Extreme Ash

Back off Minnesota

2012-01-26T12:26:00.000-06:00

Minnesota tried to front real hard last week. Day I fly into town = first day of negative temperatures in the entire month of January. The next four consecutive days? Negative. Double digit negative? Yep.

Back the fuck up Minnesota, you don't scare me.

great dudes. great place.

look at that babette & roomie. look at that wine soaked pasta!

SO much food. plate after plate. hearts bar la grassa, hearts.

jurikills.

pbg+hmck. i stare dreamily.

babettes leslie + kyndra

spending quality time with quality people is one of the great joys in life.

Moments.

2012-01-25T11:27:00.009-06:00

Looking through my minneapolis photos I realized there were a number of flicks on my camera that haven't made it up on the blog (and a few that have) that are lovely snapshots of a perfect moment. Some of these moments were perfect because of who I shared them with; some because at the time, and still now, they make me feel like the life I live is a very special one. There's not much more to these than that...hope they remind you that the little things can be really great moments.

fancy salt! for leslie and sam

So even if you're not going to get Barbeque from Black's, or buy fancy salt or find a swingset during your lunch break make sure you do something (and take a photo). Keep those moments coming.

words & dreams

2012-01-12T09:12:00.004-06:00

Austin Kleon is technically a writer but I think I would consider him an artist as well. He lives in Austin and last summer I went to the Hotel San Jose for a film screening/artist talk and he happened to be part of the event. I had not heard of him, but I definitely know the Hotel San Jose.

This beautiful oasis was literally the first place I ever went in Austin, if only for a second.

After a 20 hour drive from Minneapolis to our first ever SXSW we parked on Congress Avenue to get lunch at Guerro's. As we walked up the street Jenn and I peaked in through this gate. We walked in to a Secret Garden.

I've since learned you are allowed to walk through that gate and make your way back to the lovely courtyard. If you do make it back there do yourself a favor and grab a seat at the big wooden table in the back and ask for a michelada. I prefer the wooden table in the back as it makes for great people watching, and if you don't have a large group it's a lovely way to meet interesting people. I prefer the micheladas because they are delicious.

I stumbled across Austin Kleon's website while looking for images of sxsw for a work proposal. I found his post titled "SXSW Horoscopes" and I've been transported back to a lovely evening from last summer, where I sat in the outodoor courtyard of the Hotel San Jose in the heat and drank Micheladas with sweat pouring off the glass. Crystal and Tomasz along with an assortment of other characters played with newspapers and markers and attempted to create our own stories.

These are my favorite of his SXSW Horoscopes. How charming!

If you've never tried this approach at writing a poem I highly encourage it. Choose an article, grab a sharpie and give it a try - it's harder than you might imagine.

Sometimes you just need to swing it out

2012-01-10T11:08:00.007-06:00

Two weeks ago I had the most glorious lunch break of all time with my lovely coworkers Monica & Anastasia. I had mentioned earlier in the day that I wanted to go out for a juice or coffee, so we stopped at Daily Juice and basked in the sunlight and the glory of all things fresh and delicious. It was so beautiful out I decided to take the girls on a little adventure...cue non-stop laughter the first 15 minutes we were swinging. Sheer joy is a swingset on a sunny day.

this kid was both psyched and confused by our presence. so was his dad.

Dreaming of a White Christmas

2011-12-24T16:26:00.003-06:00

45 degrees and rainy in Houston and Austin...it's cold and gray and different...but still charming. There are palm trees here, and it's Christmas...I find that charming anyway. The only other experience I've had like this was a few years back in Puerto Rico. It wasn't Christmas, but right after and everyone still had yard decorations up...bright green lawns, palm trees and inflatable snowmen. I think I took more photos of Christmas decorations in PR than I did of the beach.Full disclosure...I did not take the above photo...I definitely stole this from google.

Anyway. It's charming here but I miss the snow, and all of you. xoxo and Merry Christmas loves...biggest hugs to all of you.

What makes a lady?

2011-12-20T14:10:00.004-06:00

I started reading Bossypants this week...Tina Fey makes me laugh out loud while reading, and then I interrupt whatever James is doing to read him whatever it was that made me laugh. My delivery is off, but I think he gets the comic idea.

She talks about how she went to a conference while doing research for Mean Girls, the best Lindsey Lohan movie of all time (admittedly not saying much here). At this conference the women were asked to write down the time they first time they truly felt like a woman. Turns out most of them wrote down things like being heckled at by dudes. Cat calls, nice tits, look at that ass, etc. Sad.

It was this year, my 27th on this fine earth that I think I started to feel like a woman for the first time...and it was all because of lipstick. You see, I have small lips. Tiny lips. My top lip is basically non-existant. Growing up I tried not to show my teeth when smiling in photos because it made my non-lips even smaller. I remember doing makeovers at a slumber party when I was maybe 13 and my friend's mom told me I could always draw on an upper lip with lip liner ("Just like movie stars!" she told me). Due to my non-lip complex I never wore lipstick. Gloss, tint, maybe lightly colored chapstick...yes. Bright red lipstick? No.

This year I said fuck it. I like red lipstick. I like orangey red lipstick. I like bubblegum pink lipstick. I want to wear it. So I did what any grown woman does, I bought 99 cent L.A. Colors lipstick from the dollar store near my house. Don't judge...I wanted to test my ability to wear before making a more expensive purchase.

