Another City Girl

Tattoo story, Utter Brilliance

2013-06-17T16:01:00.001-07:00

This story is so awesome and gives one of the most hitting-the-nail-on-the-head answers to anyone's prejudice against tattoos.

“There is a short story about a man who worked as a palaeontologist or archaeologist and was leading a tour group through a museum as part of his summer job.

He had a large and prominent tattoo in a visible place, probably an arm or leg, and it was exposed. Not anything obscene or even particularly challenging. A person in the tour group, a middle aged woman, if memory serves, was persistently very snippy and dismissive of his lecture and when he finally confronted her about it in front of the group; she said she couldn’t take him seriously because he was tattooed.

He replied “this isn’t an ordinary tattoo, you see,” while slightly tilting the tattooed extremity, almost as if he expected it to beam a glint of light back at the viewer if cambered just right. “This tattoo is magic.” he said with a twinge of mysticism in his voice.

“If I hold it just right, it exposes the prejudice and ugliness of small and petty people.”

Being heard, where confidence is lacking

2013-05-19T22:55:00.001-07:00

Some might say you're lying
if you think the words you wield
can stop the storm.
that brighter lights will prevail,
and leave you bruised from their brilliance.
those wielded words
cast into pans
another ting against the tin
another limerick against more tired vowels.
some might say you're dreaming
if you think your visions are art,
art to change the world.
you would notice if they did.
some do say
be spoken for, or someone else will guide your tongue.
be speaking up
when you're feeling trodden down.
those words are truer said than done.
when one's the wiser to wield one's words
onto a hidden placard or a spot of lesser notice.
those words, brave they may be
are sodden with the sweat stains of
a lingering adolescence.

Like Music? You're gonna love this!

2013-05-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

In a loving attempt to help bolster my beautiful BFF Della Haddock's confidence about her (AMAZING) voice, I'm posting the link to her SoundCloud page. She does some covers, and some very well-written, honestly beautiful songs. I like to think she's a bluesy-jazz toned Florence Welch. If you have SoundCloud, follow her! My favourite's are her originals Onyx and Soak Your Bones. She also does a beautiful rendition of Wild is the Wind.

Q. Eclectic's SoundCloud

Enjoy, Share and show her some love!

Love ya wyfe!
xoxoxo

***EDIT***

Also, here's a video she posted to YouTube.

Covering Florence and the Machine's Addicted to Love

Della O'Dare - Addicted to Love

Tattoos and Consumerism [The Research Paper]

2013-05-08T10:18:00.001-07:00

I've had some readers ask me to post my research paper on tattoos and consumer identity, so here it is! It's a bit of a read, I apologize. I found conducting the research to be very interesting, and it has inspired me to continue researching this topic. I hope to incorporate or expand on this preliminary research in the future, hopefully again during my undergrad. Please note that all ideas, data and writings are my own unless otherwise credited. This was an academic paper I submitted this past semester, as well as presented at a department conference this past April.

*Update: this paper has also been nominated for a research competition for the same department. Results should be out in June 2013. (fingers crossed!)

Tattoos as Markers of Identity

and Their Value as Consumer Products

Whitney Brennan

The construction of personal identity has been linked to the expression of the self through materialistic consumption (Wang Chengbing 294), and while this materialism has become socially acceptable in Western culture, there remains a lack of tolerance for the consumption of tattoos as markers of identity. This issue of identity construction through tattoo purchasing is discussed by some scholars as categorizing tattooed people as self-expressive, while simultaneously marking them as socially deviant and narcissistic (Lauren Langman 239). This contradiction is the starting point for my research into the construction of consumer identity through tattoos. While many scholars discuss the correlation between identity construction and tattoos, the consumer aspect as markers of social status has not been fully investigated. Whereas many consumer goods allow the buyer a certain status based on their investment (Chengbing 295), tattoos do not appear to receive the same acknowledgement for their monetary value. Additionally, considering the commodification of the body, as discussed by Maurice Patterson and Jonathan Schroeder, skin can be argued as another medium through which individuals embody consumerism (259).

This study will focus predominantly on the insufficient consideration of the consumerist investments required of tattoos. I will explore previously conducted research on the relationship between consumerism and tattoos in Western society, and examine individual testimonies on various blogs and online sites about acquiring tattoos. While my research focuses primarily on two blogs, (“The Tattooed Engineer”, “Rainy-Day Saver”) I collected data from a number of related blogs and articles, concentrating on reader comments and debates within this forum context. I will also look at the negative stereotypes attributed to people with tattoos, and the juxtaposition this creates between individual expression, and social identity. Through this, I will explore the contrast in personal motivations for purchasing tattoos, to the negative judgements imposed upon tattooed individuals. This dissimilarity in identity presentation and public reception will be further analyzed by theorizing tattoos consumption on its comparative value to other material markers of status.

