A Few Of Our Favorite Things: Nonfiction Book for Adults

17 May 2010 Leave a Comment

by Whitney in A Few of Our Favorite Things

The goal: Find the best real story

The results: Two life stories you could never imagine

Amanda’s Pick:

The Stats: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver, about $9 at Amazon

Why: I’m fascinated with gardening even though all my plants die.
The Story: A former coworker recommended this book, and I put it on the backburner for a while. But, after I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Kingsolver tells the story of how her family of four left arid Tucson for the fertile Appalachian area and lived locally(with a few exceptions) for an entire year. Most of their food they grew themselves. She tells of slaughtering their turkeys, of wanting fresh fruit in winter, of finding a peace with the land.

The Pros: Beautifully written, captivating detail, haunting revelations.
The Cons: It’s a very big book and the print is kind of small. And, your Thanksgiving turkey might not sound as a appealing if you read the account of how the Kingsolver clan slaughtered theirs.
One last thing: Be sure to try some of the recipes sprinkled throughout.

Whitney’s Pick:

The Stats: Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell, about $17.00 from Amazon

Why: Because sometimes fact is stranger than fiction; Because sometimes you just need to hear what honor and duty, sacrifice and Texas pride mean to someone who fought for them.

The Story: From Amazon: On a clear night in late June 2005, four U.S. Navy SEALs left their base in northern Afghanistan for the mountainous Pakistani border. Their mission was to capture or kill a notorious al Qaeda leader known to be ensconced in a Taliban stronghold surrounded by a small but heavily armed force. Less then twenty-four hours later, only one of those Navy SEALs remained alive.
This is the story of fire team leader Marcus Luttrell, the sole survivor of Operation Redwing, and the desperate battle in the mountains that led, ultimately, to the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history. But it is also, more than anything, the story of his teammates, who fought ferociously beside him until he was the last one left-blasted unconscious by a rocket grenade, blown over a cliff, but still armed and still breathing. Over the next four days, badly injured and presumed dead, Luttrell fought off six al Qaeda assassins who were sent to finish him, then crawled for seven miles through the mountains before he was taken in by a Pashtun tribe, who risked everything to protect him from the encircling Taliban killers.
A six-foot-five-inch Texan, Leading Petty Officer Luttrell takes us, blow-by-blow, through the brutal training of America’s warrior elite and the relentless rites of passage required by the Navy SEALs. He transports us to a monstrous battle fought in the desolate peaks of Afghanistan, where the beleaguered American team plummeted headlong a thousand feet down a mountain as they fought back through flying shale and rocks. In this rich , moving chronicle of courage, honor, and patriotism, Marcus Luttrell delivers one of the most powerful narratives ever written about modern warfare-and a tribute to his teammates, who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The Pros: In 2001, I toured the remains of a Nazi concentration camp in Germany. While I had always considered myself patriotic, both as a proud American and an even prouder Texan, the ominous blackness that surrounded me on that spring day in Germany shifted my thinking: Freedom goes way beyond the flag. Freedom is never free, and it is truly different for those who have fought for it. Even if you disagree with Luttrell’s beliefs, the book is still worth reading because we live in a country where he is free to express his opinion, and we are free to read what we want.
The Cons: This is Luttrell’s story, so if you’re looking for an objective look at both sides of the story, this is not the book for you.
One last thing: I grew up watching old military shows on TBS with my grandpa. He’d been in the Navy during WWII, and while we never talked about his service much, I spent a lot of time watching fictional and non-fictional military TV shows with him. Even though he passed away several years ago, my interest in military history has continued. After I read and reread Lone Survivor, some of my family members, including my brother, decided to read it. This year for my birthday, he surprised me with a signed copy of the book. The inscription? Luttrell wrote, “Never quit.” The gift? Priceless.

