I planted a new tag tree!

I am happy over the response that my blog has received since the last year.   It started out as a fan site to the King of Prussia Mall before it branched into a wide variety of topics from style and wellness to recipes.  The amount of topics was interesting for viewers but my tag tree is branching out like there’s no tomorrow over to the right.

As Peace, Joy,  Style is about to turn one this year, I believe it’s time to reinstate some order.  I  cleaned  up  my  tag  tree.  Most of the blog will remain the same, but I created a posting schedule based on when I’ll post what topic on each day.

The posting schedule follows below:

Monday: Monday of Zen.

Tuesday: Style.

Wednesday: Recipes.

Thursday:  Wellness.

Friday: TGIF – Shopping Report.

Do tell me what you think!

Television Appreciation Day. Part 2.

February 7th was television appreciation day. If it weren’t for the actual Super Bowl, the majority of society found mild fascination in the commercials. I was never a fan of football or commercials. Baseball is my thing and there’s only fifty-three more days to go until opening day. Fortunately, when I arrived home, I found something on television that even I could appreciate.

Yes, Titanic! It was long. It was dramatic. But, I own this movie and it kind of is collecting dust. But then again, I own the VHS (remember those?) and will only catch it when it comes on TBS every now and then. I, unlike some people, will never get tired of this film. I think a lot of people underestimate the core dynamics of it.

The more I watch this movie, the more I wish I could take a sociology class again. I think Titanic serves as a solid sociology lesson by means of prejudice, social hierarchy, as well as Charles Darwin’s theory of “survival of the fittest” and how it compares and contrasts to the twenty-first century today. I would do a compare and contrast paper on how these examples in the film agree and disagree. It is also a coming of age story. Everyone boards this grand voyage to America. It’s a different story between the social classes. Some are sailing for luxury. Some are sailing for prosperity in the new land. And most of them (the immigrants) are sailing for opportunity.

I always feel bad for the immigrants every time I watch part two of this movie. It’s how they are treated. Most of those immigrants were like our ancestors in the old country. They were fighting their whole lives for a better life and it pains me to watch someone plunge to their death without any hope of reconciliation or a chance of opportunity. But, the crew treated them like cattle instead.

The other emotional moment in the movie for me was watching the families who chose to go down with the ship. I’m not referring to the immigrants who were trying to get a boat, but the families who were still in their cabins and the eldery couple who held each other. Why wouldn’t they not at least try for a life boat? Hypothetically, what would you do? Would you fight for a boat, stay in your cabin, or act like the eldery man and go down proudly in your Sunday Best (after your last brandy, of course)? This is where Darwin’s theory of “survival of the fittest” comes into play.

Here’s what I would do if I were a passenger on Titanic that night. It’s a no-brainer to fight for a life boat. Half of the people on the ship for sailing in hopes of a better life. However, I could understand why some people wanted to stay behind. Perhaps it was pride. After all, what if those passengers were right? Why bother fighting when the ship’s crew didn’t have a plan to handle emergency situations? After all, why does an “Unsinkable ship” need an emergency plan? Why not? If you don’t have a plan, what is the result? Chaos. And that’s what happened in part two.

Forgive me, but I like to over-analyze a good film. I’m fascinated by thought-provoking documentaries and exploring the core dynamics of mainstream films. I apologize for how long this entry is so I’ll stop now. The problem with over-analyzing movies is that one tends to overlook the beauty, the magic, and the romance that captures our heartstrings once again. It’s not the drama that makes me watch it over and over again. But, it’s the romance that reminds me that despite how cruel some people have come to be in this world, love is all you need.

And finally, a video of my second favorite scene in the film. Enjoy!

Television Appreciation Day. Part 1

If it wasn’t for the Super Bowl yesterday, the majority of society looks forward to the commercials. I’m not a big football fan period, but I will say that I thought Google’s commercial for Parisian Love was a brief take on a modern day romance.

Au cute! (Okay, so that’s my attempt at sounding French. Not.)

What was your favorite Super Bowl commercial this year?

TGIF – Now Let’s Shop!