It's not really the lipstick that makes me feel like a woman. It's the fact that I finally said fuck it.

learning to be poor...and other first world problems

2011-12-09T12:25:00.009-06:00

James does not think I'm poor, he thinks I have extravagant taste for my income level. He may be right, but I still think I'm poor.

I am going to pretend it's Lent and give a few things up (even though I don't practice Lent when it is Lent; I don't know how else to justify this without just feeling poor).

Since we bought a car we now have to make car payments. Making car payments is something I've never done, not really. I've always either bought a car I could afford outright *amazing 1987 Honda Civic...anyone remember that death trap (?); or I made car payments to my grandparents for the now deceased Mercury Sable. Making car payments to your grandparents is about the least serious thing you can do...it is not like they send some thugs or collectors after you if you only pay them $50 one month instead of the $150 you promised. They love you, they won't do that.

Guess who will do that? Capitol One.

Things I will be giving up so I'm not so poor:

Cheese. Oh sure, we can still buy sharp cheddar or pepperjack for our sandwiches, but if you want a nice bucheron or chevre don't come knockin on my door.

Clothes. Oh god, clothes. I love clothes. So much. I like pants, dresses, skirts, shorts, tanks, blouses, sweaters, I even like vests. I don't do much shopping, I really haven't since I moved to Texas and became poor. Now I'll be doing no shopping. My dream of red pants will never come true.

Brunch. The ultimate first world indulgence. Mimosas, bloody marys, hot coffee with fresh cream no more. Goodbye Condesa & Taverna...I'll miss your delicious treats.

The idea that I can buy new furniture soon. Curtains, tapestries and a new couch? I think not.

Fixing all of my boots. I don't even want to buy new boots, but all of my winter boots need repairs. Guess I'll be picking my favorite pair.

So, if you're still reading: Please forgive me for being such an uppity white girl with first world problems.

The fact is, and what I'm struggling with...but I do know is this: None of those things matter, not really. All that matters is I have love, endless amounts of love from amazing people in my life who I care about so much and who I love back. Maybe I won't be able to impress those people that I love with my red pants and my awesome boots at my dinner party with a great cheese plate where we talk about how fabulous my vintage couch that I personally re-upholstered is while we reminisce about what a great brunch we had the day before. I think you guys would still like me if I asked you over for Ramen. I make a mean Ramen (and it's cheap!)

Jack's a natural

2011-12-08T09:08:00.003-06:00

Had a little Christmas Card photo shoot Monday night courtesy of the totally fabulous MarQuito. Jack was a total pro.

We shot on location in a number of looks, it was especially difficult getting permits to shoot on the White House lawn but Marcos made it happen...what a guy.

Look for your Christmas card soon. xoxo.

oh the interwebz

2011-11-21T10:11:00.005-06:00

Not only was I lucky enough to watch I AM SKATEBOARD today, I was lucky enough to find some serious creative genius in facebook advertising while watching it...notice the groupon ad.

WTF? 5 New things to do in Austin everyday includes hanging out with a mutant house cat?

Music Lounge

2011-11-09T13:17:00.007-06:00

Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr today in the KGSR Music Lounge. I think I may start a project for myself where I attempt to record/track all of the live music I see in one year. 2012 New Year's Resolution?
*photo credit goes to Jill Braley

They played one of my favorites today; here's them performing it during sxsw.

Fun Fun Fun Fest 2011

2011-11-07T11:37:00.004-06:00

FunFunFun Fest 2011.

Friday

Yacht

Picture Plane

Franki Chan

Big Freedia

Matt Bearden

...a minute of Okkervil River

Lykke Li at ACL Live taping (amazing)

Late Night at Beauty Bar...Andre Williams

Saturday

Manejo Beto

Future Islands

Purity Ring

Tinarewin

Cecil Otter

The Joy Formidable

Tune-Yards (!!!)

Ra Ra Riot

Lykke Li

Spoon

The Damned

Late Night at Plush for Straight Hood Shit! and then Beauty Bar for Sexy Sax Man

Sunday

Brunch at Frank (a bloody mary and 2 mimosas later)

Mates of State

MNDR

Austra

Baths

Del the Funky Homosapien

Black Lips (and my boyfriend's boyfriend Ryan Gosling)

Diplo

Slayer

A few impressions:

Future Islands were great, Purity Ring was a nice surprise, Tune-Yards are amazing live, The Damned was a brain melter, Austra was lovely(if not a bit sleepy) and Ryan Gosling really is as attractive as you think.

so I've started a tumblr.

2011-10-05T18:39:00.005-05:00

but i'm not letting anyone see it yet. i actually started it a while back but i'm pretty interested in curating the appropriate content before i make it public.

once it's ready i'll share with all.

so for those of you who don't care about that at all...a few things you should be aware of:

1) Listen to Wu Lyf. If you're not yet stop what you're doing. STOP. Right now.

Watch/Listen.

2) I got to hang out with Tucker Jaymes Gerrick a couple weeks ago. We got tattoos. Of each others names. Top that shit.

3) Looking forward to one Mr. Sam Cassidy's arrival to Austin. Also looking forward to seeing Tapes N Tapes at the new Emo's. Good things come from Minnesota.

let's wrap this up by saying if you're in mpls i will be seeing you soon. never soon enough. if you're in austin and i haven't seen you in a while let's make a date for tapes n tapes next week, yeah?

Holy Blogspot Batman, Why Haven't You Been Blogging?!

2011-08-25T20:19:00.003-05:00

Work. Work. Work. Work. Work.
When you work ALL day long it makes it REALLY hard to get motivated to come home and get back on the computer...especially when you leave work at 8pm every night.

