28 October 2010

Engaged!



Sorry for being MIA ... I'm blaming it on the fact that I got proposed to! On my birthday, September 29th! In that cute little pug card!

10 September 2010

A Movie Recommendation: "Exit Through The Gift Shop"


Exit Through the Gift Shop is a documentary of pieced together film done by Thierry Guetta, an unknown French filmmaker turned street-artist. The documentary chronicles early days and expeditions of now well-known street artsists, including Banksy and Shepard Fairey.

Banksy caught my interest several years ago and soon after I found myself interested in Obey (or Shepard Fairey), so when I heard about this movie that supposedly would have footage of the artists actually preparing, installing, painting, and developing their art, I was very excited.

Like a kid in a candy shop, I sat there in the offbeat Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs, OH with a smile plastered to my face the entire time. Watching some of the most fascinating artists I've heard of create their art was fabulous. Enjoying camera 'face' time with both Banksy and Fairey was simply joy to me. I enjoyed that in spite of the intimate interviews, Banksy's identity remained anonymous as his face and voice were disguised throughout the film.

What the movie really ended up being about was the filmmaker himself though. Banksy suggests to Thierry, the filmmaker, that he try making art and both Thierry's life and the film begin to spiral in a whole new direction. Thierry takes on an alter ego persona as Mr. Brainwash (or MBW) and begins making art, putting together a gallery show, and becoming quite a character himself. While I didn't necessarily care for the tale of MBW it was great fun watching him work in his studio and work on putting together the gallery for his largescale art show. This part of the film also provided many laughs for the audience as Banksy and Fairey poke a little fun at MBW.

All that being said, I say - go see it! Or even pick it up for your colllection when its out of theatres.

And if you're curious about a few other commentaries (which may spoil your perspective if you haven't seen it), check these out:

"Here's why the Banksy Movie is a Banksy Prank" -Fast Company
"Review" -Gatsby, Flicks

08 July 2010

Zucchini Pancakes [A Recipe]!

I'm sensing a trend around here ... food! And more specifically, pancake-style food! Summer's abundance of fresh and fabulous produce makes it dang near impossible for me to escape the kitchen. Except ... I don't have AC and cooking equals hot apartment, so I might pass on turning on the stove for a while.

Anyway... Now that you've tried protein pancakes and scoped out my farmer's market purchases this week ... It's time to try a new form of pancake - with that farm fresh zuchinni you see in the picture! And as every other recipe I post here goes ... it's ridiculously easy.


Zucchini Pancakes 
makes 2 five inch pancakes


1/2 zucchini - grated
1/8 C flour (your choice)
1 large egg white
pinch of salt
pinch of pepper


Mix all of the above ingredients in a bowl. Warm up a pan, spray with cooking spray, then put about half of your 'batter' into the pan on medium heat. Spread the batter out a little bit and shape to be like a pancake and give it a press on top with your spatula. It will congeal and be easy to flip after a minute or so - you'll see a golden brown once its flipped. Do the same for the other side and then repeat with the other half of your batter. Then serve it up! I enjoyed mine with some butter and garlic sprinkles! Yum!

03 July 2010

Produce from the Farmer's Market

Saturday mornings in Springfield mean many things I love - sleeping in, multiple cups of coffee, garage sales, but most of all it means: the farmer's market. I ventured to it today with two goals: lettuce & eggs. Unfortunately, my late arrival (a pathetic 11:45am) meant no dice on the lettuce or the eggs. I did however walk away with all of these splendid things:


An onion, broccoli, zucchini, pattypan squash, and yellow squash. (And a big, delicious tomato which I indulged in too quickly for the photo).

Obviously you're wondering to yourself, "What is a pattypan squash?" ... or at least I assume you are, because I wondered the same thing. I asked the vendor and she said they taste alot like squash and because this one is small/young I can cook it in its skin (and eat the skin too I think). Here is what wikipedia says about the veggie. I'll let you know what else I learn about it and will be sure to document my first adventure cooking it! I love other squashes, so I have high hopes for this little guy! Have you ever had pattypan squash? Ever cooked it? Have a recipe recommendation?

26 June 2010

Saturday Morning Love

The makings of an excellent Saturday morning:

a delicious breakfast + some blog reading + the farmer's market + garage sales + beautiful weather!

25 June 2010

Protein Pancakes [A Recipe]!

