60 Minutes of Sadness

Well --- Nothing Lasts Forever.
After a brilliant run, my favorite California residents are saying goodbye. Tonight, I am attending an O.C., R.I.P. party to which I will wear black and playback favorite clips before we say our sad farewell. Let us take a walk down memory lane and reminisce. I know most of you don't care. Indulge me. Or pick and choose your favorites.

It All Began With a Stolen Car.
Marissa: “So, what are you doing here, seriously?”
Ryan: “Seriously? I stole a car. Crashed it. Actually, my brother did. Since he had a gun and drugs on him, he’s in jail. I got out. Then my mom threw me out…pissed off and drunk, and Mr. Cohen took me in.”
With that, Ryan was swept from the rough streets of Chino to the waspy town of Newport Beach. Here, he finds a new family, a new love, and a lot of fights…Welcome to The O.C., Beeyatch.

Power Packed Parties.
Seth: “Welcome to the dark side.”

When people get together in Newport, somebody is gonna get sucker-punched. Luke punched Ryan at Holly’s cookout. Holly’s Dad clocked Jimmy Cooper at Cotillion. Zach wacked Seth at The SnO.C. Eddie and Ryan duked it out over Theresa at the Riviera magazine party honoring Caleb. Marissa slaps Volchok at Senior Prom. Julie and Hailey catfight and end up in the pool at Julie’s bachelorette party ("Just one little stripper all alone in the world?").

Chrismukkah.
Seth: “If my sense of cultural Zeitgeist is accurate – and I believe it is – this is the year Chrismukkah sweeps the nation.”
What’s not to love about a holiday invented by a half-Jewish, half-Christian kid with no friends? It’s no regular holiday, but a super holiday that’s got twice the staying power of a normal holiday…thanks to Jesus and Moses, who both have beards.
Season 1: Marissa gets caught shoplifting and goes on a drinking binge while Anna and Summer battle it out for Seth’s affections (remember Summer as Wonder Woman?!?).
Season 2: Yamaclauses and a Chrismukkah miracle (thanks to Summer, aka ‘Tiny Tim’) after the revelation that Lindsay is Caleb’s illegitimate daughter.
Season 3: Ryan has a Bar Mitz- vahkkah to raise money for Johnny’s surgery (a noble act considering everyone knows Johnny hearts Marissa).
Season 4: Ryan and Taylor both get concussions and see what life would be like without them in The O.C. (And we get closure: Ryan really couldn’t have saved Marissa in the end).

Anna Banana.
Seth: “Anna, wait a second. What am I going to do without you? Who am I going to play Jenga with? You’re so wise, and all your sage wisdom, what am I going to do without that?”
Anna Stern is the female Seth. Though not one of the core four, Anna made her mark in Newport. Anna’s friendship (romance?) with Seth brought he and Summer together. She helps Seth get noticed by Summer, then decides to steal him back for herself. But Anna eventually moves back to Pittsburgh. Anna’s best episode? When Seth and Anna say goodbye at the airport and Nada Surf’s cover of “If You Leave” is playing in the background.

Nights at The Mermaid Inn.
Julie ‘Juju’ Cooper: “Is this a booty call?”
While it could arguably change its name to the Julie Cooper-Nichol Inn, it set the stage for many a dramatic moment. Illicit affair with Luke. Meetings with her old pornographer boyfriend, Lance. Rallies with Ryan to get revenge on Volchok. Oh yea, and Theresa stays there for the short time she’s around.

Family.
Seth: “It’s a tale as old as time. Boy meets girl, boy likes girl, boy finds out girl is surrogate mom’s illegitimate step-mother.”
Centered around the Cohen/Nichol clan, by Season 4 nearly every character on the show is somehow related. Cohens adopt Ryan. Julie marries Caleb Nichol. Marissa and Kaitlin become Seth and Ryan’s step-aunts. Julie is engaged to Dr. Roberts. Summer and Marissa become sisters (almost). Jimmy has dated both Nichol sisters – Kirsten and Hailey. Lindsay is Caleb’s illegitimate daughter. She ends up being Seth and Ryan's step-aunt too. Confused?

Atomic County.
Seth: “And the demon water polo player throws his plasma at Kid Chino and The Ironist, shouting ‘Welcome to Atomic County, B****!’”
Seth and Zach’s comic book/graphic novel almost tore Summer and Zach and Summer and Seth apart. Featuring Marissa as Cosmo Girl (with a magic flask), Summer as Little Miss Vixen (black leather whip, suffers from rage blackouts), Seth as The Ironist, Ryan as Kid Chino (check out those fists of fury), Sandy as The Litigator, and Kiki as The Ice Queen.