God I've missed you all. I don't have time to really update now, because I'm running out the door w/ James for some food cart dinner and a Revival Fund show at Antone's.

I don't have any recent pics uploaded on this comp and because of said time crunch I won't upload anything new. Here's an old one of James and I just so ya'll can see our pretty faces.

If I don't see you at Antone's then I'll see you in my dreams. xoxo.

It doesn't get much better than this.

2011-06-21T13:35:00.000-05:00

Three of the most awesome people in one room, after way too many drinks, and a great conversation in german and spanish. Can't get enough of these guys, wish it wasn't such a short trip this time...sometimes still wishing it wasn't a trip at all...xoxo.

Looks like we got awesome.

2011-06-19T10:11:00.000-05:00

Trust me, we did.

More of this please (never enough).

2011-06-17T00:08:00.001-05:00

This was going to mpls.
Heading to Charleston tomorrow (T-Minus 5 hours) for Aly & EC's wedding. Cannot wait (get me there now).

I Can Read Movies

2011-06-10T20:26:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking about posting these for a while, they're really great and I have a bunch more saved that I'll add soon. What better time than now? Cary sent me an amazing link to Better Book Titles and I knew I had to put these up.

Have you heard, it's hot

2011-06-07T10:47:00.004-05:00

Two things I'd like to point out.

1) It's hot.
2) Earth is pissed.

It's hot everywhere, and if you look at all the videos on the weather.com homepage right now you'll find errupting volcanoes, flooding in 5 states, a bounce house that got blown away (with kids in it!!!), tornados, and a dude who dies after running a race. Conclusion: earth is pissed and weather.com is a lot racier than it used to be. With that said, it's supposed to be 102 here today. FML.

The homepage of weather.com - real life happenings are damn near as scary as that not very scary movie Maggie Gyllenhaal's brother starred in, I think in 2004.

What a dumb movie, it's clearly getting hot, not cold. (science).

Fresh Squeezed

2011-05-30T20:43:00.003-05:00

I made ginger lemonade from scratch. It is amazing and looks beautiful. Feeling a bit like Lauren Michelle right now.

South By Southwest (sxsw)

2011-05-23T22:24:00.005-05:00

Year One: Sam convinces me we need to go to sxsw in Austin, TX. I think it went something like this, "We should go to sxsw, that would rule." "Yeah, that would be awesome, let's do it."
Jenn + Eric + Nate + Sam + Me + 1,040 miles later, we were in Austin and he was right, it ruled. Fun Fact: Sam put me in a head-lock and drug me out of the Palm Door at 4am; I still contest the necessity of that action.Year Two: I've lived in Austin, TX for 1 month and 1 week and Sam, Tucker, Ryan, Jake, Travis, Hicks and Mikey come visit and play during south-by. James books them some shows, and we kick it all day and party all night. Tons of mpls peeps in town, tons of great music - pretty magical.
Fun Fact: Tucker bought Bill Murray a hot dog at Shangri La.
Year Three: I'm still not sure I've recovered from this past year. Over a year in Austin means I scored a platinum press badge, which meant I was able to go to all of the interactive events and parties, all of the film screenings and parties, and all of the music events and parties and I had press access. 10 straight days of madness. I would have skipped out on some of the early stuff, but Scott came down to kick it, and as the plans came together last minute I knew we had to get epic, and epic we got.
Fun Fact: Scott and I were in the press pit at Big Boi and it was nuts. I somehow didn't have my camera (WTF) but this picture I stole from the internet (Lorne Thompson's flickr) was probably taken by the chick I was standing right next to.
I'll say more about year three in my next blog post. This one already seems a bit long.

Dino-mite

2011-05-22T14:37:00.000-05:00

uh, how awesome is this?!

I know what I'm doing this weekend.

2011-05-20T18:29:00.000-05:00

uh, ok.

adoration

2011-05-19T21:26:00.000-05:00

well isn't that just sweet.

Let there be light (inspired).

2011-05-18T12:30:00.000-05:00

someday.

lovable loser

2011-05-17T10:30:00.000-05:00

Charlie Brown is a lovable loser, a child possessed of endless determination and hope, but who is ultimately dominated by his insecurities and a "permanent case of bad luck," and is often taken advantage of by his peers.

(Thanks wiki).

Looking these fucking beasts.

2011-05-16T21:05:00.000-05:00

So regal, and they like to party.

Feelings and emotions.

2011-05-14T20:24:00.004-05:00

I really like Edward Gorey.

I had a birthday.

2011-05-02T09:50:00.000-05:00

It's really a birth month, not a birth day - and since I'm born on Leap Year I make an even more colossal spectacle than most...except maybe Bonni.

Last year I moved to Austin on February 7th with a suitcase and started work the next day. I returned to mpls to make the official move down to Austin a few weeks later. James, Sam, Jenn and I drove the interstate from top to bottom and made it into town on my birthday. Mere hours later a torrential downpour struck, and I realized I had exactly four friends in Austin...not the makings of my ideal birthday.

Sam, Jenn, James, Crystal and I ended up having a blast that night (well, at least I did), and I'll always remember my most low key birthday celebration as a really great night, in a really new place, with some really amazing people.

This year I have a few more friends, and it was a bright sunny day - warm enough to wear a dress which was a first for me on my birthday. I missed the company of Sam and Crystal...and so many more...too many to name. In the end though, I had a lovely brunch, cooked by my amazing boyfriend, in our fantastic house. Here are some pics, wish you all could have been here for it.
xoxo.

