Urban Rituals

Lake Merritt @ Sunrise

2011-04-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

Now that Ive moved to Oakland, its time to come back to this blog. Slowly but surely going to dedicate some time to it.

Some photos of Lake Merritt at sunrise....Walking Bronx always brings beautiful opportunities to enjoy nature. Can you believe I took these on my camera phone? Wow, technology.

this Blog is on Hiatus.

2010-12-21T23:48:00.001-08:00

And Im on hiatus too.

A Scorcher!

2010-03-06T00:32:00.000-08:00

Venue: Torch Club.

Cover: $5

Decor: Dingy and divey. Sucidal clowns frown from the walls.

Crowd: Severely eclectic; cougars, exceptionally good looking young couples, bikers, gentleman of leisure, nerds, over-the-hill divorcees, college kids, lesbians, everyone else, and a train conductor.

Entertainment: Amazing live band. A bass, drums, guitar and 80's fashion keyboard offering pre-made beats and electronica key tones. One fabulous cover of Jay Z's Give It To Me/Just Wanna Love You.

Activity: Imagine this crazy, fun-loving crowd dancing together (?)

Drinks: Mediocre to decent.

Surprise Guests: King Kong and Count Dracula

Overall Satisfaction: High to Very High

A Single Man @ The Crest

2010-02-18T23:39:00.000-08:00

Two single girls went to the Crest tonight to see A Single Man. Considering the movie's 1960's setting, there was no better place to see it than the historical Crest Theatre downtown.

The movie was written, directed and produced by fashion designer Tom Ford and has been lingering on my "must see" for months. Finally, another piece to add to the very small library of films centered on gay relationships....tackling a time period when gay was much more than taboo.

The emotional depth was both moving and severely relatable.

The men stunningly beautiful.

I urge my readers... all five of you...to make the Crest (or similarly, the Tower Theatre) your first choice for movie venues. Not only will you be supporting a local landmark, but you might also find yourself to become quite cultured.

Tale of Two Cattles.

2009-10-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

I never really explained to my readers why I started a blog with a Sacramento focus. I grew up here, but truth be told, I never had much Sacramento pride in my early days. In fact, I was quite eager to get out of town at the turn of the tassel.

With a head full of memories from life in the bay area, east coast, midwest, and southern California, Ive finally developed what is now a very deep appreciation for my city.

While I call it my hometown, others call it a cowtown. How or when this mockery originated I cant be sure. I always attribute the nickname to the NBA finals (circa 2000?) when Kings fans were ridiculed for ringing cow bells to distract the opposing team.

The web defines 'cowtown' as synonomous with 'hick town'. I dont know where these name callers are hanging out, but my Sacramento (especially in recent years), has a little more sophistication. So sophisticated in fact, that we've proudly embraced our insult and hosted a long successful marathon event of the same title.

This year's Sacramento Cowtown Marathon took place this morning in William Land Park at 7:30am! Though technically the 5th annual, the history of the race dates back to 1977 under another name.

I hadnt prepared for the 26.2 or the 13.1, so I ran the Cowtown 5k. You couldnt ask for a more serene atmosphere than Land Park. Burnt orange leaves falling listlessly into the dewy grass. Birds fluttering in the duck pond. Architecturally classic homes whispering "old money" through their grand pillars, second story balconys and open shutters.

I jogged with my dear friend Whitney and finished in about 30 minutes. Pretty good for an old heifer like me.

Here are some snapshots of my adventure....

Somewhere around mile 1.5, Mayor Kevin Johnson caught up to me and said hello (we go way back you know). At the finish line, he asked me for a picture.

To all my Sacramento bull-ies, MOOOOOVE over, this little city aint so bad.

Its My Party

2009-09-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

Shame on me for letting so much time pass between blog entries! I suppose I just havent experienced anything interesting lately. Make no mistake; Ive been visiting plenty of Sacramento places and spaces. But I dont write about just any ol' Sacramento scene. Only the hidden treasures or worthy hot spots will get attention on this blog.

For this entry, though, I think I will do something a bit different.

While I dont consider myself much of a homemaker, the Stepford Wives spirit sometimes strikes and transforms me into a domestic diva. This weekend, the best Sacramento scene was located at my very own home as I threw a lingerie bridal shower for my best friend, Ashley. Now this woman is Martha Stewart's successor so it was quite a challenge to throw a party that would impress her.

