Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Burger of the Week #183
The sweetest, scariest sweater on the block: The Flying Burger People Eater Sweater.
One scary burger is too subtle for you? Mix it up with the Aaaahh Monster top.
Monday, October 20, 2014
The Majestic Westside
Why don't people talk about how pretty Oregon is?
I was there a few weeks ago for a Cushe photoshoot, and every shot was stunning, every angle was jaw-dropping and every turn was unexpected.
We started our journey in Bend, Oregon, where we got to experience Oregon's rugged side and dramatic terrain. Bend is a hub for outdoor adventurers, and while my job had me behind the camera arranging shoes and positioning props, I did get a chance to try paddle-boarding for the first time. And what a scene it was.
Devil's Lake, Bend, Oregon
The road then took us through the Mount Hood National Forest, into Portland and on to the coast. And while the weather was less than ideal, the shots were striking and the lighting magical.
Even though I'd been to Oregon twice as a kid, I was blown away by it's theatrical beauty. It's amazing how you notice different angles and viewpoints when you become an adult.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Burger of the Week #182
Time to get serious and find out which burger ingredient you are.
That's right... this vegetarian is bacon. God, the internet is amazing.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Apple's Dirty Little Secret
In the mid-'80s, Apple dared to show the fashion world a few things. Called "The Apple Collection" this wardrobe of oversized sweatshirts and neon tracksuits (perfect for "after a day of windsurfing") is absolutely priceless and jaw-dropping.
[Ha— The kid on the left knows what's up, and he isn't having any of it!]
Fall: Summer's Parting Gift
There's no denying it's Fall. It's hard to say goodbye to Summer, especially knowing what's coming, but perfect Fall days make it a little easier—they're like Summer's parting gifts.
We had ourselves an exceptionally Fall Fall day at Fallasburg Festival in Lowell a few weeks ago. A beautiful day of of crafts, shopping, cider, dumplings, chili and sweet annie.
Sweet Annie is something I've only ever come across at Fallasburg Festival. It's a plant that has tiny yellow, dusty flowers and smells potently of.... a sage like scent. According to motherearthliving.com it is an "annual herb, native to southeastern Europe, northern Africa, and Iran, is a favorite of crafters in this country for its versatility and sweet, lingering fragrance."
We had ourselves an exceptionally Fall Fall day at Fallasburg Festival in Lowell a few weeks ago. A beautiful day of of crafts, shopping, cider, dumplings, chili and sweet annie.
Sweet Annie is something I've only ever come across at Fallasburg Festival. It's a plant that has tiny yellow, dusty flowers and smells potently of.... a sage like scent. According to motherearthliving.com it is an "annual herb, native to southeastern Europe, northern Africa, and Iran, is a favorite of crafters in this country for its versatility and sweet, lingering fragrance."
People go to Fallasburg specifically to get sweet annie. Why we've seen it no where else is a mystery as they couldn't make bunches fast enough to sell!
Personally though, I go to Fallasburg for the cider and the crafts. And this years artisans were stand-out fantastic. Nothing inspires me to shop more, than a unique, well-done, handmade item. Now if only I had the foresight to Christmas shop for others rather than treat myself!
Sunday, October 12, 2014
On the Last Day of ArtPrize
Well the 2014 ArtPrize has come and gone and I've said essentially nothing about it. The 6th year of ArtPrize was to what I expected.... big crowds, great energy in the city and, overall, underwhelming art.
The rules were different this year, and I still don't fully understand them, which means I voted incorrectly. Instead of voting for best art in general, we were supposed to vote for best art by category. Which means in the final round, you could vote more than once, and in fact should, per vote at least once per category (i have yet to meet a person that knew this).
I think the public results would have been different had this change been made clear.
Voting mishaps aside, here's 5 pieces that struck me and I appreciated (it's going to take me a moment to come up with 5....).
1. Intersections: The winner (both public and critic choice) of this year's ArtPrize, it's impossible to forget Intersections. This is one I noticed before I even saw it, people posting about it on facebook led to an intentional hunt. While this is by no means an original concept, the scale and angles at which it hits the walls make this a striking piece. (GRAM)
2. Snow: Love white on white. I love the materials here and I love the dimensionality. I didn't want to walk away, it's so obviously snow, yet the piece is so warm and welcoming. (Women's City Club)
3. 1001 Coffee Cups: This piece is kind of silly, but at the same time, I love taking a piece of daily trash and turning it into a catalog of the places you've been. She writes the date/location of where she had each coffee on the cup and then doodles it up. It's like ticket stubs, but more.... generic? (Harris Building)
4. Somewhere we've never been: I thought the piece looked cool. And then I read the description and I loved it. (106 Gallery – Calvin Space)
5. Urban Tumbleweed: This piece is definitely silly. And if it wasn't for the noise it makes, you may not even notice it. But I've never seen people more engrossed in a video entry. I think the video could have been edited better, but the idea is sound. And it's worth talking about. (Catherdral Square)
I could never be disappointed in ArtPrize, I think it's an amazing concept and I love what it does for the city. But I think every year it becomes less about the art and more about the people watching and the hanging out downtown. And I'm not gonna lie, I'm ready for everyone to go home and get out of my city— I want the streets back!
