AUSTIN MAKES A BOOK

How do you feel about zine culture? I've always been entertained by magazines and quickly, as tiny zines began their trend, I was interested too. Incase you're confused, zines are small, magazine like publications, usually pictures and text aimed at a very specific crowd or subculture like graffiti, poetry, or political manifestos.

That being said, this new project I've stumbled upon via my daily internet networkings interested me because of it's similarity with zines and graphic type books with collections of arty photos and witty text. The project called, Austin Makes a Book will be similar to a book previously published by the city of New York called New York Makes a Book. I know, I know, following in NYC's footsteps... how cliche Austin...but ours, obviously, will undermine theirs. 

Pride aside, the book is going to be a really fun project. The premise is simple: This book is crowd-published. This means that 100 people will pay 30 bucks for their own page and publish whatever they want that'll fit onto a 7x7 page. Photos. Stories. Art. Notes. Whatever...

It's the perfect way to publish that naked Polaroid of your ex  to the rest of the world (okay, maybe pushing it) or that art masterpiece of yours that your parents never hung on the fridge. As long as you live in Austin and your submission isn't obscene or offensive it's game. Check their website for more info on submission guidelines. 

Even better...the publicists (phenix & phenix literary publicists) will be throwing a launch party for all 100 authors when the book comes out in November!

Start digging for yer masterpieces, Austinites...

Fashionistas of The Internet

Online Fashion Journalism. What's your opinon? Is it useless? I myself, spent countless years when I was younger hoping to be write for a magazine one day or have a career as a fashion editor. Not too uncommon. Anyways, blogging has made it possible for each and every fashionista out there to feel like a fashion journalist.

When the time came this summer for little old Austin, Texas to debut it's first ever Austin Fashion Week lots of local businesses jumped on the fashion blogging bandwagon to help create hipe for their businesses. Now you might pass this off as more useless information, taking up space on the world wide web, but I think this is the start of something great. 

For example, at the start of fashion week Feathers Boutique on Congress Avenue created a blog for it's shoppers. Rather dry, however. The only good aspect of their blog is photos of their new inventory and news about their events.  Still good for the over-achieving shopper. What are the criteria for a fashion blog anyhow? 

Another vintage fashion blog, The Year of Living Thriftily, is full of pictures by the writer but also links to her associated ebay store where you can buy the items seen in her blog.

More developed, magazines such as NEET have created blogs which are similar to their magazines, yet they provide fashionistas with links and showcase different shops, websites and designers weekly. Sort of like tid bits of their magazine, quickly published.

Other than establishments, there are plenty of young ladies blogging about fashion which, Thats Chic is a prime example of. Lots of pictures for inspiration, make-up reviews and tricks, 

where to get good deals online shopping, and collaging.

So, what's the use in all of this? I'm not quite sure. Most of it is just to share ideas I suppose. I do know that I've discovered some pretty great aspiring designers who sell their items online through fashion blogs. Check out http://www.snoozerloser.bigcartel.com/ if you're curious.

Summer 2010

Awaits.

Where to get your Buzz in Peace

Being a student, I guess I should throw my two cents in about local coffee shops. In order to choose favorites, I must first remind you what kind of environment is necessary to a student...one that is calmly inhabited, quiet, and perfect for studying.

This eliminates from the list plenty of coffee spots all Austinites love, for various reasons. Take Flipnotics, for instance.  The coffee shop offers a beautiful location among Barton Hills. Perfect for sipping a latte outside or having a glass of wine. Their outdoors area and deck is awesome, and although their breakfast tacos, empanadas, salads and other food aren't up to par, the menu is  quickly evolving and getting better. I will always love Flipnotics, however, it's not a study haven. Live music nightly and dim lighting makes this coffee spot tough to study at. 

