buericana

Pac Heights

2011-04-19T18:50:00.002-06:00

The apartment hunting experience in San Francisco was absolutely crazy. Obviously, we focused on Craigslist. Each open house we arrived at had more people attending than the next.

With a scheduled appointment, we found ourselves in Pacific Heights. It has parking. It has laundry in the building. It's a fine size. It's in a great neighborhood. We're within walking distance to Russian Hill and Fillmore. We have the most amazing view.

We move 3 weeks from today. Holy. Crap.

San Francisco

2011-03-18T17:23:00.002-06:00

John matched at his #1 choice of residency, the University of California, San Francisco. We had a good feeling about it and that was confirmed at noon yesterday. Now, we have less than 90 days to find an apartment and move west.

Life in Florida, now, as we know it

2011-03-07T20:04:00.004-06:00

I have the most amazing grandparents. Ever. My grandfather is 88 and is just the sweetest, most charismatic person ever. He wins EVERYONE'S hearts. My grandmother is my mother's mother. She hasn't been doing so well lately. Her dementia has been progressively worsening for years. In October, she fell. This weekend, my grandfather said that the day it happened, she very clearly said "Hank, I think I broke my leg."

Since then she has been in a nursing home. It is absolutely heart-wrenching to see my grandfather take care of her. He lived this several years ago with his brother several so has a very clear picture of this road. He is panicked and frustrated and sad and scared and lonely. In October when she was in the hospital, I heard him whisper to her that when she was better, they'd take a vacation- just the 2 of them. It chokes me up just typing this.

The only things I can do is continue to mail him cookies. He also loves these puzzles

19

2011-02-26T13:35:00.003-06:00

Holy Crap. 19 days left. John got a call from his number one choice of residency programs and they indicated he would match there. On one level, I'm beyond happy because we got our #1 choice. You cannot imagine how hard he has worked for the last 8 years to make this happen. On the other hand, I feel a little robbed of the excitement that was supposed to be March 17. While, it will still be exciting but the text from John with the information just wasn't the same experience.

Our house is on the market. Think of the down payment as a sunk cost, at this point. All we can hope is that someone likes it and offer above our mortgage's pay-off amount.

53

2011-01-23T21:15:00.002-06:00

53 days until John finds out where he has matched for his residency program for neurological surgery. Top 3 contenders:

University of California, San Francisco
Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard)
New York Presbyterian (Columbia)
University of Washington

106 days until graduation.

Providence Canyon!

2009-07-04T16:44:00.002-06:00

John and I hiked Providence Canyon recently and had an amazing time. About 3 hours outside of Atlanta, it's a great day trip. We're headed back for when the leaves change.

Tips on What To Do BEFORE your Wallet is Stolen

2009-05-12T19:02:00.004-06:00

I was in Montreal recently and although my understanding is that the city is safe, I was either pickpocketed or a good samaritan found my wallet but forgot to mail it back to me. Either way, it's gone.

A few recommendations when you have a spare 10 minutes.

Take an inventory of your wallet now
Toss out old, expired items you don't need
Record every single thing you plan on keeping from your AAA card to major credit cards
Record the correpsonding US and International phone numbers for each card
Document your driver's license number and expiration date
Save this file if you feel comfortable or print it and leave it in a safe place in your home
Make a copy of your driver's license and car insurance (if you keep that in your wallet)
Oh and don't even think about carrying your social security card in your wallet. That should stay at home!

Doing these steps now will prevent you from having to rack your brain when something happens. Everything is in one place when need it.

Update this document every 6 months.

Trust me. It's worth spending the time.

Cheers!

Couple on Vespa

2009-02-22T16:05:00.002-06:00

I ordered this print from le papier studio for my husband for Valentine's Day. While I think it ultimately turned out really well, it was really hard to find a frame. The description said the print measured 5x7. There was no way it would have fit into a 5x7 frame as it was way too long. Also, even if it did, there was too much white space on the sides. I went with the 5x5 frame below and am hapy with how it turned out. The frame is from Sam Flax. It was the last one of its kind- it didn't even have a box anymore.

I've actually had a hard time finding frames for the etsy prints I've ordered recently. Two sets of prints from different dealers required 8.5 x 11 frames. Cute frames of this size are not easy to find. I wish etsy dealers would consider sizing their images so they fit standard sized frames well.

Inauguration Day

2009-01-20T07:32:00.002-06:00

Words cannot express what today means. I am deeply thankful for Obama for so many reasons.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-29T12:19:00.003-06:00

Hope everyone had a Happy Chris-ma-hanu-kwanza-kah and has a safe and happy new year!

