One small step for man, one giant leap for my bank account

Today, I resisted. Today, I am proud. Tomorrow, I will go through this process all over again.

I'm going to take a moment and talk about something personal right now...something I know, at least, more than half of you can relate to. It's called shopping. Now, as harmless as it may sound, this word haunts me everyday. Some people may laugh, so go ahead...but I'll just have you know that I'm not laughing on the other end. I'm holding my head high.

Today, I almost bought this pair of lovely Kelsie Dagger boots:

Yeah, they may be ugly to you, but to me, all I know is I wanted them. Why? I dunno. I liked the color. I liked that they only had a 3/4" heel. I liked the scrunchy style and the studs on the side. I, also, liked the deal they offered...only $89. I, also, felt pressured that I only had approximately 10 minutes to decide whether or not to buy them. And I, ALSO, was bored.

Seriously, this is the kind of stuff I go through when I'm shopping. I had to get up and walk away from my computer, and hope they would sell out before I managed to run back. (Sidenote: they didn't)

My point is: unnecessary shopping. I tend to do this WAY too much. I buy things just because I want them, not because I need them or because they could be an essential part of my life/wardrobe. And even if I had all the money in the world, would this habit still be acceptable to me? I sure hope not, but I doubt I'll find that out any time soon.

As much as I love fashion I just as equally hate it. Unfortunately, for me, I work in fashion, so this love/hate relationship comes up a lot. I've come to love making statements, following trends, making people look and feel great. I've, also, come to hate what superficial people this industry creates. Are clothing and accessories really all that trivial? Do you really need these things to feel good about yourself or feel important? Hell no! So why do we do it? Why do we all fall victim to this incompetent crime?

Whatever the reason, I'm standing my ground. This seems to be my year...the year in which I am practicing healthy habits and working on making myself a better person. I may falter a bit here and there, but you have my word that I am, in fact, trying.

Austin, you have my crazy heart (Part 1)

Dear Austin,

You’ve made me a very happy, girl. Thank you.

Love always,

Jiscilla

A few years back, I got the chance to basically spend a day in Austin. Unfortunately, all I got to see was a big parking lot (pretty much what most of warped tour is...different cities, different parking lots, lots of great & not so great music). As Austin being in my top 5 for cities I’ve wanted to (really) visit, I was slightly disappointed of my stunted time there. Alas! I came back!

One of my dearest, best friends, Christy had moved out there a couple years back, and having missed her so, it was the perfect opportunity for me to take a trip out west.

I got in on Thursday (1/28/10) night. Christy picked me up from the airport and we went straight to Whole Foods. We were like kids in a candy store but without all the unhealthy junk (it's hard to maintain self-control in that place). She recently became pescatarian and was interested to try a recipe I had mentioned earlier, the Black Bean & Tomato Quinoa, so we bought all the ingredients necessary and whipped up dinner shortly after we arrived home. While eating our tasty homemade dinner, Christy attempted to get me into Friday Night Lights (does anybody else watch this show besides my friends?) and put the pilot of the show in the DVD player. I was surprisingly tired from my trip and not-so-surprisingly fell asleep halfway through. I don't get what the fuss is about this show, but I can't seem to get myself into it (sorry, my curbies, better luck next time...also, am I the only one that does not find Tim Riggins/Taylor Kitsch hott?).

Anyways, the next day, Christy had to work, and I enjoyed sleeping in. I probably laid in bed ‘till noon watching my newest favorite show on Hulu (I’m prepared for the jokes you've got planned for me): it's from ABC Family, and it's called Make It or Break It. If you don't know, the show is about four elite gymnasts and their crazy lives. I guess it's nothing out of the normal soap-opera style drama with some added tumbling passes, but I like it, so sue me. Luckily, I had internet for a few hours and got to watch about 4 episodes, but after watching all that exercising, it started to make me feel guilty. Soooo, I got up and decided to go for a walk. I walked down the street and turned in to a little place called Café Medici that Christy had recommended. All I wanted to do was sip on some tea and open the new book I started reading a few days before. However, after I got my tea, I realized the place was extremely crowded with not one seat available. I was a little bummed. It was so cold out (yeah, Texas was freezing), but I left with warm tea in hand and decided to go "site-seeing" instead. I can't say I found much, but I like exploring places I've never been, so it was enjoyable.