Alas, meeting the requirements, my favorite coffee spot in Austin to study at is Bouldin Creek Coffe House. Not only is Bouldin Creek always calm, quiet, and full of intellects, you can never go wrong ordering from their vegetarian menu.  Veggie tacos, hummus, veggie burgers, veggie sandwiches, gazpacho, omelets, breakfast served all day- you name it. Yet, my favorite part about Bouldin Creek is their daily specials. Man do those baristas know how to whip out something innovative and tasty out of a kitchen of ingredients.  I remember going to Bouldin Creek on a hot day this summer and ordering the special which was a spicy watermelon gazpacho, and grilled cheese made with sourdough bread, goat cheese and basil. It was to die for. Their food is always, always fresh. More importantly, to a true Texas lady like myself, there are lots of spicy items to choose from on the menu (Texas chipotle brownies! Mmm).  Would you like  some cayenne pepper in this?

Aside from their foods, Bouldin also has interesting and tasty drinks, try Rose Lemonade for instance. You can add different extracts like rose to any drink, and let me tell you, it's always surprisingly good. Other than quality vegetarian food, drinks, a full coffee and tea bar, Bouldin Creek also serves beer and wine to the thirsty.

Come in their morning when the specials are at their prime and the coffee just started brewing. Bouldin Creek is located at 1501 S. First Street (Right by Jovitas) from 7-Midnight during the week and 9-Midnight on the weekends.

 

Photo by Nils Juul-Hansen

A Writer's Therapy

Finding new and fresh inspiration is essential to staying motivated and being successful.  As an aspiring writer I feel blessed to be around talented writers at my University  that inspire me on a daily basis. Tonight I was lucky enough to listen to poet and adjunct professor here at St. Edwards, Carrie Fountain, read some of her poetry on campus.

As part of a "Visiting Writers Series" Fountain read poetry from her first collection titled "Burn Lake", as well as other works.  Burn Lake consisted of 5 poems which were insightful, wise, and apparently worthy of a National Poetry Series Award  (a true accomplishment for a poets first series of poetry). Fountain mentioned that most of the material in her work was anecdotal and taken directly from her life experiences, yet much of it also came from the things she meant to say to family and friends while growing up, but never did. Another point she made about poetry... compared to other writing, was that it doesn't necessary have to be truthful but instead just aimed at truth. I liked this a lot. Mainly because, as a student writer, it is sometimes forgotten that there is writing that exists outside the analytical realm.

In the past, I've taken a Creative Writing course however not ever taken the time to read poetry until recently (thanks, Carrie). Fountain mentioned that one of her favorite poets was Emily Dickinson, so being inspired I looked into some of her famous published work: 

Through the great Waters sleep,

Though they are still the Deep,

We cannot doubt-

No vacillating God

Ignited this Abode

To put it out

(circa 1884)

From what I discovered, Dickinson's work was morbid, some of it hopeful, and a lot of reflected her preoccupation with the study of  Jesus Christ, as in this piece of work. A lot of other aspects in her writing that got me thinking... spontaneous use of dashes, capitalization and constantly changing formatting. It was nice to read someone else's creative thoughts.

Extra credit aside, I was thankful I took the time to see Fountain read because she led me to a fresh perspective on writing, and led me to read something creative this weekend, reminding me just how therapeutic writing can be. 

LOCO NUNCA

Fact: In the world today more and more young adults are joining the blog world. The Pew Internet and American Life Project estimated that, in 2006, there were nearly 12 million adults writing and publishing work on web blogs. (Source)

No telling how many are blogging today.

Opinion: This is a good thing.

That said, I'd like to advertise for some friends of mine who's work I find enjoyable. This group of young adults, most of them Austinites, write for a blog they call Loco Nunca and write from the perspective of "Generation Y". Their work is hilarious, a little obscene but worth reading if you like to identify with youth culture in a humorous way.

Their topics range from music and art to sex, politics, partying and fashion.  Some of their entries are rants, others reviews, but what's great about their site is that they have a variety of writers who all offer a different opinion on the topics of today's youth culture.

Alongside the writing, Loco Nunca also throws sponsored parties and makes videos, just to better capture the essence of youth culture in Austin. 

Check out some of their work, or join them tonight at the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz as they submit one of their short films in the first annual Alamo Public Access.

My ACL Rebound

ACL isn't happening for me this year. Choosing not to go this year will break my six year streak of attending the festival, but I don't mind too much. I've seen Kings of Leon a few times and I'm sure Karen O. is amazing live, but not worth scrounging the 60 bucks for her and the other small bands playing on Friday. Oh, but the big kicker for me was that there will be no Lily Allen at the festival as originally planned.

