Feed

Young adult books are are great for several reasons: they tend to cut straight to the point, the plot is well-paced, and there are not a lot of taboos. This book has all of that, in addition to a terrifying portrait of a future where consumerism is all people know.
Titus lives in a world where people are outfitted with a feed at a young age; the feeds are chips that are Internet/television blends that inform the owner of sales going on, how much houses cost, and the most popular shows. During spring break, Titus and his friends travel to the moon, and meet Violet, who is home-schooled. She tells them that everything broadcast on the feed is actually making them easier to sell to, and actually destroying their brains. Feeds promote lesions on the skin, which marketers instantly dub "the latest trend," scramble news messages so the owners are unaware of the global effects taking place in a world where people literally live in their own bubbles, and can actually be hacked into like any computer.
Anderson has done a masterful job of creating a futuristic world where teenagers only speak in monosyllabic words (the TV show everyone watches is called "Oh? Wow! Thing!"), and parents are as empty-headed and consumer-driven as their children. Titus is such an intriguing character, with just barely enough sense to know that something is not right in his world, but too self-conscious to rock the boat. Although the book is written in Titus' hugely limited vocabulary, one of the strengths is that, after a few paragraphs, I found myself thinking in exactly the same few words he did and still understanding the book. In Feed, corporations have taken over school, trademarked it, and students take classes to learn what kind of products they should purchase. In our own world, soda companies have installed vending machines in school hallways; Anderson's imagined world just doesn't seem too far out of the realm of possibility. Parts of it gave me chills, and the other parts made me feel very aware of the amount of stuff I buy unnecessarily. This would make a great book club book, with lots of discussion points and connections to our own reality.

Thrown together

Dolman Top: Anthropologie
Canvas shorts: J. Crew
Sandals: Michael Antonio
Big-ass Hoop Earrings: H&M

Guys, I just haven't been very cute lately. This outfit was thrown together last week during a 'Welcome Home' group coffee date for a friend, and is the only outfit I've taken a picture of. I pinky promise to not let you down come Friday, though, and will look absolutely adorable!
Onto the outfit...
These shorts were a steal at J. Crew, and I'm so glad I got them! They're incredibly versatile, and go with anything, including this crazy printed top. The shirt was also a real bargain, and it's really not something I would usually go for. There's a lot going on: ruched sleeves, two mismatched prints, deep v-neck in front (and back!), and elastic waist. The great thing, though, is that it doesn't require any accessories, and has a really laid-back feel. I'm crazy about it, and am always looking for new ways to expand my clothing comfort!

Red Peppers and Quinoa

By now, you've probably caught on that I like to cook vegetarian meals, although meat is very much part of my diet. I adore vegetables, and like to try new ways of preparing them. It doesn't hurt that many vegetarian dishes are cheaper and healthier than some of their meaty counterparts, and often take less time to prepare. I definitely consider myself an omnivore, but definitely don't have to eat meat everyday to fill myself up.
These red peppers are filled with quinoa, a complete source of protein that's closely related to beets and spinach. It has a somewhat nutty, mild flavor, making it the perfect complement to the stronger walnut and salty parmesan cheese. If you can't find it, feel free to substitute couscous or even just rice. Plus, how cute does the quinoa look inside of the red pepper cups?

Red Peppers and Quinoa
4 red peppers
1 c. quinoa
2 c. water
1/2 c. walnuts, roughly chopped
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350. Prepare quinoa according to box instructions and set aside.
2. While quinoa is cooking, prepare peppers to be filled- cut off tops and clean out ribs and seeds. If bottoms are uneven, cut a sliver off to steady them standing up. Chop tops of peppers into small pieces, and toss in a bowl with walnuts, cheese and quinoa.
3. Stand peppers in a small casserole dish, and fill each pepper with grain mixture. Top with a drizzle of oil in each pepper and more parmesan cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is browned and peppers are tender when poked with a fork.
4. Take out of oven, and serve with freshly grated pepper on top. Delicious the day after, too, if you've got leftovers!

Edgy Workwear

Sundress: GAP
Faux leather belt: Bershka (Spanish F21 basically)
Vest: Target
Ballet Flats: Gap
Earrings: Gift from Patricia (John Paul's madre!)
Ring: Tiffany's via John Paul

Oh, I love love love this outfit! Initially my mom had to rope me into buying it because I wasn't crazy about the fit, but it's already proved indispensable this summer. Because it's a little longer than some of my other sundresses, I can wear it to work, and the blue/black motif looks fresh when paired with silver. And how great does the edginess of the belt look with a a summery dress and flats? It's a little unexpected, and works with the proportions well. I wore this outfit for work, and got tons of compliments on it!

Wookie Cookies!