Mast Chef
BACON pancakes
Joel + Cary
Jess & Kim
Chocolate + strawberry + mickey mouse shaped pancake!!!
Ivansito
Jack was not allowed to join the party outside, but stared creepily from behind the screen.
Sean, Roomie, Slamka

Happy Birthday to ME!

This guy.

2011-04-30T21:19:00.002-05:00

It was Sam's birthday. Wish we could have had lunch at Tum Rup Thai.

created using the animated gifs maker at MakeAGif

Happiest of birthdays Sam. Can't wait to see you soon.

nerd out.

2011-04-27T23:30:00.002-05:00

I really like Star Wars. I blame my father.

Jack and Charlie

2011-04-23T12:57:00.000-05:00

Well, mostly Jack.
These two sort of rule our lives sometimes. It's a little insane.

Infusions

2011-04-22T09:24:00.001-05:00

We haven't made too many, but some have been great. The first one we tried was around Thanksgiving or Christmas...pumpkin and vanilla. I think it was actually our least favorite, but we've made some serious strides. Cucumber cilantro was super. I think the best was the habanero vodka we made on my birthday. It was meant for the bloody mary's, but when we ran out of zing zang we made spicy screwdrivers. Major win. Just bought lavender from the market yesterday, can't wait for that.

What To Cook and How To Cook It.

2011-04-20T10:18:00.000-05:00

Such a good present.

Jack likes it too ^^^

The Revival Fund

2011-04-18T23:11:00.005-05:00

So this is something I'm really excited and proud to post about. James and a few members of the last band he played with Bankrupt and the Borrowers have started a non-profit called The Revival Fund. James worked his ass off to pull a launch party together...now that it's out there publicly the next steps are to pull an experienced board together and start raising more awareness and funds to make it all happen. Check out what they're doing at their website.

Why hello friends...

2011-04-18T22:42:00.005-05:00

I've missed you.

So much has happened since I last posted. A few things I've learned: -Dr. Oz is quite possibly the worst show of all time. I had the unfortunate experience of catching a few minutes of it while at the gym the other day and it was mind-numbing.
-A lot of you (my friends) are getting married. That rules.
-SXSW is exhausting, especially when you do Interactive, Film & Music, you have 13 people in one house, and you have to go to work each morning.
-Dallas isn't that bad, especially if you have Leslie and Jenn there. -England rules.
-So does Labyrinth.

A number of new posts coming your way. xoxo.

Team Zissou

2011-03-08T16:50:00.000-06:00

we have a new house

2011-02-26T20:47:00.003-06:00

and it's really great. pics coming soon.
plenty of room for visitors.

Lissie

2011-02-10T14:04:00.003-06:00

Lissie was in-studio with KGSR today at work. God damn woman.
This is my fifth time watching them perform. I believe this is an accurate account:
1) Triple Rock in MPLS with Sam & Tucker
2) Backstage at ACL for the KGSR live performance/interview
3) ACL stage
4) Emo's Austin with James
5) Today > KGSR studio

She's playing a sold-out show at Antone's tonight, which I'll be skipping. I think she's great, but nothing tonight will top the afternoon performance I just witnessed.

I've had some debates with a few people (namely Sam) about Lissie. That EP dropped and it was like, holy shit, who is this chick who just recorded these tracks herself(ish), who sounds like Joni and Stevie and heaven and soul?! I got that on vinyl and I still geek out to it (why shouldn't I, it's still "new").

Her new record Catching a Tiger has dropped, and it's not quite the same. The production level has gone up, which means some of that grit has been replaced by a much friendlier AAA format...something that'll get a lot of play on Cities 97, or...KGSR, and not just a Current. Some people aren't feeling it as much, and I totally get it. When we saw her at Emo's I think she said it best, which was (totally paraphrasing and half-remembering) "Hey guys, if you like what we're doing be sure to check out the merch, and if you don't like it check out the merch too so I can pay off my label and make some new music (or my own music)." Right? Isn't that what happens? You make something really rad and magical, and then it gets reproduced on a mass scale, and a bit watered down for everyone...and it doesn't quite suck, but it isn't magic.

So, with that being said...don't skip Lissie live. The new stuff isn't watered down when you're in the same room as she is. My fifth time seeing them play and they are so .on. They sound so tight and so loose at the same time. Don't make some dirty joke out of that last sentence in your mind > pervs. Anyway. She brings it, they bring it, it's like some early 00's cheerleading movie where they bring it.

I'd say I'm speechless, but clearly my free-flowing ramble of a blog post above would clearly indicate otherwise. Just trust. Go see her again, even if you think you won't like it, or she's not making the same music, or whatever. Lissie opens her lips and some serious soul gets out.

Side note: stole that pic from John over at SideOneTrackOne since I forgot my camera.
Thanks dude.

So it begins...

2011-01-26T22:24:00.002-06:00

Starting to get our route mapped out. 812 miles in 7 days.
Suggestions?

Feliz Ano Nuevo. Numero 4

2011-01-18T13:28:00.000-06:00

Love.

It was a great way to ring in another year. Best friends in one of the best places in the world.

Feliz Ano Nuevo. Numero 3

2011-01-17T16:12:00.000-06:00

uuuhhhhhh????^^^^

This, ladies and gentleman, is called winning in 2011.

Feliz Ano Nuevo. Numero 2

2011-01-16T14:41:00.001-06:00

3 years strong at the loft for NYE.

Hey Roomie,
Remember when we lived there?

This night was just getting started.

