tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110900282024-03-07T19:49:32.073-05:00Undercover BlondeDo blondes really have more fun?
For those of us who weren’t born into the cult of flaxen hair, that’s what the UNDERCOVER BLONDE is going to find out.Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.comBlogger450125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-81676710543678587662009-12-24T12:00:00.002-05:002009-12-24T12:00:00.186-05:00holidays...with cocktails<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2009/12/16/Rudick_LUPEC14_g__1260983691_1022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 145px;" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2009/12/16/Rudick_LUPEC14_g__1260983691_1022.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Perhaps you saw <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2009/12/17/holiday_cheer_from_the_ladies_of_lupec/">this</a>? LUPEC's debut in the Style section of the Globe's "G"?<br /><br />I'd recommend you try any of these drinks as you gear up for a weekend with the family and whatever that may bring this Christmas.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2009/12/16/Rudick_LUPEC445_g__1260982194_4109.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 109px; height: 165px;" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2009/12/16/Rudick_LUPEC445_g__1260982194_4109.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/gallery/5cocktails?pg=9">Silent Night Punch</a>, my contribution and a beverage of which I am particularly fond, will cast a rosy glow over any party. Just don't drink too much, lest your night become fully cloaked in silence, as it might if one were to black out or something.<br /><br />Cin cin!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5k7FQU7jW7xKHOb4kbrU-igRMmQ56smBfz-zDLayGuHPnLMylp4L0croCxcklN3uPJllfGgSszwB4j3qHf7I46UFR0bpMgaVTaW3G03N7aC3jk376ipDYE4mDnAmzs8MzoBjgQ/s1600-h/cocktail-art__1260990531_4711.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5k7FQU7jW7xKHOb4kbrU-igRMmQ56smBfz-zDLayGuHPnLMylp4L0croCxcklN3uPJllfGgSszwB4j3qHf7I46UFR0bpMgaVTaW3G03N7aC3jk376ipDYE4mDnAmzs8MzoBjgQ/s320/cocktail-art__1260990531_4711.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418659260292337458" border="0" /></a>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-85130846436906847572009-12-23T23:00:00.003-05:002009-12-23T23:28:29.270-05:00waitingThe Mathematician's mom Suzanne is a truck driver. This fact often elicits a blend of shock and awe from people. It's tough work but she's been at it for over 30 years, since before power steering and commonplace automatic transmissions in rigs, meaning she's nothing short of a badass.<br /><br />I, on the other hand, hate driving. I dislike it so intensely, I've taken to telling people I don't know how to drive so they'll never expect me to take the wheel. Whenever I do happen to be stuck behind the wheel, as I was while running an errand for a PR client yesterday afternoon, I think of Suzanne. I think of her especially when I'm stuck in traffic and wonder, "How does she tolerate this? This endless waiting to get from point 'A' to point 'B'?" <br /><br />Last night as I waited for my last table to finish their dinner, then finish their coffee, then put their credit cards in the check presenter, then sign their charge slips, I realized: waitressing is the exact same thing. Endlessly waiting for someone else to finish doing something else. All this waiting, something I've done since I've been old enough to work essentially, as I wait for my 'real career' to take off.<br /><br />Perhaps I've finally figured out why they call it "waiting"?Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-27617738958431414392009-11-07T22:41:00.004-05:002009-11-09T09:53:19.313-05:00100 Things Restaurant Staffers Should Never DoHello, friends, it's been a while! I've missed you so, and happy to be back from my six month hiatus.<br /><br />Anyone catch<a href="http://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/one-hundred-things-restaurant-staffers-should-never-do-part-one/"> </a><a href="http://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/one-hundred-things-restaurant-staffers-should-never-do-part-one/">this post</a> on a NYT blog about Small Businesses? I find it so irritating. First of all, there are many points in here that I consider "Waitressing 101" and total common sense. Any server worth their salt should know them and if you're interviewing potential staffers who don't, it's indicative of a problem with management. For example, pointers #1, 12, and 13:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">#1. Do not let anyone enter the restaurant without a warm greeting.</span><br /><p style="font-style: italic;">#12. Do not touch the rim of a water glass. Or any other glass. </p><span style="font-style: italic;"> #13. Handle wine glasses by their stems and silverware by the handles.</span><br /><br />Other rules seemed simply silly to me, such this #23:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">#23. If someone likes a wine, steam the label off the bottle and give it to the guest with the bill. It has the year, the vintner, the importer, etc. </span><br /><br />When they are kind and sweet and generous, I love to take care of guests in my restaurant. I really do. And I'd happily supply a label for you from a wine bottle if only I could figure out how to do it. But I've tried this mystical "steaming the wine label off the bottle technique" and been left with a fistful of soggy paper pulp, a ruined label, a disappointed guest, and typically in the weeds because I've wasted so much time. Why not print business cards with space to write wine information on the back, then dole those out to guests instead?<br /><br />Other rules, such as #43 confused me:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">#43. Never mention what your favorite dessert is. It’s irrelevant.</span><br /><p>I mean, the question I am most frequently asked by my guests is "what do you recommend."<br /></p><p>And many rules made me want to gouge my eyes out, such as #40 and #41:<br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;">#40. Never say, "Good choice,” implying that other choices are bad.<br /></p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">#41. Saying, 'No problem' is a problem. It has a tone of insincerity or sarcasm. “My pleasure” or “You’re welcome” will do." </span><br /></p><p>Yech. I find it so interesting when owners/managers set guidelines for acceptable vocabulary in their establishments. No profanity is one thing, but saying "no problem"? Come on.<br /></p><p>I'd rather eat at Toro any day.<br /></p>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-8661220769212924362009-04-12T12:03:00.002-04:002009-04-12T12:07:35.923-04:00in Spain...They sell tortilla at the convenience store.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooOD0n9HOruIUVkJ5EtGxwyNsqV6FBI55wfX9f2D6C_IQUaBg5vIzkO-7ZZrWrxb96ooNh2pSdyvmZArmq1s399pGGI_B6ysxYlPywaiAiHcInCBO_5L76ztSnAUcgKEK-F1dHQ/s1600-h/IMG_0181.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooOD0n9HOruIUVkJ5EtGxwyNsqV6FBI55wfX9f2D6C_IQUaBg5vIzkO-7ZZrWrxb96ooNh2pSdyvmZArmq1s399pGGI_B6ysxYlPywaiAiHcInCBO_5L76ztSnAUcgKEK-F1dHQ/s320/IMG_0181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323836633542633442" border="0" /></a><br />I fit right in in such a place.Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-23504198091193296002009-04-02T11:36:00.002-04:002009-04-02T11:41:45.994-04:00No more corn at Toro......was an April Fool's joke.<br /><br />Thanks for all who expressed concern for my plight!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.toro-restaurant.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 450px;" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1021/51/50/1050603283/n1050603283_218896_1822.