Photo Credit: Bloomingdale’s

The world won’t stop talking about Uggs.  They aren’t just talking – but raving about how comfortable and toasty they are.  The boots have a sheepskin lining to draw moisture out and keep you high, dry, and toasty while the rubber sole and suede heel provides durability.  And if you’re not a fan of the Ugg Classics, fear not for there’s many styles like these stylish Ugg Cardy Boots to choose from.  I think Ugg has crossed over from fad to go-to classic. It’s the closest thing you’re going to get to walking on a cloud.

Ugg Cardy Boot, Bloomingdale’s. $140

How to Keep Your NY Resolutions: Be More Optimistic.

Photo Credit: Savage Chickens

For every company, every club, every social circle, there is one optimist.  Some people may consider those people crazy, but I can assure you that if you’ve ever been called an optimist, you’re not anything more than wise.  Optimists tend to see the glass half full in situations where most people find themselves dubious.  They thrive on hope because either they’ve experienced it before or they know, deep down, that they are going to be okay.

Optimism is an important impersonal skill to practice before you commit yourself to your goals. At first, your goals are going to seem challenging. You might not think that you’re capable, but you have to believe that you are capable of better things and of becoming a better person than yesterday. This is being optimistic.  Everyone, from employers to people looking for relationships, value optimistic co-workers and partners because they know that most optimists are hard workers and will pull through despite the situation.

If you don’t see yourself as the optimistic type, fear not.  Self doubt is a very human emotion. It means that you know your limits and prefer to remain in your comfort zone. This is okay for awhile, but self-doubt can also make you feel lonely. Have you ever felt lonely and miserable because you suffer from this crisis of confidence, and you wish you can be more optimistic?   Being optimistic isn’t impossible.  It isn’t just for happy people.  I can guarantee happy people doubts themselves now and then too.

Here’s the bad news:  You can’t rid yourself of self-doubt entirely, but you can choose more optimistic options in your life that can put you on the path towards a more happier and fulfilling life.

• Check your iPod – The type of music that we choose to listen to depicts how we really feel about ourselves and the world.  Sometimes, it’s very possible that some bands and singers will speak through us. Regardless of that effect, make an effort to download at least three new optimistic songs onto your iPod each week.  Find songs with peppy underlying messages about life.  Otherwise, I recommend blissful meditational tracks (Enya is really good!)
• Go back in order to move forward – Self-doubt is often plagued by our insecurities.  Have you ever found yourself passing off a sarcastic remark in response to an optimist’s positive one?   Make a note of times in the past that you doubted yourself, but ended up coming through with flying colors. Knowledge and recognition will help bolster your courage to give you the confidence to not give up.
• Who is your cheerleader? Build up healthy relationships with family and friends so they can support you in your efforts.  Keep them updated in your goals so you reach them.
• Pull the Plug on Sarcasm This is tricky, because sarcasm seems like it’s allover the media. Sometimes, it’s funny and you just can’t get enough of it. Everyone uses it so much that it just flows naturally.  But, the real truth is that sarcasm might be telling you to take a step back on your goals…if you let it.  There are times when you people (even your cheerleaders!) will start to doubt you, but the important thing to do is to believe in yourself when the chips are down. This is when you’ve started to branch off into optimism.
• Celebrate When a situation starts to turn better than you expected, it’s actually time to celebrate. You came a long way than you think. So, don’t be afraid to treat yourself. New shoes? cheesecake? a House marathon on tivo?   Never be afraid to indulge yourself for good behavior.

Happy Birthday, Norman Rockwell!

Little Spooners. Photo Credit: Norman Rockwell Museum Store

You know you made it when you become a “Google Doodle.”  And a great American painter like Norman Rockwell has come a long way.  He created over 4,000 original artworks.  Norman Rockwell is most famous for his contributions to the Saturday Evening Post with such famous paintings as “Little Spooners” and “Miss Jones.”

And in honor of Mr.Rockwell’s birthday today, Google has replaced it’s classic logo with one of Rockwell’s famous Saturday Evening Post covers as their “Google Doodle” on its homepage. “Little Spooners” was selected as the Google Doodle. For more than four decades, Norman Rockwell has painted images of idyllic small town American life that still hold a sentimental value with us today.