What I'm really stoked for this year is FunFunFun Fest. It's at Waterloo Park and the idea of a music festival in November is appealing to me on many levels. No sweaty dancing bodies or or sun burns to worry about. Plus, it's a lot more affordable than ACL. If you're a student and you buy tickets in September they're only $67 for the weekend (regular priced weekend wristbands are $75/ $45 for a day). This turns out to be a pretty good deal with 90+ bands playing.

I'll tell you  who I'm most excited to see...

Mikey Rocks and Chuck English of The Cool Kids playing on Saturday evening.

What's really awesome about the festival is that each of the four stages are organized by the genre of the artists that will be performing on them: indie, punk, singer/songwriter, and dance/hip-hop. The festival is November 7th and 8th. See you there.

Blood, Boobs, and Gore.

Make fun of me all you want for seeing Sorority Row, but the film industry is who you should really make fun of. A friend of mine invited me to see the flick via, "Don't you want to go watch a bunch of sorority girls die? C'mon it'll be awesome." Sure. Regardless of it's lack of quality acting, the movie was surprisingly scary and had a "thrilling" plot.  It was very I Know What You Did Last Summer, and was about of a group of young adults, Sorority members of 'Theta-Pi' and their frat-boy counterparts, who commited an eery murder in a prank gone wrong, and tried to live with the consequences of attempting to keep it a secret. Slowly, all the ladies of Theta-Pi die in different yet equally as gory manners by the killer who wore a hooded graduation gown when committing the murders. The movie ends with the protagonists one last hurrah in discovering the killer was her own boyfriend, the charming and consoling, least expected one of course.

The actors were stylish and attractive. And yep, you guessed it, shirts came off while the blood was shed the ladies of Theta-pi died with pretty faces and stilettos on their feet.

What fall would be complete without college girls facing death in their underwear anyways?

Kehinde Wiley

I adore this artist. I saw a piece of Kehinde Wiley's at the Blanton Museum of Art for the first time about a year and a half ago and it immediately caught my eye because of it's vibrancy. Curious, I went home to look up his other work. Now I'm not much of an art conosseiur, I love to look at it and  soak it in, preferably simple art that's flashy, fun, and Andy Warhol-esque. However, I couldn't tell you much about the artist's technique or try categorizing it with much sophistication.

That being said, I'll do my best on this one... Kehinde Wiley is an artist out of Brooklyn who is famous for his photo-realist paintings of young African American men and various famous hip-hop artists (check out Biggie, below!). The young men in his paintings are typically decked out in hip-hop gear, yet posed as ancient historic figures ranging from renaissance era saints to spanish conquistadors. All of the figures, are presented in a high esteemed manner, with their heads held high. In perfect complement to these figures, Wiley's backgrounds are often modern patterns, intricate florals or bright textiles. I think the two together come off quite aesthetically pleasing, and almost contradictory in symbolism. This is the piece at the Blanton, portraying the slight contrast between masculinity and femininity that is present in most of his paintings:

Although he receives varying critiques, Kehinde's career has been full of success the past few years. In 2008 alone he was featured in The New Yorker multiple times and was also featured in the New York Times, Paper Magazine and Art in America.  His work has been featured in his own solo galleries across the US, in China, and he recently traveled to Rio De Janeiro to do portrait work with the locals there. Regardless of the message he's trying to portray, Kehinde Wiley attracts a wide variety of people to his work because its just so---diverse? For more of his work, and to take a look at his awesome style check out his website.

Sock-Hop!

I haven't had an entire sunday to myself in ages... and let me tell you, it feels fabulous. Among the studying, writing, reading etc, I plan on having a big fat margarita, and then, weather permitting, The second Sunday sock hop at Shangri La. 

Dance party at the best new east side bar... you can't miss it. 

Put on your best dress and dancin' shoes. See you there.