A Few Of Our Favorite Things: Pen

11 May 2010 1 Comment

by Whitney in A Few of Our Favorite Things

The goal: A pen that writes and edits like nobody’s business

The results: The best pen on the planet

Amanda’s Pick:

The Stats: Pilot Precise Rollerball, about $12 for the 7-pen variety pack at Staples (also available at Target, Walmart, and online retailers)

Why: I make lists. I edit documents. I grade papers. I need a pen to do all these jobs.
The Story: You can read the long story, but the short of it is that this pen has seen me through lots of writing/editing projects over the years. I first met this pen in sixth grade when a couple of boys on either side of me tore the tops off a couple red ones and shook ink all over my arms. I’ve been in love ever since. With the pens. Not those boys.

The Pros: It comes in a lot of colors. It writes smoothly. It never skips. The line is so fine, I can edit in even the tightest of situations.
The Cons: I wish it came a few more colors, just to add a bit more variety. Careful if you let your young kids use these pens. The needle point doesn’t hold up to the kind of pressure that a 2-year old exerts onto it when pounding it on paper.
One last thing: This pen comes in a new retractable model. I haven’t tried it yet, but I think I’ve just found a reason to visit my neighborhood Staples.

Whitney’s Pick:

The Stats: Pilot Precise Rollerball, about $12 for the 7-pen variety pack at Staples (also available at Target, Walmart, and online retailers)

Why: The extra fine tip is the best for hard copy edits.

The Story: Let me let you in on a little secret: Amanda is a pen connoisseur. She introduced me to this pen, and it’s been a whirlwind romance ever since. I do not use any other type of pen at work. Ever.

The Pros: It comes in different colors. It’s easy to hold in my small hand. I write with it every day, yet it lasts a long time. And, oh, the fine tip. I can make an editing mark in the smallest of typefaces!
The Cons: It can smudge on other surfaces besides paper.
One last thing: I love this pen so much, I begged Amanda to record a commercial highlighting its wonder for an internal video I made for work. And you thought you were nerdy.

A Few Of Our Favorite Things: Entertainment in Austin

08 May 2010 Leave a Comment

by Whitney in A Few of Our Favorite Things

The goal: Have fun in our city

The results: Must-see places when you visit ATX

Amanda’s Pick:

The Stats: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema–for dinner and a movie for 2, we usually pay around $40

Why: It’s the best way to sit back and enjoy a movie without having to go to a concession stand to get popcorn. They’ll bring it to you.

The Story: If you want to experience Austin, don’t miss the Drafthouse. You sit down for the movie, take a peek at the menu, and jot your order down on a slip of paper while watching wacky preshow shorts (such as an old Star Wars Christmas special). Then, you stick the paper in a groove in the table, the server sees the paper sticking up, and comes to bring you whatever you’ve ordered.
The Pros: I love the Drafthouse for its Austin vibe, its funky special programming, and its better-than-average  movie theater food. It makes date night a bit more economical because we save the time of going to a restaurant and then to a theater.
The Cons: The lines can be long if it’s a new, popular movie, so at times we’ve waited up to an hour to score a decent seat.
One last thing: If you’ve got a little one, don’t miss Baby Day. On Baby Day, kiddos under 6 get in free and are allowed to run wild, scream and cry, and wreak whatever havoc they want during the movie (except food fights). No one asks parents to leave because of a cranky kid. (If you don’t want screaming babies during your show, try to avoid the first show of all movies at any Drafthouse on Tuesdays. Just sayin’…)

Whitney’s Pick:

The Stats: Alamo Drafthouse (movie ticket prices and menu prices vary)

Why: I love watching movies. I love eating and drinking. The two together? Bliss.

The Story: At Alamo, you watch a movie while a waiter comes to your row and delivers tasty food and drinks.

The Pros: Alamo is an 18-and-up  theater unless it’s a designated kid activity, so when I go, I don’t have to worry about unsupervised kids ruining my movie. Plus, Alamo shows aren’t just regular movies. Sometimes they go all out and do funny stuff like this.
The Cons: Sometimes I rack up a hefty bill, so I reserve this theater as a special treat.
One last thing: The theaters aren’t super-sized, so if you’re headed there for a new release, go early to get in line for good seats.

