ERMAHGERD! SIMON'S HOT DOGS

Okay guys.  We all know that hot dogs can go one of two ways - seriously amazing or seriously disgusting.  Since becoming a vegetarian four years ago, I have searched far and wide for a respectable veggie dog that weighs on the amazing side, but I have always found myself disappointed.  The dogs I've tried wind up rubbery or weird smelling or gray or non-edible or even... shiny.  I had pretty much given up my hopes of ever finding a respectable veggie dog when I arrived in Sedona, Arizona on a recent trip, but my gut told me that I should give it one more shot.  A quick smart phone search landed me at the front door of Simon's Hot Dogs smack dab in the center of the southwest's spiritual mecca.  With a 4.5 star rating on yelp, I knew that it was gonna be sweet hot doggy heaven!  As I walked in the door, I found myself greeted by friendly faces and a drool-worthly menu.  

Felipe (the man with the great smile pictured above) was super helpful and told me all about Simon's vegetarian and vegan options.  Simon's has the most amazing menu and caters to all diets (meat eaters included... so don't think this is one of those veggie joints that poo poos carnivores).  I opted for the vegan Hola Amigo.  Ermahgerd!  It was DELICIOUS.

In fact, it was so good that I ordered two more... ERMAHGERD!  Don't tell anyone.  But wait!  This place gets even better because... it's attached to A BREWERY!  I know!  Oak Creek Brewery to be exact.  An amazing hot dog and a tasty brew in beautiful Sedona, Arizona?!  COME ON PEOPLE!  It just doesn't get better than that.

BURGERING THE TOWN

FOUND FILM

I found a roll of film from a cross-country road trip I took three years ago.  Here are a few of the photos that actually came out (I aparently don't know how to shoot analog all that well).  Enjoy!

UNDERWEAR PARTY

IT WAS A VERY GOOD DAY

On Saturday my friends and I headed out for a mini road trip.  We drove out of the bounds of Connecticut and headed far, far, not so far away.. to the great state of New York.  As with any good road trip, we let the road lead us to new and exciting destinations.  We trekked across the Walkway Over The Hudson, a converted railroad bridge..

..And stopped to eat at Soul Dog.  If you're ever in the area get the quinoa chili.  Ahhhmazing.

After some intense google searching, we learned that there was a brewery on our way home.  We didn't know what to expect other than, well, beer... we were pleasantly surprised to find a converted loft on the water complete with ping pong, a live band and good vibes.

Overall, a most excellent day!

ELVIS WEEK

I spent the week of August 13th in Memphis, Tennessee soaking up Elvis Week 2012.  Elvis week is held every August in memory of the passing of the King of Rock 'n' Roll himself.  This year commemorated 35 years since his passing and, I can tell you from first hand experience, the fanbase has not dwindled.  Thousands of Elvis fans walked the streets of Elvis Presley Blvd. to show their dedication.

I've always liked Elvis' music, but I didn't know much about his history until recently.  What an amazing man.  Pure talent and determination.  He recorded his first hit at Sun Studio in the early 50's after a year of trying to get the attendion of Sam Phillips (the studio's founder).  A lot of people would have given up after a week, but Elvis stuck it out.  Thank goodness he did!  He opened the door for the music that exists today.

There's something really weird and wonderful about conventions.  You go from being one of the few people (if not the only person) in your social network that has some particular interest to being completely surrounded by a group of people that all share that interest.  What normally sets you apart from you usual pack becomes your main focus for a dedicated amount of time.  It honestly kind of intense.  What you may have been secretly really interested in comes into the light and is exposed for all to see.  