Feliz Ano Nuevo. Numero 1

2011-01-15T20:49:00.005-06:00

Getting to the party is half the fun if you're with the right people. These are the right people.

the rest of the night just gets better.

Staraoke

2011-01-10T21:43:00.001-06:00

This babe...perfect timing.

Can we just pause and reflect on how awesome we were all getting. Proof>

This night was a wild shit show to say the least. One towed car and a vomit session on the Choice later, we all made it out alive. God bless baby jesus.

Minnesota for Christmas

2011-01-10T16:41:00.000-06:00

It was a white Christmas.

A nice little walk in the woods.

2011-01-09T22:16:00.000-06:00

A while back James and I went on a hike on the Greenbelt, which is a really great protected area in Austin...over 800 acres of beauty. When Sam & the Red Daughters were here this summer we tried to go find a swimming hole off the Greenbelt. As we were in the midst of a summer drought, we failed. Hiking through this area in the fall was a much more pleasant experience...here are a few pics we snapped.

Friends.

2011-01-08T17:51:00.001-06:00

I love these two>>>

Ivan + Sarah = Love

2011-01-07T11:25:00.000-06:00

to sum up the rest of Cody in ATX.

2011-01-06T20:46:00.001-06:00

^^^ my sweet little salt water taffy. miss you girl.

Cody came to ATX, and shit got weird. Zombie Pub Crawl

2011-01-05T21:55:00.007-06:00

Cody got to town which was AWESOME! We met James for some drinks, and then we introduced Cody to her favorite part of Austin...mag mud at magnolia's...aka con queso.

...the next day we went halloween costume shopping. It was an experience, to say the least. Cody swore she wouldn't be using fake blood for her Zombie Pub Crawl costume because it was too gross. This while she was asking which dress was more the most girly for her back-alley abortion zombie costume.
The next day we became zombies...

ZOMG>>>WTF is happening you might be saying? Ryan trying to eat the abortion baby while at a Gay Bear halloween party...just a stop on the East Austin Zombie Pub Crawl. >>>

This right here is why Cody couldn't eat the next day, and why she ordered ice cream for breakfast...I'm convinced>

Marcos didn't dress up, but he took some great pics...
Brit can always be counted on for having the best costumes >>>
Gene and Brandy had the grossest makeup, like, it almost made me puke it was so good. This picture doesn't do it justice...
Are you ready for this...I don't know if anyone could be.

Then there's the sweet sweet Ronnie, with a drop of blood on her face...soooo cuuuute <3
Lessons learned from the first Zombie Pub Crawl:
1) Cody should ALWAYS be invited.
2) There's no such thing as too much blood.
3) There is such a thing as too many orange drinks from Iron Gate.

Love

2010-12-21T12:10:00.000-06:00

Love these guys, love that dog, love that day, love that city.

Love coming back to Austin.

It's a surprise party

2010-12-20T19:32:00.000-06:00

for me! (that Sam & I planned).
Last night in mpls. The plan was to start at the warehouse and move to the front. We didn't make the move.

all the right people in the right place.

This babe.

2010-12-19T20:24:00.000-06:00

She and I will be having a major cuddle session in just about a week. <3

My ears

2010-12-19T01:40:00.000-06:00

are having a love affair with

This guy.

2010-12-18T23:15:00.001-06:00

Wish I could have been there tonight. xxoo.

Lusting

2010-12-18T22:49:00.004-06:00

after leather>
I touched this jacket today at Madewell. I think they used butter to create it. Randomly it popped up on a blog I was reading tonight. Coincidence, or fate?

A sneak peak...

2010-12-02T18:35:00.001-06:00

of what is coming up on the blog>

One of my favorite things.

2010-11-24T23:41:00.002-06:00

Brunch. <3

It's only weird if you make it weird...at the Stag

2010-11-23T18:49:00.000-06:00

That would be Cody Joan in there ^

TROUBLE of the best variety. <3

MPLS Sunday Dinner Pt 2

2010-11-22T14:36:00.000-06:00

Miss this^ and all of them >

and if you witnessed this. wow. just wow Esther. >

MPLS Sunday Dinner Pt 1

2010-11-21T21:20:00.004-06:00

FOALS in MPLS

2010-11-08T23:24:00.000-06:00

With Jake, Cody, Mama T, Sam and Leslie. and FOALS. They so good.

MPLS was all about food...or...life is.

2010-11-07T11:00:00.000-06:00

Go to Cave Vin. Have Kris tell you about the wine.

The new host at the Red Stag.

2010-11-06T14:00:00.001-05:00

I miss this

2010-11-05T22:35:00.000-05:00

Brunch at the Red Stag. <3

These two.

2010-11-04T10:20:00.001-05:00

Beautiful wedding. Love you two very much.

Things got rough in mpls...the end of night 1.

2010-11-03T13:08:00.000-05:00

A few more jems from Joe + Lauren

2010-11-02T14:49:00.000-05:00

MPLS continued...there's so much more.

2010-11-01T21:29:00.005-05:00

Then This Happened (mpls pt 3)

2010-10-27T11:59:00.000-05:00

Roomie.

Nice day for a...(mpls part 2)

2010-10-26T21:52:00.000-05:00

This was really beautiful.

The First of Many (MPLS pt 1)

2010-10-25T23:46:00.003-05:00

The first few minutes back in minneapolis were crazy. I ran into the best people. Special spanks to Roomie, Future-Roo, and Girlie-Roo for the airport swoop and late night chicken finger run.

Minnesota. (Part I). Stolen.