After a long day of working, then taking your dog out, jogging, calling family to catch up and eating dinner, it helps to unwind with a delicious, hot-from-the-oven cookie. The best are homemade, and my recent favorites are called Wookie Cookies.
You may not know this, but my wonderful, handsome, funny boyfriend is a nerd to the nth degree. I love this part of him, and encourage it (when I'm not teasing him for loving Battlestar Galactica so intensely) with gifts like The Star Wars Cookbook. Not only is it the funnest collection of recipes I've seen in a long time (Boba Fett-ucine and Yoda Soda), but everything was developed for children to cook, making it easy. John Paul gets to be a Star Wars fan, and I get to bake; it's a win-win.
Now, I have a confession to make. In my haste to make these in time for a post, I added an extra 1/2 c. of white sugar. It made the cookies sweeter (though not as much as I had anticipated), and much flatter, so don't judge the cookies based on the pictures I took. Generally, these are chewy and delicious, with just a hint of spice. Break out the milk!

Wookie Cookies (adapted from The Star Wars Cookbook, 1998 by Robin Davis)
2 1/4 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice if you're out, like I was)
1 c. unsalted butter, room temperature
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. white sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. chocolate chip

1. Preheat oven to 375. Butter baking sheets and set aside.
2. Put the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a small bowl. Combine and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars using a hand mixer on high. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually, add flour mixture to butter mixture until blended. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. Scoop out rounded tablespoons and drop onto baking sheet. Repeat until sheet is full, and pop into the oven for 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove from oven once browned, and place on wire racks to cool.

To Do List

It is the summer, and I am finally done with grad school, but I still don't seem to have enough time to read all the books on my "To Read" list. There are simply too many wonderful books out in the world! I wish I had a prepared book review for today, but you are simply going to have to settle for a short, annotated listing of the novels and short story collections that will (hopefully) be popping up here on Wednesdays in months to come.

Currently Reading: Feed by M.T. Anderson

A fascinating, chilling satire on the consumerist society teenagers find themselves in. As babies, people are outfitted with a feed, a chip that is implanted into their brains that compels them to buy, buy, buy. Only 63 pages in, but am completely convinced that Anderson has reached into my brain and pulled out my fear that humans, in less than 100 years, will be exactly as he describes in his young adult novel.

To Read: American Music by Jane Mendelsohn

A war veteran who has been particularly traumatized begins physical therapy sessions with a young masseuse. During their appointments, both begin having visions of people neither knows: a man who loves jazz, a woman who cannot carry a pregnancy to term. Mendelsohn weaves the stories with the present-day, and connects everything back within 300 pages. Sounds a bit epic and thoroughly original.

Wilson by Daniel Clowes
An graphic novel for adults, Clowes sets up one-page vignettes about a pessimistic misanthrope named Wilson. He repeatedly attempts to engage in the world and others, but is knocked down every time. Wilson tries to connect with his ex-wife, young IT nerds, among others, but cannot get past the mundane niceties. Graphic novels are almost like palate cleansers for more wordy, description-laden literature, and I hope this one doesn't disappoint.

The Passage by Justin Cronin

Oh, y'all, this should be a delicious, spooky novel. Cronin has created a world where a military attempt to create a super-soldier has backfired, and vampires now wander the world. A small enclave of survivors live in the Colony, a government-built compound with technological defenses designed to protect those inside. The lights and walls are beginning to fail, though, and the small group of those left must find a way to remain safe despite the encroaching danger. I don't do a ton of vampire literature, but I'm intrigued by all the excellent press Cronin is getting for this novel, and his past works have won him the Hemingway Award.

North Carolina on My Mind

Few places relax me like Grandma's house in North Carolina. (However, the above picture is taken at a beach rental on Figure Eight Island, NC, a short drive from the aforementioned locale!) Her house is airy and light, with great vintage and antique accents, and is situated on the intercoastal, so there's always a lovely breeze. If I had my druthers, we'd spend weeks at a time on the deck, with her delicious orange yogurt for every meal. Alas, real life calls us back to DC.
In the times between visits, I can relive the moments by looking at these cute photos of our recent (quick quick!) visit.An elusive, halfway decent photo of Daddy with one of his daughters.
John Paul got really contemplative on the dinner mint chairs on the beach house deck.
We took a really fast boat ride. Luckily, Grandma's hat stayed on!
A fantastic storm rolling in over the ocean on Saturday night. I miss epic thunderstorms like this one.
My absolutely cute as a button Grandma In North Carolina and Daddy Man.
Grandma gave me this adorable umbrella as an early birthday present; now I just need a rainy day to show it off!

Homemade, Healthy Granola Bars

If you're anything like me, you use road tripping as an excuse to pig out on junk food. I generally pick up beef jerky and mini powdered sugar doughnuts to power me through a long drive; incredibly nutritious, and also possible to eat with your hands, no utensils necessary. I know, I know, I should make the effort and cut up apples and pack up grapes and maybe even fat-free cheese to munch on.
As I was perusing Smitten Kitchen yesterday (something one should never do unless in close proximity to a kitchen to promptly make everything she lists), I stumbled upon these homemade granola bars. They're easy, don't require utensils, and gasp! are moderately healthy! There's no egg to bind it, a modest amount of sugar, dried fruits and nuts, and even oatmeal! Everything is held together with peanut butter (YUM), a bit of honey, and a dab of corn syrup. I made them for the driving portion of our weekend, and couldn't stop eating them even before they had baked. Seriously, if you need something healthy and handheld, you've got to make these bars. Infinitely better than those prepackaged granola sugarbombs.
(Says the girl who relies on powdered sugar doughnuts for energy.)