The rules were different this year, and I still don't fully understand them, which means I voted incorrectly. Instead of voting for best art in general, we were supposed to vote for best art by category. Which means in the final round, you could vote more than once, and in fact should, per vote at least once per category (i have yet to meet a person that knew this).
I think the public results would have been different had this change been made clear.
Voting mishaps aside, here's 5 pieces that struck me and I appreciated (it's going to take me a moment to come up with 5....).
1. Intersections: The winner (both public and critic choice) of this year's ArtPrize, it's impossible to forget Intersections. This is one I noticed before I even saw it, people posting about it on facebook led to an intentional hunt. While this is by no means an original concept, the scale and angles at which it hits the walls make this a striking piece. (GRAM)
2. Snow: Love white on white. I love the materials here and I love the dimensionality. I didn't want to walk away, it's so obviously snow, yet the piece is so warm and welcoming. (Women's City Club)
3. 1001 Coffee Cups: This piece is kind of silly, but at the same time, I love taking a piece of daily trash and turning it into a catalog of the places you've been. She writes the date/location of where she had each coffee on the cup and then doodles it up. It's like ticket stubs, but more.... generic? (Harris Building)
4. Somewhere we've never been: I thought the piece looked cool. And then I read the description and I loved it. (106 Gallery – Calvin Space)
I was sitting by myself in a familiar place when I wrote, "Even the places we didn't go together, but places where I've only thought of you, even those remind me of you." I love the idea that someone can have a memory of a person in a space only because they have thought of them there before.
I could never be disappointed in ArtPrize, I think it's an amazing concept and I love what it does for the city. But I think every year it becomes less about the art and more about the people watching and the hanging out downtown. And I'm not gonna lie, I'm ready for everyone to go home and get out of my city— I want the streets back!
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Burger of the Week #181
To mark National Burger day on Aug 27, 2013, Sorbitium Ices created bbq burger-flavored ice cream.
Strawberry sauce was substituted for tomato ketchup and instead of sprinkles, the cones were topped with candied bacon and dill gherkin ripple.
Mmmm, sounds refreshing on a hot day.
Strawberry sauce was substituted for tomato ketchup and instead of sprinkles, the cones were topped with candied bacon and dill gherkin ripple.
Mmmm, sounds refreshing on a hot day.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Gardening Indoors
Now that Fall is upon us, I'm packing the garden in and gearing up for a long winter without from my yard's bountiful blooms. To bring a little (low maintenance) life into the house, I've picked up some tiny terrariums from Bird and Feather.
The glass bobble terrariums contain stones, (non-living) moss and air plants. Air plants need very little water, and are maintained by dunking the whole plant under water every few days. They have little to no roots, and simply sit on top of the stones.
I initially planned to hang the planters, but after going through the process of installing hooks, I thought they were hard to seen when hung and I liked them as a focal point and a centerpiece better. Chances are, these green guys will make their way around the house, bringing life to different rooms during different seasons.
The glass bobble terrariums contain stones, (non-living) moss and air plants. Air plants need very little water, and are maintained by dunking the whole plant under water every few days. They have little to no roots, and simply sit on top of the stones.
I initially planned to hang the planters, but after going through the process of installing hooks, I thought they were hard to seen when hung and I liked them as a focal point and a centerpiece better. Chances are, these green guys will make their way around the house, bringing life to different rooms during different seasons.
Bird and Feather is run by a sweet couple right here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Quite often they can be found at the Fulton Street Farmer's Market on the weekends. Otherwise, their plants can also be picked up at Have Company on Division.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Just a Little Loaf
Check out Linda Ippel Studios to see other bakeware options. Beautiful, functional pieces for the kitchen!
Friday, October 3, 2014
Make an #ArtPrize Visit
Rust Belt is showing at First Community Bank at 60 Monroe Center at the corner of Ottawa. Vote for Rust Belt using code #57195.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Burger of the Week #180
Charcoal is so in right now.