Tasty Lentil Recipe

2008-11-17T07:04:00.003-06:00

I made this recipe last night complements of Whole Foods:

Red Lentils with Garlic and Onion

Serves 6
Make sure to add the salt to these lentils only after they're cooked. If added before, it will take longer for them to get tender.
Ingredients
2 cups uncooked red lentils, rinsed
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
12 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
6 cups cooked brown Basmati rice

Put lentils, turmeric and 4 cups water into a medium pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are very soft and pulpy, about 25 minutes. Add salt to lentils after cooking, then purée in blender and set aside.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until golden brown, taking care not to burn them. Add onion mixture to lentils and stir well. Serve hot, with basmati rice on the side.

My notes. I had lentils that were already halved so there was no need for me to puree them. Sweet! Also, I served the dish with pita bread, rather than rise.

Lastly, this recipe would have been tough had I not used my handy, new device from Crate and Barrel.

Amazing.

2008-11-05T07:44:00.003-06:00

I was at Rockefeller Center last night to watch NBC's coverage. It was unreal!

Here are a few more pictures from last night.

Video below is of when Virginia was called and Obama won the presidency. Sorry if this gives you vertigo.

Vote Obama-Biden.

2008-11-02T15:14:00.003-06:00

Anyone else feel like their life is standing still until Wednesday?

I used Alton Brown's sugar cookie recipe. They are not too crisp nor too sweet. The sweetness is clutch considering there are three layers of icing on these babies.

Rainbow over Atlanta

2008-10-12T11:17:00.002-06:00

I walked out of Marta on Friday and saw a huge rainbow. It was a complete arch that went across the entire sky!

October 5, 2006

2008-10-07T06:00:00.002-06:00

For our second year, John and I went to Sunday in the Park at Oakland Cemetary. It's a nice little event and was even more interesting this year because we got to see residual tornado damage.

You'll find Margaret Mitchell at Oakland:

Lastly on our walk back towards Grant Park you can find Mona Lisa:

Vote!

2008-10-03T15:23:00.003-06:00

I got out the vote early today. In an out in 15 minutes. Pretty good experience overall. Vote Obama-Biden!

Etsy Rave!

2008-10-02T18:46:00.002-06:00

The minute I saw the drum diagram t-shirt at Slowshirt's, I knew I had to get one for John. The fit is great and it came very quickly. Huge rave!

September 20, 2008

2008-09-27T11:04:00.000-06:00

View from my hotel room this week:

Times Square (Vote!):

September 19, 2008

2008-09-27T10:11:00.002-06:00

After a bizarre dinner at Cafe 6 Sixty, John and I got ice cream at Jake's in Irwin Street Market. I, your standard Chocolate Slap Yo Mama while John tried a new Unfor'goat'able. Goat cheese and blackberry ice cream. Pricey, but worth it.

September 18, 2008

2008-09-18T13:00:00.006-06:00

John and Townhouse spending some quality time together, apparently bathing, last night.

Cinnamon-Ginger Cookies

2008-09-18T13:00:00.005-06:00

a.k.a Biscotti dello Canella-Zenzero
(adapted from Cooking Light Septemer 2008)

1.5 cups of flour
1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp grated nutmeg
dash of salt
6 tbs butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 tbs fat-free milk
3 tbs molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
cooking spray

1. Combine flour and next 6 ingredients, through salt. Stir with whisk.
2. Combine butter and sugar in a medium bowl and beat witha mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in milk, molasses and vanilla extract.
3. Add flour mixture to butter mixture and beat on low speed until blended. Shape dough into a 6-inch disk.
4. Cover and chill 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
6. Shape dough into about 30 balls (about 2 teaspoons each).
7. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Flatten balls lightly with a spoon.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on pans for 4 minutes. Remove and cool completely on racks.

I made these last night. They were mild. Not soo sweet and very tasty.

Pottery Barn finds

2008-09-18T13:00:00.003-06:00

A post from Design*Sponge recently made me flip through the Pottery Barn catalog I got in the mail yesterday.

I love this chandelier (also featured by Design*Sponge). I think it would be too much for our little place but it is definitely unique:

John and I have also been looking for a great wall piece for our dining room. I think we've finally found a winner but wonder if we can recreate this ourselves with smaller mirrors:

Homemade Granola

2008-09-14T14:55:00.003-06:00

6 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup coconut
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/2 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
Cooking spray
1/4 cup dried fruit of your choice

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
2. Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Add syrup, honey, juice and extract. Toss well.
4. Spread mixture evenly onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
5. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
6. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container

Yield: 10 servings (serving size = 1/2 cup)

Etsy Rave

2008-09-14T10:39:00.002-06:00

I recently bought this stationery from Simplesong. They really are gorgeous and the quality is excellent. Huge rave!