She & Him

As if Zooey Deschanel weren't charming enough through her beauty and acting...she'll make you fall even harder with her vocals (yep, that christmas song serenade scene in Elf was real). Her indie folk band, She & Him, which released it's debut album in March of 2008 does just that. It's folky, up beat and catchy- with a hint of a 60's surfer sound. You'll definitely have this song on repeat because her voice is addicting:

She & Him's debut album was successful enough to create anticipation for their second, Volume Two, especially after her and M.Ward, along with back up singers, bassist and drummer toured the U.S. last year, making a stop at the SXSW music festival here in Austin. 

Currently, Deschanel and her partner in crime M.Ward are planning the Volume Two album to be released in 2010. What took me so long to listen to this album? Never doubt the vocal skills of an already talented young lady.

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

True story. What is it about the shiny, compact little rocks that make a woman feel so good? I contemplated this as a strolled from Anthropologie yesterday, with a smile on my face and a diamond necklace in my bag. Not quite sure, but wearing diamonds is a feeling similar to that a woman get's when she yields in benefits from RETAIL THERAPY.

My top picks for retail therapy...just in time for fall:

Anthropologie

This is retail therapy at it's finest, yes you're going to spend a pretty penny on attire here but their pieces are timeless and always in style. Not only does Anthropologie sell great casual dresses and clothing for women they have an array of room decor, bath products and motivating books like, What Would Audrey Do?

Emeralds

Right across the street on N. Lamar is a young lady's heaven. The store makes you feel like you're in a giant closet with jewelry, bags, and dresses but most importantly SHOES. Emeralds has a fabulous selection of shoes with prices ranging from 30-60...not bad for a pair of killer pumps you'll want to wear everyday.

Feathers

If you're more into one of a kind pieces, obviously vintage is your forte. Feathers is top notch for finding vintage designer shoes, bags, dresses and jewelry in excellent condition. Their stock is always changing and although their items can be a little pricey, nothing can beat the fabulous feeling you'll get when wearing a silk designer dress and suede boots!

Goodie Two Shoes

A little less pricey, and a lot more Funky right down the road from Feathers is Goodie Two Shoes on Congress Avenue.  Goodie Two Shoes is a small boutique that sells amazing dresses, shoes and funky jewelry with prices ranging from 15-30 bucks. Perfect for finding the cute wedges or bangles your wardrobe needs. 

Need the therapy this instant but don't have the money to spend? Savers on S.Lamar is my favorite place to thrift shop and find fun pieces to wear. I recently bought a Ninewest bag from Savers for FIVE BUCKS. It's perfect for that new 1990's dress you've been wanting to sport for fun.

There's something about jazz...

That's good to wake up to in the morning. Try: Ray Charles, What I say to be exact... a soulful voice goes so well with the morningtime, especially when it's raining. Forget the Blues!

Happy rainy weekend y'all.

Yogini's and Friends

Do you take yoga? Yoga is my therapy. It's good for the mind and the body... but you already know that. Classes at YogaYoga are my favorite, with highly talented instructors who ought to be called mentors or guru's. But with all the meditating, sweating, and knowledge you can get in one class at any of YogaYoga's six studios, things can and do get a little pricey. 

For penny-pinchers like myself, Ruta Maya coffee house off of South Congress is the perfect alternative for those still wanting a good class and mantra to ponder on without forking over lots of cash to the cause. I usually go to the noon class on Saturday's at Ruta Maya which is absolutely free and is taught by Pamela Brewer, an amazing instructor.  Not only does Ruta Maya offer classes six out of seven days of the week but it offers a lovely space to take classes in. Yoga students are encouraged to buy something from the cafe, whether it be a cup of coffee, tea, or a breakfast taco to help support the coffee house and continue free yoga classes for the public.

If you aren't squeezed for money, there are plenty of fabulous other yoga studios around town:

Yogagroove

Up north, off Great Northern Blvd. The studio offers great Bikram yoga classes seven days a week, multiple times a day with pretty good rates. If you're new to Bikram and have never been there before you can take unlimited classes for $28  the first month AND if you're a student they offer unlimited classes at $100/per month. They just redid their space and sell yoga clothing, health food and fresh smoothies.

