"We must go beyond the textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey"
- John Hope Franklin -
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
exploring others blogs...
Through my explorations, I have realized that I am not only mediating through my blog, I am also exploring other blogs and the world of blogging. I have also seen A LOT of blogs in other languages. Although I can't read them, I enjoy looking at the pictures and how others mediate their spaces through photographs, drawings, paintings, and writings (which i can't read..!) All of the blogs that I have mentioned reflect the personalities and spaces around the bloggers. Other bloggers have definitely inspired ideas and things that I do in my life.
Here are some of my favorites:
http://arlingtongreen.blogspot.com/this girl is genius and tells it like it is... it's an amazing mix of fashion, fun, and living on the east coast... top of my list….
http://secretsofacitygirl.blogspot.com/because the blogger works in the fashion industry (model), this is a rare perspective from the inside. Her taste in clothing in flawless, and she combines infamous designers with equally gorgeous photographs of friends, family, and her life. I love her quotes and opinions on life.. this is definitely another one on the top of my list for favorite blogs...
www.huffingtonpost.com this was actually the first blog I ever wrote. You MUST at least look at this blog....
http://jesszamess.blogspot.com/I love her photographs and use of art... she also discusses classes and assignments!
http://rachelwhitfield.blogspot.com/<3>
http://dfabt.blogspot.com/fashion and "designing for a better tomorrow"
http://theycallmebonger.wordpress.com/AMAZING photographs..... enough said....
http://b-zhou.blogspot.com/this guy is from New Zealand.. complete with photographs.... I love seeing other parts of the world through the eyes of a local.. not a tourist or tourist company. No promotions... its just the truth.
http://goodmorningmsmagpie.blogspot.com/
http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/archives/017887.htmlI'm not sure if this is a blog... but I found it through another blog. It is amazing how there is literally EVERYTHING online....
Here are some of my favorites:
http://arlingtongreen.blogspot.com/this girl is genius and tells it like it is... it's an amazing mix of fashion, fun, and living on the east coast... top of my list….
http://secretsofacitygirl.blogspot.com/because the blogger works in the fashion industry (model), this is a rare perspective from the inside. Her taste in clothing in flawless, and she combines infamous designers with equally gorgeous photographs of friends, family, and her life. I love her quotes and opinions on life.. this is definitely another one on the top of my list for favorite blogs...
www.huffingtonpost.com this was actually the first blog I ever wrote. You MUST at least look at this blog....
http://jesszamess.blogspot.com/I love her photographs and use of art... she also discusses classes and assignments!
http://rachelwhitfield.blogspot.com/<3>
http://dfabt.blogspot.com/fashion and "designing for a better tomorrow"
http://theycallmebonger.wordpress.com/AMAZING photographs..... enough said....
http://b-zhou.blogspot.com/this guy is from New Zealand.. complete with photographs.... I love seeing other parts of the world through the eyes of a local.. not a tourist or tourist company. No promotions... its just the truth.
http://goodmorningmsmagpie.blogspot.com/
http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/archives/017887.htmlI'm not sure if this is a blog... but I found it through another blog. It is amazing how there is literally EVERYTHING online....
Exploration Literature
After doing the readings in this class, I really wanted to start to read longer fiction and non-fiction. Although I haven't read any of the books yet, I have a stack of books in my room that I can start reading the second I graduate! Although this is technically a goal for 'after I leave Santa Barbara', I realized how much my life and education in Santa Barbara is affecting my life after Santa Barbara. Rather then 'starting over' somewhere new, my time at UCSB and in Santa Barbara have given me important skills that I can use even after I leave this space.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Places to Study in Santa Barbara
Since a majority of students' time is devoted to attending class, writing papers, taking tests, and completing projects, I also wanted to explore places in Santa Barbara where students could study in a relaxing environment. I was starting to realize that I spent a majority of my time in bed studying. While I was comfortable and could get things done in the comfort of my bed and home, when I went to go to sleep, I couldn't fall asleep because I had spent my day studying in bed. Furthermore, I couldn't study and think in the same place that I need to relax and fall asleep. Therefore, I needed to find a new place...