Consumer culture has been defined by previous research as, “allow[ing] people to construct a way of life that promotes self-display to gain satisfaction from their consumer behaviour” (Chengbing 294). When applied to the purchasing of tattoos, this definition supports what scholar Victoria Pitts claims as tattoos being a reflection of personal and spiritual growth connected to consumerist activities. She further constructs tattoos as symbols of social status (366). Using this theory, it is evident that the connection between tattoos and identity is constructed drastically different for the consumer, and those who view the tattoos as markers of social deviancy (Patterson and Schroeder 263). Liz Frost explains that social acceptance and identification “may be dependant on what kind of image…[people] can construct” (75). Applying this to the presentation of tattoos within social groups, personal identity is dependant on the perceived image one portrays to others. Through consumerist behaviour, personal identity has become what Jennifer Hill describes as a “reflection of ‘lifestyles’” (354), and the purchasing of tattoos therefore reflects the genre of lifestyle choices the wearer has made. What these definitions fail to consider, however, is the difference between the tattooed persons intended identity, and the perceived identity based on the observations of others. Here there is a possible connection to what Soraya Mehdizadeh describes as two categories of personal conception. She utilizes these categories in her study on narcissistic personalities, based on work by Markus and Nurius, which are known as the “now self”, and the “possible self” (358). These constructions of selfhood are relatable to the consumption of tattoos based on the contradictory identities of tattooed individuals. Whereas the “now self” is constructed by others, the “possible self”, or the unknown identity, in selectively presented. This concept applies to tattoo consumption, in that this possible identity is portrayed visibly on the wearers skin, and can emphasize personality traits or aspects of the individual they wish to mark as part of their identity. Similarly, the wearer may choose to hide their tattoos with clothing or makeup, and may therefore construct their identity through the choice to display or hide their tattoos in order to convey a particular “possible self”.

Following Patterson and Schroeder’s definition of skin as, “an important component of embodied capital in the West” (259), I will examine the commodification of the body as a means for expressing consumer behaviour. In this way, tattoos act as visible markers of consumerism, while also constructing the ambiguity of the skin as personal and yet transgressive in nature (254). Although my research demonstrates the relationship between identity construction and tattoos as visible markers of the self, my primary focus is to examine the deficit of acknowledgement to the consumerist investment included in the purchasing of tattoos. What are negated in previous research are the tattoo’s monetary obligation, and its consequential consumerist fulfilment. This follows Chengbing’s definition of consumer culture and the satisfaction gained from this behaviour. My research looks at the argumentative commentary found on pro-tattoo blogs, such as the “The Tattooed Engineer”, as well as comments by readers on “Rainy Day Saver”, a personal blog on finances that examined the consumerist aspect of tattoos. This comparison revealed a paradox of identities, presented by the supporters and detractors of tattoos, as well as a discussion on the practicality of tattoos as a good financial investment. I also considered articles and their reader comments on the following sites: “Cranking Widgets”, “Washington Square News” (NYU), “Needles and Sins”, and “Matador Network”. These blogs provided sufficient data to determine the conflicting perceptions of identity, as well as support my claim on the possibility of acknowledging tattoos as consumerist investments.

Rebecca Rashid’s article for the “Washington Square News” (NYU) presented the results from a 2010 Pew Research Centre study, which found that almost 40 percent of people aged 18 to 29 in the survey, had at least one tattoo. She questions the validity of the stereotypes against tattoos, asking, “is almost one-third of our upcoming generation a mob of anti-professional, rebellious, unmotivated individuals?”. Her question parallels my own research into the connection between tattoos and personal identity, and that the ownership of a tattoo cannot stigmatize the wearer. Here also, it is important to consider the difference in regards to the wearer’s interpretation of the tattoo, and the societal construct of the entirety of the individual, based on the singular aspect of a tattoo.

When considering the impact of material markers of social status, such as designer clothes, purses, and cell phones, for example, it is evident that consumer culture has a significant influence on constructing social identities (Chengbing 294). As tattoos have become mainstream, those with tattoos have become the foundation on which future tattoo purchases are based, which Chengbing has explained as being characteristic of fashions in consumer culture (294). Based on this concept, tattoos, as fashion is comparable to other consumer products, with trends and styles that change over time. Like other products, certain tattoos are popularized during certain eras, such as tribal tattoos during the 1990s. This concept is appropriated for the consideration of tattoos as another product of consumer behaviour. Using this framework, alongside the increased commonality of tattoos across social demographics, my findings are supported by aligning tattoos with other forms of material consumerism. Just as other consumer products shape identities and align individuals within certain social groups, tattoos also have the ability to construct selfhood and categorize societal cliques. Victoria Pitts reiterates this concept in saying, “the tattoo seems to reflect some version of community and belonging”(366). Insofar as my own research, the concept of social belonging is relevant to distinguish not only the tattoos themselves as markers, but the differentiation between the qualities of the art. Comparable to the quality of clothing, for example, tattoos are seen in a wide range of artistic ability and style. This can be suggested as another category of the consumerist value of tattoos, and the necessity for high-quality work to be recognized as high-quality merchandise.

The comments on the article, Tattoos: Waste of Money or Artistic Investment? on “Rainy Day Saver” provided a consistent source of data to reflect on the “artistic investment” quality of tattoos. 41 percent of those who commented acknowledged the financial commitment required by a tattoo. Commenters who did not mention this aspect, either provided a personal anecdote on tattoos, or their inability to withstand the pain to get one, but did not argue the investment factor of tattooing. These comments support what I claim is sufficient cause to recognize tattoos in consumer culture, as markers of “embodied capital” (Patterson and Schroeder 259).

Comments in reply to the article What do your tattoos mean to you? by Kate Sedgwick on “The Matador”, contribute to the dualistic perception and interpretation behind tattoos. Those who had tattoos firmly stated that their meanings were deeply personal and “sacred”. The comments were replying to the article itself, which focused on cultural appropriation of indigenous tattoo practices. However, this aspect of the cultural appropriation of tattooing supports my own study into tattoos and identity construction. How one person constructs their individuality through tattoos is not necessarily contingent on the cultural values or practices from which the tattoo originates. Comparable to other consumer products acquired overseas or from non-western cultures, tattoos may be perceived as other markers of personal investment, as well as being possible parallels to other forms of “exotic” material consumerism.