September 13, 2008

2008-09-13T15:03:00.006-06:00

Saturday. Yay! Today after dropping off some old clothes to the Salvation Army, John and I went to my very favorite place in Atlanta, Star Provisions!

With Day of the Dead approaching, Star Provisions had cute merchandise and treats for the holiday.

The cafe has the most amazing treats. We've had the cupcakes before (obviously tasty) and (whether or not John knows it) I've had the caramel marshmallows (amazing, sickeningly sweet).

Today we tried a concha and a palmier. Delish. The concha could have been used as bread for a fancy sandwich. Perhaps gouda with carmelized onions? Or butter. While it was good plain, it would have been amazing with real butter. The palmier (a.k.a. elephant ear) was crisp and yummy.

Local farmstand outside of Star Provisions. Gorgeous!:

September 12, 2008

2008-09-13T14:53:00.004-06:00

I coordinated a happy hour event for the women's group in the office this afternoon at Table 1280. FYI, this place is ideal for lunch interviews. Best crabcakes ever.

The drinks were strong, the food was pretty good. For $100 for each platter below, I felt the cheese was a good value but not the "tapas". Really, gherkins, hot peppers, etc.? When I heard tapas, I assumed warm food or tuna tartar. Oh well.

J.Crew: What I'm Lusting After

2008-09-13T14:52:00.001-06:00

Today's J.Crew post is inspired by today's events. First, I went to yoga today and it made me want fun new yoga clothes. While I'm all about going to Target for workout gear, I just wanted to give a shout out to J.Crew attempting to have a yoga-wear product category. I think they have a limited offering of these items in stores. Wonder how it's doing. . .

The skirt below comes in several colors. They are so cute and colorful. However, I don't get how J.Crew can pull off keeping bare legged girls in peep toe heels as long as they do into Fall. Every year I think to myself, aren't these people cold? Do they walk to work in New York?

Lastly, I'm keeping my eye out for a peacoat for my husband. He'd look so European in it.

September 9, 2008

2008-09-12T05:55:00.002-06:00

My company had a happy hour on the Rooftop Garden on Fifth Avenue and 27th Street with our parent company and sister companies.

The mini pizzas were delish. The crabcakes were fishy. The view was great!

J.Crew: What I'm Lusting After

2008-09-07T06:19:00.003-06:00

I do not need or want sleeveless shirts. When do people wear them? At work, my arms would freeze and I'd have to throw on a cardigan or something which would completely miss the point. But I do love this with dark, cropped jeans:

Although I have officially abandoned strapless dresses (feel too bare with pixie short hair), I love this print and are those pockets??? Love pockets:

J.Crew had silk or satin polka dot dresses last year in a silver and green I adored them but the colors held me back. I should also note I hardly even wear the dresses/skirts I already have. Bad Erica bad. I need to go through my closet. Anyways, this red I love and the neckline is even more interesting than last season's base style:

At $378 this is well outside my price range but I am in search of a new bag for fall. I bet I can get something similar to this at a Fort Lauderdale flea market for like $20:

Lastly, J.Crew has a great section on their webpage now for a black and grey palette. I love it particularly since I started transitioning a lot of my fall buying to be black, grey and white. This seems counter to what's shown in my J.Crew posts. I love color but I was in a meeting recently where I realized everyone was wearing black. I'm in retail so these were with the chief marketing/visual officers and chief merchants. It was so chic and I felt so out wearing whatever color I was wearing that day.

September 6, 2008

2008-09-06T19:03:00.002-06:00

Red Cruiser blogged this site for lavender recipes recently. I bookmarked it instantly since I had bought dried lavender from the Farmer's Market some time ago and still hadn't used it.

At Whole Foods today I bought butter and a new bag of whole wheat flour. All set!

John and I don't need 3 dozen cookies so I decided to half the recipe. Brown sugar, oatmeal, egg, flour, baking powder. All halved. On accident, milk, vanilla not halved but fine b/c the batter was dry anyway. No worries until I was plopping teaspoons onto the baking sheet and decided to try the batter. Whoa. Strong. That's when I realized I didn't halve the lavender- and that was a problem. Crap.

I probably should have cut my losses at this point but I decided to go ahead and add additional flour, sugar, etc. to make the original batch to match the amount of lavender. After all of that, I was still wary but went ahead and put the first pan in the oven.

As I feared, even with the yummy dark chocolate and extra vanilla, they were way to strong. John said it was "like eating potpourri." So they survived the picture but not much else. I can't eat them. What a waste of sugar, fat and chocolate.

Anyways, happy Saturday!

September 4, 2008

2008-09-04T19:11:00.002-06:00

Left work after dusk tonight. The building below isn't my building but the reflection is.

Midtown.

One example of the difference between New York and Atlanta.