2010-10-11T13:07:00.002-05:00

I have so many photos to post from my trip home. I stole these from Tucker because I haven't had the time to sort, edit and upload my own pics. I'll fix that.

Bon Appetit

2010-09-16T10:32:00.000-05:00

Watermelon + tomato + blackberries + red onion + feta cheese + walnuts = delicious

Pulled pork sandwich + toasted brioche roll + sriracha mayo = made by James
Sweet Potato Fries = OMG

Ivan likes ^^^

Red Velvet Cake Ball from Holy Cacao (courtesy of Matt)

Mmmmmm....

Alamo (not Drafthouse) THE Alamo

2010-09-14T19:01:00.002-05:00

Kinda a let down. I mean, I wasn't holding my breath to see the Alamo or anything...but really? That's it?

San Antonio is a strange town and it makes you do strange things. It's two big attractions are The Alamo and the Riverwalk. The latter pretty much consisting of a mall ontop of the river. The Austin City Council wants to do something similar here. They'd like to relocate or remove the bars in the Red River district (Beauty Bar, Red 7, Plush, Creekside, etc) to make room for development. You can guess how I feel about ideas like that.

Just a warning. Don't ever eat at Pat O'Brien's. You'll seriously regret the shitty food, service and music. If you do eat there, don't order the hurricane.

Tropical Storms...uhh, weird.

2010-09-07T20:07:00.001-05:00

It's really wet here. Wet and gray.

You've got mail

2010-09-03T10:30:00.002-05:00

Need to find a spot on the art wall for the "Perfect Ash".

Thank you Jessica. xoxo.

Mama I'm Coming Home

2010-08-27T10:13:00.002-05:00

CAN'T WAIT.

xoxo

It's been a month?!?!

2010-08-24T17:49:00.007-05:00

Since these boys were in town...

Nature hike to find a swimming hole:

so...this is where we're supposed to be cliff jumping from:

does it look hot? it was HOT.

we found paradise. the pool at the top of the hill (thanks cory).

Red Shed Tavern.

After they played the 2nd night we brought the dudes to one of our favorite spots, one of the best food carts in town is peaking thru this picture.

Home.

I've been waiting...

2010-08-06T16:41:00.005-05:00

to eat at La Boite Cafe since I moved here. I might make that happen this weekend, and I might take Amelia with me. Have you ever seen anything so perfect? I think not.

Built in a shipping container (follow the link above to see more pics at their website), the restaurant embodies the tres chic concept of working in reusable/reinvented spaces. They source their mostly organic menu locally when possible, and their almond croissants look heavenly.

So so so much of everything

2010-07-29T11:04:00.000-05:00

Don't stop. Can't stop. It seems there is something going on that I/we are supposed to be doing every night of the week. It's exhausting. (who am I kidding, I'm always like this).

Had a great weekend...not even sure why. We did stuff and things and it was fun. I went and saw Dance With The One - a really great film my friend Gabe is in. It was fantastic. Last night was the Fast Folks Ladies Ride, which was great per usual. I skipped the fun at Dirty Bill's to go home and relax. The Red Daughters and Sam just got to town last night, or this morning (5am) and I know we'll be going out tonight and tomorrow night like whoa. Right now I need a nap.

Here's a couple pics of Jenn, Rachel and I at a show at the Mohawk last week. We caught all of Octopus Project, and if you haven't heard them you should. I had never heard them live, and didn't know they use a theremin in their music, I'd always just thought it was some sort of synth. If you haven't seen one played, they're really quite incredible. Not much to look at on its own, but really cool when hands that aren't touching a thing make that noise.

added bonus. look at this adorable puppy. ZOMG.

If you live in Minneapolis & have a soul you need to do this:

2010-07-19T10:07:00.003-05:00

I be you know someone who has had cancer. Maybe you've had it. Maybe, like me, your grandmother, great aunt, grandfather, co-worker, and high school friend have had some form of cancer.

Breast. Liver. Bladder. Skin. Prostate. Thyroid. Kidney. Colon. Lung. Leukemia.
Pancreatic. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Brain Tumor. Cervical. Rectal. Ovarian.

I have lost family members to cancer, and I've had family members survive cancer. The best thing any of us can do is offer love, support, and money. Research is needed to improve treatments and find cures.

I know none of us has much of it...but maybe think of it this way:
A night out at the Triple Rock might cost $20. (Chicken fingers ($7), 3 PBRs ($6), and one shot of whiskey ($3) + tip on it all). Skip that. One week in the next month or two skip it. Then take that $20 and go to the Red Stag on Monday, July 26th for By Your Side (a benefit for breast cancer). Donate that $20 to Team Damian so they can walk in the Susan G Komen Walk for the Cure.

I've never walked, but last year I went with Janessa and met Louisa to cheer on the walkers. Within a few minutes I think we all had tears in our eyes. Like I said, we have all been touched by this. Let's keep trying to make a difference. Really wish I could be there guys...you'll get my donation on the website...

That's What I Call Hawt...Vol. 8

2010-07-15T13:28:00.003-05:00

My parents (Dad especially) are HUGE fans of scoffing and saying, "Wow, this global warming sure is serious" in the dead of winter, or on a chilly spring day, or on a particularily cool summer afternoon. It's their funny republican humor shining through...so to them I say:

YES, IT IS SERIOUS...I'M MELTING IN TEXAS (and apparently it's pretty warm up north too).