I Heart Sandy Cohen.
Seth: “Gosh! Dad, those eyebrows are out of control!”
How great would it be to kick back with a schmeared bagel and chat with Sandy Cohen? Somehow the former NYer always knows the right thing to say and do --- and he isn’t afraid to tell you. Sandy has a heart of gold and stands as the moral backbone of the show (we’ll forgive one minor grievance with fugitive former flame, Rebecca Bloom).

Live From the Bait Shop.
Summer: “Where other than the Bait Shop are tickets always plentiful and the band is never too loud to talk over?”
Besides pumping my brain with tons of teen angst and drama, The OC introduced me to some of my favorite mixes. Rachel Yamagata, Sonic Youth, Jem, The Killers, The Subways, Death Cab for Cutie, Rooney, Imogen Heap. Even Sandy Cohen grabs the mich there!

Alex Hearts Seth…and Marissa.
Seth: “Alex and Marissa? No longer welcome in the red states.”
Seth applies for a job cleaning toilets at the Bait Shop to get free tickets to The Walkmen show to give to Summer and Zach. Seth ends up falling for bad girl bartender, Alex Kelly, who’s been kicked out of 3 high schools and emancipated from her parents. Their relationship never really leaves the runway, and Alex takes off with Marissa on a romantic ride. Marissa moves in with Alex and, (gasp!) has to do her own laundry, (oh my!) take out the trash, and (not that!) pay rent. The love affair doesn’t last --- Marissa realizes she loves Ryan (again), dumps Alex, and moves back home.

Good Girls, Bad Boys.
Julie: “Listen up, Tommy Lee. You’re just the latest in a series of experiments my daughter likes to make when acting out. So enjoy it because right here, right now is as good as it gets for you. Soon, Marissa is going to wake up and realize she is so much better than you and your life."
Even with her pick of the litter, Marissa gets into the worst relationships ever. Luke Ward – a water polo player who cheats on her. Oliver Trask – maniacal therapist buddy who becomes suicidal over her. D.J. – the in-over-his-head yard boy. Trey (Ryan’s brother) – makes believe Marissa is interested in him and then tries to rape her. Johnny Harper – surfer boy who suffers from Marissa’s unrequited love, drowns his sorrows in alcohol, then fatally falls from a cliff. Kevin Volchok – bad news boy who ultimately causes Marissas untimely death. She should have stuck with Ryan.

There Goes My Hero.
Marissa’s final words: “No, stay. Don’t leave.”

Ryan’s number one priority: saving Marissa from harm (and herself). From the first episode when he sees her passed out in her driveway and moves her to the pool house, Ryan is always ready to dive in head first when Marissa needs saving. He carries her out of the alley when she overdoses in TJ. Saves her when Oliver takes her hostage. Goes buckwild on Trey when he finds out about the attempted rape. Manhandles Volchok when he finds out he’s cheating on Marissa. And when Marissa is fatally injured, Ryan carries her away from the wreckage one last time.

Captain Oats and Princess Sparkle.
Zach: “Even when you’re not being a couple you’ll always be a couple. You’re Joanie and Chachi, Luke and Leia.”

Where would we be without the Spider Man kiss? Or Seth’s coffee cart confession of love? Who would have worked with Seth so feverishly to get Ryan and Marissa together? Or shared a love of plastic horses? Who else but Seth would remember (and save) Summer’s (ok, Taylor’s) sixth grade poem? Who else would dress up as Wonder Woman to get her man ("I hear you like comic books, Cohen")? No other girl would put up with Seth’s neuroses, sarcasm, and geekiness. No other guy would adore Summer’s vanity, materialism, and initial standoffishness.

It’s All About The Memories.
Hopefully this got the wheels turning. Now it’s your turn. What’s your favorite O.C. moment?Ryan and Marissa’s first kiss on the ferris wheel? Cal's jaw-dropping death as Julie tries to save him to the background music of Imogen Heaps 'Hide and Seek.'? I understand if you don't have one, but am amazed if you made it this far.

Fare thee well dear friend, fare well.

CEWT!

I guess I'm onto posting video on my blog now. But I just couldn't resist this sleepy baby sloth. Soooo cewt. If noone else appreciates this, I know Brad will. He likes sloths.

