. The crowd is more DC-centric, younger, and more art focused. I chose not to attend this year, because I saw a lot of repeat-vendors the last time I went. I hope giving it a season's break will make it fresh and exciting for me next go. Check out my Venn Diagram of the two events below... despite the harsh words, I think you'll find more bang-for-your-buck at Crafty Bastards. It's a great time to just stroll around with friends, whether listening to music or buying a screen print.

As opposed to Crafty Bastards, I discovered Art on the Avenue has a heavy family focused. We scooted around many baby carts and lots of leashed dogs, and kid crafts took up a number of booths. Though at my age I'm not a huge fan of babies, slow moving pregnant moms stopping in the middle of their walk, or kids whizzing past me on skateboards, it made for good people watching. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of quality food too! Crab cakes, Indian Food, Pulled BBQ, Pizza — there was a vendor at the end of every block. I thought the quality of crafts was overall (stress overall) higher than CB, but then I think the spending power of those who attended the Alexandria event was higher. My favorite vendor was creating beautiful Ukrainian Egg Decorations. Not my style of jewelry, but still — what an art! And I discovered a purse I could not walk away from.

Yet I have to wonder... how has the popularity of etsy.com affected craft fairs? I took a peek online and found many of the same type of crafts found at each market for much cheaper. Nothing compares to being able to hand-pick crafts and jewelry, and having an actual dialogue with the artist... but so many things are turning to the web these days, even crafting!

I wanted to go old school and drew up a quick-and-dirty Venn Diagram for your pleasure.
Do you think it is accurate*? Which would you attend?
*thanks to Katie for the hot tip on the free bike valet!
For future use: CraftyBastards and ArtontheAvenue

The way they get by...

The title The Way We Get By might seem familiar, but likely what you'll recall is a Spoon song. The documentary film of an almost identical name, however, is vastly different.

The Way We Get By profiles three Maine Troop Greeters, a volunteer league of older folk who give out hugs and handshakes to troops at the Bangor airport. "Fun" factoid: the majority of American soldier traffic travelling to and returning from Iraq comes through Bangor. The loyal legion that formed in 2003 greeted over half a million troops by the end of the film.

The documentary follows three over-seventy greeters--Joan, Jerry and Bill. In addition to documenting their devotion to the servicewomen and men, the film tackles the trials of these aging do-gooders. All three, for example, face health problems, two of which threaten to be fatal. They outlive their loved ones and livelihoods, hitting the decades after retirement sad and alone. They illustrate how sullen the golden years can be.

And yet in spite of their daily dilemmas, the three dedicate themselves to the charge of giving the troops a warm welcome. They illustrate the benefits of beneficence too. Joan walks sans walker, for example, while volunteering. Bill smiles over his sadness.

The documentary is heartwarming and gut wrenching. It's hard to watch these elderly acknowledge the realities of aging. We all want to believe that the old are at peace with growing such, but it's simply not the case. And that's the most poignant part of the poem... the wisdom that's come with age allows them both to reflect on their realities, and put it them in perspective... especially with the mirror of the troops' realities shining back on them.

Ben's Next Door

I'm in love, I'm in LOVE, I'M IN LOVE! Thanks recreationaluse for introducing me to my latest crush.

"I'm not sure where to begin. Location? Draft Selection? Friendly Staff? AMAZING food??? I'm just going to dive in.

Four of us gathered for Happy Hour at peak time, and we were able to secure seats at the bar and get our drinks with no problem. We each picked our poison, ordered some food, and hung out for a good 2 hours. Drafts Drafts Drafts! Peroni, New Castle, Bud Light, Sam's Seasonal, Stella Artois, Kona Long Beach, Blue Moon, Heine, Purple Haze. By now we know I love having the ability to choose from a wide array of beers. My favorite bars are always chalked full of light, dark, seasonal, hoppy & smooth — a little taste for everyone! Next Door had choice, in spades..."

see it in full, barhoppy

Food that's anything but square: Chorizo Sweet Potato Frittata Bites

Fact: Found by a Friend contributors like to eat and drink. And though we all like going out on a Thursday night and chowing down on delectable happy hour delights around town... well, sometimes, there's nothing better than a weekend trip home to see the parents and get fed like queens.

In celebration of my big brother Sammy's 36th birthday, my mom made a feast fit for gods and goddesses. Cheese and crackers to start, paella to lead, my sister's pumpkin trifle (which also equals heaven) to close...

But the star of the show: Appetizer #2: Chorizo Sweet Potato Frittata Squares (from Susan Simon, The Nantucket Holiday Table). My mother was inspired to buy a Nantucket recipe book by both a trip up north and watching Ina Garten poke around her kitchen while cameras show, well, sensual shots of her mixing, beating, and folding ingredients into food.

There's no reason to beat around the bush in this post: these baked squares are perfection. We adapted the recipe by squeezing the roasted sweet potatoes from their skins rather than mashing, skipping the bay leaves... but I'm sure they're a fine addition.

Chorizo Sweet Potato Frittata Squares

I can see these making an appearance at tailgates, holiday parties, and potlucks all season long. They taste delicious served hot or room temperature; they hold their shape and have color. The combination of sweetness from the potatoes, spicy from the chorizo, and salty from the eggy filling and crust all satisfy a variety of tastes in one serving! And they are easily adapted for vegetarians - simply use Soyrizo. Serve squares with a side salad and you will have happy customers.