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-3994330624403107222009-04-01T14:19:00.007-04:002009-04-01T14:54:27.329-04:00No Corn for the WearyAs we all know, it's cause for major, major crisis when we run out of the corn at Toro. You can read about my past painful experiences with this <a href="http://www.undercoverblonde.com/2008/11/iceland-has-food-but-toro-does-not.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.undercoverblonde.com/2008/04/corn.html">here</a>.<br /><br />In fact, while I was filling in as a manager at Toro, I had to make an emergency corn run to Stop & Shop at 8:30 p.m. on a Saturday night, just to avoid such a disaster. I called the Mathematician from South Bay Center to have him help calculate how much corn to buy. My shopping cart was half full of corn and nothing else, causing other shoppers to gawk and even talk about me loudly in Spanish in the check out line.<br /><br />For Toro waitstaff, running out of corn is pretty much the worst thing <span style="font-style: italic;">ever</span>. 4 out of 5 tables bitch about it, and some guests even get up and walk out, even after waiting half an hour for a table. And while I love and respect our chef and think he has done some amazing things for the restaurant since he came on board in November, I'm not so sure about his latest menu change:<br /><br />"As of tomorrow, we're only going to be serving the corn seasonally at Toro, in a move to exclusively support local farmers," Jamie told us at pre-meal."<br /><br />"But...but...but...people freak out if they can't have the corn!" Juan said.<br /><br />"They can still have the corn," Jamie said, "just seasonally. In late July, August, and September. It's something I feel really strongly about, and Ken and I think it's going to be really great." He was visibly annoyed, so we all just nodded: <span style="font-style: italic;">yes, chef</span>.<br /><br />I don't know about the other servers, but I am mentally preparing for riots. Big, hunger-induced, angry riots.Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-92161201900501254752009-03-26T12:53:00.004-04:002009-03-26T13:08:31.938-04:00Dreams...I awake with a start when the Mathematician comes back into the bedroom to get dressed after his shower:<br /><br />"I just had the craziest dream," I tell him.<br /><br />"I had weird dreams, too. I bet yours weren't as weird as mine."<br /><br />"Mr.T was in it and I was really pissed at him," I say, rubbing my eyes as I sit up. "We got into a huge fight."<br /><br />"A fight with Mr. T, huh? I bet I know who won that battle."<br /><br />"No way, man," I say, "I was winning. I threw a pile of junk mail at his head. What was yours?"<br /><br />"It was about the moral struggle I felt when I hired a hermaphrodite as an intern at work, and was then forced to fire...uh, <span style="font-style: italic;">them...</span>because they weren't competent. I didn't want them to think it was because of...you know..."<br /><br />"Hermaphrodite discrimination? Yeah, that's pretty weird. That all you got?" I say.<br /><br />"No. That happened, then I introduced George [the owner of Giorgiana's] to my dad and they started wrestling. Playfully."<br /><br />I'm still not sure who won.Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-87499899097828597982009-02-19T14:12:00.004-05:002009-02-19T14:51:21.263-05:00hate + love: a waitress's talePART I: HATE<br /><br />"Ma'am? Excuse me. Uh, ma'am?"<br /><br />Surely the mid- to late-thirtysomethings at Table 52 aren't beckoning ME.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>I look over my shoulder - perhaps there's an older woman standing behind me with whom they'd like to speak? The guy with salt-n-pepper hair gives a little wave. Oh. They DID mean me.<br /><br />"Um, yeah?" I say. <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br />"Is it okay if we write on this menu?" <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />No! </span>I think, <span style="font-style: italic;">It is clearly NOT okay if you write on the menu. Do you see little check marks next to each tapas item? Did I supply you with a pen and pencil?</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Would you walk into No. 9 Park or even the Butcher Shop and start scribbling all over their menu? What kind of animal are you?</span><br /><br />"Sure," I say instead, since he has already started sullying it up with red ink. "Of course. Go right ahead."<br /><br />I head to the service bar to collect their mojitos.<br /><br />"Dude, Table 52 called me ma'am," I lament to the barback.<br /><br />"They didn't mean it, Kitty. They didn't mean it," he consoles me.<br /><br />"I don't care. I now hate them."<br /><br />PART II: LOVE<br /><br />"Here are your mojitos," I say, careful to conceal my contempt as I hand them their drinks. "Did you have any questions? Are you ready to order?"<br /><br />"Hey," the salt-n-pepper guy says, "You look just like that woman in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Know who I'm talking about?" he says. His companions, two men with accents and a pretty brunette woman, nod and murmur "Yes...she does...mmm-hmmm."<br /><br />"You mean the blonde chick?" I say. "Scarlett Johannson?"<br /><br />"Yes! Scarlett Johannson," he says.<br /><br />"That's a pretty hefty compliment," I say, "She's pretty hot. She's also one of my favorite actresses."<br /><br />"Yup, you look just like her," he says. Then, to his friends: "You know, she's the most beautiful woman in the world according to this magazine I just read." They nod and murmur "Yes...Scarlett Johannson is the most beautiful woman in the world and our waitress looks exactly like her...mmm-hmmm."<br /><br />And just like that I love them.Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-560516086553214272009-02-18T12:16:00.003-05:002009-02-18T12:47:55.131-05:00Ring ReduxI was pretty much beside myself with excitement when I finally got home last night after a long slow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">waitressing</span> shift at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Toro</span> and found the check for my engagement ring in my mailbox. I almost tore it right open in the foyer.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I can't believe it</span>, I thought as I climbed up the stairs towards my fourth floor walk-up. <span style="font-style: italic;">After holding on to that damn thing for 3+ years, I'm finally free of it - and richer for it! Whatever will I do with the money?</span><br /><br />Then, as I rounded the corner between flights 2 and 3, a more rational voice inside my head reminded me: <span style="font-style: italic;">No matter how much they offer you for the ring, it will never feel like enough.<br /><br /></span>I shrugged off my coat and threw my bag and apron on the floor<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>when I reached the top floor<span style="font-style: italic;">, </span>bracing for the possibilities as I tore the envelope open. But<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>no amount of practical reasoning could have prepared me for what I found:<br /><br />A check made out to me in the amount of $120.44.<br /><br />That's not even enough to pay my damn cell phone bill.<br /><br />While I didn't expect to be magically rich from the sale of my engagement ring setting, I know the damn thing appraised for ten times as much when it given to me back in 2002. I have no idea how jewelry sales works, if these things tend to appreciate or depreciate in value. But I know I can't sell it for $120.44. I not <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> desperate for money. And I am definitely too proud.<br /><br />Now I have to call Customer Service and ask them to send the damn thing back to me. And think of something else to do with this vestige of my former life.