Checks Please

After recently seeing a cute little gingham number at H&M, I've been seeing (and coveting) it everywhere. Makes me wish for a sunny day, where I can lay my blanket on some green grass, have a picnic, and read a good book.

You can get the above here, here, here, and here.

Brilliant

Am I the only one in lalalove with this real life (!!!) couple in the Rembrandt Brilliant Mouth ads?
Natural, earthy, raw, passionate, sweet...I'm sold!

Spring Sale

West Elm's Spring Sale started today. Something about this pillow makes me want to have a party just to show it off.

These chandelier sconces could add that little bit of fancy that we all want, to any room.

Hey, if the weathers not nice, at least prices can be!

Mini Magnolia

The mini cupcake is my latest obsession. The minute the idea popped into my head, my dear friend, Miss Marta, made them for me. That was a while back. But it was fate. Forget paying $2 for a cupcake so big I can't even fit it in my mouth. Minis are so petite and so sweet, I can eat them in one bite. Well, ok, 2 bites. I made these little German Chocolate rascals a few days ago, and I think they turned out quite nicely. Mini is sooo the new Magnolia.

Britney Shears

Britney loses her mind. And her hair.

Want more? Cuz I can't get enough. Click here.

Light As Air

Something about this carefree shot, not to mention the fanciful Vera Wang dress, make me really appreciate purple. Sometimes I'm scared of it. But now, I think I'm gonna try it on for a while.

It also makes me want to jump right into Spring. Hurry Spring, Hurry! I can't wait much longer!

Have It Your Way

Hi Friends,

Due to my enormous presence in the online world, Google has decided to dedicate a separate home page for me. You can check it out by clicking here.

With Regards,
Jamie Anne

PS: If the geek with in you is still wondering, ask him to check out the link.
PPS: If you want to achieve your own sense of world domination, click here to make your own.

OC IQ

I scored a perfect 22.

I rule. Cuz that's how we do it in The OC, B****!

At least that's what the quiz told me.

Can anyone match me?

Click here to test your skills.

Happy Valentines Day

Cast A Spell.

Love Potion #9: In a small pot, simmer a half cup of jojoba oil and, moving your spoon clockwise, stir in 9 drops each of the following essential oils: ambergris, cinnamon, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, musk, orange blossom, rose, violet, and ylang ylang. Let cool and store in a dark glass container. Dab yourself with it as you would your favorite perfume to drive your loved one wild with desire.

26 Reasons I Love Grant

1. Always does the right thing. There's never any question in his mind what's right and how to do it. He's honest and trustworthy.
2. I can't stay mad at him. Between funny faces, jokes and general goofiness, he always has me laughing within 3 minutes.
3. The yin to my yang. And believe me, I've got alot of yang. Por ejemplo: He's logical, I'm dramatic. He's practical, I'm passionate. He's flying under the radar, I'm bouncing off the wall.
4. Thoughtful. Always thinks of me first. Brings dinner home to me. Lets me buy clothes, even when he doesn't want to.
5. He'll do whatever it takes. To make it happen. To take care of us. We dream big, and anything is possible.
6. The best person to travel with. Period. We have the same travel standard (seating on planes, hotel rooms, transportation, sights to see, etc).
7. A sweetheart and a softy. No wonder he precedes Valentine's Day. He gives me constant kisses. And cries during movies.
8. He's younger than me. Yeah, I'm a cradle robber, and proud of it. He keeps me young at heart too.
9. Best, best, best cuddler in the whole wide world. Always wants to canoodle/be close/cozy up.
10. He's not afraid to be one of the girls. Whether it's my mom, my sisters or a group of my besties, he'll join the fray and make each of them feel loved.
11. Great date, and willing to indulge all my off the wall ideas. Ballet, opera, art museum, science museum, shake shack, snow cones, walks in the park, cooking class.
12. Gets excited about nerdy things. Charts/graphs/computers/financial models.
13. Social butterfly. Grant is a people person. The best networker I have ever seen. Buzzing around the room. He's the go-to guy.
14. Adventurous. London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai...these are not places to visit, they are options for places to live.
15. Fiercely proud of his West High days. Even though he's from Federal Heights. Often signs little love notes 'G-Money', and he's only half joking.
16. Full of surprises. Totally unpredictable. Por ejemplo: When I say, "Ooh, idea! What do you think of adding some green to our living room? That could be really cool." He replies "Ohhh, anything but green. Not green. You know how I feel about green!" No actually, I didn't know you had strong feelings toward any color in particular.
17. A 65 year old trapped in a 25 year olds body. An old soul. He proclaims that Seth Cohen copied him when he started making old the new cool. Grant constantly tells me he is 'practicing' for when he gets old.
18. A refined gentleman. He loves tennis/fast cars/sparkling water/golf/steak & lobster.
19. Goofball. Loves to have dumb fun. Loves to play tricks. Loves to tease. Once my mom found her beloved ceramic rooster that resides in her kitchen taking a nap in her bed -- eye shades and all.
20. Got as many pairs of shoes as I do. And that's saying something. Our poor closet.
21. Loves cheesy 80s love songs. I can't tell you how many times I've heard Soldier of Love by Donny Osmond, or I Can't Live Without Your Love and Affection by Nelson. Oh yea, he sings along with them too.