And Burger King is on the trend. In Japan, it's is possible to order black burgers called “The Kuro Pearl,” and “The Kuro Diamond" which appear to have a black bun, black sauce and black cheese.
“The black color of the bun is achieved by using bamboo charcoal, and the black sauce is created with squid ink.”
Hmmm, don't mind if I pass.
And Burger King is on the trend. In Japan, it's is possible to order black burgers called “The Kuro Pearl,” and “The Kuro Diamond" which appear to have a black bun, black sauce and black cheese.
“The black color of the bun is achieved by using bamboo charcoal, and the black sauce is created with squid ink.”
Hmmm, don't mind if I pass.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Mashed Potatoes and.... Cabbage?
There are a few things this blogger loves (you know, aside from hamburgers). Potatoes and Cole Slaw.
Potatoes are a magic (versatile) food and Cole Slaw is basically free (delicious) calories. And now I've discovered a way to combine the two: Irish Colcannon, a mashed potato dish served with either kale or cabbage.
There's a million and a half variations on this dish but the the recipe I used was taken from a Grand Rapids Press article. The cheat approach of using a packaged slaw mix makes this a really easy dish.
I'm delighted to have a new, "healthy" way to eat potatoes! And it really would be perfect for St. Patty's Day > the vegetarian substitute for corned beef hash! Follow the Recipe Link here.
Potatoes are a magic (versatile) food and Cole Slaw is basically free (delicious) calories. And now I've discovered a way to combine the two: Irish Colcannon, a mashed potato dish served with either kale or cabbage.
I'm delighted to have a new, "healthy" way to eat potatoes! And it really would be perfect for St. Patty's Day > the vegetarian substitute for corned beef hash! Follow the Recipe Link here.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Burger of the Week #179
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Burger of the Week #178
This amazing art is hanging on the cubicle wall right inside the door at wwwinc. Which means this is the first thing I see when I get to work! Not a horrible way to start the day!
Monday, September 8, 2014
Burger of the Week #177
Back in my carnivore days, my favorite burger could be found at, coincidentally the same place that serves one of my favorite veggie burgers: The Cottage Bar on LaGrave Ave.
An Grand Rapids icon since 1927, I'm not the only one having a love affair with the Cottage Bar and their burgers. USA Today named it the Best Burger in Michigan.
According to Jaye Beeler, food writer with Arbutuspress.com....
"A meat cleaver door handle opens to the Cottage Bar and Restaurant, an 83-year-old Grand Rapids institution that crafts old-school hamburgers. Despite the lip-smacking virtues of the specialty burgers — Traverse City cherry, Alaskan salmon, Tijuana guacamole — the Cottage Burger, nestled in a rye bun and dripping with American and Swiss cheese, chopped olives, lettuce, tomato and hand-crafted smoky mayonnaise, is the showstopper."
These days i eat the black bean burger (with swiss) but it used to be the Cottage Burger with Pineapple, Onions and BBQ sauce added! Thinking about is enough to make a girl question all her beliefs!
An Grand Rapids icon since 1927, I'm not the only one having a love affair with the Cottage Bar and their burgers. USA Today named it the Best Burger in Michigan.
According to Jaye Beeler, food writer with Arbutuspress.com....
"A meat cleaver door handle opens to the Cottage Bar and Restaurant, an 83-year-old Grand Rapids institution that crafts old-school hamburgers. Despite the lip-smacking virtues of the specialty burgers — Traverse City cherry, Alaskan salmon, Tijuana guacamole — the Cottage Burger, nestled in a rye bun and dripping with American and Swiss cheese, chopped olives, lettuce, tomato and hand-crafted smoky mayonnaise, is the showstopper."
These days i eat the black bean burger (with swiss) but it used to be the Cottage Burger with Pineapple, Onions and BBQ sauce added! Thinking about is enough to make a girl question all her beliefs!
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Burger of the Week #176
I love a random survey question. I admire a creative info graphic. And I adore a good burger reference.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Ice Cream Winning
It wasn't that long ago that it was fairly difficult to find ice cream in downtown Grand Rapids (in desperate times, Local Mocha does serve Hudsonville Ice Cream by the scoop, FYI!)
Then last summer GR was inundated with weighable yogurt: Spoonlickers, Sweet-Yos, Scoops. But I've always preferred the creamy purity of ice cream to yogurt and toppings, which when proper restraint isn't shown, just taste like expensive cavities.