<br /><br />Boo jewelry site.<br /><br />Boo old engagement ring.<br /><br />Boo trying to place monetary value on sentimental things.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-35241612060139811602009-02-09T17:15:00.005-05:002009-02-10T09:34:38.359-05:00The post officeSignificant things that happened at the post office today:<br /><br />1. I mailed the check to activate my very first month of my very own individual, independent health insurance plan. It's f***ing expensive, but it's mine, I chose it all by myself (which was much more challenging than it sounds), and I love it.<br /><br />2. I returned the contract to the publisher for my very first book project. No, it's not a book length version of Undercover Blonde, or the LUPEC book project, it's definitely not what I ever would have imagined my first book project to be, and I'm just a "researcher" on it. But it's my first one and for that reason, I love it too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRaTheIAfyC9VKoJOuIQmRi4sjYQdt2DGynWCvQTlY3JiXS4-VR89OC41HCJ1dzpsISmVPh-qsn7rDm7lGogvoegQErKKtm-A_KAoAna8St1zZel8EA503wU1Lecr9c2coP9nCQ/s1600-h/02-15-08_1851.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRaTheIAfyC9VKoJOuIQmRi4sjYQdt2DGynWCvQTlY3JiXS4-VR89OC41HCJ1dzpsISmVPh-qsn7rDm7lGogvoegQErKKtm-A_KAoAna8St1zZel8EA503wU1Lecr9c2coP9nCQ/s320/02-15-08_1851.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301176125927500626" border="0" /></a><br />3. I sold my engagement ring setting. You know, this thing?<br /><br />That has been lying around my apartment acting as a paperweight for all of my bills collecting dust? I <a href="http://www.redswan.com/">FINALLY</a> sent it in to <a href="http://www.redswan.com/">this website</a> which I read about in <a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/boston/">Daily Candy</a> a really long time ago.<br /><br />The post office woman looked at me like I was crazy when I told her I wanted to insure the humble looking box I used to send it. When the transaction was complete, she threw it into the bin of mail behind her as if it was just some piece of junk and walked away.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">That's it? </span>I thought. I stood on my tiptoes and peered over the counter at the box laying atop a mountain of small envelopes. For a second I considered waving someone over to ask for it back, but all of the post office personnel had mysteriously disappeared. <span style="font-style: italic;">Yup, that's it. </span><br /><br />Then I burst into tears. I guess the sudden meaninglessness of a piece of jewelry that had once been so significant just got to me. Or perhaps it's because tossing that old thing in the mail symbolized that I am finally, truly moving on from the relationship that defined my 20s. And the end of an era is always a little bit sad. I cried the entire way home.<br /><br />Then, when I got home, I popped open a bottle of cava to celebrate because I really love my life right now, and I'm twice the woman I used to be.<br /><br />So I raised a glass to myself, without whom none of this would be possible.Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-67149995774500939552009-02-07T13:48:00.004-05:002009-02-07T13:54:11.332-05:00Pink LadyI made my small screen debut this week, demoing my signature LUPEC cocktail! Check it out here:<br /><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://how2heroes.com/swf/embed.swf" height="464" width="488"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://how2heroes.com/swf/embed.swf"><param name="FlashVars" value="xmlFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhow2heroes.com%2Fvideos%2Fbeverages%2Fpink-lady%3Fformat%3Dxml%261233795172"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></object><br /><br /><br />There's also a short bio of me here:<br /><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://how2heroes.com/swf/embed.swf" height="464" width="488"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://how2heroes.com/swf/embed.swf"><param name="FlashVars" value="xmlFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhow2heroes.com%2Fvideos%2Funcategorised%2Fabout-kirsten-amann%3Fformat%3Dxml%261233603587"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></object><br /><br />Note how, when pressed, I reluctantly admit to having once swilled cosmos like it was my job. I can't believe I said that - what will all the cocktail nerds of the world think?<br /><br />Cin cin!Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-38647652257197128672009-01-25T13:56:00.003-05:002009-01-25T14:29:23.096-05:00Ask the managementAs we all know, I work part-time as a waitress. In a few short days, I'll also be filling in as a manager.<br /><br />"Oh, really? Moving into management, huh? Good for you!" people keep telling me, encouragingly.<br /><br />"No, no, no," I rush to explain. "I'm just filling in for the <span style="font-style: italic;">real</span> managers while they are away in Spain for a week, doing research and development. They're my friends, I'm really just doing this as a favor."<br /><br />Fact is, moving into management is <span style="font-style: italic;">the last thing</span> I want to do. I don't mind filling in, especially because the managers at Toro work so hard, do such an amazing job, and totally deserve this working vacation. But managing sucks.<br /><br />First of all, there are all of these little things that you have to take care of starting before service begins at 4 p.m.-ish and continuing well after all of the customers have gone home at midnight or 1 a.m., like making sure the bar has the bank and the IPod by 4:30, dimming the un-labeled lights to the right level lest the restauarant look like an operating room ("Is that the back bar I'm dimming? Or the back hallway? Who knows?"), and making sure the hosts have enough menus and that they all contain the correct, spell-checked, properly priced information. I could write press releases and marketing copy for days, but somehow formatting those menus is beyond me.<br /><br />Fortunately, all of these rote happen-every-day-type tasks can be easily accounted for - I'm making a list for myself. Plus, if the manager forgets to handle any of these items, the staff is pretty swift to remind you, and it usually sounds something like this:<br /><br />"Kitty, where are my menus??? It's 5:05! They're still not done yet?" or,<br />"Hey, manager! Do you have a bank for me tonight? Or am I just going to give the drinks away?"<br /><br />Then, in addition to handling all of these hateful little tasks, there is all of this <span style="font-style: italic;">other stuff</span> that someone in a management position has to deal with, the problems that come up during service, the seemingly unsolvable things that you have to somehow find a way to fix. <span style="font-style: italic;">Everyone</span> comes to you with them since you are in charge - kitchen, bar, back-waiters, servers. It sounds something like this:<br /><br />"Kitty, we only have 25 napkins left for the rest of the night and I don't have enough roll-ups to set the dining room," or<br />"Kitty, we're almost out of bread" at 9 o'clock p.m. when the restaurant is full.<br /><br />And I haven't even crossed the angry customer bridge yet, where I have to smooth over some awful situation with a pissed-off guest.<br /><br />"I'm scared," I told one of the managers. "I hope that doesn't happen to me while you're away."<br /><br />"Oh, it will," she said. "Trust me. And get ready for what people will say to you. I heard someone refer to the general manager as 'that little girl' once."<br /><br />"No way! I mean, she's short, but that's so...<span style="font-style: italic;">rude</span>. Ugh, I can only imagine what people will say to me. People already treat me like I'm a stupid blonde as a waitress."