22. Adorable. Loveable. Huggable. Sometimes he looks at me with this twinkle in his eye, and I just melt. Cewwwt!

23. Easy going. Relaxed. Even-tempered. I could be a tiny tornado bumbling/whirring/whipping around our house tearing things apart and screaming at the top of my lungs. During the maelstrom, Grant would calmly sit on the couch, one leg crossed over the other. After I was done he would say, "Why don't you come sit down by me?" And that would be it.

24. Loves to help in the kitchen.

25. Grant is tuff - but sometimes lets me feel tuffer.
26. He's mine. All mine.

Happy Birthday Sweet Love!
xoxo, your jamie anne

Weekend Recap

Hmmm. Where shall I begin?

Friday night. Go outside. Immediately turn around and return to my apartment. Between the arctic wind and sub-zero temperatures, only polar bears could enjoy an evening out. Order in and watch Meet Joe Black. Blubber like a baby. Make it to bed at 2 a.m. Fast forward to 3 a.m. Am wakened by door slamming, clothes throwing, fit screaming argument between my next door neighbors. This lasted until 5 am. During which time the door slammed at least 27 times, they ran up and down the hall yelling/threatening each other 11 times, I banged on my wall (NY code for 'shut the hell up') 3 times, called the front desk to complain, and laughed my head off at some key phrases from the whole debacle.
"Quit telling me 'I want you' and 'Baby, I need you' when you don't."
"Give me my clothes" followed by running down the hall.
"Why don't you want you want your friends to see me?"
"I'm outta here. You're gonna be sorry" followed by a door slam and a walk down the hall and around the corner. Then peeking around the corner every 30 seconds to see if his lady was coming after him.
And yes, even this, the mother of all insults, "I'm calling your mother."
I sleep in until 11 am.

Saturday. Go to brunch at local favorite, Kitchenette. Almost get seated by nice host, but am brutally rebuffed by 'the boss.' As I am standing waiting (like I was told to do by the waiter/host), have another sour encounter with the boss. She tells me I'm standing in the wrong place. I reply that I am sorry, this is where the waiter/host told me to wait. Her oh so kind, you are the customer, my livelihood depends on you response..."Well, I'm the boss here. I tell people what to do, and I'm telling you to get in the front and wait there." I'm not gonna let her get the last word, so I reply, "Thank you for being so kind." Once seated a few minutes later, (steam still coming out my ears) decide that this place can't do this to ME. They're not getting my money, no way. Pack up, tell waiter/host thank you but bad news: your boss bites the big one. Proceed up the street and eat a better, more peaceful brunch. So there!

Sunday. Am startled when I hear a resounding thud and the vases on my bookshelves dance. Hmmm, strange. 2 minutes later, its happening again. What the? 2 minutes later, peat and repeat. Huh? How the? Who the? Throw on my Uggs, go around the corner, and into the workout facility. Find a gigantosaurus lifting 2 dumbells that easily weigh as much as me doing flys and then dropping the dumbells on the hardwood section of the floor, which they bounce off of like mere pebbles.
"Excuse me sir, but would you mind not dropping those on the floor? They are making the dishes on my shelves rattle."
"Oh. I'm so sorry. It won't happen again."
"Thank you so much, I really appreciate it."

Fast forward 5 minutes. Mini earthquake...again. 2 more minutes. Vases jumping, again. And again. That's it! I've had it! Stomp into workout facility hoppin' mad.
"I'm sorry, I hate to be rude. But my dishes are rattling in there."
"Still? Cuz I thought I didn't drop them as hard."
"No, you did."
"Oh, ok. Sorry. I guess I won't do it anymore."
Geeee, thanks.