Austin Kula Yoga

If yoga in a heated room full of sweaty bodies isn't your thing, Austin Kula Yoga is a charming little studio in West Austin that offers a variety of yoga classes. With workshops offereed almost monthly catered to beginners, athletes and dancers anyone can find a suitable workout. My personal favorite, a Hip-hop yoga class offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, is a good way to work-out and have fun simultaneously. 

and... drumroll please... right at home at St.Edwards University yoga classes are offered for students, faculty, as well as the public ($5 for students, $10 standard) Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Beginners series to mixed levels... all taught by Seva. For more info call (512)707-2565.

Time to get your body as strong, flexible and balanced as your mind. Namaste.

Fight the Fever

Everyone around me is sick right now. The flu, head colds, you name it. On more than one occasion I've seen people wearing protective masks in public places like the grocery store. Swine flu looks have even hit the runways?

What happened to working immune systems? I understand the convenience of meds but I'm not a firm believer or user of them (and clearly they aren't working for some). I suppose immunizations do the trick too, but when that's not available why not try some natural immunity. 

Incorporate these foods into your diet for better luck this flu season:

Yogurt- filled with live cultures that are full of bacteria which fight off bad bacteria and increase your body's white blood cell count.

Oranges- Vitamin C. Enough said.

Garlic- packed with compounds high in sulfur like ajoene and allicin, which help ward off diseases and battle infections.

 Carrots- have lots of beta carotene, a phytonutrient that increases your body's production of T cells.

 Spinach- contains LOTS of antioxidants.

Oysters- help your body in producing cytokines, a protein which is known to ward off illnesses.

Salmon- has lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which help your body's phagocytes fight bacteria more effectively.

Bell Pepper- Also packed with lots of vitamin C and prompts your body to produce more antibodies which cover the surface of cells to help protect from viruses.

Barley- contains  a high amount of beta glucans, a very strong antioxidant.

If not, jump on the swine fashion train...

 

Helpful Article from Daily Juice and Alternet.

Dear Austin, How I love thee

I want to be passionate about something. Living in the same place that I've grown up and been in for two decades sort of sucks the passion and excitement out of most things. The city isn't dull, and I feel like I've gotten to know some really great people here and established a thick network of friends BUT I want to move and experience a new city, new country, and new lifestyle. However, I'm forcing myself to be patient while this undergraduate degree ensues... In the mean time I can focus on what I love about Austin to get me by. Here are the reasons that when I leave Austin after my undergrad work at Saint Edwards I know I'll always be back at some point.

1. Austin has numerous, fabulous healthy places to fuel the body. Daily Juice, Sun Harvest, Whole Foods--what will I do without these places one day?

2.Everyone in this city is laid back. You can roll out of bed wearing your pajamas to the coffee shop and no one will give a damn or look twice your way.

3.This city is beautiful. The day when I can't run on the hike and bike trail at Lady Bird Lake or swim at the springs for my morning work-out will be a sad one.

4. DIVERSITY. Okay, I went to Austin High and I'm the type of person that likes swimming with every fish in the sea by my side. East side, north side, south side and west side, every part of the city has something unique and charming to offer.

Save the Forest

An oasis? Maybe. You might have heard of Austin's Enchanted Forest from their horrifically scary haunted trail during the fall time or for their fashion shows and art events like Art Outside during the springtime. In 2008 the Forest even won 'Best Place to see Local Art' by the Chronicle readers poll. Either way, the 3.5 acres on West Oltorf and Lamar has something to suit your creative fancy whether you're a local aspiring artist or not.

Unfortunately, city hall forced the Enchanted Forest to close it's doors to the public last summer, disabling it's ability to hold this year's Art Outside in March after a tough fight.  Various reasons led up to this incident, including laws involving the amount of people you're allowed to accommodate per plot of land, and fire marshal warnings about lighting in trees, etc. The Enchanted Forest is trying to reopen it's doors this October, for a rescheduled Art Outside event as it's doing it's finishing touches on getting up to par with city codes. For more info on how you can help check out:

http://www.artoutside.org/index.html

Hip-hop is a Guilty Pleasure

Mainstream hip-hop to underground stuff, late eighties to to modern day...I like it all. Recently it seems I have plenty of friends with a taste for music that's 'too sophisticated' for hip-hop which I don't appreciate one bit.  Sure, lot's of hip-hop lyrics are demoralizing and  offensive but regardless hip-hop just makes you feel good (no need to get offended or take Luda's lyrics so seriously, ladies). Not to mention, there are plenty of artists out there who attempt at being political in their music, or make their music for a cause. 