A Few Of Our Favorite Things: Organizing Tip

07 May 2010 2 Comments

by Whitney in A Few of Our Favorite Things

The goal: Get our stuff together

The results: Neatly organized stuff

Amanda’s Pick:

The Stats: Flyt magazine file, $2.99 for a 5-pack at Ikea (in stores only)

Why: Because sometimes vertical storage just doesn’t make sense.
The Story: I have collected a lot of stuff that’s around the size of a magazine: packs of address labels, file folders, clippings of recipes/craft ideas from magazines, spiral notebooks, legal pads. I also teach some writing classes, and I have a binder, textbook, and assorted other items for each class. To corral all these goodies, I use to stack them up together. But, a huge stack of office supplies, such as labels and folders isn’t easy to sift through when I just gotta have that 2″ x 3/4″ silver foil address label. Then, I discovered the magazine files at Ikea. I can now sort my “magazine-sized” office supplies easily with these file folders. I can also horizontally store my textbook, binder. I also bought a pack for my kids’ art room. I use them to store homeschool books/worksheets, craft books, coloring books, etc. It’s so much easier to find that Star Wars Clone Wars sticker book when we just gotta have it. And, the shark stencil book is no longer at the bottom of a vertical stack when the urge to stencil sharks strikes my 5-year old. Like it did yesterday.

The Pros: Cheap. A hole in both sides so you can easily see through to know what’s inside if you don’t want to make labels (but seriously who doesn’t want to make labels?!?).Made of corrugated cardboard so when they meet their end, I can recycle them. And when my daughter needs her princess party activity book, I feel like SuperMom when it only takes me 4.2 seconds to dash to the art closet, grab it, and give it to my little princess.
The Cons: They aren’t made of the highest quality material, so I wouldn’t call them super durable. If you want to splurge on wooden ones, they’ll probably last longer. Extra large binders, like my favorite Ed Hardy ones, won’t fit.
One last thing: You can alter these magazine files easily if the drab white gets you down. I stumbled upon a blog post once about these after I already had a few packs. So, I got inspired (see photo). Here, here, and here are some unique options, but you could also get the kids involved, letting them stamp, collage, handprint, or paint them.

Whitney’s Pick:

The Stats: A basic kitchen timer; one style for about $10.00 at Target

Why: I put 30 minutes on the timer and tackle one organization goal at a time. For example, if I need to clean the living room, I set a goal to do it in thirty minutes. Same goes for catching up on filing or other organization goals.

The Story: As a single woman with a full-time job, if there’s something in my life that needs to be organized, I’m responsible. Most of the time, this doesn’t bother me–it’s a source of pride for me to support myself and manage my home. But sometimes I get overwhelmed. After a full day of work, sometimes I just don’t think I can take care of my chores.

The Pros: Setting a timer gives me a light at the end of the tunnel. I stay focused on the job at hand because I know I only have 30 minutes to get as much done as possible. But, I’m not overwhelmed because I’ve just got one chore to finish, instead of a task list a mile long with no end in sight.
The Cons: Some tasks really do take longer than 30 minutes. In this case, I try to split up my time and work on them in thirty-minute increments, but it’s not always possible.
One last thing: How do you tackle your task list? Do you work on home chores throughout the week or bite the bullet on the weekend? I’d love to hear about your successes or processes to avoid in the comments!

A Few Of Our Favorite Things: Workout Gear

05 May 2010 Leave a Comment

by Whitney in A Few of Our Favorite Things

The goal: To sweat to the oldies without feeling like an oldie

The results: Gear that totally works for us

Amanda’s Pick:

The Stats: L.L. Bean’s Turbo Transit Pack, $69.95 online

Why: It holds everything I need–and then some- for a trip to the gym with two young kids
The Story: Getting to the gym successfully is about 80% of my workout battle. I can’t count the times when I’ve gotten there without workout shoes, without a spare diaper for Lily, without my goggles for swimming, without a snack or bottle of water, without, without, without! This bag from L.L. Bean is awesome. It has a roomy main pocket where I can slide in my toiletry bag (a big one that holds full-size products of everything I use), two changes of clothes, and a hat (I’ve also fit a small purse with this stuff in this pocket). The bottom pocket is roomy enough for my size-12 workout sneakers and a couple extra pairs of socks (something else I often forget to bring). The two front pockets are great for organizing things I want to grab quickly: my swim cap and goggles, a diaper and small pack of wipes for quick diaper changes, a couple extra hair scrunchies and headband (cause, yeah, I totally sweat it old style). Another pocket is big enough to stow a “just-in-case” change of clothes for each kid in a plastic bag at the bottom with my dirty gym clothes/wet swimsuit/anything else I want to toss in there as I’m finishing in the locker room.

The Pros: L.L. Bean honors a lifetime guarantee. So, while the price tag might seem steep, think of it as the only backpack you’ll ever have to buy again. The fabric is very tough, though, so chances are you’ll never need to take L.L. Bean up on their free replacement plan. The adjustable padded shoulder straps and padded back make this bag super comfortable to wear. It also has a waistband in case you make longer treks. (Double duty: I took this bag on vacation, and it worked great as an overnight bag for me and the kids at a hotel, too. I fit all three of our shoes in the bottom pocket!)
The Cons: I wish it had water bottle holders on the sides for a couple bottles of water. There is plenty of room on the inside, though, to stow a couple bottles along with all my gear. But, it would be handy to be able to grab them without unzipping a pocket.
One last thing: There’s a nifty small padded pocket at the top, designed for MP3 players, but I use it to put my gym card, car keys, sunglasses, and wallet so all that small stuff is where I can find it quickly.

Whitney’s Pick:

The Stats: Title Nine’s 3-Reasons Sports Bra; online or in retails stores for $43.00-$45.00

Why: If my girls aren’t happy, I’m not gonna work out.

The Story: My former sports bra collection consisted of ragged, heather gray, cotton sports bras. After I started a serious running regime, though, I needed an alternate to cotton to prevent chaffing. I went to Austin’s bettysport, and a knowledgeable employee fit me for a sports bra.

The Pros: This is not a sports bra, it’s a steel trap. If you’re running to your mailbox, around your local track, or away from the ice cream truck, rest assured–the girls will.not.move. Plus, the  velcro straps are easy to adjust and the wicking prevents chaffing.
The Cons: One of these bras cost more than my former collection. Totally worth it, though.
One last thing: No, that’s not a self-protrait of me in the bra. More importantly, we’re all different, so this might not be the bra for you. Having a sports bra fitting works for me, though.

A Few Of Our Favorite Things: Salsa

04 May 2010 Leave a Comment

by Whitney in A Few of Our Favorite Things

The goal: Find the best salsa in the world

The results: The best salsa in the world

Amanda’s Pick:

The Stats: Kala’s Kuisine Chutney Salsa (Sweet & Spicy), about $5 for 16 oz, available locally in Austin at the Farmer’s Markets, Whole Foods, and Central Market

Why: Because it’s different and combines two ethnic cuisines I love (Tex-Mex and Indian)
The Story: I discovered salsa when I was about 14 years old. I grew up in Alabama, so Mexican cuisine wasn’t exactly easy to find, but we did have taco night. A friend’s family even took me to Taco Bell with them one time, and I found a great place to get cheap tacos. (Fortunately, Taco Bell was across the street from Captain D’s, so when my parents went there for seafood, they’d stop and get me a taco on the way.) I also learned that putting some jarred Pace Picante sauce into my pintos made them much more palatable. After moving to Texas in 2002, I discovered even more salsas, found at real Tex-Mex restaurants. I fell completely, hopelessly in love with the stuff. Last year, though, at the Austin Farmer’s Market, I happened to find Kala’s Kuisine. I sampled the Chutney Salsa, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

The Pros: It’s a local product. It has great ingredients (crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, carrots, onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, habaneros, serranos, vinegar, lemon/lime juice, sun dried cranberries, peaches, ginger, chipotle peppers, pine nuts, olive oil, sea salt, herbs and curry spices) with nothing artificial or any preservatives. It tastes great on a variety of foods, from Tex-Mex to Greek breakfast wraps. It’s absolutely amazing on eggs.
The Cons: It can be a tad on the sweet side, and not as hot as I’d like sometimes.
One last thing: Don’t be afraid to add a shake or two of Cholula hot sauce if the heat in this isn’t quite getting it for you.