After her workday, Christy took me to Wahoo’s for dinner. It is a cool place with a skate/surf vibe and they're known for their fish tacos (obvs I kept it vegan, but if you ever go there, I suggest the onion rings...soooo good!). PS...I hear there are tons of these places on the west coast.

After Wahoo's we went to a bar on the other side of town called Black Sheep Lodge where I met Christy’s friend Christine (loved her) and indulged in hilarious conversation. I found it funny how all people were all seated at this bar besides the handful playing games off to the side. Sidenote: some dude asked if one of us would like to join him in a game of pool as he hustle his opponets. Though, he seemed genuine (?), we turned him down.

Anyways, the next day, Christy had a full day planned, and as she’s planning to adopt a dog, I was more than enthusiatic to help her with the process. We started out first thing in the morning. Her hopes weren't set high, though. She was sure the puppies she found on petfinder.com earlier in the week were most likely adopted by this point, but we decided to pay the no-kill shelter they resided in a visit, anyway. The shelter is called The Humane Society of Williamson County, and it is in Leander, TX about 30 minutes from Christy's apartment. It was amazing! This place had everything, and I'm not just talking about the tons and tons of dogs and cats from all ages and breeds. They had amazing volunteers, great places for these animals to get care, training, and exercise...it literally blew me away. It made me so happy to know a place like this existed. It actually struck a cord in my heart, deeply. We went in inquiring about the puppies, but, of course, they had been adopted already. We got to meet the mother of pups, though. She was so sweet, and as badly as I wanted Christy to take her home, she was still quite sickly from the puppy mill she was rescued from 2 weeks before. She needed a lot of care. It hurt my heart so bad to know people can treat animals the way they do...or even just abandon them! I fell in love with the cats there, too. There were so many, and they had such a nice home for being in a shelter (“Kitty Condo’s” as they called them). One even had a gynormous castle homemade for them to climb. It was so cute. Again, this place is a sanctuary. It may have changed my life.

Just call me Chef Jiscilla

It's been a few weeks in and I'm still cooking...what are the odds?!?

This little dish ^, we made up. Some whole wheat penne, sautéed vegetables, and vegetable broth (we used vegetarian bouillon cubes). It tastes pretty good, but I think it may need a little bit more flavoring. Maybe more garlic? We did chop up 2 garlic cloves...so maybe something else? Any suggestions?

I'm trying to stay away from too many carbohydrates, though. Many of those just turning vegan often make the mistake of overeating pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes...starches with those "empty calories." They tend to slow you down more than give you energy, and have little nutritious value. That's something vegans can't afford to lose since they cut out foods from their diet that contain all those vitamins, proteins, and minerals . This is why I'm carefully watching my intake, and switching it up as much as I can with fun grains and different kinds of vegetables.

After whipping up that quick dish the other night, I wanted to try something a little more involved, but to my surprise, it was a lot easier than I had planned. I marinated some tofu overnight, and it came out absolutely delicious. I made the marinade, myself, from Alicia's Kind Diet book (Fresh ginger, shoyu, brown rice vinegar, umeboshi vinegar, toasted seasame oil, rice syrup, chopped garlic, and some water). It took me all of 5 minutes to do (okay probably less), and the next day, I baked it for approximately 30 minutes (15 on each side) and voila! It was seriously awesome. I just added asparagus and some plain millet (a high-protein grain) to my plate and dinner was served.

I'm kinda liking this cooking thing. Who woulda thought? I guess as long as meat is not involved, I'm good.

This'll only take a minute

Go and vote for Jessica & Jesse on their wedding photographer's website for Best of 2009. If they win, they'll get a $200 gift certificate to Salts in Cambridge, MA (or a $200 Amex gift card). Afterall, their wedding WAS the Best of 2009...and of all time. Seriously, we still can't stop talking about it.

This Is Where I Leave You

I gave This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper 5 stars, but it's not to say it's because I "loved" the story. It was definitely interesting and entertaining, but more or less disturbing. The messed up life of Judd Foxman made me a bit sad, but even more scared than anything. I understand that his world is a reality for many, and that is what scares the friggin' bejeebers outta me. I. DO NOT WANT. To end up. Like Judd Foxman. I felt such sympathy for him in this novel when his life crumbles beneath him (it can happen to anyone) even though he's not exactly benevolent. His life, so twisted...his family, so perverse. It makes you wonder what you can do to prevent such things. What's the perfect recipe to not fuck life up? And why does it have to be so damn interesting?