I had driven past the Mission of Santa Barbara in the past, and noticed that there was a huge grassy area where there were people sleeping, having a picnic, and reading, so this is the first place that I went to. Although this space was very relaxing and quiet, I would bring a towel or blanket to lay on. Before I pulled mine out, I realized there was no way I could have laid on the grass (it was so cold it felt damp!). I also would recommend bringing a small snack or a drink, especially if you are planning on reading for a long time (there are not any food/drinks within walking distance). The space was a perfect place to study, however the sun was so warm, all I wanted to do was nap!
Starbucks in Goleta (next to Borders in Camino Real)
While I go to this Starbucks at least once a week to grab a latte, I have never sat down and studied there. I always see students studying on the tables throughout space, usually with their ipods, computers, and books scattered around them. After Alyssa brought in her posters with the sound, I wanted to test this theory and figure out how everyone can study there when it is so loud! I went to Starbucks with my laptop and books, and brought my ipod just in case. I quickly realized that not only could I hear the noise from Starbucks over ipod music, but I had stopped studying and now was 'people watching'. I vote that Starbucks is NOT a good place to study.
Other recommendations from friends:
The Coffee Cat downtown off State Street
thanks to:
carto.net
santabarbara.com
Saturday, February 28, 2009
the hostess with the mostess
When I still lived at home, I barely ever cooked. While my dad is an amazing cook, my mom burns toast... seriously. Because he always cooked for my family, I never really learned how to cook, and I have lived off of pasta, takeout, and frozen food for three years now. Lately, I have become more interested in eating healthier and preparing fresher food. This assignment gave me the perfect 'excuse' to learn how to cook. I basically justified that cooking was my homework, and I spent days looking up recipes on my blackberry during class. (I was doing schoolwork!)Over the last ten weeks, I have cooked (not microwaved!) salmon asparagus and saffron rice, homemade pizza with whole wheat dough, and homemade sushi. Not only did the meals turn out really good, I have started to work on eating healthier, preparing more meals, and shopping at the grocery store for fresher foods. Although I did not 'explore' outside of my kitchen, this assignment has caused me to re explore preexisting spaces around me. I am starting to realize that by taking time out of my day for things like exercises and eating healthier, I am much happier and more successful in other parts of my life (such as school or stressful situations). Furthermore, I am noticing the different senses that I have to use while cooking (such as touch, smell, taste) While this might be an obvious observation, I am appreciating my sense of smell and really taking the time out of my day to enjoy it. With this project, I have learned to appreciate the smaller details in life, and as cliche as it is.. take time to stop and smell the flowers!
My Salmon Recipe:
Salmon:
1/3 pound of salmon (fresh from butcher. not frozen! it costs approx 3 dollars)
brown rice
teriyaki sauce
soy sauce
finely chopped garlic (found in jars)
lemon
Rice:
1 small bag of saffron rice
1 tablespoon of butter
water
4-8 asparagus stalks
sesame seeds
balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
First, start the rice according to directions (The type I use asks to melt 1 tablespoon of butter (I use fat free for health) in 1 2/3 cups of water. When water has come to a boil, stir in rice and reduce to simmer. cover for 20 minutes, but watch it because the water boils fast and the rice will burn!)
For the salmon, I made up my own recipe. I combine 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic, 1/8 cup of teriyaki sauce and 1/8 cup of soy sauce in a small bowl. After washing the salmon steak, I dip it in the bowl until it is completely covered. Then, I place it on a baking sheet covered in NON STICK aluminum foil. I place this in the oven at 375, and continually check it for 10 minutes. (the time and temperature varies depending on the size, thickness, and weight of the salmon... I cut into my salmon, and make sure it no longer looks pink and slimy. BUT make sure you don't overcook it! it will get too dry fast!)
While my salmon and rice are cooking, I wash and cut my asparagus, and place it in a skillet with 1/2 cup of water on med-high heat. I place a lid over the skillet, and cook the asparagus for 2 minutes, until it becomes easy to stick a fork into, but not soggy or too soft (it should hold some firmness) I take the lid off, drain any remaining water, and then put 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar in the pan with the asparagus on low-med heat. I saute the asparagus for another minute, then drizzle the sesame seeds over it. I mix the vinegar, seeds and asparagus, until the asparagus is hot and completely coated. The plate it!