I love New York. Now I know why I go out of town every weekend. It's the ultimate love/hate relationship.

Salt 'n' Peppa

Haha. Heehee. I was perusing and got a serious case of the giggles when I saw these little guys. I couldn't keep it to myself. Just had to share.

They are part of the new Argentine design collection at the MoMA Store. It showcases selected works from up and coming Argentinian designers. They've got some really cool stuff. I especially like salt and pepper shakers there on the left. And what about the brooch in the middle? It's supposed to catch the light and look really cool when worn. The caterpillar is a desk accessory who carries pencils and such in his humps and holds papers in his antennae.

What a lil' spot of sunshine from creative minds. Love it.

Forget Romance

Wow. I never thought I would hear those words uttered from my lips. I am a hopelessly hopeless romantic.

But this year is different. I need more than romance. I need a total transformation. This is not to discount the flights of fancy surrounding Valentine's Day. Cuz there is no one more devoted to the celebration of holidays than I. I want all the cream puff/cutesy/lovey dovey things I can handle. We're talking heaps of decorations, valentines for friends, special outfits for said day (how do I choose?!?), dishcloths, theme dinners, etc.

But what I'm more concerned about is gifts. I need a total transformation. I don't want any jewelry (gasp!), or chocolate (huh?), or perfume (what the?), lingerie (oh my!) or even that darling little dress I saw at a certain designer store last week (have I gone mad?).

I want the gift that keeps on giving. I'm talking weights, stability balls, yoga mats, medicine balls, vitamins, and even protein shakes. Yeah! That's what I'm talkin' about! I can feel myself getting tuffer just thinking about it. And I know how to correctly spell tougher, but I think it's just more tuff spelled the other way.

Sign me up! I'm in! And I'm serious. Just as soon as I finish my chocolate on fruit on ice cream on cake on honey filled dessert on Valentine's Day.

LeSportsac + The OC?

Thursday = OCday. So today = OCpost. I don't know how I didn't find out about this sooner, but this is some seriously amazing stuff. Turns out recently revived LeSportsac, has been venturing out into even more creative avenues than Gwen Stefani's LAMB line.

Last fall, they launched The OC Collection. OC-inspired handbags, backpacks, totes, clutches. Not just inspired by The OC as in Orange County, but The OC, as in the show. They are absolutely hysterical. There's a Marissa collection, with chain handles and rose appliques, and lined inside with her image and the words 'Free Marissa'. The Summer collection is full of polka dot and floral prints (some bags are reversible), and lined inside with the The Valley logo. Don't worry, there's a mens collection too! That's right, Seth and Ryan have their own collection of PDA holders, messenger bags, and backpacks. Ryans is lined with a graffiti print that says 'Kid Chino', and Seths with the Atomic County comic strip.

Check it out. The bags are hideous. The names are hilarious.


The Harbor High tote in Sparkler (also comes in Princess Polka Dot)

The Coop Clutch in Tijuana Rose (also comes in Bikini and Coco Rose)

The Outsider in Kid Chino


The TJ Weekender in Kid Chino (also comes in Shadow)

Are you kidding me? This is just too good to be true. Literally. As soon as I found out about it, it was gone. Le Sportsac just pulled the line from their website, so you can't even view the entire collection if you try.

Stupid Cupid

Just in time for Valentine's Day, archaeologists make this lovely discovery in Northern Italy. It's all so romantic...old bones, a tender embrace, arrows found at the site, in Mantua -- the famed town to which Romeo was banished. Sounds like Cupid has bad aim!

Sometimes...

I see secret messages encrypted in my suds-covered countertops.

If We Were Robots

Ok, not exactly robots, or even cyborgs, but iPods. That is what I meant to say...'If We Were iPods'. But robots sounded so much cooler.
This is the best way I can describe my family. In terms of iPods. Everyone I know these days seems to be familiar with them. But what everyone is not familiar with (but I believe should be) is my sisters. So...if people were iPods, Steve Jobs would have a different job. But that is not the point of this discussion.
What is worth noting here is the general construction of us iPods. Let's use the standard 40 gig iPod as a representation of the average human adult being in height, weight, and proportions. Nice, sleek, sexy, useful, attractive. If this is the case, then let me turn your attention to my sisters. But before I do so, remember that this is strictly a size comparison. All other things are held constant.