Marisa Kakoulas makes an interesting argument on tattoos and workplace acceptance, which I argue reflects the consumerist value of tattoos. Her article, NY Times on Tattoos in the Workplace, posted on “Needles and Sins” tattoo blog, talks about the continued discrimination of tattooed people in corporate and non-corporate companies. Her ending argument comments on the aspect of tattooed attorneys representing tattoo studios. She states that, “You don't need a tattoo to provide effective legal services to a tattoo studio, but creating brand trust -- just like all luxury brands do -- has a greater reach to your target market”. In this case, tattoos may actually be a positive item for an attorney to possess, should they be representing people in the industry. Kakoulas compares tattoos to other high-commodity products, which in turn, supports their status as high-value consumer products. Her comments thus support my research on the consumerist value of tattoos, and the recognition of high-quality tattoo work as high-quality products.

My research on these blogs and their reader comments, support my hypothesis of a contrast between the motivations for acquiring tattoos (spiritual, personal growth, memorial, art) and the negative stereotypes (gang related, criminal, social deviancy, narcissism). I have been able to determine that there exists a conflicting area of identity construction. I therefore aim to look at in further research, the reasons why despite the mainstream popularity of tattoos, there remains the cultural stigma of deviancy (Patterson and Schroeder 260). As a commenter on “Rainy Day Saver” stated, “tattoos are an artistic investment”, going on to explain that in comparison to other materialistic purchases, tattoos have the longest investment, as well as the best value over the length of time the tattoo is owned. By taking this approach to analysing the commodification of tattoos as purely another aspect of consumer culture, I aim to further explore the possibility for capitalist recognition for the amount tattoo consumers invest on their skin.

Although my research has revealed the spectrum of differences between tattoo motivations and identity constructions, I have not been able to find a plausible means for bridging the gap created by the negative stereotypes cast on tattooed individuals. In further research and advocacy, it may be possible to promote the assimilation of tattoos with social acceptance, if their consumerist value is emphasized on a more recognized scale. From my research, those who advocate for tattoo acceptance base it purely on individuality and self-expression as the dominating argument for the tolerance of tattooed bodies. However, I propose that their value, based on their commodification as part of Western consumer culture, be accepted as a corporeal medium for not only personal expression, but also recognition of their value as “artistic investments”. Using Patterson and Schroeder’s concept of skin as cultural capital, I aim to gain recognition for tattoos as a high-cost consumer investment. I feel it is significant to add however, that in focusing on the capitalistic aspects of tattooing, I do not wish to devalue it as an art form, nor am I denying the complexity of the tattoo industry. My research has brought me to the conclusion that, if tattoos are not receiving adequate social consideration based on the testimonies of its consumers, and its proliferation in modern Western society, I ask that they receive societal recognition based on their monetary value. Further research could examine possible avenues of advertising, or methods to raise social awareness on the consumerist value of tattoos. Also, as a way of gaining cultural value as a respected art form, further research could examine the possibility of promoting the artistic ability of tattoo artists, and their designation within the art world.

Works Cited

Chengbing, Wang. “Consumer Culture and the Crisis of Identity”. Science and Business Media. 45 (2011): 293-298. Print.

Frost, Liz. “Theorizing the Young Woman in the Body”. Body & Society. 11.63 (2005): 63-84. Print.

Hill, Jennifer Ann. “Endangering Childhoods: How Consumerism is Impacting Child and Youth Identity”. Media Culture Society. 33.347 (2011): 347-360. Print.

Kakoulas, Marisa. “NY Times on Tattoos in the Workplace”. Needles and Sins. April 2013. April 3 2013.

<http://needlesandsins.com>

Langman, Lauren. “Culture, Identity and Hegemony: The Body in a Global Age”. Current Sociology. 51.223 (2003): 223-247. Print.

Mehdizadeh, Soraya. “Self-Presentation 2.0: Narcissism and Self-Esteem on Facebook”. Cyberpsychology, Behaviour, and Social Networking. 13.4 (2010): 357-363. Print.

Patterson, Maurice, Schroeder, Jonathan. “Borderlines: Skin, Tattoos and consumer cultural theory”. Marketing Theory. 10. 253 (2010): 253-267. Print.

Pitts, Victoria. “Review Essay: Reading the Body Through a Cultural Lens”. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography. 31.361 (2002): 361-372. Print.

Sedgwick, Kate. “What do Your Tattoos Mean to You?”. The Matador. September 26 2011. March 2013.

<matadornetwork.com>

“Why Do People Get Tattoos?”. The Tattooed Engineer. May 2011. March 13 2013. <http://www.thetattooedengineer.com>.

Nicole. “Tattoos: Waste of Money or Artistic Investment?”. Rainy-Day Saver. N.d.

March 13 2013.

<http://rainydaysaver.net>.

So, I'm presenting at a conference!

2013-04-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

This semester has been an interesting mix of courses. Some I enjoyed from the start (I'm looking at you ARTH300 and WMST224A) and others, have well, let's just say the end of the semester will be a welcome relief. I have however, been surprised by one course that I had no intention, nay, desire to take. And it so happens that this same course has now provided me with the opportunity to present my own research at a conference this weekend. Life is a mixed up creature sometimes. I am very grateful (if more than slightly nervous and unprepared) for the experience. I feel a knot of anxiety for the topic I'm presenting, as it's something that has interested me for a long time, and as an art history student, has grown with my academic experiences. Based on that, I wish I could twist it to a more art-based presentation. I'm glad to do the research at this level, and I hope I will have another opportunity in my undergrad to apply my research and expand on it. As I haven't presented yet, I don't want to reveal too much, as not to second guess myself too soon :)

If anyone is interested in finding out more about my research, I'd be happy to discuss it! I can say that it involves tattoos and consumerism.

*OK maybe that is the topic, but it's more complex than that...

Does anyone have their own experiences at academic conferences to share? The good? The bad? The not-to-be-missed?

my job, my writing station/am I a poet yet?

