The traffic cones hold a meeting. It looks serious.
Crochet by Alicia Kachmar.
[image by Alicia Kachmar]

I just learned that there is a fun new show to check out in Midtown today. "How to Enjoy Traffic Cones" at 266 W 37th Street. The more I read the press release, the more I realize it is less a gallery show than a window show. Well, I am not exactly sure, but I am going. Well maybe it is a gallery show, because it says it is "at one of the Chashama spaces." Now I'm rambling.

I first learned about NYC-based artist, Alicia Kachmar, through a certain Mister Softee ice cream truck I have been following. No, not Miss Softee. Another famous one, recently nominated for a Vendy Award. If you want to further investigate Alicia's projects and ideas, she has 2 Etsy shops, a blog, and a Twitter feed. Oh, and check out her Flikr set entitled, "Park(ing) day + Safety Cone Adventures."

I want this little guy. Oh wow, there is also a traffic cone with a cowboy hat! I must get the pair!

[all images from Alicia Kachmar]


!

"Cardón" Cactus, $24 on Lama Designs
Handmade on her way to work by Carolina Leal.

Just look at this crochet cactus! Don't you want one? I totally do. Even the dirt is crochet. The pot is actual, by the way. I found it on Decor8. One of her ads. You see, ads on blogs are effective.

Carolina believes "the secret to happiness is to do a little more than what's expected every time you do something." What a nice sentiment, and I totally agree!

The pink X marks the spot of Miss Softee's usual daytime spot:
corner of 40th Street at 5th Avenue


Celbrating with Miss Softee at Point Break on 45th St (5th/6th Aves) last night.

No, it wasn't Labor Day. It was yesterday. Yesterday was the real unofficial last day of Summer, because it was Miss Softee's end-of-the-ice-cream-season party last night in NYC. Customers (and fellow-Twitters) were invited to celebrate her first season as Miss Softee, and I wasn't going to miss this. It was great fun meeting all the customers, friends, bloggers, and fellow Mister Softee drivers made famous on TwitPic. I have been following her so closely, that I was happy to learn that Miss Softee will keep Twitter-ing in the off-season. Good. So will I. We can stay in touch via Twitter. Here are some fun pics from the event. Thanks Miss Softee for spreading good cheer!! We will all miss you. A lot.

Parked right outside Point Break was Miss Softee's truck.
Specials anyone?

Miss Softee serving up the ice cream love.
In heels, yet.


And always loving what she does. Her enthusiasm
is immediately contagious.

A happy customer with her Guinness Float (pictured below again)
One of Miss Softee's special Point Break Specials last night

I made it onto Miss Softee's TwitPic! And I like this pic of me [L].
[R] My newest bloggy friend. Middle, a happy Guinness float. (see above hand)
photo by Miss Softee

Looking for Mr. Goodbar. I mean Miss Softee.
Did you know the fleet parks in Greenpoint? Who knew?

Lucky Boutique Crawl 2009! Juicy Couture, one of the participating shops.


Don't you wish you were here? Colorful cupcakes were everywhere.
At Juicy Couture, $50 off with LUCKY BUCK$, Style Spotter photo set, sips, sweets.

Even if you attended the Lucky Magazine Boutique Crawl 2009 in the West Village last night, you simply couldn't be everywhere at once. It was so much fun! Lucky, you have so many great shopping ideas, and this time, I think you topped yourself. Cynthia Rowley was my favorite location, with an elegant festive atmosphere and a great product mix. Olive & Bette was my second-favorite. They went all-out with the fashion festivities and created an exciting atmosphere. Everyone was in fine form last night, and I think I got some fun shots. Hope you enjoy.

Cynthia Rowley. My favorite location.
10% off, Sebastian hair styling station, cocktails, sweets


Cupcakes!!! At Cynthia Rowley.


Cynthia Rowley covered all bases with a mobile shop
outside her (stabile?) shop.


Cynthia Rowley


Yes, this was delcious. Selzer and fresh grapefruit. At Cynthia Rowley.


Accessory mix at Cynthia Rowley. I think I want this necklace.
Still deciding.


Intermix! Always great accessories and great clothes. 10% off last night.
New York Area Manager, Salvatore Malleo was extremely charming
and organized this staff photo for me. Thanks Sal!
Pictured [l-r] Renee Santallo, Salvatore Malleo, Rebecca Foss, Carlos Franqui


Salvatore [r] shows beauty expert Ja'Maal Buster [l] where to set up
for the complimentary eyelash application at Intermix.