<br /><br />"I know. It sucks. But hey, maybe you'll get some good material out of it for your blog!"<br /><br />Yes, maybe I will. Hopefully it's nothing <span style="font-style: italic;">too </span>good.Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-31027416332737095992009-01-17T10:57:00.003-05:002009-01-17T11:23:21.552-05:00Baby namesMy mother called me on Thursday afternoon while I was finishing up some office work and about to run out the door to go to Toro. I was too busy to talk, so I screened the call. I know it's terrible to screen your parents but I felt it had to be done. I picked up her message after leaving Toro at midnight:<br /><br />"Hi honey, it's mom. Just wanted to give you a call. Umm...give me a call when you get this, okay? I'm going to be on my way to work soon, but will be around tomorrow if I miss you. By, dear."<br /><br />A nonchalant message to the casual listener, but I was slightly alarmed. Let me translate: my mother has it in her head that I am the busiest person in the world, and always humbly assumes that I am far too busy and important to actually call my parents back. She never actually requests that I "give her a call" unless something is up or wrong, like when our dog Happy died, or when she had that little breast cancer problem. Ordinarily, mom just says, "Just thinking of you, hope you're doing well, talk to you soon." Because I'm so busy and important (ha.)<br /><br />Since mom's tone was decidedly even and calm, I thought it was probably okay to give her a ring at the end of my busy Friday afternoon.<br /><br />"Hi Kirsten, how are you dear? Are you busy? Did you have a busy week?" my mom asked.<br /><br />"Yes mom, it was a busy week. I'm sorry I missed you the other night, but I have a minute to talk now. What's up?"<br /><br />"Well, I just wanted to call, and give you the news...your cousin delivered the baby on Wednesday." This is my younger cousin, who I found out was pregnant until last month. I'm just six years older than her, but since we mostly only ever saw each other when I was a teenager, said cousin is fixed in my mind as an 8 - 12 year old girl. In light of this, I was surprised to learn that she with child...and even more surprised when my mom said she was practically due.<br /><br />"Oh, that's great! Boy or girl, mom?"<br /><br />"Girl. And guess what she named the baby?"<br /><br />"Um....I don't know, mom. Mary (after Grandma)? Liz (after her mom, my aunt)? I'll never guess. Just tell me."<br /><br />"She named her...Kirsten Elizabeth."<br /><br />"But...really? But...that's my name. Does she know that's my name, too?"<br /><br />"I'm pretty sure she does, honey. People keep asking me if I think you'll mind. You don't mind, dear, do you?"<br /><br />"Mind? No, not at all, of course I don't mind. I'm ridiculously flattered!"<br /><br />And it's true: this news, which I felt certain would be bad news, has turned out to be some of the most flattering news I've ever received.<br /><br />And a strong reminder to reconnect with this side of my family.Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-54067505974483484272009-01-07T13:21:00.011-05:002009-01-07T15:42:14.447-05:006 Questions with Sascha de Gersdorff of Boston Magazine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fDfG2DpqE8GeXdnFCzAa1n13by13Vc48hnv8AsUYIj8DpNkZM4S1DEYk3a89_LGUfIx3aeapNT56ZntzQMrtwBMzVpuTW3WgSHOksw2O1yrepi3-M7yfwNoErZWZtu7_07vEPw/s1600-h/n770219358_811072_7625%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fDfG2DpqE8GeXdnFCzAa1n13by13Vc48hnv8AsUYIj8DpNkZM4S1DEYk3a89_LGUfIx3aeapNT56ZntzQMrtwBMzVpuTW3WgSHOksw2O1yrepi3-M7yfwNoErZWZtu7_07vEPw/s320/n770219358_811072_7625%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288647219043112386" border="0" /></a><br />When I told the lovely and talented <a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/bios.html">Sascha de Gersdorff</a> of <a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/index.html">Boston Magazine</a> about my Undercover Blonde project, she instantly got it. Sascha has also traversed both sides of the color wheel in the name of research while editing the magazine's much-beloved "<a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/best_of/index.html">Best of</a><a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/best_of/index.html"> Boston</a>" issue.<br /><br />Here's a little glimpse into Sascha's take on blonde- vs brunette-ness:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kitty:</span> Are you a natural blonde? If not, how long have you been dying your hair blonde?<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Sascha:</span> Yes. Well, natural enough. I was very light blonde as a kid, right up through my teen years. I started getting highlights in college, not because I really needed them but because it was the thing to do—and a nice escape from the class-bar-class-bar routine. I probably got a partial twice a year (shout-out to <a href="http://www.josephscarriagehouse.com/">Joseph’s at the Carriage House in Syracuse</a>!). As a “grown-up,” I get highlights three or four times a year. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kitty: </span>A few years ago you conducted an experiment for Boston magazine that required you to dye your blonde hair brown, then back to blonde. What was it like to be a brunette all of a sudden? Did you like the experience? How long did it last?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sascha: </span>I loved it. Alas, I was the only one.<br /><br />I had my hair dyed very dark brown in November; it lasted through March (albeit somewhat faded). Being brunette was great. Almost immediately, people took me more seriously, especially new acquaintances. I’m aware of all the stereotypes, but it was amazing how much people played to cliché. It was like I had a sudden anonymity—no cat calls on the street, no lewd stares—which, again, was surprising in the fact it seemed so scripted. I wavered between missing the attention and reveling in looking “brainy.” Of course, it was also somewhat annoying as the great majority of blondes I know are smart, intuitive people, and blonde is a hair color choice, not an intellectual status meter.<br /><br />The biggest (and only) compliments I got were about my skin and eyes. Most people told me both looked much smoother/striking surrounded by brown hair. But just about everyone I talked to said he/she preferred me as a blonde. Period. Now, when I mention going brunette again, I’m met by a host of sighs, eye rolls, and quick dismissals. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Kitty: </span>Did the color changes affect how you saw or felt about yourself? Or was it mostly an external thing?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sascha: </span>No. Ok, maybe a little. It’d be hard to measure but I’ll say I might have been slightly less outgoing as a brunette. (Another huge-but-unfortunately-somewhat-true stereotype: Blondes will be forgiven anything.) <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Kitty: </span>Having experience both ends of the color spectrum, what did you like and dislike most about being blonde or brunette?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sascha: </span>Blonde: I feel/look like myself.<br /><br />Brunette: It was nice to step outside my physical comfort zone for a while, switch it up. I thought I looked like a totally different person, which was fun while it lasted. The worst part for me was the constant re-dying. Because I have a naturally light base, the brown would fade after my first hair wash. Going to the salon every three weeks proved way to high-maintenance (and expensive) for me. Also, I had to wear double the amount of makeup I typically do to keep from looking washed-out.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Kitty: </span>Your best friend is about to dye her hair blonde for the very first time. What’s the one thing you think she NEEDS to know about how her life will be different before she reaches for bleach?