2013-04-04T10:21:00.001-07:00

Employment lends the days a longer drink
giving studious (?) brains more time to...
Nevermind, I'll be realistic.
there isn't a single chance I'll be as productive
as my Motivation Board would like to believe.
Who is? really?
Are we all driven each day to be bigger badder bolder
flying on the wings we stiched together hoping they would
fit across our shoulders another day...
are we all outgrown, outworn,
the single sighless eves that bring the darkness of the night
where brains are turned on more fully
to keep bodies from resting aching, growing bones.
too much milk.
the body yearns to extend and stretch
the mind too busy pulsing to think of shutting up.

So, my employment.
the ol' workin hours,
that whittle at my patience.
Don't think I hate it here. I don't.
It's only that my mind wishes
I were more like the poets I court inside my head.
where's my willow tree?
my french cafe?
moonlit night above the bustle of a city halfway across the world?
my dreams carry me to a train station
leatherbound, eastward bound,
bound to end up writing something, anything.
Am I a poet yet?
Can I call the Cohen's of the world my peers
if only by mere kindled hearts we sew with the same
threadbare cloth that cover our backs.

Ah, my job, my place of work.
So it is here I get to write.
and not for lack of work to do, it's just this is when
my brain allows a little impish selfishness into my day.
So it goes, it's nothing to complain about.
One day I'll find my state of mind,
or it will find me, writing, sitting...
the day will come..
and I will be a poet.

[tuesday poems @ 9am]

2013-03-26T09:20:00.005-07:00

[Click]

Sometimes it's not your darkest days

that make you see the light.

Your eyes are your cameras

change the shutter speed,

take a second.

the world's a brighter place

without the flash.

See what's just beyond the lens

the flickers, leaps and sunbeams

dancing absently, distracted by

the light reflecting

off your body.

Be a brighter light

than the one inside your pocket.

[Sea dreams]

Stormy seas will bring the ebbing tide.

its movements a simple lunar sequence.

it wakes me in the night,

the pull towards

the centre of the earth.

sometimes I wonder what it would feel like

to learn to breathe the earth.

feel worms fly past my ears

and moles yell obscenities

as I burst through

their underground highway.

I can't even drive below the surface.

I can still hear the sea.

More as a memory than the reality

of its proximity.

my ears will carry its tidal pools

to the farthest arid palms.

I don't think I could live far from the sea.

I don't swim.

Or surf.

I get seasick on boats.

And I'm afraid of deep ocean water.

But do I ever love the sea.

crazy in the head [poem]

2013-03-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

What's driving me crazy is this sensation that I’m forgetting

Where I put my most recent complaint.

I'm sorry if I dropped it on your head;

see, it seemed ok at the time,

But I’m realizing it’s a harder rock to drop

Than the speck of dust I thought I picked.

There’s a ringing in my ears,

And it’s making my hair prickle against the collar of my sweater

If I listen to its siren I almost feel seduced by the sound

Until it dies somewhere behind my left ear.

These bear hugs I wait for,

Seem so far and in between the madness ringing in my head.

I sometimes think it’s my phone

Letting me know you called.

Despite the jangling of my nerves,

The unsettling acidity of my stomach,

And the tears that bully themselves past the fortress of

My waterproof mascara.

Despite my petty worrying

I'm still a long way off from home.

The solitaire on my phone will only keep me occupied

As long as the structure of my neck holds out.

I have a feeling I’ll be leaning on my ancient chins,

Long into the night, still trying to beat the score

I set so absentmindedly last summer.

When the clubs fall short, their kings and queens more pixelated

And have lost all meaning – despite my numbing fingers

And the throbbing between my eyes

I’m still thinking about the way you smell.

Somehow hating all the little things

Makes me love the big things more.

The things that always pick me up,

When you’re the one I’m falling on.

Won't be Silenced

2013-03-11T21:10:00.001-07:00

Follow-up interview with Zerlina Maxwell. After her talk on Fox News she was harassed and threatened. Watch this clip from the Ed Show on MSN. She is truly inspiring, and another reason why women cannot be silent when it comes to our rights. I fully support her!

Watch the clip and read the article here

She Speaks the Truth.

2013-03-10T13:18:00.002-07:00

Thought this was worthy of reposting, lest we forget the ignorance of Fox News and the need for re-education on rape prevention. Stop telling women to just defend themselves, and start telling men NOT to rape. Period.

Fox News host put in his place by Zerlina Maxwell

Also found this on Upworthy.com (mansplaining: hands up if you've ever experienced this)

Keep posting and talking about equality! We've come a long way but there's so much left to go.

One Day? My Introspection on Being 'Woman'

2013-03-09T14:06:00.001-08:00

So yesterday was International Women's Day. The fact that there has to be a day to mark how far we think women's right have come is enough to make you cry. (Yes, I'm a woman, I'm dramatic). Despite the accomplishments of the past, I can't help but wonder, why do we still need to fight? Have we really made any headway when advertising and media still oversexualize and objectify women, when we're still told from a very young age to conform to gender normatives and see ourselves as not only biologically female, but as the fairer, more nurturing sex? Yes, there are more avenues for activism through social media, and more and more articles on popular culture are focusing on the importance of recognizing gender inequality and dismantling the socially constructed world we still live in. But is it enough?

I am proud of what women who fight for our basic human rights do every day. I'm proud when women support themselves, support others, and recognize that even though we are not all sisters, we are all human beings and we deserve to be treated as such. It's not just an issue of gender, otherwise wouldn't you think, by sheer numbers alone, women would hold more power? There are more women on the planet than men. But it's about more than that. More than having women "empowered" or "respected", because society trains us to see and use these words in certain ways, and there are many ways this is enforced or negated (sexual, physical or emotional empowerment). It's not just about tolerating women in unconventionally feminine occupations.