I think I succeeded....

Party Planning 101.

The invite is your introduction to the event. Its like a first impression. Would you show up to a first date wearing sweats or a track suit?!?! ( I fear some of you would, but..) The correct answer is no. Same goes for a party. And on that note, never RSVP "yes" to a party that has a lackluster invitation. You can assume the actual event will be just as drab.

There must be a fabulous focal point. In my case, I made a banner and below it placed a table adorned with favors and activites.

"The devil is in the details" as they say. So everything should hint at the color scheme and theme of the event. In the case of my lingerie shower, all the decorations recalled the 'pink with white polka dots' scheme from the invite. The favors were satchels of potpurri for the panty drawer. And the playlist inlcuded sexy songs like Love Game by Lady Gaga; Sex Machine by James Brown; She Wolf by Shakira; and Afternoon Delight by the Starland Vocal Band. What songs would you recommend?

Detail and first impression are also important when bestowing your gift on the bride-to-be. Ive added a few special trinkets including a "U" made of pearls for what will be the first letter of her new last name!

Here I am frosting my homemade red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Red is so sultry, isnt it?

I also made bra and panty cookies...

...because thats just the kind of girl I am!

The best way to a girl's.... um...heart.... is through desserts!!! I couldnt resist these sweet treats.

A few silly games helped everyone loosen up. Here we passed a cucumber between our legs in 'musical chairs' fashion. Dont get caught with it between your legs when the music stops!!

Any if you've done it right, all of your hard decorating work will pay off in the form of beautiful and memorable photos.

Happy marriage!

italiano bello

2009-09-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

After a Haywood housewarming and a bachelorette at Badlands, I was spent. Sunday morning brought tired legs, a slight headache, and the general desire never to leave my bed again. Sometime around 4pm, I gained enough strength to accept an invite for pizza with friends. They too were experiencing a bit of lethargy and were in no shape to dine in, so we opted for take out from HOT ITALIAN on 16th & P.
If you dont recognize the name, surely you would recognize the very distinct storefront. A sexy couple stenciled on the side of the building protrude upward with European vogue. Open windows negate the indoor/outdoor distiction and allow passerbys to observe all the beautiful people (and beautiful food) inside.
And if you're really feeling this trendy Italian ambiance, there is a sidewalk parking structure designed especially for your Vespa.

In just a single bite, the Magnini pizza brought me back from my listless state and gave me reason to live again! But if you dont like salmon, I also recommend the Citterio made with proscuitto and spinach.... slightly orgasmic.

In addition to its sleek, modern design and tasteful eats, this restuarant is also LEED certified! Now that's HOT.

More reasons to love HOT ITALIAN:
Thursday Lunch Concert Series
Bici & Bevi (bikes and wine)
Gelato

Chalk Full

2009-09-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

I went to Chalk It Up yesterday at Freemont Park on P&15th. An annual Labor Day weekend event, proceeds benefit children's art education and activities.

The vibrant colors brought life to my heart! Seriously thinking about having a couple of these pieces tattooed on my body.

Whether for political, business, social or personal reasons:

nourish the artist inside of you.

What would you chalk?

The Classics

2009-09-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

I am a lover of the classics. A classic is timeless. It is constant. It is wise. There is simply something magnetic about it. It has outlasted both time and trend. It is a deep cavern of societal and personal history. Its beauty never fades.

Behind the antique, are the qualities of a classic. Despite the many coats of paint it has worn; the many hands it has changed, or the many scuffs it has endured, it retains its unique and lavish detail.

I can recall the countless weekends of my childhood spent inside antique shops. The smell of cigars and aged potpourri still linger in my memory. I didnt understand my mother's fanscination with "old things", but each passing year brings greater appreciation for these little mementos of history. Symbols of a time when things were made to last; or simply for the joy of fine craftsmanship.

After a filling lunch at the Beach Hut Cafe on J and 24th, Tanya and I went on what I like to call an "antique boutique" adventure. When we stumbled upon Tina's One Stop Shop, I wasnt particularly impressed (although they did have an extensive collection of vintage issues of LIFE magazine). Just in time, however, I realized Tina's has a furniture gallery in the adjacent storefront.

I was so overwhelmed by the potential of each piece that I went back to today and bought four items. Im already envisioning their placement in my home once Ive refurbished them. Although, a classic needs very little improvement.

