Sam Cookin' up a delicious pizza.

Dear 27,
Before I share my newest additions to the MacGuyver Style cookbook I know all you readers are compiling, a little list of music to go all culinary on. Every kitchen needs a good playlist, an apron, a cast iron skillet and a wooden spoon.
(Visit Joanne at Kitchen Collage. She'll assist you with the proper tools and an appropriately frilly apron.)

Check out the finished product.

A very detailed egg recipe.

One more recipe will be up this week-- a macguyvered up pizza, where I actually had to adhere to a recipe for the most part. I'll get the details for Sara's favorite crust and get back to you.

Here's a few action shots from the Sunday pizza fest.

Photo credit: Sara Springer + Liberty School

Now get cooke-in.

xo-LP

The view from the 86th floor.

Dear 27,

After 5 days in Los Angeles and a quick stop in Minneapolis, I flew off to NYC to meet my mother and explore the city that never sleeps. (And by the time I got there, I felt like I too had never slept. That's a lot of miles in a week. Also, LaGuardia Airport is one of the least wonderful places I've ever been. And that's being polite.)

NYC was pretty spectacular. I must admit, embarrassingly, most of what I know about the city (and it's uptowns, midtowns, downtowns, and upper east sides) is from Gossip Girl, repeat watchings of Sex and the City and weekly visits to NYMag. The city is all hustle and bustle. Just like Carrie Bradshaw would say I'm sure. (yes. that is embarrassing.)

We camped out at the MAve where the "lobby" was red and the room was about 225 sq feet. There was a photo in the room that looked oddly like Lindsay Lohan (post-Parent Trap, but pre-prison) and our view was a breathtaking look at the building next door-- but it was perfect.

A visit to the Union Square Market and my Manhattan in Manhattan with the Allsteel crew at the beautiful Flatiron Lounge (in addition to a blackberry mint julep type bourbon drink that was delicious) and I was nearly ready to call it a night. Three time zones, one week, wow, I was sleepy.

Day 2 in the big apple held a visit to MoMA and a picture of me with Frida Kahlo. Of course. (Bummed I missed the upcoming Abstract Expressionism exhibit, but it was so cool to see pieces I studied in college LIVE. This trip to MoMA also confirmed the fact that I am not a big Matisse fan. I feel a little like less of an Art lover, but I'm just not that into him. Craig Adcock, Modern Art Professor at the University of Iowa, I agree with you. Art inspired by the master Matisse is much better than the man himself. Although you never said this explicitly, I know you meant it.) Then there was lunch with Raisa, the bartenderess/musical theater actress from Shakopee, MN at The House.


Finally, the main event (this is about the time of night tornadoes were hitting Brooklyn) with Designer Pages NY + Allsteel + Rich, Brilliant, Willing + Ms. Dubbeldam.

I had so much fun with Erin and Nicole and meeting the kind Midwesterners from Designer Pages. Thanks (Mary Palmer) for a terrific NYC evening!

Day 3 in NYC was full. Mom and I had a whole day ahead of us that included:

- A Matt Lauer sighting.
- Breakfast at Rockefeller Center.
- A Sandy Cohen sighting as he filmed something in Central Park. (His eyebrows were sweating.)
- Many photos taken of myself in Central Park. (Many people staring at me with troubled looks as I took pictures of myself in Central Park.)
- Making friends with Igor at the Russian Tea Room where everything is red and beers cost $14.
- Touring the Garment District just to see Mood fabrics and doing Tim Gunn impressions at Stitch.

- We wandered over to the Empire State Building, had a classic cocktail at the Empire Room where Sedrick from Alabama served us some complimentary popcorn. I think it was the combination of truffle laced popcorn and moscow mules that fueled our need to see NYC from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building-- it truly took my breath away.

- And finally, we ended up at 230 Fifth, a rooftop bar in Manhattan that was a happenin place. We met the Kirby family-- our English soulmates. Hi Mary, Cate and Tracey!

Thanks so much Mom. 

The NYC adventure (which is now crossed off the list) was waaay more fun with you.

(yes. Super long post. Expect 3 MacGuyver recipes this week. Proof I wore an apron and made dough, plus news of raising some dough too.)

xo-LP

The big apple.

Dear 27,
Full recap to come but here's a few of my favorite pics from the 3 day trip to NYC.

xo-LP

I'm a terrible pretend waitress.

Dear 27,
Minnesota was great fun, as expected. Found a photo booth at the Lyndale Tap House and headed back to Cooper for a night cap.

Tried scotch (sorry Mom, guess I'm that girl who sips scotch. who knew) and thought it delicious.

And waited on a table. Poorly. While wearing what was dubbed a "matronly" outfit. Good thing I had my "mr. rogers" neon yellow sweater to draw attention away from my lack of menu knowledge. I'm not really sure why or how that came about. But I served drinks, brought (and then promptly took away) menus and described a mustard "so hot it might burn a hole in your nose." I should probably stick to what I know.
Farewell Minnesota. And farewell future career in the service industry.

Back home for about 18 hours. NYC in the morning. Terribly excited.
xo-LP

You're full of masculine charm.

Dear 27,
A mini-stop in Minnesota. A lovely evening in Wayzata.

Then a stop at Cooper. (Thanks for the super service Reba. You're a delight.)

And the return of the 1 and -1. Still bizarre.

I stumbled on 8tracks and hope to be able to post music successfully and without coding error (I really don't know what blogger jargon I just used, but it sounded cool.)

In other news, I just can't get enough Rob Sheffield. His new book is high on my to-read list and you have to read Love is a Mixtape (it's heartbreakingly brilliant. the way he speaks of music, and love, and bourbon is perfect. I'll even loan you my copy with all the highlighted parts. because nothing connects to the moment like music, right friend?)