My point, and my two cents are, that until there are commercials for children that show little girls playing with cars, or boys "learning the role of fatherhood" through dolls or "domestic" toys, until they stop making pens just for women, or telling women how to protect themselves from rape instead of teaching men to NOT rape, until the word feminism is known to not only women, but to men who can understand that it doesn't mean the downfall of their gender or female superiority, until these and so many other things can not only be tolerated, but accepted into society will there be real change. Until women don't have to fight for the right to choose what happens to their body, or told by men how to dress, act or speak.

I hope one day we don't even need a Women's Day. Every day should be women's, men's children's, the elderly, and basic humanity day. Where we don't have to question and fight for the right to the same quality of life.

Yes, I digress and I'm being an idealist. But change never happens by accepting things the way they are. I hope some of you take the time to read articles on women, by women, for women and for men. I hope you get to share it with someone, enlighten someone and continue to educate yourself on advocating for equality. Start recognizing what you see on TV, who's doing what, who's watching, and who's doing, who's working and who's not. Who's fighting and who's being fought against. Recognizing oppression and inequality starts with individuals. Recognition often takes us out of our comfort zone, if you start to realize how controversial, and often counter intuitive some things are. I talk about media as a big influence on how we see the world, and I believe it's true. Start seeing who's selling vacuums and cleaning products, cars (trucks versus minivans), what couples sell and what kinds of families are portrayed. Recognizing these seemingly subtle aspects of popular culture will help make you see who's trying to sell "normal", and who that includes, and who it excludes.

My own introspection has been a work in progress. I no longer want to see myself as a young woman, studying women's studies and being told it's a "hobby degree", that I'm privileged enough to study something so trivial. If human rights were trivial we wouldn't need a women's day. Or Black History MONTH. By creating linear and constrained moments of recognition for marginalized peoples we further instill that they are not the majority. That difference will continue to separate us and create borders between genders, race, class, and faith. The acknowledgement is coming from those in power, recognizing those other than themselves, for one day, or one month. What about women's year? Decade? Imagine the recognition of what women have and have yet to accomplish, if we feel the need to define recognition to a definitive amount of time.

I would love to see a blockbuster film where women weren't the victim, the sex object, the arm candy, the housewife, or the femme fatale needing to be rescued. But let's be honest, who wants to see women successfully supporting themselves without the help or support of a man? Okay, I can admit this is dramatically feminist and a very vague statement. But consider the way women, even who appear strong, are portrayed? Just some food for thought.

I would love to hear any insights, stories, comments or debates :) keeping the discussion open about equality is part of making change happen! I would love to continue posts about anything mentioned above, or if anyone has topics they'd like to discuss, please let me know!

Dinner Rolls for Dinner? Makes perfect sense.

2013-01-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

Just a little Wednesday night baking. Celimix dinner rolls. Turned out perfect!

Here it comes

2012-12-30T23:08:00.003-08:00

Lately, it seems the only thing that motivates me is procrastination. And it's got me thinking. Why is time wasting so much more interesting than what's actually happening to us? Why do we look for distractions from the present? I don't have an answer. at least not a definitive one. The way I see things, the grass always seems greener, even if it's only the grass you're going to deal with tomorrow, or next month. For now, and in the spirit of tomorrow's year end fête, I want to start watering my own grass a little bit more. Maybe that's an odd metaphor...

Whatever the case, it's the end of another year. One that I hope will pale in comparison to the one to come (there's that greener grass already). There always seems to be so much pressure to make resolutions, and then to follow them through. In my opinion, January is a terrible time to start a resolution. Unless that resolution can be fulfilled lounging on your couch watching Dexter (I know I'm not the only one), then maybe resolutions aren't the best things to try this time of year. I will admit, I like goal setting. And list making. These are the building blocks of resolutions, true. Yet the accomplishments often fall short of the aforementioned goals.

As the relishing act of procrastinating seems to be a primary driving force, for myself anyway, I wonder, how to put a productive spin on this monkey that's dragging my coat tails? (Damn I wish those were still in style...). Maybe it's the late night lonely nights, maybe it's inspiration from fellow bloggers to get off my kiester, or maybe it's that green, green grass again. I'm not much of a plant person, but sensory wise, lush, green, spring grass is very alluring. Please don't read too much into this grass analogy, I really do mean the ground-covering foliage beneath our feet.

And so, I say bring it on 2013! Do your worst you crazy, mixed-number year, you successor of the end of time, you bearer of greener pastures! I hope we're ready. And if not, we've got 12 months to get ready for the next one. Happy New Year everyone, and don't forget to smell the flowers while you're enjoying that grass ;)

Idle passings

2012-09-25T11:04:00.001-07:00

Does anyone else like to waste time on awesome sites?

themetapicture.com

whatshouldwecallme.tumblr.com

definitelyraining.tumblr.com

pinterest.com

(Yes, I couldn't think of much else to write about right now...)

Revival, turning over a new leaf...equally cliche comment on ressurecting my blog?

2012-09-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

I'm running out of excuses for being a huge flake with this thing. Writing a blog definitely comes in waves for me. I have no logical reason why this is so. Perhaps I have a short attention span? Perhaps I have a fear of disapproval? Perhaps I am bored? For one reason or another it has always risen as a form of therapeutic self-indulgence for me. And I think it becomes all the more soothing when I return to my normal school/work schedule and need a mental vacation from the bustle and dreariness of everyday life. So, I am trying to spruce it up!

Sadly no baking to report of (that may change though, the holidays are coming up).