Whitney’s Pick:

The Stats: Pace Picante Sauce (Mild); $3.49 for 16 oz., sold at your nearest grocery store.

Why: Even though it’s not technically a “salsa,” I like its smoothness and flavors–it doesn’t overpower the saltiness of my favorite tortilla chips.

The Story: It reminds me of taco night at home. Think crispy taco shells, ground beef in taco seasoning, shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded Colby cheese, and Pace. It wouldn’t be taco night at home without the Pace.

The Pros: Because it’s not super chunky or overly hot, I can eat this straight up on a chip or mix it with any Mexican dish I make.
The Cons: It’s got some processed ingredients, plus it’s not overly spicey, so if you’re in the mood to kick it up a notch, this won’t work.
One last thing: Check out the David Pace story. And by all means, don’t buy your salsa in New York City!

A Few Of Our Favorite Things: Lip Balm

02 May 2010 1 Comment

by Whitney in A Few of Our Favorite Things

The goal: Find a lip balm worthy of our smackers.

The results: Not your grandma’s chapstick.

Amanda's Lip Balm Drawer

Amanda’s Pick:

The Stats: My Favorite Lip Balm by C.O. Bigelow, $5.50 for a half-ounce tube. Available online and at Bath & Body Works stores ($7.50/tube at B&BW). B&BW usually has a “buy 2, get 1 free” deal on these lip products.
Why: Because I like soft, moist lips that aren’t sticky
The Story: Clearly, I have a problem when it comes to lip balms. And, this photo was taken after I cleaned out my lip balm drawer and tossed many old tubes. But, time and time again, I find myself reaching for this perfect lip balm from C.O. Bigelow. Many lips balms leave my lips feeling sticky or smelling too weird or too fruity. Now, I love some fruit, but a too-fruity lip product makes me lick my lips too much, which can encourage chapping.

The Pros: My Favorite Lip Balm smells sweet without added synthetic fragrance. It contains some all-natural ingredients such as oat kernel oil, shea butter, vanilla extract, aloe and almond oil. It has no taste, and I can use it over and over again without getting tired of it.
The Cons: This balm’s No. 1 ingredient is petrolatum–not my preferred choice.
One last thing: If you see me rubbing my lips together, chances are I just swiped on some of this vanilla/shea/almond goodness.

Whitney’s Pick:

The Stats: Aquaphor, buy online or in your nearest drugstore.  Small tubes in a two pack (.35 oz.) or medium tubes (1.75 oz.); both cost around $6.00.

Aquaphor Medium Tube

Why: Because it’s the only product I’ve ever tried that actually healed my dry, cracked lips. Ever.
The Story: I’ve tried as many lip balms as some women try diets. Chapstick, Blistex, Mary Kay’s Satin Lips, Carmex, Aveeno, and who knows what else. Last year, though, my dermatologist was treating my skin for something else, and she mentioned my lips might get even more dry during my treatments. When I told her I’d battled chapped lips for, oh, you know, forever, she suggested Aquaphor. I tried a small tube and the rest is history. My lips still get dry, but as long as I apply Aquaphor, the dryness goes away. Goodbye peeling lip skin. Hello, happiness.

The Pros: Aquaphor works. So much so, in fact, I quit buying the small tubes, and I now carry around the medium tube. If you’re convinced you’ll have to live with chapped lips forever, give it a shot.
The Cons: This lip balm consistency is fairly thick–if you also wear lipstick or lip gloss, you might have to adjust them to work well with the Aquaphor. And, in the world of lip balms, Aquaphor is pricey. I have found, though, that a medium tube lasts me a long, long time.
One last thing: I seal this post with a smooth, healthy kiss!