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sascha: </span>People will stare. Or, at least, stare more than she’s used to. I won’t guess at the sociology behind it here but, in my experience, there’s something about blonde hair that draws the eye. If you’re not comfortable with attention, don’t go for superblonde hair. My advice would be to take it slowly and make sure your skin tone can handle the change.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kitty:</span> Who are your picks for best color & corrective color (going brown to blonde again) in Boston? Anyone you’d refer a girl to in a heartbeat?<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Sascha: </span>The best colorist in Boston, in my opinion, is <a href="http://jeffreylyle.com/default3.asp">Jeffrey Lyle</a> at <a href="http://www.emergespasalon.com/">Emerge</a> on Newbury. No one does natural blonde like he does. I’m not sure Emerge does color correction, though. When I wanted to strip out all my brown I went to <a href="http://www.umisite.com/">Umi</a>; they did a great job.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/bios.html">Sascha de Gersdorff</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> is Executive Editor of </span></span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/home_garden/index.html">Boston Home</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/index.html">Boston Weddings</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and editor of </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/new_england_travel/index.html">New England Travel</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, as well as travel editor for </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/index.html">Boston</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-52714661981590222942009-01-01T16:18:00.004-05:002009-01-01T17:17:18.458-05:00Thanks, and Happy New Year!Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented on my rather melancholy last post.<br /><br />I spent the first half of my New Year's Eve at an <a href="http://www.sadhanastudios.com/">amazing yoga workshop</a> last night. I did a bunch of soul-searching while there, as you do when you spend four hours om-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ing</span> and chanting on a yoga mat. In the midst of all this New Age-y-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ness</span>, I rediscovered my energy for this project. I'm inspired to recommit to it in '09, and to you, all of my supportive readers.<br /><br />I spent the second half of the evening guzzling champagne, so for now it's back to the couch, with plans to start fresh in 2009 tomorrow.<br /><br />Happy New Year to all!Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-399011979429064052008-12-27T23:07:00.004-05:002008-12-28T00:25:42.701-05:00Another yearAnother blonde year is slipping away, and it has me feeling oh-so pensive.<br /><br />The fact is, 2008 has been nothing like I'd expected. The Undercover Blonde book proposal was shipped out the door in January/early February and a few short months later, a LUPEC Boston book proposal was also in the works. Both were ultimately rejected by the most likely buyer.<br /><br />I kept my chin up as the book publishing industry tailspinned (tailspun?) into <a href="http://nymag.com/news/media/50279/">crisis</a>. Then capitalism tailspinned into crisis. Now it's a Depression. Or almost. Whatever it is, the economy is <span style="font-style: italic;">bad</span>. A few weeks ago my agent dropped my book projects, a sensible move as nothing was really happening with either. But it certainly didn't seem to bode well for my humble little book projects. Or my confidence.<br /><br />It's not the lack of interest in the book version of Undercover Blonde that has me down -- I work in publishing and understand entirely how that game works. What is more troubling is the fact that I'm not really sure what to do with this project anymore. I'm so goal-oriented, so planning-obsessed, you change my agenda or my end goal and I'm like a ship at sail without a captain. It's left me feeling ambivalent and worried and kind of depressed. All I want to do is listen to Studs Terkel interviews with Great Depression-survivors and contemplate exactly how little money I'll be able to live on when everything grinds to an economic halt. All fantastic excuses to not be ambitious.<br /><br />Then the other day it hit me: perhaps my lack of direction stems from the fact that this project is kinda done? Undercover Blonde was born out of an identity crisis rooted in a bad break-up with my then-fiancee and deep disatisfaction with my job. Both the job and the Ex are now long gone (though vestiges of both occasionally surface, which is always fun) and I no longer feel quite as confused about who I am as I did back then. I also feel very well situated and satisfied with my current hair color, and confidently steeped in my chosen blondeness.<br /><br />Is it possible that I've attained the goals I set out to achieve when I started this blog? And if that's the case, whatever shall I continue to write about?<br /><br />I guess we'll always have my waitress rants. As the economy continues to suck, I am as dependent upon my waitress pennies as ever.<br /><br />I suppose we'll always have Toro.Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-87890168582909235172008-12-20T14:31:00.005-05:002008-12-22T13:07:41.642-05:00BLONDE DISPATCHES: Phantom Blonde<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>One thing I’ve noticed is that when women want to really “shred” you, they attack your being blonde first.<br /><br />I recently got a nasty-gram from a woman who got in a dither about one of my columns. She, along with a diatribe about my lack of intelligence and education, had to throw in something about my “bleached blonde tresses” in the first three sentences.<br /><br />“Bleach blonde” apparently is supposed to be an insult among women. As if coloring one’s hair blonde is somehow shameful. I’ve never heard anyone accuse a brunette of being a “brunette-out-of-the-bottle bitch” or a “fake red-head”. Nope. The slam is always anti-blonde.<br /><br />I’ve also had my share of men asking if I’m really blonde. And we all know what THAT’S about. (Oh please…I wish men would grow up!)<br /><br />I went brunette once. Once. It didn’t look good or natural. And I learned that my eyebrows are actually MUCH lighter than they appeared against my blondeness.<br /><br />I’m not a “bleached blonde.” I like to think of it as “enhanced” blonde. I’m naturally blonde, although I’m darker than I used to be.<br /><br />Honestly, Kitty, I’m tired of being portrayed as stupid (I’m not. I have a M.A. in Journalism and I teach college part-time). I’m tired of being portrayed as blonde-therefore-slut. And I’m damned tired of blonde jokes.<br /><br />I think all the vitriol is lobbed at us because, secretly, being blonde equates with some kind of mystery and power that those with low self-esteem just can’t handle.<br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://phantomblonde.blogspot.com/">Phantom Blonde</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> is a writer based in Central Texas. Check out her ruminations on life and blondeness at phantomblonde.blogspot.com. </span>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-7974368050526936192008-12-13T13:42:00.003-05:002008-12-13T13:49:24.696-05:00in these times of economic downturn, will you sacrifice your looks?Dubyabejay from A View of The C dropped me a note about <a href="http://aviewofthec.wordpress.com/2008/12/12/i-need-to-get-my-roots-done-can-you-spot-me/#comment-596">this recent</a><a href="http://aviewofthec.wordpress.com/2008/12/12/i-need-to-get-my-roots-done-can-you-spot-me/#comment-596"> post</a> on blondes going darker in this time of economic downturn.