Lucky Gift Bags at Intermix included the September issue, a Lucky tote,
some lip glosses other other goodies.


Very important stop for me: Ice cream break!!!
at Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream Truck. Yum!! Yum.


Free! And oh-so delicious. Hazelnut! I took the L home, got off at Bedford,
and there they were again. Van Leeuwen is everywhere.


The scene at Olive & Bette's
She mastered the signature Lucky Style Spotter pigeon-toed cute stance.


And continued to mug for the camera.


And she had fans too.


Surprise, it's cheese popcorn! Yum.
I had lots of fun taking pics at Olive & Bette's.


Dark & sexy folky mellow vibe at Tommy Hilfiger
20% off, $20 off with LUCKY BUCK$, very nice.


The folk singer, Rene Lopez, at Tommy, nestled in the dressing room.

Two gals with Olive & Bette cheese popcorn in hand,
plotting their next move.


Dyptique. 15% off & cocktails. Very sultry. Great decor.


Fresh was so packed I couldn't get in.
They offered 25% off, sips & sweets, beauty tips.
I must note here, in contrast, stores who didn't participate were totally empty.
What were they thinking? Or not thinking.
I'll bet they will reconsider for next year.

Polenta with mushrooms, string beans and leeks
[images from epicurious]

We bought some polenta made from two varieties of heirloom corn at the farmer's market in Greenpoint last weekend. And tonight's the night to attempt to cook it. I am pretty excited!

Some recipes I am considering from Epicurious:

Polenta with Green Beans, Mushrooms, Peas, and Leeks

• 3/4 pound green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup fresh shelled peas (12 to 14 ounces in pods)
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 3/4 cups polenta (coarse cornmeal)*
• 2 cups thinly sliced leeks (white and pale green parts only; about 2 medium)
• 1 1/2 cups dry white vermouth
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) chilled butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound assorted wild mushrooms (such as crimini, small portobello, and shiitake), stemmed, caps cut into wedges
• 3 large shallots, sliced (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

Blanch green beans 1 minute in boiling water. Add peas and cook until both beans and peas are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl of ice water to cool. Drain. Cut beans on diagonal into 1-inch pieces. Set beans and peas aside.

Bring milk and broth to boil in large saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium. Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to low. Cook until polenta is very thick, whisking almost constantly, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, combine leeks and vermouth in medium saucepan. Boil over medium-high heat until reduced to 1/3 cup, 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Gradually whisk in butter, allowing each addition to melt before adding next. Add cream and whisk over very low heat to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until almost tender, 5 minutes. Stir in shallots, 1 tablespoon parsley, and thyme. Sauté until mushrooms are very tender, about 5 minutes. Add beans and peas, tossing to coat.

Rewarm polenta and spoon into large shallow bowl. Top with green bean mixture and remaining 1 tablespoon parsley. Rewarm leeks over low heat, whisking constantly; spoon evenly over polenta.

or...

Polenta and Vegetables with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

• 1 cup uncooked instant polenta
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan, divided
• 1/8–1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil cooking spray
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or oregano) or 1 tablespoon dried
• cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 asparagus stalks, ends trimmed
• 8 scallions, trimmed
• 2 small Japanese or Italian eggplants, trimmed and halved
• 1 medium-large yellow squash (about pound), cut into 1/3-inch-thick slices
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

Sauce

• 1 jar (12 ounces) prepared roasted red peppers, drained
• 1/3 cup vegetable (or chicken) broth
• 1 large clove garlic, chopped
• 3 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, basil or parsley (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a medium-sized heavy saucepan. Add polenta in a stream, whisking to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until thick, 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk in 1/3 cup Parmesan and season with cayenne and salt. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Transfer polenta to pie plate, smooth into an even layer and let cool 15 minutes. Heat broiler. Whisk garlic, thyme, lemon juice and oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Toss vegetables with dressing. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and arrange vegetables in 1 layer (or in 1 layer in a grill basket). Broil vegetables about 4 inches from heat until tender and slightly charred, 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Transfer to a platter. Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Sprinkle polenta with remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan. Broil polenta in pie plate until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes, then cut polenta into 8 triangles. Divide polenta among 4 plates. Top with vegetables, drizzle with sauce and sprinkle with chives. Serve any remaining sauce on the side.


But what I'll probably do, which I always do, is make some amalgamation of vegetarian polenta recipes from Epicurious. The mushrooms for sure. Asparagus if I can get a nice bunch. Fresh tomatoes sauteed in the pan. A bit of fresh mozzarella. Some Reggiano Parmesan. Oh and some zucchini, cooked in a dry pan to get a good sear on it.