I feel like I want to give a preliminary testimonial to my new life as a UBC student. Part of this comes from my desire to blog more in the future. I miss writing. It was always come so easy for me that I suppose it was also an easy thing to neglect. But I digress. My experience thus far at UBC has proved to be a mix of disappointment, and an invigorating feeling of hope for the future. On the one hand, my class which I was hoping would interest me has proven to be quite the opposite. On the latter, I believe I have settled on a faculty choice for my minor, something I was so far unsure I would even decide to pick.

Campus eating has proved to be what I expected, unfortunately. Gluten free has not made much of a presence to say the least. My schedule allows me to eat at home before classes however. Are you gluten free on campus? Aside from bringing your own snacks or eating off campus, I don't believe us non-gluteners have much choice.

On a happier note, I am enjoying student life. I am looking at it as an opportunity to not only continue my studies in the conventional education system, but to strive to expand my boundaries of self discovery. I worked hard to get into university, I feel I have earned a bit of privilege to learn beyond the classroom, and without killing myself for a GPA. In the end, it's the times you spend enjoying yourself that you look back on fondly, and as I have no corporate or conventionally studious ambitions, I intend to enjoy my school years, before they're gone and I have to be an adult (sigh).

So, thoughts? comments? What has been your greatest realization or disappointment with university? Would you, should you, do things differently? If you're a novice blogger in university, what have been your greatest inspirations for your writing?

image:

Face Palm

2012-03-27T12:05:00.000-07:00

Apologies! It's been a crazy couple weeks. To recap:

Dog's birthday was a success! Cake was enjoyed by both canines, chocolate banana muffins with delicious icing for the human guests. Movies were watched, tears were cried (it might have been only me...Homeward Bound is heartwarming, don't judge me.)

Coachella plans are all but executed! All we have to do is show up at the airport and we're off to a weekend of awesomeness. April 19th can't come soon enough!

On a more serious note, I feel it is very important to bring this case to a wider audience. Please take a minute to read it (it's not the best written article but delivers the facts nonetheless)
If you feel inclined, sign the petition on change.org and help spread awareness of this injustice.
Help the family of Trayvon Martin find peace in their son's murder.

As a firm believer in equality to all, regardless of our societal labels, this case is an example of the lack of recognition of the equal rights deserving to all citizens. The Florida police would do well to take this case as a lesson to strive for colourblind service. That all citizens, regardless of their age, gender or ethnicity deserve equal attention and compassion. When it comes to crimes against unarmed youth, there is no room for personal biases. George Zimmerman should be tried to the fullest extent of the law for murdering unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

I hope this brings a little awareness to your day, and I will try to post some new recipes and photos soon!

Have a great Tuesday!

Spring, you elusive bastard.

2012-03-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Profanity is sometimes necessary. As I sit looking out the window of my school library, all I can think is, "what the hell Mother Nature, what. the. hell??". For a minute it seemed that spring had decided to finally grace us with its presence, however it appears I spoke too soon. This weather is abysmal (been saving that one for a while now). I had high hopes of bringing out blazers, flats and sunglasses soon...Alas, it was not meant to be.
How long will this persist? The forecast shows a glimmer of hope for Monday (?!) with highs of 9 degrees. I guess there's a thin sliver lining to this snowy west coast cloud.

On the bright side, cold weather means more indoor activities. Which means, more baking! Tomorrow I am celebrating the birth of my furry dog-child, Cinnamon. Laugh if you want, but dog parties are more about getting my girlfriends together for a much needed movie and hot tub night, with treats and watching my bulldog Guinness eat a cake that I am making for the two dogs. Hilarity will ensue. I'm making chocolate banana muffins (not for the dogs don't worry), with icing I picked up from Grounds for Coffee. I want to add some mashed banana, as I'm cheating and using a muffin mix from Ed's. I will do more from-scratch baking when this semester is over :)

Cinnamon knows how to party!

Guinness at his most active.

This weekend might be more involuntarily hermit-like than I was hoping for, but sometimes a girl's gotta (finally) start hitting the books a little.

COACHELLA UPDATE: my passes are currently traveling through Kansas on their way to me! Expected delivery date is Monday, March 19th. Anyone else going to Weekend 2?? (If you're not going I apologize. I will take lots of photos to share with you <3 )

Coffee Critique? My Starbucksidea.com Experience

2012-03-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

As a blogger who's had her share of negative responses, I am not sensitive to backlash. However, I couldn't help but feel a little ostracized for expressing a concern, and posing a suggestion to Starbucks, of all places. I was expressing my "desire" for something gluten-free at Starbucks. (my "desire" as my critics called it. I do not choose to eat gluten-free, but clearly my need for something to eat with my coffee is not a necessity) I was not suggesting Starbucks go completely gluten-free, but perhaps they could accommodate some of their diet restricted customers?
Anyway, the criticism, from people who would not be affected in any way by this, was quite rude. These seem to be the same kind of people who join forums just to disagree and argue with other well-meaning writers. I found the whole thing a little funny, so I thought I would post them here for your enjoyment, my original post included. The last comment was my response to my nay-sayers. :)

We all want a better, gluten-free Starbucks.

Posted on 3/8/2012 12:37 PMby whitb

After reading the many, many requests by my fellow Starbucks customers for more (read: any) gluten-free food options, I feel like a broken record. But, here it goes. As one of many, and our numbers are growing, of the sufferers of a gluten/wheat allergy, I feel we have a responsibility to provide patronage to those cafes and shops which provide us with aggreable dishes. Starbucks, unfortunately, falls a little short in this category.

I use my Starbucks card deligently, and I frequent the one at my college, however, I feel somewhat betrayed by the lack of attention to customer service that Starbucks fails to provide to its diet-restricted clientele. Starbucks would do well to listen to the overwhelming demand for more gluten-free food options. I can also attest to the lack of employee knowledge on storing and packaging in keeping gluten-free products free from cross contamination.

