November 9, 2011

The Third Wave

“I am without a doubt saying don’t settle. For the first time in history women are actually equipped—with college and graduate degrees; with valuable workplace skills; with real earning power—to write their own lives, and because of this we should all pause and think very hard and honestly about what we actually want….For now, I feel very fortunate that I’ve built my life in such a way that I have the resources and freedom to pursue my own interests, and to truly enjoy being single.”—Kate Bolick interviewed by Refinery29

Plus, some very interesting new research in an article by someone who may be my new heroine for how well she understands my life and choices!—MEZ

p.s. Another gem of a quote: “If you are open to life and to people, you will find LOVE when you’re ready, and in your own time. Meanwhile, cultivate your powers, treat others well, and live honestly.” And wait for this. I will never give up on it.

October 26, 2011

Look Booked! Handcuffed to Style, not a Slave to Fashion

I’ve spent a lot of time lately thinking about how guys dress and how to wrap them up in style. And since not spending a lot of money (hint: check consignment and vintage stores) but still looking pulled together, and not like you’re trying too hard is what I do, I feel my modus operandi could be passed to them. Wardrobe crimes are similar to women’s mistakes—anything that doesn’t fit or is too casual is punishable, as is wearing fleece. There’s lots of evidence out there that guys care what they look like. Some men do dress creatively, plan their wardrobe, like to shop and let their style be part of their personality, making the uniform into something more. In other words, there’s hope.

Here’s a list of ten essential items—pieces that I think every guy should have in his style file. Read the rest of this entry »

October 19, 2011

Baked Pork Chops Philadelphia

I never really thought about pork until I discovered this recipe. Rarely did I eat it, mostly because I was a vegetarian for 7 years (then I visited Philly for the first time and had a cheese steak from Pat’s—and it was all over). Pork Chops Philadelphia is easy to make, and while not quite gourmet, it’s a step above everyday. Even with the boom in pork popularity in recent years, this is the one I keep going back to. Men love this recipe. It’s a real meat and potatoes meal. I’ve made it for anyone I’ve ever loved. Try it, it works!—MEZ Read the rest of this entry »

October 12, 2011

Hair Apparent

All I have to say is, I’m so glad the 90s are back—MEZ

October 5, 2011

Sign Says It All

A librarian at the protest in New York this week.

September 28, 2011

My Italian Grandmother’s Meatball Recipe

Recently I got my hands on my Grandma Rose’s meatball recipe. This is not to be confused with my Swedish grandmother’s meatball recipe (you know, like the ones served in the IKEA cafeteria). They’re both excellent, except the recipes have been completely Americanized every time my mom or anyone else cooked them. I’ve never had meatballs with sausage in them before.

Since I’m currently writing an historical teen novel set in early Renaissance Rome, I’ve been cooking a lot of traditional Italian food for inspiration (almost every page out of The Mafia Cookbook). Williams-Sonoma also published a huge feature on Roman cooking this fall, and their recipe for Roman-Style Meatballs is just a few beats off my gram’s. Here’s what I made: Read the rest of this entry »

September 21, 2011

The Many Moods of San Francisco

Still really busy, and cannot even imagine how I made through so much work this summer. I’m sure it’s obvious by now that I am completely obsessed with the view from my fire escape. I go out there regularly (because that’s how I get my weather report) and take pics. It’s beautiful and inspiring.

So I created a new Flickr and just did a batch upload of all the shots I’ve snapped in just the past two years (almost 150!). There’s some repetition and some of the pics aren’t perfect but it’s so close to life and such a big part of mine I had to share.—MEZ

September 14, 2011

Pool Party at Coppola Winery

Mid-week, post-season, there’s nowhere better to be than the pool on the grounds of the Francis Ford Coppola winery. The crowds of kids are back in school, giving you plenty of room to rent a cabine, have a drink poolside, swim a little, and even play some bocce ball. Inside there’s wine tasting, a full restaurant serving southern Italian food that their grandmother used to make, and a museum with film memorabilia. Drive up today, you won’t be sorry.—MEZ