Zebra Stripe Sunglasses

Aren't these kinda neat-o? I bought a different style this weekend (black with subtle sparklies on the sides); but I also like these. My only reservation: can I trust the UV protection in a pair from Payless? They were only $9.99. Can you get reliable UV protection for $9.99? I hope the answer is yes, because I really like the style.

[above image from Payless.com]

Teak Shower Mat, $39.99 at Target

(Thinking out loud) I still think this Teak Shower Mat would be a luxurious addition to any bathroom. You can imagine you're at a spa as you step out of the tub. Color-wise, I think it would be best if you have a polished concrete floor, rather than a black and white tile floor from the 1910's. Ah well. Maybe next bathroom floor. Plus where do you exactly store this in a Brooklyn apartment? Yes, I don't know either.

Yes, I must have it. It is so shiny. And a perfect size to hold a lipstick and a chapstick. And just $14. And while I'm at the Marc Jacobs store, I am getting this too, if they still have any left. $5. [images from marcjacobs.com]

Fancy Fast Food Presents: Fancy Mister Softee from Sarah Lohman on Vimeo.

Too funny, this video by FastFancyFood. I am celebrating today with pizza and ice cream. What could be better? First pizza (covered in broccoli! Delicious to me. I don' t like pepperoni.) Then the Special, whatever today's Special may be, from Miss Softee! Ah soft serve. Delicious. I can't wait. I need ice cream.

The Tents at Bryant Park, September 15, 1pm-ish

People are funny. Fashion people are funnier. Well, that's just my opinion. You can disagree if you want. I strolled over to Bryant Park yesterday at lunch to size up the crowds and do a little photographing. The above photo sums up the whole scene for me. People gawking and shooting whomever looked important, even if they had no idea who they were. The energy is great. Everyone is excited. An English woman with a charming accent asked me right after I shot this pic who the lady in red was. I said, I have no idea. I was shooting the lady next to me shooting the lady in red. I am pretty sure she had no idea who she was either.

Wait, is that Project Runway's Tim Gunn?

Tim Gunn waiting for his close-up, looking placid.

O.N.E. must be the official water of New York Fashion Week.
I saw it all over the park. I thought it was the equally fashionable coconut water.
But no. Oh wait. O.N.E. also makes coconut water.

Even the bird has it's 15 minutes.

See the blonde in the black dress whose face is mostly obscured by the brunette
in the backless dress? Well that's Liz Lemon's intern on 30 Rock. Katrina Bowden.
At the secret back entrance on 40th Street.

Yes, I got whipped up into the frenzy too. I didn't know who these people were,
but since they were in a black car with tinted windows riding along 40th Street
to the secret back entrance, I thought they must be somebodies. Guesses?

Double Decker Dumbbell Sandwich
[image from Insanewiches]

Have you ever heard of Insanewiches? Well, if you haven't, now you have. Get studying.

Another great Food Find on Twitter. Twitter is full of Food Finds.

My Special spoon!

Miss Softee pretends to taste my Special spoon

I was giddy with excitement as I walked away from Miss Softee this afternoon. Giddy I tell you. I went to say hi to Miss Softee, talk about the blog post, and see exactly what the Special was. When I last left her Twitter page and struck out for lunch, I knew "something light and refreshing is in order today." But that's all I knew. She described it. It sounded heavenly, and mysterious.

today's special -- cherry dream -- vanilla, cherry dip, vanilla meringue. light, sweet, fluffy. perfect for a warm Tuesday!

Before I knew it, she was making me a sample spoon. A sample spoon!! And I was reaching for my camera. And she was posing. And then an actual customer (from Germany) came, and I was touting her onto the Special, and then I was holding her Special while she paid, and then Miss Softee and I were both taking her picture, because she was the first one to order the Special that day. See? She's actually posing for me in this picture. And then we were talking to a construction worker about Miss Softee's "Mint Julep" Special a few weeks ago, and how he liked it, but his boss thought there was something awry with the green color. And we all laughed. And the sun was shining. And I was so happy to be in New York.

Sure this all sounds nutty, but really, I think it is a childhood dream come true or something to have an "in" with the ice cream man, especially when it's an ice cream woman, which is way cooler anyway.

Miss Softee serves the first Special of the day.


The cheery visitor from Germany who hands me her Special to hold while she pays.
I take her picture, while Miss Softee takes this one. The friendly construction
worker who talks to us later can be seen in the background of Miss Softee's pic.