Make a comment

Hide Comments [10]

Sharlsie 3/8/2012 1:03 PM

Uh, guess again. Not all of us.

1yogagirl Top CommenterIdea Launched3/8/2012 1:43 PM

I'm all for offering alternatives for people who need them.

lilmissykato Top Commenter3/8/2012 3:04 PM

I dont want them. I dont mind if you have the ability to have them, but i want my glutten..

Cafeslinger Top Commenter3/8/2012 4:11 PM

This is a very limited need. Rather a desire. Snacks are not a need. And, there are plenty of places to get them from.

lilmissykato Top Commenter3/9/2012 10:05 AM

Ya know, ive been agreeing with slinger ALL week. Must be that solar store everyone was talking about around her. Tis a good thing.

Cafeslinger Top Commenter3/9/2012 3:46 PM

lilmissy. i know you have a hard time understanding what you read. So let me lay it out for you: lots of stores offer this. Those who need these items have lots of places they can get them from. Starbucks does not sell gluten free well. But there are still plenty of stores that offer them.

lilmissykato Top Commenter3/10/2012 6:10 AM

Slinger, i was agreeing with you...... nothing to lay out. chill.

1yogagirl Top CommenterIdea Launched3/10/2012 8:36 AM

I think there is more than a limited need for gluten free being that many stores now are carrying a whole section of gluten free products.

nmk1986 3/13/2012 5:26 AM

People with wheat/gluten allergies are customers too, it would be nice to have a treat with your coffee. Who wants to go to a bunch of different places for coffee then snack.

whitb 3/13/2012 11:20 AM

I love all these supportive comments! To be honest, this feels a little, "if it won't affect you, there's no need to share your opinion." I wasn't suggesting Starbucks go completely gluten-free (don't worry lilmissy you'll still have your glutinous treats). Speaking from solely my own position, and in no contempt to anyone who does eat gluten, I was merely expressing yes, my desire if you wish, to be able to enjoy a Starbucks snack with my coffee. It's fine to disagree, but what harm would it do to keep negativity to yourselves? You're all entitled to your opinion. As am I. Equally so, I believe I'm entitled to enjoy a bite to eat at the same establishment as the rest of you. If that's alright.

If you're only on forums to disagree with anyone simply expressing themselves, then you are a sad lot.

Have a nice day!

P.s. thank you nmk1986 and 1yogagirl; it's nice to know Starbucks has a few positive customers! Maybe the others hadn't had their coffee yet before posting ;)

Weekend Successes

2012-03-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend wasn't as baking-tastic as it could have been, but I did discover a great cornbread mix from Ed's Gluten Free Speciality Inc. I believe the brand was One Earth? I threw the packaging out before I had a chance to write it down (doh!). But it's a Creole mix, with kale and sunflower seeds. Sweet, but with a spicy kick. Highly Recommended!

Another lovely success was my first visit to Raw Canvas in Yaletown. If you've never been, and have always wanted to smock-up and paint with a glass of wine in your hand, I suggest you give it a try. I had the best time! I wish I had more time to sit around and paint, it's such a meditative experience for me. Raw Canvas supplies a variety of canvas sizes and provides all paint and tools to bring your inner masterpiece to life. I brought my own canvas (De Serres often has great deals on packages of canvases, and they have a student discount!)

Sunday called for an afternoon of puppy bonding and painting with Della, followed by pakoras and watching No Strings Attached with the lovely Abbie joining us. All around, a successful weekend. The last relaxing one for a little while, I'm hoping to get motivated enough to push through these last couple weeks of school and dominate my exams. High hopes? Probably. Last few weeks before freedom, and hopefully some sunshine! Winter is being a bit of unwelcome party guest...

Join the Fight

2012-03-07T10:35:00.000-08:00

After watching this movie, I felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness, and yet, I know that this is a cause worth fighting for. Kony must be stopped. Not next month, not next year. Right now. I pledged to help the Invisible Children fight for freedom in Uganda, and across the world. No child, in any country should have to live in fear of being enslaved or killed. No child should feel alone or forgotten in a world that is bigger than it has been before. This is our chance to make a difference. Please watch this movie, tell your friends, family, neighbours, about Kony and the army of peace of Invisible Children. Each generation wants to change the world that was left to them. This is a chance to help a cause stand stronger and yell louder across the world. If you're moved by this movie, please join us. Silence kills, and these children cannot speak for themselves.

Something Spring-like this way comes

2012-03-06T11:34:00.000-08:00

Spring is in the air! Can you feel it Vancouver, can ya? Personally, I'm still feeling a bit of winter skepticism, thinking, "oh it'll rain tomorrow, or this weekend... forever." But I'm starting to see the light. A full day of sunshine always helps brush the cobwebs off my sneakers and puts a smile to match the sunshine on my face. I think new years resolutions are made a bit hasty. Far and few of us really get out there and diet/workout/run/etc etc in the rain or snow. Let's be realistic. Once the sun comes out, no more excuses. If, according to the weather gods, this is supposed to stick around for a little while, I hope you all can make it out there to enjoy it!
Can't wait for the cherry blossoms to come out!

In honour of the approaching primavera, do you have any springtime rituals or tasks? Other than the typical spring cleaning (which I cannot WAIT to do!), what means "spring is here" for you? I'm looking forward to hiking weather, and the beginning of fruit season and farmer's markets. Granville Island is awesome this time of year, and it's also the start of arts and music festivals!

Soak it up Vancouverites, the groundhog's prophecy of 6 more weeks of winter is nearly over!

images: weheartit

The Cinnamon (Roll) Challenge!