In honor of commemorating Norman Rockwell, the King of Prussia Mall is still housing the largest Norman Rockwell exhibit in the world. This 10,000 sq ft. interactive exhibit features a special collection of Norman Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post covers, illustrations, paintings, and sculptures.  Great for families and students on a rainy day!

Exhibit Information

The 10,000 sq ft. interactive exhibit is housed in the lower level of the Plaza.

Hours: Monday through Saturday 10am to 9pm and Sundays 11am to 6pm

Admission is $5.  Children 12 and under are free.

Hurry!  This exhibit will only be here for a limited time until March 14th!

Olive Oil Pound Cake.

Nowadays, who isn’t watching what they eat?   But, who says you have to give up birthday cake?   Birthday cake is the edible centerpiece of every birthday cake. Everyone deserves a birthday cake, but the catch is most birthday cakes are laden with so much butter.  As it was my birthday last week, I decided to whip up my first no-butter pound cake.

The thought of using no butter in a pound cake made me skeptic at first. What if it came out flat?  And I mean, does Coldstone have an emergency ice cream cake hotline if I had to go there?   But, I trusted myself with a recipe I recently found from Not Derby Pie blog.  I adorned it with my own fresh strawberries and some powdered sugar and served it with orange sherbert because I thought it would compliment the orange zest in the cake.

The results are marvelous.  It’s a surprisingly simple cake to make and it tastes light and delicious.   I’m sure that this is a recipe that I’ll pass on to my family and friends.

From my kitchen, where healthy can be hearty, to yours,

Vanessa

Recipe

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp kosher salt
2 cups sugar
1 cup flavorful extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp grated orange zest
5 large cold eggs
1 cup medium sherry

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a tube pan well. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and set aside. In another bowl, use a kitchen mixer or hand mixer to beat the sugar, oil, orange zest. Add the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is thick and pale. Beat just until blended.

Stop mixing entirely and add the sherry. Beat until just blended. Repeat with another 1/3 cup of the flour followed by the remaining sherry and than the remaining flour. Add candied kumquats now if you wish.

Scrape batter into tube pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Cool the cake. Slide a thin knife or spatula around the sides to release the cake. If using a bundt pan, tap one side of the pan against the counter to release the cake. Turn the preferred side up before cooling completely. This cake preserves well for up to three days at room temperature. Otherwise, you can freeze it for up to three months. Bon Appetit!

Would you Wear….Elizabeth and James?

Photo Credit: Olsen Twin News

I  was  watching  The  Parent  Trap the  other  day  with  Lindsay  Lohan  when  I  came  across  an  interesting  observation.  Do  you  remember  when  Hallie  visits  her  mother’s  boutique, Elizabeth James,  when  they  are  in  London?  This  reminds me  of the name of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s new fashion line: Elizabeth and James. It’s the second high fashion line from the Olsen Twin’s more menswear tailored line, The Row.

Aside from their Hollywood claim to fame, Mary-Kate and Ashley are also big fans of fashion. They have been getting in touch with the fashion industry as of late by creating two separate lines that can appeal to their fashion forward buyers. Ashley Olsen is the head designer of The Row which is tailored towards menswear.  Mary-Kate Olsen handles Elizabeth and James which is a contemporary sportswear line named after her siblings.

Elizabeth and James Crisscross dress, $295. ShopBop.

Longtime fans of Mary-Kate and Ashley may be familiar with their debut tween fashion line for Wal-Mart eons ago.  The prices were affordable, but most of the line was hit or miss.  But, you won’t be seeing The Row or Elizabeth and James at Wal-Mart anytime soon.  I think these two lines are a good chance for both girls to explore their imagination and showcase their diverse senses of style. Some of the pieces turn heads and have been becoming popular among girls across the nation.  Occasionally, Elizabeth and James pieces will go on sale on Shopbop.com, but most of these pieces do sell for a pretty penny.

Are you a younger fan of Mary-Kate and Ashley on a piggy bank budget? Fear not. The girls also plan to tailor a hip new young line called Olsenboye at select JCPenney stores.  Although the line seems mostly tween centered, I think it’s good that Mary-Kate and Ashley are trying to reach their diverse and point of view to every girl out there, regardless of her budget.