Im afraid Ive become a lover of antique furniture. But there should be no shame in it. I quote Valentino: "I love beauty, its not my fault".

Local Treasure

2009-08-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

I found a local treasure on the corner of Franklin and 3rd. A small wine-and-dine called Pangaea Cafe. Loyal customers might be sipping coffee or a late morning beer from the short, but fine selection on tap. Free wireless and a bookshelf filled with board games suggest you stay a while.

And if you stay, you can bone up on your community news by reading a local newspaper or the neighborhood messageboard.

Pangaea Cafe's location could not have been better planned. Its within walking or biking distance of many houses in the neighborhood and draws from the customer base of Gunther's Ice Creamery across the street.

I had a coffee and sandwich for around six dollars. If youre still not convinced, there is also a fine looking gentleman (with a strong resemblance to Common) who seemingly owns the place.

Zocalo on Sept 16th

2009-08-25T22:42:00.001-07:00

I was serenaded by a lively mariachi band last Friday while having dinner at Zocalo. I absolutely recommend the El Burrito if you like carnitas. The vibe was upbeat and casual while the mariachi added a hint of romance and lust.

Im headed back on September 16th at 5pm for Zocalo's Mexican Independence celebration. Live mariachi, folklorico dancers, and tequila flowing.

See "special events" tab in the following link: http://www.zocalosacramento.com/

Ancora Vintage

2009-08-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

For the last year or so, Ive been modeling for a small Sacramento-based fashion company called Ancora Vintage. They have the most beautiful pieces... Everything I model, I end up wanting in my closet! Thankfully, I get compensated in clothes.

Here are a few of the newest pieces. OMG, Im in love....

Happy Hour(s) @ MIX

2009-08-20T22:41:00.000-07:00

If you were looking for me, tonight I was at Mix for happy hour with the girls. Ive only been for the late night club scene, but I discovered that they also offer a fabulous happy hour. Starting at 5 o clock, you will find mostly a middle-aged and business crowd. Perfect for networking or in my case, finding a professional man.

The vibe is very casual and the roof top setting (half outdoor/half indoor) is perfect for enjoying a cool Sacramento evening. The decor and music also reflect a hip sophistication.. Plush outdoor furniture and tables with built-in fire pits. You may also find a stock broker lighting up a very fancy cigar.

For $100, the girls and I enjoyed nine appetizers and nine glasses of wine! This is a rare find my friends.

Ahi Tuna

Banana Split

Happy Hour ends at about 7 but your presence is welcome for the rest of the night. The crowd transitions to a younger demographic (21-35) by about 9:30 and the DJ will start start spinning and open up the dance floor. Be glad you got there early before they enforced the pricey cover charge!

Florin Farmer's Market.

2009-08-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

Ive been plagued by the following dilemma since childhood:

Why is a Cup of Ramen Noodles 50 cents, and an apple 1 dollar?

Ramen is full of fat and sodium, while an apple is full of vitamins and fiber. Why should fresh, healthy, and toxin-free foods be more expensive than low quality, processed foods?
And more importantly, how does one possibly encourage healthy eating when such foods are expensive (and in some low income neighborhoods virtually unavailable)?
We expend valuable resources to bring fruits and veggies to the grocery store (and drive up the cost) when these foods can very simply be grown in our own yards.

Local and Sustainable are becoming two very popular concepts as we finally realize and accept that this planet's resources wont last forever. The enviroment can be spared by avoiding foods that require a great deal of energy to process and distibute.

Our bodies wont last forever either; and we shouldnt have to choose between health and our budget.

I stumbled upon the Florin Farmer's market this morning after finishing Dorene's step class at 24 Hour. I realized I didnt have my wallet, so I booked it back home, picked up Bronx and some cash. I was happy to find all of the white tents still erect and plenty of fresh items to choose from.

All of these items were $1.00 for a pound, except for the apples which were 75 cent per lb. (For comparison- at Belair apples were $1.19 per lb.) Even more importantly though, these foods are healthy and their production is highly sustainable!

Not sure how long the Florin Farmer's Market has been operating but its worth checking out. I went on a Thursday morning but Im not sure if its open other days. They also have plenty of other veggie and fruit options...fresh flowers too.

Bronx

2009-08-18T22:53:00.000-07:00

Some favorite images of my darling boy. He photographs so well that Im not sure if I can take any credit for how the pictures turned out.