2012-03-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

All in all, a successful weekend; although the buns aren't exactly picture perfect, they are edible and indeed, delicious! As expected the dough was a bit of a challenge, since the original recipe wasn't gluten-free, I had to improvise. The consistency of the end result isn't the fluffy, gooeyness of regular cinnamon rolls, but hey, you can't win em all. My lovely boyfriend played photographer this time, so the whole experience has been well documented. See last week's post for the recipe!

*A couple of notes: I had to use quite a bit more flour (white, brown rice, tapioca, potato starch) than 4 1/2 cups. Along with flouring the surface, I had to add some more to the dough before I could roll it out. I used almond milk for the dough and the frosting. And, before rolling out the dough I chilled it for 20 min or so, as I've done with other GF recipes since they seem to be a bit more stubborn when it comes to staying together. Hope you get a chance to try it! They were a tasty success!

Next recipe post! Stay Tuned!

2012-02-28T13:53:00.000-08:00

This weekend I want to do some celebratory baking in honour of finishing my midterms on Thursday, which seemed to drag on for 3 weeks too long this semester, and to make something new for my lovely boyfriend who is coming to visit <3. I've been wanting to try cinnamon rolls for a while, and I would like to make some for my dog's birthday (yes, I'm throwing her a party) for the human guests. This recipe's been sitting in my Recipe bookmark folder for a few months and I think it's about time I tackled it. I'm always up for the challenge of taking originally non-gluten free recipes and turning them into gluten-free deliciousness. This one, like most of the others I've metamorphosed, will require me to change the flour. So far, I've had success changing most recipes this way, using my GF mix (usually brown or white rice flour, sourgum and tapioca flours, and potato starch. The ratio depends on what i happen to have in the cupboard) instead of using wheat flour.

Here's the original recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls. If anyone happens to try it before I do this weekend let me know how it goes! If you make it GF, vegan, dairy free, also let me know! I also usually use almond milk in my baking, I will probably do that this time as well. Almonds and apples are a good combo (also an alliteration combination!) This one probably won't be entirely dairy free, as I like to make cream cheese icing instead of the sugar-based one in the recipe.

Bear with me, I haven't attempted a recipe like this before so it'll be an experiment!
Also, in lieu of the miserable weather, (and the fact that my motivation to study has dwindled since I found out I was accepted to UBC for September) I am looking for recipe suggestions! Particularly muffins or loafs. If you have a favourite you'd like to see me wizard into a gluten-free delight, let me know in a comment!

As for today, I plan to be neck-deep in studying for the rest of the day.
Hope you all enjoy this chilly Tuesday!

Anyone have leap-day plans for tomorrow? Maybe doing something you would never normally do, this day only happens every 4 years, make it count!

Summer Lustin'

2012-02-26T09:07:00.000-08:00

We get a taste of sunshine every once in a while, and it wets our appetites

for less rain, more sunny days!

Summer, come soon!

photo: Weheartit

New year..new leaf? (Or at least a new recipe)

2012-02-25T08:01:00.002-08:00

Sigh.

(puppies make it ok, right?)

I've tried to start writing this post probably about a dozen times...mostly in my head. It feels like the break-up letter circa 1495 and I'm using up all my parchment, my ink has doth spill'd...and I've started using olde english to compensate for the fact that I haven't written anything in eons.

The real motivation is the fact that I'm becoming aware that I may be repressing some unresolved stress in my life. Hell if I know what stress that might be at the moment, but I heard from my resourceful coworker that that constant leg jiggling, that a lot of people do (mostly me) is a sign of repressed stress. Argo, the slow revival of this little blog in hopes that this repression is radically relieved (on the other hand my alliteration skills have been vastly improving). A creative outlet is probably going to do more good than harm anyway, it's a far more productive procrastination pastime than updating my Pinterest, or trolling Nasty Gal...

So, without further ado, a new recipe! As always I love hearing any variations that you lovely creatures come up with. These lip-smacking morsels were originally supposed to be linzer heart cookies, but I followed the advice of one of the commenters on the orginal blog and made them into thumbprint cookies! Still vegan, still dairy and gluten free. Raspberry jam is awesome but I'm sure you could make them just as delicious with a different kind.

2 ½ cups blanched almond flour (I used equal parts brown rice, tapioca flours and potato starch)

½ teaspoon celtic sea salt (I found the regular variety to work just fine)½ cup grapeseed oil (also a possible substitution...maybe almond?)

¼ cup agave nectar (or honey! Let me know if you try this with success!)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup raspberry jam

(I also added a tsp of cinnamon)

In a large bowl, combine flour(s) and salt
In a smaller bowl, combine grapeseed oil, agave and vanilla
Stir wet ingredients into dry
Chill dough in freezer for 30 minutes (I fridge'd that bad-boy...freezer dough is hard and I don't have the patience to wait for freezer dough. You just might have to chill it for a few minutes in between rolling out sections of dough. This timing works out nicely as your batches of cookies bake)
Between 2 pieces of parchment paper, roll out dough 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick

I followed these steps from the original recipe (Elana's Pantry) But it calls for two different sized heart-shaped cookie cutters. This is where I broke free and chose to make them into little round cookies.

6. Once you've cut and laid your cut-outs on a pan (I kept mine lined with parchment paper) GENTLY press your thumb into the middle of each one to create a slight indentation.

7. Place a small dollop of jam in said indentations.

8. Bake hearts at 350° on a parchment lined baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until brown around the edges (I found they needed 7 min but my oven runs on the hot side)

9. Cool and Serve

I should have taken a photo as evidence of my success but alas they did not last long, too many cookie nomm nommers in my house...I'll try to make them again soon with other modifications.

Hope you enjoy this very belated baking blurb. I'll try alleviate my alliterary austerity...