<br /><br />I had a similar conversation with my stylist while in the chair last week. He agreed with the stylist they quote in this piece, who says that people who were "just highlighting for fun" cut color out of their haircare budget altogether. But according to Jason, the blondes still come in and they always will. In his words,<br /><br />"You're here, aren't you? Are you going to <span style="font-style: italic;">stop</span> coming? Please."<br /><br />He's right.<br /><br />Vanity: 1<br />Kitty: 0Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-90563973154311941152008-12-08T10:39:00.001-05:002008-12-08T10:39:29.094-05:00Don't let this happen to you!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/R5SSu2nswqE' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/R5SSu2nswqE'/></object></p><p>Wendy is a colleague of my own dear stylist Jason at Escape. This is her dramatic re-enactment of what could potentially happen to you if you forget to book in advance this holiday season.<br /><br />Don't let this happen to you! </p></div>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-21120193298858129682008-11-28T00:03:00.001-05:002008-11-28T00:07:03.970-05:00RedSweet Jesus, you all want me to dye my hair RED. I really, truly didn't expect that. There are still a few more days left to "vote" in my sidebar "poll", but I'm pretty sure that if I listen to my readers, I'll be a copper top in a few weeks, too.<br /><br />Truly, I'm nervous about this. Jason always said he'd never dye me that color, since red is a bitch to get out should I ever want to go blonde again. Anybody got any advice on this before I get too far in over my head?Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-42157317057145105942008-11-24T21:06:00.002-05:002008-11-24T21:12:49.457-05:00I check out for a few days...Snd look what happens! One of my lovely <a href="http://www.undercoverblonde.com/2008/09/blonde-dispatches-undercover-brunette.html">Blonde Correspondents </a>becomes a <a href="http://thataustingirl.blogspot.com/2008/11/three-things.html">Copper Top</a>!<br /><br />Think we can entreat her to be my very first Rouge Correspondent? I hope so...Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-45435464181888942232008-11-19T23:47:00.002-05:002008-11-20T00:23:00.311-05:00expert adviceTwo separate friends approached me this week for advice and consultation about hair stylists.<br /><br />Friend #1 is looking for the perfect '40 inspired 'do to accompany her perfect outfit for the <a href="http://lupecboston.com/2008/10/30/announcingthe-lupec-boston-uso-show/">LUPEC BOSTON "USO SHOW"</a> this Friday. The situation with Friend #2 is a little more complex: she was looking to break up with her current stylist, who refused to use bleach on her hair and was never available.<br /><br />I've united friend #2 with Melanie, a stylist at Shag in South Boston. She is overjoyed with her new cut & color. We'll see how I fair for friend #1, who I'm sending to Wendy or Megan at Escape. After three + years as an Undercover Blonde, dare I say I've positioned myself as a "hair style-color expert".Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-88967728658570731532008-11-18T10:41:00.000-05:002008-11-19T10:43:35.604-05:00The LUPEC Boston "USO SHOW"All of my time lately has been spent planning <a href="http://lupecboston.com/2008/10/30/announcingthe-lupec-boston-uso-show/">this</a>. Hope you'll forgive the shameless plug here. And can make it!<br /><br /><div class="mceTemp"><dl id="attachment_317" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 182px;"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://lupecboston.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/marilyn-uso.jpg" mce_href="http://lupecboston.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/marilyn-uso.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-317" title="marilyn-uso" src="http://lupecboston.wordpress.com/files/2008/10/marilyn-uso.jpg" mce_src="http://lupecboston.wordpress.com/files/2008/10/marilyn-uso.jpg" alt="" height="245" width="172" /></a></dt><dd class="wp-caption-dd">Marilyn Monroe performing for troops in Korea</dd></dl></div><h2 style="text-align: center;" mce_style="text-align:center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" mce_style="color:#000000;">The LUPEC Boston “USO SHOW”</span></h2> <h3 style="text-align: center;" mce_style="text-align:center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" mce_style="color:#000000;">Friday, November 21, 7-11 p.m.</span></h3> <h3 style="text-align: center; padding-left: 60px;" mce_style="text-align:center;padding-left:60px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" mce_style="color:#000000;">at the Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center</span></h3> <p style="text-align: center;" mce_style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://lupecboston.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/marilyn-uso.jpg" mce_href="http://lupecboston.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/marilyn-uso.jpg"><br /></a></p> <p>O<span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136);" mce_style="color:#888888;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" mce_style="color:#000000;">n <b>November 21</b></span> </span>the Boston chapter of LUPEC (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails) will transform the Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center into a swinging 1940's-themed cocktail party featuring retro-libations, live entertainment, dancing, delicious canapés, a prize raffle, and a USO-style variety show. It's a coed event, and all are welcome. This is our second annual large-scale fundraising event and was created to benefit women at <a href="http://neshv.org/" mce_href="http://neshv.org">The New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans</a> (NESHV). Tickets are <b>$35 in advance/ $45 at the door</b>, and can be purchased at <b>Toro and Tremont 647 in the South End, Grand in Somerville, or online at <a href="https://grandthestore.com/store/index.php?c=web1.29&product=LUPEC" mce_href="https://grandthestore.com/store/index.php?c=web1.29&product=LUPEC">grandthestore.com</a></b>.</p> <p>The LUPEC BOSTON USO SHOW is one component of our annual fall fundraising program, which raised over $10,000 for <a href="http://www.janedoeinc.org/" mce_href="http://www.janedoeinc.org"><b>Jane Doe Inc</b></a>. last year. Starting <b>November 1</b>, LUPEC Boston will partner with local bars and restaurants to offer a month-long <a href="http://lupecboston.com/about-this-ones-for-the-ladies/" mce_href="http://lupecboston.com/about-this-ones-for-the-ladies/"><b>“THIS ONE’S FOR THE LADIES”</b></a> drink promotion, where participants donate proceeds from one LUPEC Boston-approved beverage to women at NESHV. Restaurant partners include <a href="http://toro-restaurant.com/" mce_href="http://toro-restaurant.com">Toro</a>, <a href="http://www.tremont647.com/" mce_href="http://www.tremont647.com/">Tremont 647</a>, <a href="http://www.laverdadtaqueria.com/" mce_href="http://www.laverdadtaqueria.com">La Verdad</a>, <a href="http://www.easternstandardboston.com/" mce_href="http://www.easternstandardboston.com/">Eastern Standard</a>, <a href="http://www.rendezvouscentralsquare.com/" mce_href="http://www.rendezvouscentralsquare.com/">Rendezvous</a>, <a href="http://www.highlandkitchen.com/" mce_href="http://www.highlandkitchen.com/">Highland Kitchen</a>, <a href="http://florarestaurant.com/" mce_href="http://florarestaurant.com">Flora</a>, <a href="http://www.milkywayjp.com/" mce_href="http://www.milkywayjp.com">The Milky Way</a>, and more. (For a full list, click <a href="http://lupecboston.com/about-this-ones-for-the-ladies/" mce_href="http://lupecboston.com/about-this-ones-for-the-ladies/">here</a>.) Proceeds from sales our recently reprinted cocktail book, <a href="http://lupecboston.com/about-the-book/" mce_href="http://lupecboston.com/about-the-book/"><b>THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF COCKTAILS</b></a>, will also benefit the NESHV this fall.