Homemade, Healthy Granola Bars (adapted from Smitten Kitchen)
1 2/3 c. quick rolled oats
1/2 c. granulated sugar (use more for a sweetness akin to most purchased bars; use less for a mildly sweet bar)
1/3 c. oat flour (or 1/3 cup oats, processed till finely ground in a food processor or blender)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 to 3 c. dried fruits and nuts (I used 1 c. chopped walnuts, 1 c. chopped almonds, 1 c. dried cranberries)
1/3 c. peanut butter or another nut butter
6 Tbsp. melted butter
1/4 c. honey, maple syrup or corn syrup (I used honey)
2 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1 Tbsp. water
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8 x 8 pan in one direction with parchment paper, allowing it to go up the opposing sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper and the exposed pan.
2. Combine all the dry ingredients, including the fruit and nuts. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, liquid sweeteners and water. Add peanut butter and toss the wet ingredients with the dry until the mixture is evenly crumbly. Spread in the prepared pan, and press down firmly so everything molds to the pan.
3. Bake the bars for 30 to 40 minutes, until they’re brown around the edges. They’ll still seem soft when you press into the center of the pan but don't worry, they’ll set completely once completely cool.
4. Cool the bars in their pan completely on a cooling rack. If you'd like, you can move them into the fridge to cool after 20 minutes.
5. Once cool, use a serrated knife to cut the bars into squares. Store in an airtight container. In humid weather, it’s best to store bars in the refrigerator. They also freeze well.

What to Pack for a Weekend Trip: July Edition

John Paul and I haven't traveled together since New Year's! It's a pity, really, because not only are we great travel buddies, but we also like being around each other a lot. When I heard that my Daddy Man and Karen were going to be visiting Grandma in North Carolina this weekend, the wheels in my mind started turning, and I convinced JP to make the trip down to Wilmington for the a few days. It's the best of both worlds: we can see family and get away from the city at the same time!
I'm not a great packer, but seem to be getting marginally better as time goes on. For this three day trek to the beach, let's start with the bottoms.
A pair of worn-in, boyfriend jeans. Can be worn cropped or long. Gap
Jean shorts. Wear with shorts or bikini top. Gap
Khaki shorts. Wear for dinner, no bathing suits. J. Crew
Cute skirt. For bathing suits or shopping adventures. J. Crew
Bathing suit cover up. For taking good care of our skin! Gap (wow, are you noticing a trend?)
Drapey shirt. Can be worn with shorts or as a cover up. H&M
A variety of lightweight tops. For dinners, lunches, whatever. Striped- F21, Giraffes- H&M, Green- Anthropologie
Several bathing suits to mix and match. All Gap.
Throw in some brown sandals, a pair of flip flops, and unfussy accessories and you're all set!

John Paul's Balsamic Chicken

There are a lot of reasons for me to love John Paul, and near the top of the list is his deep love of food. The man loves all things culinary: tools, cooking food, the science behind food, and above all, eating great food. We can't afford to eat out a ton, but it doesn't even matter. We eat really well at home, and a lot of that has to do with my man's uncanny knack for putting different flavors together without a recipe. He has no fear in the kitchen, and somehow, things turn out miraculously well when he's there.
One of our go-to dishes is a balsamic marinated chicken that John Paul concocted one night, when our fridge was empty (the dreaded "day before grocery shopping" syndrome refrigerators are known to come down with) but for chicken. We generally have the other items in the recipe in the pantry, and it pairs really well with a salad or even just white or brown rice. The balsamic vinegar caramelizes a bit in the pan, leaving the chicken and onions with tangy sweetness that's incredibly delicious and refreshing. All in all, balsamic chicken is hard to go wrong with, and I think you'll be reaching for this recipe when you want to impress people with minimal effort.

John Paul's (Apparently Well Known) Balsamic Chicken
John Paul would like me to convey that he cooks by eyeballing, so these measurements are not exact. Use as much or as little onion or chicken as you'd like, or substitute tenders for thighs for a lighter version (as we did in these pictures).
2 shallots, diced
1/2 onion, diced
1/3 c. balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. chicken thighs, thawed and ready to cook

1. Combine ingredients in a medium bowl, and let marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Heat large saute pan on medium-high. Dump all ingredients from bowl into pan, and let cook, until chicken is opaque throughout, about 7-10 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from pan, but allow onions and shallots to continue cooking an additional 5 minutes. This will give them a great caramelized, sweet taste.
4. Remove onions and shallots from heat. Serve over salad or rice.