Your rice and salmon should be done now. Take the salmon out, and with a sharp metal spatula, separate the skin from the salmon. The skin should remain on the aluminum foil to be thrown out, while the salmon can be plated, along with the rice and asparagus. You can add pepper and salt to taste, as well as I usually put lemon on the salmon.
For the pizza, I just bought a bag of whole wheat pizza crust, shredded cheese, and pizza sauce, all available at trader joes. I also bought my own toppings (a can of pineapple from Vons) On the bag of the crust, it has instructions on how to create the crust (basically just spread it out on a cutting board. It helps if you use A LOT of flour!) I added sauce, cheese and put my own toppings on (personally love the pineapple.....) This was a good dinner, and I took it to school the next day for lunch!
For the sushi, my mom and I bought a kit from borders. This was definitely the hardest meal to create, and it is NOT as easy as it looks. All the ingredients were close to $40.00, but we definitely had a very fun night. At the end of the night, we had realized that we had way too much rice and ingredients, and ended up throwing away a lot. Although the sushi we made was good, it was not exactly in perfect form! But we thought that this would be a fun dinner party idea!
Salmon:
1/3 pound of salmon (fresh from butcher. not frozen! it costs approx 3 dollars)
brown rice
teriyaki sauce
soy sauce
finely chopped garlic (found in jars)
lemon
Rice:
1 small bag of saffron rice
1 tablespoon of butter
water
4-8 asparagus stalks
sesame seeds
balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
First, start the rice according to directions (The type I use asks to melt 1 tablespoon of butter (I use fat free for health) in 1 2/3 cups of water. When water has come to a boil, stir in rice and reduce to simmer. cover for 20 minutes, but watch it because the water boils fast and the rice will burn!)
For the salmon, I made up my own recipe. I combine 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic, 1/8 cup of teriyaki sauce and 1/8 cup of soy sauce in a small bowl. After washing the salmon steak, I dip it in the bowl until it is completely covered. Then, I place it on a baking sheet covered in NON STICK aluminum foil. I place this in the oven at 375, and continually check it for 10 minutes. (the time and temperature varies depending on the size, thickness, and weight of the salmon... I cut into my salmon, and make sure it no longer looks pink and slimy. BUT make sure you don't overcook it! it will get too dry fast!)
While my salmon and rice are cooking, I wash and cut my asparagus, and place it in a skillet with 1/2 cup of water on med-high heat. I place a lid over the skillet, and cook the asparagus for 2 minutes, until it becomes easy to stick a fork into, but not soggy or too soft (it should hold some firmness) I take the lid off, drain any remaining water, and then put 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar in the pan with the asparagus on low-med heat. I saute the asparagus for another minute, then drizzle the sesame seeds over it. I mix the vinegar, seeds and asparagus, until the asparagus is hot and completely coated. The plate it!
Your rice and salmon should be done now. Take the salmon out, and with a sharp metal spatula, separate the skin from the salmon. The skin should remain on the aluminum foil to be thrown out, while the salmon can be plated, along with the rice and asparagus. You can add pepper and salt to taste, as well as I usually put lemon on the salmon.
For the pizza, I just bought a bag of whole wheat pizza crust, shredded cheese, and pizza sauce, all available at trader joes. I also bought my own toppings (a can of pineapple from Vons) On the bag of the crust, it has instructions on how to create the crust (basically just spread it out on a cutting board. It helps if you use A LOT of flour!) I added sauce, cheese and put my own toppings on (personally love the pineapple.....) This was a good dinner, and I took it to school the next day for lunch!
For the sushi, my mom and I bought a kit from borders. This was definitely the hardest meal to create, and it is NOT as easy as it looks. All the ingredients were close to $40.00, but we definitely had a very fun night. At the end of the night, we had realized that we had way too much rice and ingredients, and ended up throwing away a lot. Although the sushi we made was good, it was not exactly in perfect form! But we thought that this would be a fun dinner party idea!