I discovered this recipe at Girl Get Strong, a website with great fitness and healthy cooking tips! I'm always been a complainer that after just an hour or two my stomach is growling regardless of what I've eaten or how much of it I had. So, as I began to learn more about food and learn that protein and fiber both have great staying power, I found a win in this breakfast treat - it's loaded with both! You can just ask Heather about how excited I was and how I often I made these. I've adapted the recipe to not need a blender, be made with less ingredients, and to make only one pancake - double, triple, quadruple as desired!


 Protein Pancake
makes one five-inch pancake

1/8 C Quick Oats
1/8 C Fat Free Cottage Cheese
1 Egg White
1 tsp Applesauce
dash Vanilla Extract
dash Cinnamon


Toss everything in a bowl and whisk it together! Make it on the stovetop as you would a normal pancake! 

Serve with syrup or your favorite pancake topping! Give it added staying power with a topping of fruit and yogurt! 

A few thoughts: - 1/8 C = 1 Tablespoon, - Be sure to spray your pan first with nonstick spray, - Keep your heat at a low setting to help these cook evenly, - When it looks like its ready to flip - wait a smidge longer and then flip it, - If you don't like the texture (which I love), toss all of the ingredients in the blender and make it into a smooth batter.




Check it out - almost 9 grams of Protein per pancake - and I can't imagine you'll only eat one. For reals. Nutrition Facts provided through the recipe analyzer at Calorie Count!

12 May 2010

25 April 2010

Sunflower Seed Bread

Please do yourself a favor ... Go out and purchase some sunflower seed bread. Delish!

The density and texture of this bread reminded me of all of the breads I had as I traveled through Europe in 2008. So for me this bread not only stimulated my taste buds but also some great memories!

I was simply too excited to take a picture of the sandwich I made with it yesterday, but tomorrow I will be sure to do so!  :)

13 April 2010

Reminiscing...




"Everything seemed so vivid and acutely focused and new. I felt like someone stepping out of doors for the first time. It was all so different: the language, the money, the cars, the number plates on the cars, the bread, the food, the newspapers, the parks, the people. I had never seen a zebra-crossing before, never seen a tram, never seen an unsliced loaf of bread (never even considered it an option), never seen anyone wearing a beret who expected to be taken seriously, never seen people go to a different shop for each item of dinner or provide their own shopping bags, never seen feathered pheasants and unskinned rabbits hanging in a butcher's window or a pig's head smiling on a platter, never seen a packet of Gitanes or the Michelin man. I don't know why this amazed me so, but it did. I kept thinking... they are from another world. It was just wonderful." 

 -Bill Bryson, from "Neither here Nor there: Travels in Europe"
.

27 March 2010

Things You Should Consider Buying Secondhand

In high school I bought t-shirts at the Thrift store (and occasionally I still do, hello favorite Texas/Grandpa t-shirt), in college I took a brief stance against excessive consumerism by only shopping secondhand for my clothing, and now in "the real world"/life post-college as I begin modestly furnishing my home and living my life, I've realized how much stuff I use and how other people are using just as much. So why not save a few of my hard-earned dollars and give new life to someone's discarded items? I can't think of a good reason not to.

So here is my list of (in no particular order) ...

Things You Should Consider Buying Secondhand:
  • Clothing - There is nothing quite like getting a compliment on something you're wearing that you paid $3 for at Goodwill. Fact. I don't go to Goodwill if I want to try a new trend or something, but I love to browse their goodies once a month or so. I have a policy though - I browse quickly and if it didn't grab my attention when I walked by, it probably isn't worth my $3. Also, although my favorite business-friendly black dress came from Goodwill, there are several wardrobe staples that I recommend picking up at a regular store - the LBD, the fitted pencil skirt, the white button down, the khaki or black pants, the pointed-toe black heels, etc. 

  • Furniture - Unless you need it immediately I recommend you scope secondhand places! For example, right now I'm looking for a not-so-bulky loveseat for my new apartment and I've been a Goodwill and Craigslist junkie in the search. I'm especially fond of buying furniture secondhand because not only do you get a great price, but you have no guilt about reclaiming and reinventing that piece of furniture! Paint it to match your space, change the knobs, reupholster it, etc!

  • Decorations - I essentially have all the same points to make here as I just did regarding furniture. And specifically - secondhand frames are way cooler.

  • Jewelry - Don't expect to find real-deal diamonds and pearls for great prices, but for nifty everyday pieces, definitely scope out the thrift shop! Earrings? Be sure to disinfect though!

  • Books - If you're just looking for something good to read, hit up a local thrift shop or check out a secondhand book store (dedicated Half Price Books girl right here). If you've got something certain in mind, HPB usually has a good selection, but you can also buy used books online at places like Amazon.