</p> <p><b>The New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans</b> is a private, non-profit organization with a mission to extend a helping hand to homeless men and women veterans who are addressing the</p> <div class="mceTemp"><dl id="attachment_316" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 160px;"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://lupecboston.wordpress.com/files/2008/10/hopewar.gif" mce_href="http://lupecboston.wordpress.com/files/2008/10/hopewar.gif"><img class="size-medium wp-image-316" title="hopewar" src="http://lupecboston.wordpress.com/files/2008/10/hopewar.gif?w=150" mce_src="http://lupecboston.wordpress.com/files/2008/10/hopewar.gif?w=150" alt="Bob Hope entertains the troops" height="300" width="150" /></a></dt><dd class="wp-caption-dd">Bob Hope entertains the troops</dd></dl></div><p>challenges of addiction, trauma, severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unemployment, and who will commit themselves to sobriety, non-violence, and working for personal change. They are recognized as one of the most effective private veteran's transition programs in the country. Learn more at www.neshv.org.</p> <p>The LUPEC BOSTON USO SHOW will pay tribute to the 1940’s theme with of-the-era cocktails, <span style="font-weight: bold;" mce_style="font-weight:bold;">a complimentary swing dance lesson</span>, and a USO-style variety show emceed by Cathleen Carr and Daiva Deupree of the critically acclaimed New York-based sketch comedy burlesque <b><a href="http://twogirlsforfivebucks.com/" mce_href="http://twogirlsforfivebucks.com/">Two Girls for Five Bucks</a></b>. The show will feature acts by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thruthekeyhole" mce_href="http://www.myspace.com/thruthekeyhole"><span style="font-weight: bold;" mce_style="font-weight:bold;">Thru the Keyhole Burlesque</span></a>, Boston-based actor, improviser and stand-up comedian <b>Harry Gordon</b> as Bob Hope, and <b><a href="http://www.myspace.com/brcleve" mce_href="http://www.myspace.com/brcleve">DJ Brother Cleve</a></b>, <a href="http://drinkboston.com/2007/03/30/brother-cleve/" mce_href="http://drinkboston.com/2007/03/30/brother-cleve/">a Boston institution</a>, will spin ‘40s-era swing music throughout the evening. <u>Vintage dress and creative cocktail attire is encouraged.</u><br />This event will take place at the <b>Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center [85 W. Newton St., South End, Boston]</b>, with generous support from sponsors St-Germain, Hendricks, Cruzan, Milagro, Sazerac, Chartreuse, Mathilde Liqueurs, Harpoon, and SmartWater.</p> <p><b>DETAILS:</b></p> <p>The LUPEC BOSTON USO SHOW will begin at <b>7 p.m. on Friday, November 21</b>. Tickets are one sale now. <b>Ticket price is $35 in advance/ $45 at the door and will include cocktail party fare, a variety show, dancing, and four drink tickets, with additional beverages available for purchase.</b></p> <p>Light cocktail party fare will be provided for the evening by <a href="http://toro-restaurant.com/" mce_href="http://toro-restaurant.com">Toro</a>, <a href="http://www.tremont647.com/" mce_href="http://www.tremont647.com/">Tremont 647</a>, and <a href="http://www.lionettesmarket.com/" mce_href="http://www.lionettesmarket.com/">Lionette's Market</a>, <a href="http://www.islandcreekoysters.com/" mce_href="http://www.islandcreekoysters.com/">Island Creek Oysters</a> will be on hand shucking their acclaimed “Duxbury Pearls”, and <a href="http://www.bostonderbydames.com/" mce_href="http://www.bostonderbydames.com/">The Boston Derby Dames</a> will skate around with sweets provided by <a href="http://www.tazachocolate.com/" mce_href="http://www.tazachocolate.com/">Taza Chocolates</a>.</p> <p>The USO-style variety show will be emceed by Cathleen Carr and Daiva Deupree of <b><a href="http://twogirlsforfivebucks.com/" mce_href="http://twogirlsforfivebucks.com/">Two Girls for Five Bucks</a></b> and feature Boston-based actor, improviser and stand-up comedian Harry Gordon, and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thruthekeyhole" mce_href="http://www.myspace.com/thruthekeyhole"><span style="font-weight: bold;" mce_style="font-weight:bold;">Thru the Keyhole Burlesque</span></a>. DJ Brother Cleve will spin ‘40s-era swing music between live acts. Vintage dress and creative cocktail attire is encouraged.</p> <p>A prize raffle will feature gift certificates donated from <a href="http://toro-restaurant.com/" mce_href="http://toro-restaurant.com">Toro</a>, <a href="http://www.tremont647.com/" mce_href="http://www.tremont647.com/">Tremont 647</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/myersandchang" mce_href="http://www.myspace.com/myersandchang">Myers + Chang</a>, <a href="http://www.laverdadtaqueria.com/" mce_href="http://www.laverdadtaqueria.com">La Verdad</a>, <a href="http://www.eastcoastgrill.net/" mce_href="http://www.eastcoastgrill.net/">East Coast Grill</a>, <a href="http://www.tazachocolate.com/" mce_href="http://www.tazachocolate.com/">Taza Chocolates</a>, <a href="http://www.polkadog.com/" mce_href="http://www.polkadog.com/">Polka Dog Bakery</a>, <a href="http://www.veeveejp.com/" mce_href="http://www.veeveejp.com/">Vee Vee</a>, <a href="http://www.flourbakery.com/" mce_href="http://www.flourbakery.com/">Flour Bakery + Cafe</a>, <a href="http://www.zipcar.com/" mce_href="http://www.zipcar.com/">ZipCar</a>, <a href="http://www.hollywoodexpressvideo.com/" mce_href="http://www.hollywoodexpressvideo.com/">Hollywood Express</a>, A <a href="http://www.brixwineshop.com/B6.html" mce_href="http://www.brixwineshop.com/B6.html">Brix Six </a>Gift Pack from <a href="http://www.brixwineshop.com/" mce_href="http://www.brixwineshop.com/">Brix Wine Shop</a>, tickets to the <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.improvasylum.com%2F&ei=o9MZSfCtBYnOtQPK6JSIDA&usg=AFQjCNE8J-PQUAhbsyU79Ly3U04kbefV5w&sig2=rWUZ2SuKjZ7iIIExssDiRQ" mce_href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.improvasylum.com%2F&ei=o9MZSfCtBYnOtQPK6JSIDA&usg=AFQjCNE8J-PQUAhbsyU79Ly3U04kbefV5w&sig2=rWUZ2SuKjZ7iIIExssDiRQ">Improv Asylum</a> and <a href="http://swingcityboston.com/index.shtml" mce_href="http://swingcityboston.com/index.shtml">Swing City</a> a <a href="http://www.stgermain.fr/" mce_href="http://www.stgermain.fr/">St-Germain</a> gift basket, a one-year subscription to <a href="http://www.imbibemagazine.com/" mce_href="http://www.imbibemagazine.com/"><i>Imbibe</i></a> magazine and more.</p> <p>All proceeds from the LUPEC BOSTON USO SHOW will benefit women at <a href="http://www.neshv.org/" mce_href="http://www.neshv.org">The New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans</a>.</p> <ul><li>Ticket price is $35 in advance/ $45 at the door including cocktail party fare and four drink tickets, with additional beverages available for purchase.</li><li>Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at: <ul><li><a href="http://toro-restaurant.com/" mce_href="http://toro-restaurant.com">Toro</a>, 1704 Washington St., Boston, MA</li></ul> <ul><li><a href="http://www.tremont647.com/" mce_href="http://www.tremont647.com/">Tremont 647</a>, 647 Tremont St. Boston, MA</li><li><a href="https://grandthestore.com/store/index.php?c=web1.29&product=LUPEC" mce_href="https://grandthestore.com/store/index.php?c=web1.29&product=LUPEC">Grand</a>, 374 Somerville Ave., Somerville, MA</li><li>Online at <a href="https://grandthestore.com/store/index.php?c=web1.29&product=LUPEC" mce_href="https://grandthestore.com/store/index.php?c=web1.29&product=LUPEC">grandthestore.com</a> [service charges will apply]</li></ul> </li></ul> <p><a href="http://lupecboston.