Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Step one

The first step of my plan to take over the world is complete: I am on the cover of Viet Star Magazine. Twice.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Now we know why my seeds don't sprout


cici inna pot
Originally uploaded by brightnewthings
Most mysteries of the universe are caused by cats.

Saturday, January 09, 2010

Lets Trade!


Soft
Originally uploaded by brightnewthings
I'm sick of looking at my own art. Lets trade. You send me stuff that you made. Whatever you want, as long as you made it yourself. A little piece of art from your world. And I'll send you something that I made. A random print or notecard or created thing or some other bit of stuffy-stuff. Who's down? Leave me a comment or message me through the blogger communication system, and we can work out the details.

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Lynelle: The Interview

My dirty little secret. Or one of them, anyway. I get fashion magazines. I don't read them. I mostly rip out the photos that inspire me for whatever reason - techniques, colors, mise en scene, make up or fashion choices, whatever. It's true. Ask anyone who has had to live with me and my tidal wave of unorganized, disembodied magazine photo shoot pics. Those things are slippery in the dark on cheap pergo flooring, did you know that?

Anyways. I don't read them. Except for those cheezy little celebrity interviews. Not the in depth ones with accompanying photos of the celebrity in their humble abodes, or playing with their purebred whatever terriers, or posing nonchalantly in front of the collection of awards show statuettes. No, the little one pagers, where a series of questions are listed and a series of short answers given. They almost always include one question about cosmetics. I love those interviews. I guess because it seems so sort of whimsical and ridiculous, to try to fit anything pithy in that one page. Also, I think they have a sort of ritualistic feel, like call and response songs. I can't really explain it, yet, but I'm working on it. I was reading one today and I was thinking, "They really only work if you are a celebrity; I mean who cares what's in my purse, right??" But then I realized, who cares what's in my purse? Why YOU do, of course! So here it is, what you've been waiting for -

On My Mind, with Lynelle Miliate

Who are you itching to work with? Anyone who will pay me to do something. Really.
Beauty Essentials? Well, since I haven't had hot water in 6 months and can only sneak in showers at people's houses about once a week right now.... Shampoo and conditioner in one. It saves time when you are washing in your hair in icy tap water. Also, any body lotion with a really strong scent. I'm using a variety of Bath and Body Works ones in dessert flavors right now. Moisturizer with sunblock, because I take care of my skin.

Recent Splurge? I don't splurge. At least not on things that cost money. But I do try to enjoy little things more. This morning I ate breakfast at the kitchen sink, which sounds lame, except the light in there is really beautiful at dawn, so I ate in silence and enjoyed the moment.

Fashion Faves? I like t-shirts with nerdy sayings that no one really gets, except other nerds. Like "Si, se habla Old Norse." I'd like more. I want one that references thac0, and maybe one in 1337. And also, booty shorts.

Necessary extravagance? Food that's not ramen, which is what I would live on, but I'm totally afraid of getting scurvy. So I break it up with fruits and veggies when the budget will allow. I'm a fan of the Fresh N' Easy clearance food aisle.

Happy I bought? Those caramels - don't you read my blog? Sheesh!

Favorite work out? Kung Fu, from 2 to 5 times a week. I'm working on getting long staves of wood broken on my arms and legs. It's one of the many iron body kungs.

Jonesing for? The Unagi at Musashis, it's been over 6 months since I've tasted it. And cream puffs. Good ones, from a French or Russian bakery. Really fresh, ripe fruit.

Hooked on? Dollhouse, but those mother effers over at FOX are cancelling it, like the cancel ANY and EVERY show I develop any sort of connection with. And, by the way, ever notice how the really awesome shows that get cancelled always have really empowered women? This happens to me every season and I'm about to really lose my interest in TV. Bastards.

Driving? Nope.

In my bag? Ha, you were waiting for it, weren't you???
Here it is, the short list:
A journal.
a date book.
6 pens, 2 of which are sharpies and 2 of which are archival safe. The other two are neon jellies.
the little vintage metal card holder that keeps my credit cards safe.
7 dollars in singles, held together with a paper clip.
lotion that smells like hot chocolate.
3 different lip glosses, all in an almost identical shade of pink? Why? I can't explain it, I'm pretty sure I buy other colors but they all turn into pink in my bag.
2 tampons, because it's better to be safe than sorry.
Moisturizer with sunblock, because I take care of my skin.

Now you have a very personal and profound look into my inner workings. I don't share this info with everyone, just the 9 of you who actively read my blog.
Namaste, or whatever.

Sunday, January 03, 2010

My seal of approval: Have It Confections

As I'm sure you've guessed, I don't buy stuff. Not that I don't want to, I just ain't got no money, honey! I mean, I have a wish list a mile long, but I don't indulge. So everyone on my Christmas list this year got things I baked myself: Grandma Mary's haystacks, cranberry brownies and even some fancy vinegars that I put up with herbs from my garden.

I did, however, make one small purchase this Christmas, and it was sooooo tasty that it has my everlasting seal of approval. See, I don't make caramels. I tried, once, and it was such a huge sad mess that I swore it off forever. So when I wanted to get some for a family member who doesn't like chocolate, I went to Have It Confections. What hooked me were the photos. I know (for a fact) that good product photography comes cheap these days, so I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but what can I say? When the photos made me salivate, I knew they were the right ones!

I got an order of the uncut Fleur de Sel Caramels. Why uncut? I told myself it was because the lack of individual wrappers was better for the environment. The truth? Because I knew we were just going to pass them around, taking big bites. Was I wrong? Nope. Individual wrappers just get in the way. And soooo tasty! Rich, sweet, and the sea salt (that's what fleur de sel is, for my cro magnon friends) makes such a bright counterpoint, it's like a tiny spark on the tongue. Delish. And a soft, not overly sticky texture, which is a selling point for me. I hate having stuff stuck in my teeth for days.

Fleur De Sel is kind of classic as a flavor choice. I thought it was a good starting off point to dive into the world of tasty, gourmet caramels. The control group for any further flavored caramel experimentation, as it were. However, they also make spiced vanilla caramels, caramels flavored with tea, pecan pie caramels, organic ginger bread caramels (the ones I am currently lusting after the most) and several other intriguing flavors. Plus marshmallows! And this gorgeous, French Hazelnut Nougat made with organic hazelnuts (and do I really care that they are organic? Did I really care about the environmental impact of the wrappers? Maybe not.) Egad! I do believe that Have It Confections may have sprung, fully formed and stocked, from some secret dessert fantasy I was having recently.
I'm telling you all this because it may be that you have some dire caramel emergency on your hands, and this little review will be helpful. Valentines Day is around the corner, people! Sweets for the sweet don't get better than a pound of excellent caramels. They also have a "confection of the month club!!" Just the thought of it makes me overheat with giddy desire!

One caveat: Because of the small batches and hands on quality of the product, it can take up to two weeks to fill your order. Although I will say that they filled my order in about a week, which was lovely because it takes me for ever to make up my mind about a purchase and I was almost too late for Christmas. Sheepish. So get those orders in, all of you who hunger for yumminess!