My two oldest sisters, Lane and Ashley, are mini iPods. Two words: eye candy. Truly a work of glamorous art. The kind of noticeable small that makes you go 'Hmmm...how'd they do that?'
Me, I'm the nano. Smaller, shorter, sexier. Just when you thought they couldn't make the mini any smaller...they go nano on you. Just kidding about the sexier part. Kind of.
My younger sister, Ali, she's the shuffle. Itty bitty and oh so pretty. No fluff here, not even room for a display, just pure cuteness wrapped in the smallest package you ever did see.

It's as if the succession of iPods was modeled after the succession of my family. Strange. These thoughts all stemmed from a discussion with my sister about why we love the fit of teen shopping lines. Even more strange. But the connection here should be obvious. We're fun size. That's what some people call us. Just as good as the original candy bar, only smaller. Mmmm...snickers.

I'm Not Horsin' Around

You can do it! Go! Fight! Win! Go Colts Go!

UPDATE: Yeaaaa Colts! Hurrah Rah Rah! After their playoff game against the NE Patriots, which had Grant screaming and pounding his fists, and me jumping around doing cheers to help them win, it would have been extremely disappointing had our efforts gone to waste. It was a well deserved win. Good game!

Auf Wiedersehen

Bad news. Big time. Today, on the infamous Page Six, and in a personal memo, it was revealed that Tim Gunn, Parsons Chair, and Project Runway personality extraordinaire announced his departure from Parsons. He's got a pretty sweet new gig at Liz Claiborne. Given the choice of Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne (which owns literally every mainstream brand out there) and Heidi Klums annoying laugh, I don't think it was a hard decision.

Could this be the reason he hasn't committed to the next season of Project Runway yet? Methinks so.I sure hope PR can save itself from itself, when he doesn't return. With Nina Garcia's snottiness, Michael Kors supreme boredom, and Heidi Klum's high-pitched 'auf wiedersehen', Tim was the best thing about that show. Wonder how they're gonna 'make it work' now.

UPDATE: I stand happily corrected. Looks like he's gonna make it work!

Octopoda Equals Success

New Years Resolution: Be Bold: Last night I had Octopus, prepared in traditional Greek style. Result: Not bad. Thoughts: Similar to lobster. Though I wouldn't recommend making an entire meal out of it. Our waiter told us it was 'simply amazing.' I wouldn't go that far. But I'm glad I tried it. Made me feel good about all the other resolutions for the new year that have already fallen to the wayside.

Let's see...

Resolution: NASCAR Race: Still workin' on it. Result: So so. Not resolved, but not unresolved.

Resolution: Stay in touch: Definitely taken initiative here. Result: Feel great. And connected.

Resolution: Write a Cookbook: Haven't even thought about it. Result: Crap.

Resolution: Buy less clothing/Return what I won't wear: I've bought 4 new items and returned 2 so far. Result: Even Steven...almost.

Resolution: Travel some more: I've been home 1 weekend so far this year. Result: Hooray!

Resolution: Bring Miss Famous to the Big Apple: Don't even get me started. Result: Tears.

Resolution: Take the GMAT: Huh? The What? Result: Shucks.

Resolution: Go to the gym more: Went the first week. Saw all the newbies. Never returned. Result: Increasingly out of shape.

Bulls Eye

Look closely. Read between the lines. Do you see those words ---SHOP THE COLLECTION EARLY---finally some (more) benefits to living in New York (this time of year). Sale starts tomorrow here. If some of you hurry, you can still make it!

Update: You can shop right now on the worldwideweb. I'd wait though, cuz it's definitely not the whole collection. But it sure does whet the (shopping) appetite.

Who Cut the Cheese?

Thanks to an invite from my sister, Lane, and her boyfriends aversion to cheese, last night I got to attend cheese class. Cheese 101 was held upstairs in the classroom at famed Murray's Cheese. Murray's knows cheese. They've got over 250 kinds of unique, delicious, aromatic cheese. They've also got 5 caves, for reals---earthy caves under the NY ground of their store---where they have young cheeses sent to them to age in their own caves, giving them that distinct Murray's flavor.

We sampled 6 different cheeses last night, accompanied by drinks, bread, nuts, and dried fruit. If you look at the plate pictured above, we started at 12 o'clock and moved clockwise. Perhaps I will share a bit of the wisdom I gained last night. You will notice that we started with lighter, softer cheeses and moved to deeper colored, harder cheeses. This was done purposely to entice the palate, but not overwhelm it.