That being said, my most recent favorite artist is Talib Kweli, who's music sounds a lot like De La Soul or A Tribe Called Quest. Their music was most popular in the late eighties and nineties but I've most recently gotten addicted to it after hearing Talib. On a run, on the way to school, or just hanging around the house these artists keep my spirits up...

Yes, It's silly, but I love it (keep in mind, this is from 1990)

Melting Pot in the Making

When did first thursday turn into a circus freak show? -Direct quote from a friend of mine at work. It's true though, last night at first thursday there were zombies and Leslie's galore.  Wish I could have snapped some photos of the freakishly scary looking characters but you get the picture. Also making their usual appearance, die hard christians with speaker phones and "save yourself" pamphlets.

Once again, First Thursday and similar events always remind me of how diverse Austin is.

Fresh, fine, foods.

I really like the idea of airstrem trailers. Yes, they are becoming obnoxiously trendy and popping up everywhere, but as my dad was reminding me the other day they're a good idea for those looking to test out a new, innovative business who don't want to bother with contracts and renting out places.

My recent favorite, Lulu B's, a trailer that serves vietnamese sandwiches, spring rolls, salads, smoothies, coffee, and bubble teas proves itsself well. The trailer sits conveniently in a shaded spot off of south Lamar across from Bird's Barbershop, and although the lunch crowd can cause a small wait, you can always phone in your orders. 

For seven dollars I got two large sized avocado spring rolls, dressed with a spicy peanut sauce and an iced black, bubble tea. Not bad. 

Also on the menu, and just as aesthetically pleasing, Shrimp summer rolls...

I will definitely try next time. My dad ordered a lemongrass pork sandwich. Everything tasted fresh and was complimented with the right sauce. Definitely worth every penny.

Next on my list to try..."Crepes Mille" on Congress. Can it beat out flip-happy? Doubtful.

Eat, Pray, Love

As Eastern philosophy becomes more prominent in the West, it's apparent in the lifestyles (Ashtanga at noon on Wednesday? Meet you there.) and writing of Americans. Not only are there entire sections in bookstores dedicated to eastern religious studies but there are now, as a result, sections dedicated to the Art of Happiness, self-searching books, self-help books and spirituality. Along the same lines, a recent New York Times best seller and personal favorite book of mine EAT PRAY LOVE has "changed the lives of many" according to Oprah. Skeptical? You shouldn't be. Although the mainstream bookclub run by the American talk-show queen gave the book lots of praise, it's with good reason this time.

When Oprah featured the best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert on her show, Gilbert told her story of travels to Italy, India, and Indonesia in which she searched for herself after a terrible divorce in the states, which she writes about in her novel. Although personally I don't want to have much to do with Oprah's book club, I was drawn to the book when a mentor of mine recommended it.

Self-searching or not, Eat, Pray, Love will help you discover a little something about yourself...or inspire you to do whatever it takes to find happiness in your own life, even if it takes a journey abroad as Gilbert's did. The book even seems to reach out to an audience larger than women whom can directly relate to Gilbert, her marriage and career struggles. Being in college, I too was directly inspired by Gilbert's anecdotes of what is was like to leave her comfort zone, live in an Ashram and travel to these countries.

One of my favorite quotations, "I've always been fascinated by wraith-like, delicate souls. Always wanted to be the quiet girl. Probably precisely because I'm not. It's the same reason I think that thick, dark hair is so beautiful-- precisely because I don't have it, because I can't have it. But at some point you have to make peace with what you were given and if God wanted me to be a shy girl with thick, dark hair, He would have made me that way, but He didn't. Uselful, then, might be to accept how I was made and embody myself fully therein"

Many can argue that a lot of what Gilbert writes it's obvious to any Buddhist, Hinduist, or person learning about eastern philosphy, but her way with words and ability to directly put it in the perspective of a modern westerner makes it worth reading.

Gilbert is coming to speak at the Paramount Theatre in October, tickets ranging from 30-50 bucks. For more info check out the Paramount's website.