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/logo_tags.jpg" mce_href="http://lupecboston.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/logo_tags.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-318" title="logo_tags" src="http://lupecboston.wordpress.com/files/2008/10/logo_tags.jpg?w=300" mce_src="http://lupecboston.wordpress.com/files/2008/10/logo_tags.jpg?w=300" alt="" height="101" width="180" /></a><b>About NESHV</b></p> <p><b>The New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans</b> is a private, non-profit organization with a mission to extend a helping hand to homeless men and women veterans who are addressing the challenges of addiction, trauma, severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unemployment, and who will commit themselves to sobriety, non-violence, and working for personal change. They are recognized as one of the most effective private veteran's transition programs in the country. Learn more at <a href="http://www.neshv.org/" mce_href="http://www.neshv.org/">www.neshv.org.</a></p>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-65432043388452261152008-11-16T23:48:00.001-05:002008-11-18T11:42:03.875-05:00Best Cupcakes Ever...Recipe is below, as promised.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Recipe <a href="http://www.georgegeary.com/Books.html">THE COMPLETE BAKING COOKBOOK</a> by </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.georgegeary.com/">George Geary</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;">(Robert Rose, Inc.; Ocotber 2007;$24.95/paperback).<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">CARROT CAKE<br /><br /></span>Serves 10-12 * (as a cake; I modified the recipe and poured it into two cupcake trays, one of 12-normal sized cupcakes, one of 24 nano-cupcakes. Then I tried to see how many I could fit into my mouth at once.)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Preheat oven to 375 degrees</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Two 9-inch round cake pans, sprayed with non-stick spray (or the aforementioned cupcake trays, lined with paper liners)</span><br /><br />1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />1 1/4 tsp baking soda<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />1/4 tsp ground cinnamon<br />1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg<br />1 1/4 cups granulated sugar<br />2 eggs<br />1/3 cup vegetable oil<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br />2/3 cup crushed pineapple, drained (I muddled cubed pineapple with a bar muddling stick and strained excess liquid out using a bar strainer: that is how I roll)<br />1/4 cup flaked sweetened coconut<br />1/4 cup chopped pecans<br />1 cup shredded carrots<br /><br />1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon & nutmeg. Set aside.<br /><br />2. In a mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, combine sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until well blended, for 2 minutes. Add pineapple, coconut, and pecans and mix for 1 minute. Using a wooden spoon, gradually stir in flour mixture just until incorporated. Stir in carrots.<br /><br />3. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 28 - 32 minutes (check them sooner for cupcakes! I took mine out after 20 mins.) Let cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to rack to cool completely.<br /><br />4. For best results for decorating, wrap cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for 1 to 2 days. (We were eating them almost immediately, so I did not do this.)<br /><br />George suggests several different icing options for these puppies (all recipes can be found in the book), including <span style="font-style: italic;">Buttercream</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Cream Cheese Icing, French Buttercream Frosting, Island Frosting, Seven-Minute Frosting,</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting</span>. I chose Island: it's recommended for "when the flavor of a cake calls for cream cheese with tropical-island flair. And how! The recipe is below:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ISLAND FROSTING<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Makes about 2 cups</span><br /><br />1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened<br />1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened<br />2 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted (oops! Forgot that step; guess I got there after Applejack Manhattan No. 2)<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br />1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted<br />1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted<br /><br />1. In a mixer bowl fitted with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, for 3 minutes. Gradually add confectioner's sugar, mixing on low speed until it gathers, about 2 minutes. Increase speed to high and whip until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Fold in vanilla, pecans, and coconut by hand. (I also let the frosting whip for a little too long, and for this I blame Manhattan 2.5. I simply finished the recipe and stuck it in the fridge for a bit to firm up while the cupcakes cooled.)<br /><br />Et voila!<br /><br /><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2osjL6Ydt5sMapDEkGP3HvplIrMYNF47LYGjIjqOA67RYeOr4kKHbMOyFdsfDyUOaQ3lROTK_5LoXHxUrZ0cDHkslNlMfi29B-Qwh_pLqyGcQ5hfFGU1V7oBVHS-bInLAVOUKw/s1600-h/photo-773163.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2osjL6Ydt5sMapDEkGP3HvplIrMYNF47LYGjIjqOA67RYeOr4kKHbMOyFdsfDyUOaQ3lROTK_5LoXHxUrZ0cDHkslNlMfi29B-Qwh_pLqyGcQ5hfFGU1V7oBVHS-bInLAVOUKw/s320/photo-773163.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269029258327976898" border="0" /></a></p><br />YUM!<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11090028.post-20490067855948242592008-11-15T18:18:00.003-05:002008-11-17T00:50:19.946-05:00Birthday Dinner: The EpilogueSo, I repeated Step #11 (a) one and a half more times, meaning that I was actually a little tipsy by the time the Mathematician came home. I didn't think I was , of course. It's perfectly normal to dance around your house while listening to Sweet Talkin' Woman by ELO at max volume on your studio quality stereo sound system, right?<br /><br />We finally ate dinner at 9:30 and I still feel way too full today. But it was fun. The sauce was amazing. In Italy they take the meats out & slice them, then serve the pasta + sauce as a <span style="font-style: italic;">primi</span> and the meats on their own as <span style="font-style: italic;">secondi</span>. Since the Mathematician asked for meat sauce, I opted for the cookbook's second suggestion: take the meats out, shred them, add them back to the sauce and enjoy. The end result was like if pot roast and roasted pork shoulder and tomato sauce had a baby.<br /><br />And YES, the carrot cupcakes were awesome! I took a bunch of them to Toro for our monthly staff meeting, and someone ate the rest while I was out for the day. Below: a picture of all that remains.<br /><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2osjL6Ydt5sMapDEkGP3HvplIrMYNF47LYGjIjqOA67RYeOr4kKHbMOyFdsfDyUOaQ3lROTK_5LoXHxUrZ0cDHkslNlMfi29B-Qwh_pLqyGcQ5hfFGU1V7oBVHS-bInLAVOUKw/s1600-h/photo-773163.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2osjL6Ydt5sMapDEkGP3HvplIrMYNF47LYGjIjqOA67RYeOr4kKHbMOyFdsfDyUOaQ3lROTK_5LoXHxUrZ0cDHkslNlMfi29B-Qwh_pLqyGcQ5hfFGU1V7oBVHS-bInLAVOUKw/s320/photo-773163.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269029258327976898" border="0" /></a></p>Since you asked, MamaKrista, I'll be posting the recipe tomorrow.<br /><br />Now I'm running out the door to see Smashing Pumpkins.Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15943309802245491388noreply@blogger.com1