Did you know that from 10 lbs. of milk, 1 lb. of cheese is made? Cheese making is therefore a labor-intensive work of love and science. Pretty much all cheese is made up of milk, salt, and a fermentation agent of either rennet or lactic acid. The difference in taste comes from the way each cheese maker cares for and ages his cheese.

You should always eat cheese from grass fed animals (cows, sheep, goats). It is better for the animal, better quality cheese, and better tasting. It has a more earthy, natural taste to it.

There are many different kinds of rind on cheeses. Some cheeses are purposely injected with bacteria to encourage mold growth. Others are waxed and sealed to stop the aging process before they are shipped for sale. A good rind, in a good cheese shop, should always feel a bit tacky to the touch. Also, you should ALWAYS eat (or at least try) the rind on a cheese (unless of course it is a wax rind). It is the most flavorful and power packed part of the cheese.

Mold on cheese (as in rind and blue cheese), is good mold. There is nothing to worry about when eating it. It is all good, clean, healthy mold. Some kinds are even health beneficial. However, this does not mean you should let mold grow on the cheese in your fridge and then eat it.

Also, milk, and therefore cheese, is at its best in the springtime. Animals naturally produce their most flavorful, enriched milk during this time of year. This is because springtime is a time when animals give birth and need to have the best nourishment for their young. In order to take advantage of this naturally occurring phenomenon, some farmers manipulate the light conditions on their farms to 'trick' the animals into thinking it is spring time. Others keep milk from spring and store it (freezing) for use later in the year, to allow them a year long income. But the purists only produce cheese for sale during the magic 3 months of the year when their cheese is at its best.

Well, when all was said and done, not only did we leave our plates empty and our tummies chock full of delicious cheeses, but our minds a bit enlightened as well. We resolved that the cheese case is no longer a daunting and overwhelming vehemoth, but a curio wanting to share its delicious (and stinky) abundance with us.

Jamie: 101

1. I'd rather have appetizers and desserts than dinner
2. I love a good cry 3. I'm a hopeless romantic
4. I'm most fearless when I'm with Grant
5. I want to wear big sunglasses everywhere I go
6. I love to look at myself in mirrors
7. I wash my hair once a week
8. My favorite thing to read is a trashy magazine
9. There are days when I truly believe I am the luckiest girl in the world
10. I love Audrey Hepburn
11. I've seen seasons 1 & 2 of The OC 6 times...each
12. I spend 20 minutes in front of my closet deciding what to wear
13. I hate working out but love looking good
14. I'm a perfectionist
15. I've got 3 sisters who are my best friends
16. I've got 3 best friends I love like sisters
17. I love junk food...munchies mix, chocolate chocolate donuts, sodas
18. My biggest fear is failure
19. I miss my dog Miss Famous so much, sometimes I cry
20. My favorite animal is a lightning bug
21. My average shower time is 40 minutes
22. My dream job is to be a reporter for the NASCAR circuit
23. I wish I could see the world thru rose-colored glasses
24. The best part of my day is when Grant comes home
25. I love to blast music and dance in front of the mirror...alone
26. Sometimes I cheer too
27. I live for dumb fun
28. I want Nicole Richie's closet
29. I make great salsa
30. I bake a killer chocolate chocolate bundt cake
31. I'm fascinated by home/kitchen appliances
32. I love pictures of myself
33. Lots of times I get along better with boys than girls
34. I like bridges
35. I'm not as girly as you might think
36. I never felt true security until I married Grant
37. I love girls trips
38. Great sauce = great meal.
39. I feel a connection with/love water---lakes, pools, hot tubs, streams, ocean, waterfalls
40. Party dresses make me feel special
41. I love swimsuit shopping
42. I'm an expert suitcase packer
43. I love to play dress-up
44. I like to take tests...they make me feel smart
45. I'm impatient 46. I'm demanding
47. I like to take movie lines and make them my own
48. I'm a spelling whiz
49. I can forever remember all the words to a song after only hearing it once
50. My closet is color-coded
51. I always carry a purse inside my purse
52. I don't mind being short, but wish I didn't have to alter everything
53. I love the way I feel when I'm swimming
54. I love to watch Grant walk across a room
55. I get intimidated easily
56. My closest friends call me Jamie Anne
57. I never really know what I want
58. I always carry cash
59. I enjoy regular shopping but love discount shopping---outlets, cheap & trashy, sample sales
60. Brunch is my favorite meal
61. I can never decide between sweet and savory
62. I love pillow talk
63. I know I'm capable, but sometimes I'm unsure of myself
64. I like train rides
65. I want to be a jet-setter, constantly traveling...in style (preferaby in first class, too)
66. I think peanut butter makes most things taste better
67. I get mistaken for Asian/Spanish ALOT
68. I like pop-ish art
69. When I find something I really love, I think of who else might want it too
70. I drink the 'sick mix', 1/2 diet coke, 1/2 dr. pepper, with a lime
71. I like being snowed in
72. I'm loyal 73. I'm loud 74. I'm little
75. I like sleepovers
76. My husband and I have a secret sign
77. I sometimes say things I don't mean, and immediately regret it
78. I want an english garden
79. I moved across the country for true love
80. I love the smell of fresh lemons...that says lemons
81. Though I love it, I don't think I'll live in Utah again
82. I make my bed every morning
83. I want to have my own show on the Food Network
84. I'm an invitation snob
85. I love sports...not playing, strictly watching
86. I'm a good citizen...just ask my husband
87. I'm a sucker for anything with a monogram on it
88. My back hurts...an old cheerleading injury
89. I really like cars, I go to auto shows and watch car auctions on TV
90. I'm double-jointed
91. I like manicured/fake nails
92. I take on too much...I have a hard time saying no
93. I went to 5 different elementary schools
94. Sometimes my brain moves so quickly, I can't hardly keep up with it. I also have a hard time falling asleep because of it.
95. I go thru McD's drive thru and only get a large Hi-C orange.
96. I've never really liked my name
97. I want to be an old lady with a colorful gem/jewelry collection
98. I get worried when things start to wear out
99. I don't like going to concerts
100. I wish I could wear wigs
101. If I were a Crayola, I'd be yellow yellow...to brighten things up a bit.