  • DVDs - My boyfriend might die if he reads this, but if you're not too passionate about movies and don't mind a scratched disc and an occasional skip, browse through the stack at the secondhand store! You could find some great older films you forgot you loved for just a few pretty pennies!

  • Kitchen Items - I can thank my mom for turning me on to this. Hello really cool mugs, plates, servingware, etc at secondhand places! Unless you're looking for a matching set (which you can even find sometimes). Electric items are hit or miss at secondhand places, but pots and pans abound! This is a great option for young people like me furnishing their first kitchen!

  • Tools - Any tools, all tools! Not all secondhand places have a good selection, but scope it out! If you just need a sander for this one project you might be able to find one for cheap! It's all about taking a second to look!

  • Little kids clothes, shoes, toys, etc. - Okay, I don't have a kid, but I'm just saying - kids grow fast and lose interest quickly. Why spend extra money on new stuff for them? Just disinfect it if they'll drool on it!

  • Anything - Just go look!
I found a great find yesterday but haven't gotten a chance to snap a picture yet! I'm also heading to Flower Child in the Short North of Columbus today to scope the furniture, so there is definitely going to be a photo post to follow!

Enjoy the sunshine as it melts the last of the snow and let me know - What are some of your favorite secondhand finds?!

22 March 2010

Tag, you're social.

I’ll get right to the point, I want to know what you think about location based social media. It’s supposedly all the rage amidst social media in general right now. Everything seems to have its eye on a location-oriented prize. Twitter (by the way, follow me @kristianmk) recently released the ability to broadcast your location with your tweets. That’s the whole point of Foursquare it seems.


I’ve been dutifully checking in all over Springfield, OH and really don’t feel like as a user I have reaped the benefits of Foursquare. The places that I’m going don’t seem to have any “tips” associated with them. I begrudgingly admit that this is possibly because we are in a smaller city in the Midwest – maybe in NYC, Chicago, or Miami the tips are abundant and hotspots are easy to pick out via Foursquare.

In April I’m travelling to Atlanta for a few days an am looking forward to using Foursquare while I’m there – to see if it really makes a difference in how I’m experiencing the city! I also vow to use Foursquare more the next time I’m in Columbus because I’m positive there’s got to be more at least going on there than here.

Okay – so what do you think? Here are a quick article from Social Media Examiner about ways to make geotagging work for your small b2c business, How to Drive More Customers to Your Local Business with Social Geotagging.

28 February 2010

Recipe: No Noodle Spaghetti & Easy Garlic Bread!

Quick, easy, healthy, super low calorie, and filling:


No Noodle Spaghetti (1 Serving):
- 1 cup spaghetti squash (How To Cook)
- 1/4 cup diced zucchini
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/8 cup black beans
- 1/8 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce
Toss in bowl. Mix it up. Heat it through.


Really Easy Garlic Bread:
- Half of a Whole Wheat English Muffin toasted and sprinkled with Garlic Powder.


The part you're likely to really like is the fact that this whole delicious meal is under 200 calories. Take a peak below. (Thanks Calorie Count for the great database to find calorie content!)

20 February 2010

Obey Giant

Last night I went to the the Shepard Fairey / Obey Giant exhibit, "Supply And Demand," at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati and it was fabulous!

To get in early we (myself, my boyfriend, and friends) decided to become CAC Members, which I am very excited about because this means that not only will we for sure come back and see this awesome exhibit again, but it will be a great way to check out new artists throughout the year as the exhibits change! Plus I'm not very familiar with Cincinnati and it's only 1.5 hours away, so it will be nice to get to know the city!

Anyway, so we went in early and I purchased a limited edition print (one of 450) that was signed and numbered! It's the image to the left! During the interview that was occurring live in the building, Shepard Fairey said that the quote on the print was from a Black Flag song ... in case you were curious. :)

The rest of the exhibit was phenomenal, downstairs he had the art layed directly onto the walls and upstairs there were framed prints, original works on canvas, originals from his very early days in the 1980s, and great little snippets of information about why the artist did the different works.

I highly recommend going to this exhibit! Before you do though, I recommend checking out the artist's website: obeygiant.com to familiarize yourself with his work. Also, do a little research if you can find the time.

Here's the super skinny:
You are meant to be alarmed by the things the works say. Obey Giant wants to shock you into thinking for yourself And there's a lot of political commentaries in the works. He's an artist, he can say what he wants. But beyond that, each piece has intention and goals and you should read the little placards because they open the works up into a whole new dimension.



07 February 2010

The Rehearsal Process

I haven't taken advantage of my blog yet for advertising a play that I am currently rehearsing for, so I will do that now.