When I got to Memphis, I knew what I was coming into.. kind of.  I knew there'd be Elvis music, lots of sideburns, and maybe even a few tears.. but the week definitely surpassed my expectations. I got to visit Tupelo, Mississippi - the birthplace of Elvis.  We drove the same route that Elvis and his parent took to Memphis when Elvis was 13 years old.  We stopped in Holly Springs, Mississippi to visit Graceland Too (which is too wonderful for this already long blog post, so I'll be posting about it later).  We visited Beale Street where the blues started.  We stepped into the recording room of Sun Studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins all got their start and where countless famous musicians have gone to soak up just a little of the magic.  I put my head on the very spot where Elvis recorded "That's All Right (Mama)" back in 1954.  I felt the energy in the room.  I got chills.  I was inspired.  We met James Burton, Elvis' guirtarist and heard Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley talk about Elvis.  I heard a great episode of This American Life about conventions.  Definitely worth checking out and if you're ever near Memphis, Tennessee in August or January (to celebrate his birthday) or really any day of the year, be sure to stop in.  Visit Graceland.  Shake your hips.  You'll feel the spirit of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

JAZZ HANDS

This past weekend I had the extreme pleasure of attending Governor's Island Jazz Age Lawn Party.  Holy banana phone.. was this an amazing event.  Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra have been putting on the event for the past few years and each year the attendance gets bigger and bigger.  Everyone was encouraged to come in 1920's garb so I made sure to come with camera in hand.    

The band was simply spectacular.  I've always felt deeply connected with the music of the jazz age.  Something about it gives me the chills.  Walking into the event is definitely the closest that I've ever come to time travel (but not the closest that I ever hope to be..) - everyone dressed to the nines, jazz music in the air - the only difference being the incredible number of cellphones capturing photos for Instagram.  

This great period dance group called The Caravella's Canarsie Wobblers perfomed a few dance numbers during the party.  So much fun! 

Besides the band, the main attraction was definitely all of the period clothing that everyone was wearing.

Governor's Island is such a beautiful place.  I had never been before and I absolutely loved it!  It's only open to the public during the summer and early fall, so being able to visit for really special.  If you're ever in the area during the warmer months, be sure to take the boat ride over!

8.10.11 // premiere par-tay!

Yep. It's happening. Here's a flyer I made for the glorious event this Sunday night! If you're in the area, stop by!

8.9.11 // where i've been

It's been too long. I've been slacking on my blogging duties.. I know. Here's a peek into my past few months:

My sister and I were on Lingo! It's crazy what can come out of goal-setting and list making.. I had "Be in the audience of The Price Is Right.. and a contestant if I'm lucky!" on my 25 Before 26 list. Now, I know that Lingo isn't The Price Is Right... but it's LINGO!! And I was a contestant! So much fun! You can watch a little clip of the show here...

Seabirds, the vegan food truck that I work on, was invited to be a part of season two of The Great Food Truck Race on Food Network. I was ecstatic when my boss, Stephanie, invited me to come along. It was such an intense and amazing experience. I had no idea what went into reality television before being a part of one! Now I see Toddlers & Tiaras in a whole new light (not like I watch that or anything.. ahem.. ahem...) We got to take our truck all over the country.. which was AWESOME (you all know how I love road trips!) I can't give out too much information now, but you should DEFINITELY check out the shows Sunday nights starting August 14th. It's gonna be a fun ride! Here's our team's promo video..!!

I've also been doing a lot of art, which I adore. I've been in t-shirt design beast mode for a while now and hopefully some of my designs will get purchased soon!

february 7, 2011 // kung hei fat choy

This past weekend, a few friends and I headed to Butte, Montana for a Chinese New Year parade. I had always suspected that Montana was not the Chinese capital of America... my visit to Butte proved me right. Regardless, the fact that Butte celebrates the Chinese New Year at all is awesome! I mean, who doesn't love a good parade?

Actually, I don't think that you could really call what we attended a parade.. seeing as all the people who were there watching actually were the parade! I haven't been in a parade since I was a ten-year-old baton twirler, so I must admit that I enjoyed the experience immensely!

It's the Year of the Rabbit, which Chinese astrologers predict to be a year of peace, calm, leisure, and rest. I hope they're right because that sounds wonderful.

Is it just me, or does this rabbit look pissed about something? Maybe he was just cold...

We followed a Chinese New Year dragon around town while people clapped, lit firecrackers, screamed, and (as you'll see in the video below..) got jiggy with it.

...oh..and here's little something special because I reminded myself of this quality song...

Happy Year of the Rabbit everyone!