The more I cook, the more I realize how much I love to host parties and cook for friends. While I was learning how to cook and bake meals, I would usually cook enough for my roommates and friends. While I enjoyed cooking for them, I also loved spending time in the kitchen talking with them and having dinner together. One of the harder parts of college is moving away from home and leaving your close group of friends and family behind. With the move, you also have to leave traditions behind, like having family dinners. However, through exploring my kitchen and cooking, I have been able to start dinner with friends and in turn, have become closer with them. (For class, I made brownies from Trader Joes- Brownie Truffle Baking Mix, as well as cupcakes from Betty Crocker... enjoy!)
Inspiring Hostess Blog: http://www.hostessblog.com/
Bon Appetit!
yOgA sOuP
When I was a freshman in college, i worked at a gym and had a trainer. While working out with him one day, my knee popped out and I basically ruptured my bursa (which is the fluid sac under your kneecap), pulled most of ligaments and tendons in my leg, atrophied my leg, tore something in my kneecap and basically completely screwed up my knee. I was on bed rest for 2 weeks and on crutches for months. After all this time, the doctor recommended intensive rehab and staying off my leg. Instead, I didn't listen to doctors orders, and instead started taking regular pilates, yoga, and yoglates (yes its a real word! its yoga and Pilates combo class) at the gym I worked at. In a couple of weeks, I was able to ditch the crutches, I never had surgery, and I have yet to stand in a physical therapists office.
When I moved to Santa Barbara, I had to stop working at the gym, and with it, I stopped taking regular pilates and yoga classes. However, my knee is still weak, so I am not able to run like I used to be able to. When I began to think of more explorations that I could do, I realized how much I missed taking yoga. I decided that this was the perfect opportunity to get back into taking yoga classes and working on my body outside of the gym. I looked up classes online, found one that fit in with my skill level and time outside of school, and signed up. I also made the decision to try just one class (pay a one time drop in fee) to see if I like the studio, rather than buying a package of classes.
On the day of class, I dressed in yoga pants and a loose tshirt and brought a water. I took a one hour class, that focused on breathing, stretching, as well as strength building and core muscles. Although I went for a workout, I found myself feeling incredibly relaxed and focused as I left class. I was breathing at a steady pace, and I was no where near as stressed as I was when I walked in. Yoga has this incredible way of clearing ones' mind and relaxing your entire body. I had completely forgot how helpful it was in school and dealing with everyday stresses. Now, even if I can not make it to the studio, the breathing techniques and small exercises calm me down when I am over stressed from daily chaos. Through this experience, I learned that, as a student, we are incredibly busy. Between late night studying (and partying...), college students are always sick and stressed. While we are torn between having fun and being responsible adults, sleep is usually at the loosing end of the battle. Therefore, it was important to take time out of my day to focus on something that not only benefits my physical health, but my mental health (for lack of a better phrase) as well.
How it is mediated outside of my blog...
www.facebook.com/people/Yoga-Soup/1652502976
AND they even have their own blog!!!!
If you want to visit...
http://www.yogasoup.com/
Yoga Soup
28 Parker Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 805-965-8811
General info.
email: soup@yogasoup.com
When I moved to Santa Barbara, I had to stop working at the gym, and with it, I stopped taking regular pilates and yoga classes. However, my knee is still weak, so I am not able to run like I used to be able to. When I began to think of more explorations that I could do, I realized how much I missed taking yoga. I decided that this was the perfect opportunity to get back into taking yoga classes and working on my body outside of the gym. I looked up classes online, found one that fit in with my skill level and time outside of school, and signed up. I also made the decision to try just one class (pay a one time drop in fee) to see if I like the studio, rather than buying a package of classes.
On the day of class, I dressed in yoga pants and a loose tshirt and brought a water. I took a one hour class, that focused on breathing, stretching, as well as strength building and core muscles. Although I went for a workout, I found myself feeling incredibly relaxed and focused as I left class. I was breathing at a steady pace, and I was no where near as stressed as I was when I walked in. Yoga has this incredible way of clearing ones' mind and relaxing your entire body. I had completely forgot how helpful it was in school and dealing with everyday stresses. Now, even if I can not make it to the studio, the breathing techniques and small exercises calm me down when I am over stressed from daily chaos. Through this experience, I learned that, as a student, we are incredibly busy. Between late night studying (and partying...), college students are always sick and stressed. While we are torn between having fun and being responsible adults, sleep is usually at the loosing end of the battle. Therefore, it was important to take time out of my day to focus on something that not only benefits my physical health, but my mental health (for lack of a better phrase) as well.