I want to do that by taking a moment to comment on the rehearsal process, not specifically for The Vagina Monologues (my current play), but just in general. I think the rehearsal process for me can be summed up in seven stages:

On Book / Where do I go?
  • This stage is more formally known as blocking and is one of the first things most directors will do with their cast. It's when you can barely even remember your character's name and your relationship to the other characters (or which actors are playing which characters) and are frantically scribbling blocking notes in the margins to attempt to decipher later when you finally sit down to do some character research.
On Book / This is what my character would say..
  • At this point you've done a little research, a smidgen of character soul searching, and can finally remember who plays the other characters. You are finally finding your character's voice and are experimenting with different line delivery as means of expressing the few deep inner workings of the character that you've managed to consider so far.
On Book / I can't figure out how my character would move with this dang script in my hand...
  • This is the stage where you are super frustrated with yourself because you have finally done a good deal of character work and are ready to really let your character drive your moments on stage, but the script in your hand is posing a major imposition. Yet somehow you just can't seem to find the time to learn your lines until the director finally says, "Okay guys - we're off book next week!"
Off Book / What's my line?
  • This is the stage in which you're really annoyed that you (and the rest of the cast) did not manage to get off book sooner because noone can remember their lines and this is the most miserable rehearsal of your life. You can't even attempt to channel your inner character because you are way too busy imagining the pages of your script in your mind's eye.
Off Book / Oh yeah I need to move there...
  • You can finally breathe a little easier and remember your lines so suddenly you don't look like a robot moving through your blocking. You praise Jesus for this because robot did not look good on you.
Off Book / Embodying my character
  • You have been waiting way too long for this day to come - its the moment when your lines and blocking are officially second nature and that character you worked so hard to develop weeks ago is finally taking the steering wheel. You'd think this was euphoria if it weren't for the next stage.
Off Book / Bring on opening night!
  • It's tech week, you are wearing your costume, the lights are up, you still remember your lines and your blocking, you are not on stage but your character is. All your ducks are lining up. You'd think this were euphoria, if it weren't for what comes after this stage...
OPENING NIGHT. This was what all the build up was for. This is it. And it is worth it.

Okay, so that was a fairly comedic (but probably pretty honest) look at the rehearsal process. I love the theatre and I love how it feels to be on stage. What I also love are good causes. And The Vagina Monologues, which goes up this coming Thursday evening, has portions of the funds raised going directly to Project Woman, an organization striving to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

All that being said - I invite you out to the show!

03 February 2010

Read up on OTG & HBG!

Here's a quick link to our OTG Company Blog where you can read a great article written about OTG's efforts to get Hollandia Botanical Gardens, a local nonproft, up and running in tip-top IT shape!

More of tofu, sprouts, and The Vagina Monologues later this week!

:]

25 January 2010

Sprouts.


Yesterday at the store, I saw a little clear plastic container of alfalfa sprouts... and I figured, what the heck! So I picked them up an had my first adventure with them today!

Before I let you in on my lunch, I have to give you the scoop on this little guys... Alfalfa sprouts are a germinated alfalfa seed and only take like 7 days to grow! (Which also means you shouldn't let them sit in your fridge for too long.) The sprouts are grown through a soaking process and are easily susceptible to bacteria because of it .. so wash 'dem sprouts!




Juicing for Health thinks alfalfa sprouts are the bomb-diggity. If you click through to their website you'll find quite a list of why sprouts are good for you!

And if you're simply looking for some folks who love sprouts, check out Sprout People!


Now on to my lunch for today...

A Sprout Sandwich! 
Okay, this is simplicity at its finest, but I'm hoping to try a few other nifty things with sprouts this week and am sure to keep you posted.


Seen here partially eaten:
-2 slices of toasted and butter wheat bread
-a fat free american cheese slice
-2 deli style lunch turkey slices
-SPROUTS!




I love sandwiches. So I really love them in any possible fashion, but this definitely gets my seal of approval for its crunch! Two thumbs up to a sandwich that quick, easy, delicious and nutritious!

.

18 January 2010

Versatility and fashion are synonyms.

The Nod. For a moment, I need to speak to the ladies. We've all seen it. We've envied the woman who receives it. We covet the woman who gives it. Once or twice we've basked in the glory of it. It's the nod. And who does it come from? It comes from the most fashionable woman in the room. We know what that nod means: "Well done, good and faithful fashionista." Often times the recipient of that nod is the woman wearing an almost-ahead-of-the-time statement on the world draped over her shoulders.