South View Regional Video
Hot temperatures and high humidity levels grip the southern Plains, Texas, the lower Mississippi Valley, Alabama and western Tennessee.
Temperatures should soar well into the 90s with a few areas topping the 100-degree mark.
Combine the heat with the high humidity and it could feel like it is 100 to 115 during the hottest part of the day.

Uchi Coma

2010-07-12T17:00:00.001-05:00

James and I had our 1 year anniversary this past weekend. We had dinner at Uchi, which is an absolutely amazing Japanese restaurant here in Austin (in a renovated house). Every bite was incredible, really really superb. It was a really fantastic night, and I just want to throw it out there...I'm really lucky.

Our coursed dinner:

uchi shot quail egg yolk and sea urchin, submerged in sparkling wine
spider roll softshell crab, flying fish roe, english cucumber and white soybean paper

hamachi and unagi sashimi
hotate tamago diver scallop٠bottarga gremolata٠seabeans٠golden raisin٠uni٠smoked ikura
maguro sashimi and goat cheese with cracked pepper, fuji apple and pumpkin seed oil
shag roll tempura fried bond roll (avocado, sundried tomato, white soybean paper) with salmon and squid ink sumiso sauce

We had a drink at the bar while we waited for our table, and James saw the bartender prepare an uchi shot. I had read about it on the online menu and knew what it consisted of. The bartender said it was made to combine 3 powerful aphrodisiacs...James promptly ordered a round. First you sip the bubbly down, then let the sea urchin flesh into your mouth, then the yolk of the quail egg...you then promptly bite the yolk to fully release the flavor. This made me fully want to release vomit...James loved it. When I think back to it I really knew I wouldn't love this. The flavors were truly delightful, but my textured-based pallete just couldn't handle that combo.

Once we were at our table we ordered a spider roll. Maybe an odd thing to start with, normally I'd course from lighter to heavier; but we both love this roll so much we didn't wait. Next up was a few pieces of sashimi - some lovely hamachi and unagi. For those of you who are a bit freaked by the thought of eel...DON'T BE...insane goodness.

Uchi does a nightly menu to accompany their regular menu, and we decided to order the hotate tomago (diver scallops) from it. James had only had scallops once before, and he wasn't in love with the flavor of these; but I thought they were heavenly. They were served with golden raisins and a golden raisin reduction which was fantastic. Also, there were sea beans which I was really curious about. Turns out they're like the top stem of asparagus but really salty. Next up was the maguro sashimi. ZOMG. Imagine raw fish tasting like the most buttery piece of filet you've ever eaten. Now imagine that with pieces of green apple and melt-in-your-mouth awesome goat cheese. This dish was so simple, and so amazing. I think we both nearly cried we were so happy.

Finally...for the fat kid special we finished with the shag roll. This is seriously as fat kid as sushi can get - take a roll with avocado and salmon, then dip it in tempura and fry it. Drizzle squid ink sauce on the platter and be sure to get as much of that as possible onto the roll. Devour.

Shag roll ^^^

Everything about that meal - really that night - was incredible. If you come to Austin we must go there. Bring some loot, cause fish ain't cheap.

Stuff and Things

2010-07-12T14:00:00.000-05:00

4th of July was pretty good. Maybe not great, but good. I'm sorry Austin, but you pale in comparison to last year...

Too much awesomeness in NYC with too many good friends means no 4th of July is ever going to be that good again.
Instead of watching Jenny & Connor in the park we bbq'd at Nick's house. The food was fantastic. Nick & James seriously grilled up some of the best meats EVER. It was awesome. We made our way back to the apartment, crew in tow, and watched the fireworks from the balcony. Most people took a dip in the pool after, and then we all watched Total Recal. All in all, a great day.

World Cup Fever was at an all time high this past weekend. Viva Espana...

After a week of not drinking I went a bit nuts yesterday. Something about drinking from noon to 9pm really makes you feel like shit, so I'm going to go ahead and spend the next week not drinking (again). It helps me save money, and not feel like shit, so I'm going to go ahead and run with it.

That's right ^^^ no lager for me.

Ticket Home

2010-07-08T13:54:00.002-05:00

Has been delayed again.

Got offered a job to dog/house sit next week that pays $300. SCORE. That was quite literally going to be my ticket home.

Car wouldn't start today, guess who gets to buy a new alternator?!?!

Sigh.

Why Didn't I Ask?!?!

2010-07-01T15:48:00.004-05:00

Ya know what I really hate?
Shitty lemonade.

I hate it so much that I frequently ask the waiter or waitress, "What kind of lemonade do you have, is it like Country Time; or fresh?"

Today I went to lunch and ordered lemonade. I went with a bunch of coworkers (their choice) and ended up at Weirdo's...home of all things BMX, Wakeboarding, and Beach Volleyball...and pretty good Cobb salads. I ordered a lemonade, paused, and let it go. Sometimes I feel rude asking, like it's an insult - and I should just assume that no business owner with any level of concern for their customer would EVER stock country time lemonade.

I was wrong to trust in their judgement.

Such a bummer.

*Side note: Best lemonade I've ever had is the lavender lemonade at Cissi's market when Joe & Lauren were in Austin (that cute little restaurant/c-store on s. congress) Too bad that place just closed.

Taking a Cue...or just that good

2010-06-30T12:16:00.003-05:00

Sam is on it and he doesn't even know it. If it were anyone else I'd say he's taking a cue from Junya Watanabe...but I don't think he is. Miss you buddy.

Totally stole the pic and link from The Sartorialist.