How it is mediated outside of my blog...
www.facebook.com/people/Yoga-Soup/1652502976
AND they even have their own blog!!!!
If you want to visit...
http://www.yogasoup.com/
Yoga Soup
28 Parker Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 805-965-8811
General info.
email: soup@yogasoup.com
Sunday, February 22, 2009
fresco cafe
Since I have moved to Santa Barbara, I have always read about Fresco Cafe, and their amazing soups, salads and sandwiches. Around my 22nd birthday, I invited two close friends that go to UCSB to have a girls lunch with me at the Five Point location...
I ordered the Chinese Chicken Salad, while they each had a sandwich. If we were food critics... I think we would get Fresco Cafe 3 stars... It was really fresh food, and we definitely didn't have any complaints. We sat inside, and spent the entire lunch talking about where we are going after college, who is moving in with their parents when they graduate, the economy and jobs, and about leaving Santa Barbara. Only now do I realize how much my friends and I talk about graduation and leaving the town we have come to call 'home'. While I have only lived here for two years, I find myself calling my childhood home "my parent's house", and referring to my apartment in Santa Barbara as "my house" or "home". Since I am immediately going to backpacking in Europe when I graduate (an entirely different kind of exploring!!!), I know that I will eventually move to my parents' house until I can find a job. My last months of school not only equate to the thoughts of leaving Santa Barbara, they also make me realize how soon I will be back living under Mom and Dad's roof and rules. Living in Santa Barbara, I have discovered an entirely new sense of freedom and independence. While my parents aren't particularly strict, I will no longer have the same freedoms that I enjoy while living here. Although I am excited to be graduating, the thought is bittersweet. Going to lunch with the girls definitely was not only an exploration of a new restaurant, but it brought up our fears and our excitement about the new chapter in our lives.
How the Fresco Cafe mediates their space:
http://www.frescosb.com/
VOTED:
Santa Barbara News Press
Best Lunch Spot..Best Business Lunch ..Best Desserts
Santa Barbara Independent
Best Caesar
Our review:
While the meal was definitely good, it was not anything outstanding. The atmosphere was perfect for a laid back lunch, however it was nothing impressive. Next time I go, I will have to try their famous Caesar Salad or a Dessert!!
I ordered the Chinese Chicken Salad, while they each had a sandwich. If we were food critics... I think we would get Fresco Cafe 3 stars... It was really fresh food, and we definitely didn't have any complaints. We sat inside, and spent the entire lunch talking about where we are going after college, who is moving in with their parents when they graduate, the economy and jobs, and about leaving Santa Barbara. Only now do I realize how much my friends and I talk about graduation and leaving the town we have come to call 'home'. While I have only lived here for two years, I find myself calling my childhood home "my parent's house", and referring to my apartment in Santa Barbara as "my house" or "home". Since I am immediately going to backpacking in Europe when I graduate (an entirely different kind of exploring!!!), I know that I will eventually move to my parents' house until I can find a job. My last months of school not only equate to the thoughts of leaving Santa Barbara, they also make me realize how soon I will be back living under Mom and Dad's roof and rules. Living in Santa Barbara, I have discovered an entirely new sense of freedom and independence. While my parents aren't particularly strict, I will no longer have the same freedoms that I enjoy while living here. Although I am excited to be graduating, the thought is bittersweet. Going to lunch with the girls definitely was not only an exploration of a new restaurant, but it brought up our fears and our excitement about the new chapter in our lives.
How the Fresco Cafe mediates their space:
http://www.frescosb.com/
VOTED:
Santa Barbara News Press
Best Lunch Spot..Best Business Lunch ..Best Desserts
Santa Barbara Independent
Best Caesar
Our review:
While the meal was definitely good, it was not anything outstanding. The atmosphere was perfect for a laid back lunch, however it was nothing impressive. Next time I go, I will have to try their famous Caesar Salad or a Dessert!!
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