September 3, 2008

2008-09-04T19:06:00.006-06:00

The new W in midtown Atlanta taken from my company's office. We have prime real estate on this balcony and don't use it enough.

Also, hideous picture of where I've been spending all of my time lately. Typical, masculine corporate conference. Good times.

August 30, 2008

2008-08-30T15:09:00.003-06:00

Getting psyched for fall.

Definitely taking a day trip with John for apple-picking in North Georgia this year.

I prefer red apples. No clue on what type. I do know, through extensive sampling in multiple states, that apples with hard angles, are the best and sweetest. Never mealy. Seriously, look for apples that are literally almost rectangular and they'll be the best for snacking.

J.Crew: What I'm Lusting After

2008-08-29T21:11:00.009-06:00

I love JCrew but am too cheap to shop there. Weekly, (most likely Saturdays) I'll recap what I'm loving.

A nice new suit for work

A colorful coat for fall

Cute heels, if I wasn't always in an airport or walking 15 blocks in New York

Perfect for M-F in Atlanta office

August 29, 2008

2008-08-29T18:59:00.005-06:00

As per my last post, I haven't gotten out of the house much in the last few days. In my defense, I have been busy working and Solitaire isn't going to play itself.

With this in mind, I'll expand on our trip this past weekend to Wood's Hole and Martha's Vineyard, a.k.a. the most relaxing vacation I've ever taken. Who knew 3 days, practically unplanned, could be so wonderful?

My husband was the teacher's assistant for a course at MBL for 2 weeks. He didn't get paid but got a free dorm room and cafeteria food. Ah, graduate school!

The Ritz-Carlton:

I arrived via Delta Shuttle (love Delta Shuttle. you get real cheese on real crackers. none of this Lance crap) from LaGuardia (hate LaGuardia. is there ever a line of planes fewer than 35 waiting to take off?).

Drive 1 hour 40 minutes to Wood's Hole. Wood's Hole probably only exists to be the departure point for Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket ferries. It's this bizarre little society with a drawbridge, bars, restaurants and the coffee place where this blog was not born, but at least decided upon.

So, I arrived Thursday night, left Monday morning. Typical consultant weekend. I spent Friday working then we spent Friday evening dining. Yummy lobster roll. Minimal mayo:

Saturday I did nothing. Well, conceived this blog. But other than that, absolutely nothing. It was so unlike me.

Wood's Hole has great little beaches. At night, the entire sky is filled with stars. It made me realize when the last time I had seen stars was. In the water, you can also see bioluminescent plankton. So cool.

We headed to Falmouth, had a mediocre dinner then headed back.

Sunday we went to Martha's Vineyard. Took the morning ferry and landed in Vineyard Haven. We rented bikes and rode to Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. It was amazing and so much fun. My tailbone was on fire. As is expected, we had ice cream and fried food. That too, was amazing.

I admittedly preplan our vacations way too much. And what was so different about this weekend is I hadn't considered it a vacation at all until it was over. I considered myself simply visiting my husband and it turned into a fantastic get-away.

The moral of the story is, if you visit Wood's Hole / Martha's Vineyard, take it easy.

August 28, 2008

2008-08-29T18:46:00.003-06:00

Oops. I'm still getting used to the posting daily thing. I'm at my parents house in Poquoson, Virginia. I literally haven't left the house since I arrived from New York on Wednesday night. Oops again.

There is not much to do in Poquoson, trust me. It was quite a scandal when the city got its first street light and McDonalds.

So since I didn't leave the house and since I'm in Poquoson and there is nothing to do here anyway, today all I have is a piece of my mom's decor.

Shout out to my first two comments. Thanks guys!

August 27, 2008

2008-08-27T20:50:00.005-06:00

All caught up to August 27 pictures!

Home, visiting parents in Virginia. They're cat-sitting Townhouse. He met a new Halloween decoration today.

August 26, 2008

2008-08-27T20:49:00.003-06:00

I stumbled upon this on my way to the client.

The Empire State Building!

August 25, 2008

2008-08-27T20:44:00.004-06:00

Stop what you're doing and head immediately to Buttercup Bakeshop. It is bad, bad news that I now know this is a block from my hotel.

August 24, 2008

2008-08-27T20:24:00.003-06:00

Martha's Vineyard!

The Basics

2008-08-23T09:10:00.019-06:00

My life. I'm a retail consultant currently living in Atlanta, Georgia. My husband is amazing and is pursuing his medical degree and doctorate in neuroscience. In ~3 years (I think, often lose count), we'll be moving, preferably, to a blue state for my husband to begin his residency.

We have 3 wonderful cats, Townhouse, Berkeley and Quincy and volunteer at Atlanta Pet Rescue.

I tentatiavely believe I'll use this space to document where I am, daily. It varies so it could be interesting. So we'll see!