NY Minute

Last night on the 2 train, I'm pretty sure I met my Asian twin. Sitting directly across from me, she was just as diminutive and petite as I am. Her hair was long and dark, with sideswept bangs like mine. She had on green shoes and jeans, as did I. She was wearing the exact same sleeping bag coat as mine...I mean exact same one (long, black, quilted, coyote fur and velvet lined hood, belted at the waist, Laundry by Shelli Segal), not just similar. For the frosting on the cake, she had on a wedding ring that was dang near identical to mine. In the words of Seth Cohen, "I didn't know whether to be honored, or deeply disturbed by it."

Christmas Chronicle

Just thought I should take down my little Christmas wish list that's been up for a while, and check things off. That way, I will always remember what a splendiferous year it was.

Home for the Holidays ---- we got 7 whirlwind days filled with family, friends, food, and photos.
Camera Phone ---- oh well, I guess you can't win them all.
Miss Famous ---- I guess I should have included the Babygirl in the first one. True Bliss!
The Nutcracker Ballet ---- I got to go to the NY Ballet this year, and it did not disappoint.
Ice Skating ---- So much fun, I think we might make it a yearly tradition.
Sleeping Bag Coat ---- This is more about survival than fashion, but I lalalalove mine.
Iced Sugar Cookies ---- Didn't have time to make 'em, but you bet I bought some. And some chocolate covered raspberries too. Hey, it was the Holidays!

I loved Christmas, just as I love all Holidays.

R.I.P.

This is quite possibly the saddest day of the year. And I DO realize the year has just begun, but it doesn't change anything. Even if it was December, I would feel the same. I have tears in my eyes and a sniffle in my nose. I CANNOT. Believe. IT. The OC has been cancelled. I just read the official statement from Fox and tears welled in my eyes. How can I possibly say goodbye to Sandy & Kiki, Juju, Ryan, Seth, and Summer. They have been among my finest friends for the last 4 years. My reason for watching TV, albeit owning one. I feel as though we've just gotten to know each other quite well, and now we have to say goodbye. Sad. So sad.

It's like a funeral planned in advance. February 22nd. D Day. Dead day.
One can only speculate what the future will bring. Nothing better, I presume.

On a final note, I can only say I told you so. To Fox. To Josh Schwartz, creator of The OC. To everyone who thought Marisa was annoying and only talented at saying "Whatever..." and exiting the scene. I have cried about her death in every single episode this season. And I am not afraid to admit it, so long as it in small print. Makes it seem less absurd. It was inevitable that if Marisa died, the show would too suffer, it's own untimely death.

May it R.I.P. Rest. In. Pretty (people living the dream).

And may I, L.I.D. Live. In. Dvd's. At least I have all the seasons on DVD now, thanks to my brother in law.
Fare thee well, sweet friend. Fare well.