Whatever, it got me hooked, and I couldn't put this book down. It's probably the fastest book I've ever read. I am definitely seeking out more from Jonathan Tropper in the near future...because corrupt is the new illustrious.

Whole Food Heaven

I swear, I'm never shopping in a Stop & Stop, Gristedes, or a Price Chopper again! Whole Foods in my jam! Not only can I always find what I need there, the experience is so much more pleasant (except if you're waiting in line at the Union Square location). Seriously, the dude that helped me out today said that if I don't like the product that I ate, I can always bring back any of the remnants or carton it came in and get a refund? Really??? Now, I wouldn't ever actually do that because if I'm buying something I'm committing myself to the trial and error process, but hey...it's a nice thought that they offer that option. Oh, and everyone that works there seems so happy. It really makes a trip to the market not such an awful task...unlike those that work at your local grocery store, where all they do is seem to hate life.

Anyway, here is my vegan dinner attempt #2. Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa.

Not gonna lie, it was actually really good. For those that see the word, Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-WAH), and freak...if you don't know what it is, just think of it as a replacement for your grains or pastas. Now, you may be wondering why I'd need a replacement for either of those, well I guess I don't, but the nutritional value is awesome. It is considered one of the best sources of protein in the vegetable kingdom, and if I'm not getting my proteins from either meat or dairy anymore, I need to get it from somewhere. And, if your wondering what it tastes like, to me, it reminds me of couscous. For the recipe of this dish, go to MeatOutMondays. I promise, it's not that hard. Let me know if you try it.

Things that make you go...um?

For my boyf.

Everytime I see Hader, now, I think of him. So, now, I think "him" and breakfast. Yum.

The Kind Life I'm living

I've been inspired. For those that don't recognize from title, I've chose to begin experimenting with a vegan lifestyle. It's been a thought of mine for many, many years now, and I can honestly say it all started with an influence from Alicia Silverstone.

Back in the days of Clueless, I loved her as an actress. As the years progressed, I became familiar of her passion for animals. As an animal lover, myself...I always thought of her as quite an inspiration. You can only imagine my excitement when I found out she was coming out with a book.

After my move to New York City, I began falling in love with all sorts of different cuisines I've never been previously exposed to...things like sushi, thai food, and more amazingly, vegan foods! I have always been a huge fan of veggies (HUGE...like, I have odd cravings for snap peas, asparagus, broccoli, and even brussel sprouts!), so I've always thought, "Hey, I can be a vegetarian." But, at the time, I didn't see it being a logical fit for me.

Well, now, I dare take that statement one step further. I want to try being vegan. For any of those who know me well, I'm a lact-y (what I like to call someone who is lactose intolerant), so staying away from anything dairy has been a constant in my life for at least 10 years now. Phew, this makes my attempt a little bit easier. But what about all those other things? There is SO MUCH to becoming vegan, so this is definitely me just testing the waters.

I've started reading Alicia's book, The Kind Diet, and so far everything is making complete sense to me. It just clicks. There's no feeling of pressure...just honesty (if that makes sense). As she likes to say, she doesn't expect a "superhero" overnight...it can take months or even years, so, yeah, I'm taking my baby steps. Let's be honest, have I even really cooked before? Not really. There's a lot involved, but I'm attempting it.

Tonight was my first night doing that. I made Gingered Green Beans with Garlic & Onions, Falafels, and mashed sweet potatoes. It was actually really good, but it's just a start.

Now, my question is...how do I give up sushi? How do I give up my scrambled eggs? These are things I cannot think of right now. I shall take it slowly...wean myself off, and give up one thing at a time. Any words of encouragement?

This could be dangerous

I signed up for a formspring.me account. I'm really not sure who would want to ask me any questions, but if you do, I guess here's your chance. You can ask them openly or anonymously, too...so it's all up to you. I'll obviously post my answers here and possibly on my tumblr (http://unicornisland.tumblr.com).

Ask me --> http://www.formspring.me/jiscilla

The 4th Annual

The holidays aren't the holidays unless you've got a loft full of friends, some spiked egg nog, a photobooth, mudballs, major dance jams playing on the speakers, and a yule log on the widescreen. A 4th year running, the annual holiday bash NEVER disappoints.

I'd write a review, but the pictures pretty much sum it up. If any of my fellow bloggers care to take a gamble, I'll provide a link at a later date.

Happy Holidays your favorite unicorn!

xoxo