Gosh he's sweet (my boyfriend that is)

2010-06-28T13:37:00.002-05:00

Soooo. James was kinda being a butthead (his words, not mine) the other day...

he knows he doesn't need to buy me things to make me happy...but this was beyond sweet.

My favorite kind of wine, flowers...and toothpaste. I love Tom's toothpaste, but as you may know that shit is SUPER expensive. In my ongoing effort to cut unnecessary expenses from my life I don't buy it anymore. He got it for me. If that isn't nerdy love I don't know what it.

Jesus Christ

2010-06-27T10:32:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen anything this cute before? Ever!

NO!

Tejas

2010-06-26T22:19:00.000-05:00

4 1/2 mnths. Crazy that it's been that long already since I left Minneapolis for Austin.

July 7th will be my 5 month anniversary of moving, as well as James and my 1 year anniversary of knowing each other.

So. Almost five months of Texas, and I can say that it's growing on me. I don't like the heat; but I also don't like the cold of MN winters. At least in the heat I can still go biking and cool off with a drink or jump in the pool. My fingers don't go numb here, but I do burn my legs and my ass on my stupid leather car seats a lot. Shorts + hot leather = burnt legs.

Jesse Stensby texted me that past weekend, saying he wished mpls had the equivalent of Magnolia's. Sam, I think you might be the only mpls'er we've brought there...remember the Mag Mud? I wish Austin had a Fuji-Ya...I'm really missing that spot. There are some really great sushi joints down here though. One spot is reminiscent of Fuji-Ya, and that makes me happy...but I've only been there once.

Besides the burnt legs and the lack of Fuji-ya, I really can't complain. Happy in Austin, hoping to get back to MN for a week pretty soon, missing your faces, thinking of you guys, learning about living in Texas.

Hipopotamo Fun

2010-06-25T14:17:00.000-05:00

I like oreos too

2010-06-24T20:15:00.000-05:00

Remember that time...

2010-06-23T16:02:00.002-05:00

Tucker bought Bill a hot dog?

Blonde Bombshell

2010-06-23T11:56:00.001-05:00

The one and only.

Rando

2010-06-22T13:00:00.001-05:00

We went swimming in Barton Springs the other day and were all psyched on this guy>
you can't tell in the photo, but he has one nipple pierced and was striking poses all day long. He totally busted me taking his photo, so I took another.

A pretty summertime drive with Jenn and Ryan.^^

And a MONSTER at the Sexy Gazebo. Everyone told me this is a cicada shell, but I think they're wrong. Anyway, James put it on Jenn's shoulder and she and I both screamed. I ran. Dick.

Amazing Adventures

2010-06-21T17:24:00.002-05:00

This girl:
Moved here today:

Best of luck darling. We'll be missing you.

Mumford & Sons

2010-06-21T11:20:00.001-05:00

I don't get paid well, but I do get a lot of perks. Mumford & Sons in studio at work. Seriously. Amazing. Breath-taking. Phenomenal. These guys are really, really good.

Mumford & Sons later that night at La Zona Rosa. FANTASTIC.

One of the best shows I've been to ever, and I go to a lot of shows.

My Girl Likes to Party All the Time

2010-06-20T09:15:00.000-05:00

Saw Kid Sister at Mohawk the other week. She's a little played out, no? Don't think any track lasted longer than 30 seconds, but I guess that's expected? It was still fun.

Stage part ^^^

We went to a show at Hole in the Wall after. Biked over with James and our friend Ericka. Jenn tried to meet us but got a flat tire. She was resourceful and patched it. It went flat again. She was finally able to make her way to HITW, and we had a pretty cheery time. Until 2am, then you better get the eff outta there.

Took a cab to her bike, and then the 3 of us had a nice walk home:

Late nights in Austin.

Employee of the Month

2010-06-18T16:28:00.005-05:00

I have a pretty cool job. I'm not sure if any of you know what I do, so I thought I'd take a second to explain it. I work for a radio station cluster. I work in marketing. When we have clients who want to advertise and be involved in events I help plan the events and make sure they run smoothly. So far I've worked on:

~ a 5k run that benefitted a disadvantage youth camp

~ ROT Rally (Republic of Texas) motorcycle rally. 2nd largest in the country behind sturgis (I did almost nothing for this event, but helped coordinate the radio station involvement).

~ ran a street team of 25 people for car2go which is a rad car-share program that just started in austin

~ organized a World Cup viewing party for 300 people at an indoor soccer stadium

~ helped with Summer Cinema, which is basically movies in the park. Back to the Future!

I really like what I'm doing. I'm really good at it. I've made some cool friends here. One of the stations I work for, KGSR, had a team building day last week. We went out on the boat and it ruled.

Then, in total nerd-alert fashion...I was voted employee of the month today at work. I must be a baller, because last month I was nominated for Rookie of the Year. I didn't win that, but I did take home the trophy for EOTM. (There is no trophy, I made that up). What I did win was the entire company getting this photo of me in their email:

So that was pretty embarrassing.

The big boss did write a very nice note, which I'm sharing with you all so you know what a bad-ass I am when it comes to marketing and stuff.

"The Employee of the Month for June (for the work she did in the month of May) goes to Ashley Ryan, for doing an awesome job juggling EMG, CO, KGSR and KLZT! Rachel was out of town for 10 days and Ashley picked up all of her work in addition to her already packed schedule. She always has a positive “Can Do” attitude. She never seems to be stressed out. She is such a quick learner so it seems like she’s been working here for years. Thanks for all of your hard work Ashley."

Booyah. Plus I got a gift card for an hour massage. Word.