But my whines have been heard and my pleas have been fulfilled! This summer, real, handmade, creamy ice cream is available all over the city. Love's (downtown market), Pinkie's (Wealthy Street), and the heart stoppingly good Furniture City Creamery (Cherry Street).
My first visit to Furniture City Creamery this week,was beyond what this avid ice cream maker/eater could even set as expectations! The flavors were unreal, dead-on and totally vegan (how are they doing this???). I left with Raspberry-Basil (refreshing and bright) and Molasses Cookie (creamiest cookie ever!). Not sampling the entire case of ice cream and/or buying out their selection of baked goods was a show of significant self-control.
The place is adorable, the style is precise, the logo is clever and the people were cheerful and accommodating (both the staff and the other patrons). I honestly cannot wait to become a regular here!
Then last summer GR was inundated with weighable yogurt: Spoonlickers, Sweet-Yos, Scoops. But I've always preferred the creamy purity of ice cream to yogurt and toppings, which when proper restraint isn't shown, just taste like expensive cavities.
But my whines have been heard and my pleas have been fulfilled! This summer, real, handmade, creamy ice cream is available all over the city. Love's (downtown market), Pinkie's (Wealthy Street), and the heart stoppingly good Furniture City Creamery (Cherry Street).My first visit to Furniture City Creamery this week,was beyond what this avid ice cream maker/eater could even set as expectations! The flavors were unreal, dead-on and totally vegan (how are they doing this???). I left with Raspberry-Basil (refreshing and bright) and Molasses Cookie (creamiest cookie ever!). Not sampling the entire case of ice cream and/or buying out their selection of baked goods was a show of significant self-control.The place is adorable, the style is precise, the logo is clever and the people were cheerful and accommodating (both the staff and the other patrons). I honestly cannot wait to become a regular here!
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Burger of the Week #174
This leaning tower of burger reminded me of the leaning tower of corrugate (fondly dubbed Mount Corrugate) that's currently taken form in our office.....
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Burger of the Week #173
A little birthday treat (and a small piece of advice) that was hidden inside a card from a dear friend.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Invisible Reflections
An 18-year-old photographer in Cambridge, UK got a bit of attention last fall for her work with mirrors. Laura Williams' haunting image of a girl and a mirror, called Invisible, got over 114K comments on Tumblr. Part of a larger portrait set, Mirrors, I just can't stop looking at these images. They seem so simple and yet are conceptually quite deep.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Burger of the Week #172
Spotted this at the Allegan Antique Fair > make your own burger buns with these burger bun bake rings! Basically they help you make 4 mini round loaves of bread, for the real Burger DIYer.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Branded for the Perfect Pour
A good logo represents a brand and the product or service to which they belong. A great logo serves a greater purpose....
As it turns out, the harp on the glass has more than ornamental purposes. When Guinness is poured properly into a branded Guinness pint glass, the harp icon serves as a measuring aid.
Back at the Guinness Storehouse, the fourth floor is home to the Guinness Academy, where you can learn the art of the perfect pour. Start the pour by holding the glass at a 45-degree angle under the spout and slowly fill the glass to the top of the harp. Allow the beer to settle before topping it off.
The harp has been a widely recognized beacon of the Guinness brand since 1876. It is based on the harp of Brian Boru (housed at Trinity Library), the high King of Ireland from 1002 to 1014.
Coincidentally, a harp is also the official national emblem of the Republic of Ireland, appearing on passports and state documents. The Guinness harp always has a Left straight edge and the Republic of Ireland harp always has a Right straight edge in order to distinguish the two trademarks.
Awfully nice of the Country to adjust their national symbol to accommodate the trademark of a (albeit beloved and iconic) beer brand!
As it turns out, the harp on the glass has more than ornamental purposes. When Guinness is poured properly into a branded Guinness pint glass, the harp icon serves as a measuring aid.
Back at the Guinness Storehouse, the fourth floor is home to the Guinness Academy, where you can learn the art of the perfect pour. Start the pour by holding the glass at a 45-degree angle under the spout and slowly fill the glass to the top of the harp. Allow the beer to settle before topping it off.
The harp has been a widely recognized beacon of the Guinness brand since 1876. It is based on the harp of Brian Boru (housed at Trinity Library), the high King of Ireland from 1002 to 1014.
Coincidentally, a harp is also the official national emblem of the Republic of Ireland, appearing on passports and state documents. The Guinness harp always has a Left straight edge and the Republic of Ireland harp always has a Right straight edge in order to distinguish the two trademarks.
Awfully nice of the Country to adjust their national symbol to accommodate the trademark of a (albeit beloved and iconic) beer brand!
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