But if I can be so self-involved as to believe that I can be the giver of the nod for a moment, I would say that the most deserving recipient of the nod is ... the woman who makes everyday fashion look good. We all know this woman, but she is often overlooked for the STF (slave to fashion) in sparkles and spandex. The everyday fashionista makes white collared shirts, black dress pants, clean cut jeans, nude stilettos, and khakis look better than anyone else.

I give her the nod because she probably has a pretty simple closet, not overloaded with clothes, and yet everyday is brand new in the way she wears her fashion. Sometimes its the accessories, sometimes it's wearing the same old pieces in unique and interesting ways. I'm hoping to take a note from this woman's book and begin to try and wear my same-old-same-old's in new and exciting ways. Bring it on, LBD (little black dress)!


My inspiration:




What is your favorite go-to piece of clothing in your closet? 
What are your favorite ways to spice it up?

.

11 January 2010

Read In 2009 || Will Read In 2010

MY FAVORITE READS FROM 2009:




Overall favorite: 
Jesus Land by Julia Scheeres

This book did exactly what a 'favorite' book should do - I laughed, cried, gasped, and fell in love with the characters. This deeply striking and honest memoir deals largely with two topics that we'd rather look passed: racism and religioun ... and it does it in the midwest in the 1980s. A book I suggest you immediately put on your own 'to read in 2010' list.



 
Favorite tug-your-emotions book:
The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom

I realize that I'm a little behind on this one. Most of you have already tucked this fantastic, quick read under your belt. I finally dug into it this summer and I spent a few solid summer afternoons pouring over Eddie's life and his wanderings through 'heaven.' It was a beautiful portrayal of love and cyclicality of life that we all (or at least myself) often overlook.




Favorite memoir:
Naked by David Sedaris

I realize it might be off to devote a category to memoirs, but I will sing praises for memoirs all day long - a genre of books that demands more attention! Now as for this Sedaris book, its another where you'll laugh, gasp, and have your heartbroken between its covers, but it will be worth the emotional ride. In this book, Sedaris regales us with tales of his unusual upbringing and life thusfar. Another must read.



Favorite brain candy:
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

Calling all ladies ... and especially anyone of you who are knitters. This quick, but lovable read is a light-hearted book about a woman, her daughter, and her knitting shop. If you love books that give you a great glimpse into the hearts of its many characters, you're sure to love this one. And what is there not to live about a little heart-warming romance woven throughout (pun intended, haha).





Favorite chew-it-over book:
Total Church by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis


This book made me contemplate church outside of four walls. What does it mean to be a church when the building is not there? Community, Evangelism, the Gospel, Discipleship, and Missions are only a few of the topics it deals with. I read this book with a small group and highly recommend it for both personal and group reading. Start reading and immediately start thinking on this one.





TO READ IN 2010:
  • Hotel On The Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
  • The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
  • Forgotten God by Francis Chan
  • The Road by Cormac McCarthy
  • 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper
  • The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Have you read any of these? Planning to add any of my recommendations to your 2010 reading list? Let me know!

03 January 2010

2009 : A Monthly.

2009.

January. Well, it was really cold. 

February. Still very cold. 

March.
  • The suicide of a close friend rocked my mind. I spent the month and many consecutive months asking many questions, struggling with school, and unsure of how this fit into the construct of God I'd previously held. In the end though, I can only thank Peter for having taught me a lot about life in general and myself. Including how to live more passionately, care more about people, and to love God with purpose. But I didn't learn any of that in March - that's what I've learned so far in the past nine months. And I'm sure I have more to learn.


  • This month I also traveled to  Texas for the first time. This trip included plenty of fajitas and chances to see friend I had met when I was abroad.


April. Another first time trip - this time to Chicago! There with the other Wittenberg Communication Leaders I pitched a social media rebranding campaign to Google!


May. I graduated from college!



June. A boring month in which I worked part-time at Job & Family Services of Clark County and moved like three times. 

July. A friend of mine from Texas came to visit and we ventured to Chicago for my second trip there!



August. Living with my parents (literally, I had a bed in the dining room). Working in retail. Highlight: seeing Cirque du Soleil!

September. In addition to my 23rd birthday, I started my first full time job, moved back to Springfield, and attended the Steelers season opener!



October. Homecoming (my first as an alumni) at Witteberg and Halloween (Zach and I dressed as the painting "American Gothic"). 

November. An epic Thanksgiving with Zach visiting both his parents and mine. 

December. Christmas. My first as a full-fledged adult. It was weird to not to be home for more than a day or two and to buy gifts myself for everyone. Hmmm ... 2010 is sure to be an interesting year.