What do you think?

What do you think of The Row or Elizabeth and James? What is your favorite piece of clothing that you own from any of these lines?

TGIF – Let’s Shop!

Photo Credit: Google

Busy night at work?  Well, you still have to make dinner.  The least on your mind is preparing a three cheese lasagna which sounds more exhausting than it sounds appetizing. Before you can say Curb Side Take Out from your favorite restaurant, invest in a panini press. A panini is a grilled sandwich that originated in Italy. How you make your sandwich is up to you, but the general concept is that it’s quick and easy to make in a matter of moments.  It’s to your rescue.

Available at Williams-Sonoma

How to Keep Your NY Resolutions: Go to a Gym.

New Year’s Resolutions. Wait. Aren’t you a little late?  It’s almost February. Not quite.   It actually makes sense to start your New Year’s Resolution now because most people generally find themselves busier throughout January that they don’t actually have the time to calm down and settle until February. This is when I find it’s better to focus on your resolutions.

And yes,  people still totally keep resolutions. Yes.  After all, I would like to believe that deep down, everyone is an optimist.   But, New Year’s Resolutions can be a bit of a drag, I’ll admit.  New Year’s Resolutions are often discouraging because we expect so much out of ourselves.  And our failure to meet our demands wrinkles our nose more about the very thought of self-improvement each year.

I think New Year’s Resolutions are a bit of a drag because most of us lack preparation and aren’t organized. It’s enough to write out a to-do list, but sometimes, that can even sound exhausting.  Being alive and having the gift of life is one of the most perfect gifts that anyone could ask for.  If you could ask yourself one thing, ask yourself this: “What do I wish to be known for in my life? What can I do better this year?”

I’m beginning a series that will focus on some of the very common New Year’s Resolutions that I think people want to focus on the most.  But, I believe their failure to move forward is due to a lack of organization. The goal of my entries is to help you do just that!

Maybe your friends don’t think that you can do it. But, I can.   I know you can do it. I want to instill that confidence in you so you know you can do it.  Because when you know you can do it, this raises your self-esteem which helps you feel more confident and makes taking more risks sound like a cakewalk.  And as this is a style blog, you’ll still look stylish while doing it.

Going to the gym is one of the most classic New Year’s Resolutions to date.  It’s a classic because instilling better fitness in our lives helps us monitor our health and keeps us feeling good about ourselves.  Remember,  confidence starts with yourself before you can expect it from anyone else.

So,  you want to go to the gym. You made a goal and now it’s time to make it happen.

The first order of business is to find out where  you’re  going  to  work  out.  Best advice is to google gyms and wellness centers nearby your zip code.

Find out what gym works for you based on your needs.  Narrow it down and begin to express your interest about a trial membership.  The idea of a trial membership is that you don’t want to sign into anything immediately until you can find yourself comfortable and loving your new gym.

The best gyms are the one that the celebrities don’t work out at.   The best gyms can be known across the nation or they can be small and friendly like your neighborhood gym.  The best gyms are tailored to your needs. Find out why you want to go to the gym.  If your goals are to lose weight, you may like the experienced trainers at Curves who work with you from the get-go to help you reach those goals. If you like to be challenged and try new classes, be sure to scout out the aerobics classes. Spinning is a good one to try that will really strengthen your muscles and stamina.

Unless you’re like Becky Bloomwood, you might not have workout gear stashed away in your closet that you bought on impulse in a past life.  As most of us are style conscious, we know that the clothes we wear have a serious impact on our daily moods. This can change our attitudes about the gym alone.

My advice isn’t to worry about going all out right now.  Most people at the gym work out in a beater or an old shirt and a pair of cute sweats or shorts like the outfit above, anyway.  As you find yourself growing into your regimen, you’ll find yourself comparing what you like and what you don’t like. Some of us are runners, yogis, and some of us are swimmers.  Work it out accordingly and shop to find your perfect outfit from there.

Coming up next week in this series: NY Resolutions: How to be optimistic.