I better get to reading. And to work. And to packing. NYC trip begins on Wednesday.

And Des Moines. I miss you.
xo-LP

Can you tell me how to get. How to get to.

Dear 27,
My Tuesday to Sunday CA trek ended with a 4:30am drive to LAX. Now I'm in Minneapolis, testing the limits of my seemingly boundless energy. I'm running on hope and bourbon...or something like that Ashley.
A little California recap of the highlights. Complete with photos. Of course.
- The Armenian Apostolic Church had their dignitaries at my hotel. A small fleet of Maybachs sat outside the Hilton and the pope-like figure of the Armenian Church was in town, kickin' it with LP.
- Not only was the church in town, but the World Cyber Game Championships (described to me by a gaggle of 20 year old awkward boys from Arizona, New York and New Jersey as the "video game Olympics, man") was also being hosted by the ever-accommodating Hilton.

Santa Monica Farmers Market

- Went to Santa Monica on Saturday to meet up with Becca + Laura at Barney's Beanery, the local haunt for Hawkeyes.  We met fellow fans, caught up on life and celebrated a big time Iowa win!

- Then the MAIN EVENT at the Hollywood Bowl. I met up with about 20 DU alumni and we dined and wined and headed over to listen to Pink Martini. What a weird night of musical guests. Ari Shapiro (yes. Of NPR news. He was a dream boat in a impeccably fitted suit), 82-year-old Jane Powell, the vocally incomparable Rufus Wainwright, the human cast of Sesame Street (yes. that's true. They sang "C is for Cookie" and "Rubber Ducky" and it was very odd) and Kim Hastreiter of Paper magazine on the triangle. And then. There were fireworks.

Now I'm in Minneapolis. An evening on a lake. (I'm not sure what lake it was. We are in the land of 10,000)
More of that tomorrow.
Sweet dreams.
xo-LP

Paparazzi at the Jonathan Club.

Dear 27, 

Wish you were here.
xo-LP

Travel Bender.

Dear 27,
Part one of the 12 days of travel takes me to not-so-sunny California. Many a tune has been penned in her honor. I think I sing at least 5 of them on plane rides out here or while stuck in the traffic. I'd try to post them for you but STILL can't seem to get a playlist to cooperate.

(At least my 1am hotel arrival and dreary day one didn't offer much sun, especially after a few unforeseen and nonawesome plan changes. California, however, redeemed itself today.) Finally finished another book. Thanks Jen for sending me what has proved to be a new favorite. Have written postcards, thank you notes, and too many emails to count with my second unexpected free afternoon. Might have even managed a sunburn. 

A few more sun drenched days ahead.
Until then,
xo-LP

The end of summer.

Dear 27,

Labor day was anything but laborious. I ate too much, drank Makers and spent lots of time doing anything but preparing for my big two week travel adventure. Here's the recap.

- I documented 2 days of egg breakfasts. That's right. EGGS. Forget the recall, my health and the fact that mice, decay and other disgusting things were found among the incredible, edible. I made Eggs + everything in Laura's kitchen. And ate heartily. Without getting poisoned.

 - I spent hours with the crafty ladies of Ephemera and attended the opening of the Vanimal's show, "People of the Snakes." You should go down and check it out, in fact-- get a limited run print for only $10 and support my friend and talented artist. (While you're there by a $10 Desired Awning bag to help Arin and Karen put up that darling red awning.)

-BONUS: they've sold 61 of my postcards since March. I think I'm well on my way to the 100 total goal on the list.
- Made manhattans. I'm not sure I can say I made a good tasting one, but it was surely a start. Thanks MD, CK and CP for bearing with me and drinking my less than perfect round one. (Side note: Sweet vermouth tastes like a strange savory saucy thing. Not delicious on it's own.)

 - Started yet another roll of film.
- Saw the famed Marilyn scene in The Seven Year Itch.
- Discovered my goodwill-purchased-polaroid-camera has film in it!
- Went to a big-time family BBQ (thank you Sara) with slow-smoked brisket, fish that was caught-cleaned-battered-fried by a couple I chatted with, sighted a Bieber look-a-like and had arguably the greatest carrot cake of all time.

 - Watched Hot Tub Time Machine. I laughed. There. I said it.
- TIE DYED. Both my hands and some scarves.

Whew. That was exhausting to type. LA now.
(For those of you playing along at home. "Where in the World is Laura Palmer" I'm Universal City bound.)
xo-LP

Too much fun for just one post.

Dear 27,

You read that right. Too much fun for just one post. Plus too much to do before heading out on a coast to coast 12 day travel bender. Lots of food and friends and fun and list items were crossed off this weekend.

There was fried fish, manhattans made with a shaker, midday drinks, dyed fingertips and a birthday. More detail to come. Many more.
xo-LP

PS. I'm crossing another BIG list item off next week-- heading to NYC! Where should I go? What MUST I see?

Google analytics is like reverse stalking.

Dear 27,

BIG holiday weekend planned with many an item from the list on the agenda.
Probably will have THIS much fun.

(Check out La Photo Cabine to take your own photobooth pics.)
Don't worry-- I'll keep you posted on what's accomplished.
And-- Hello Montana and Alabama. With Google Analytics I can see where people log in to read my blog. Yes. Reverse stalking.
Wishing you a super holiday weekend.
xo-LP

A killer rhythm section indeed.

Dear 27,
Big night for the blog. Not only did Sara offer many new and exciting suggestions (including an idea we hatched where you 8 readers can submit "dear LP" challenges to add to the big list. I like it. Submit away) but I hosted dinner for 3.

We documented the chicken + grapes + shallots + thyme + my super cool waist apron (thanks Mom) and the first time I've ever used the baster in my kitchen drawer. Dinner was as delightful as the company.
And then...

Blues on Grand. (After a brief stop at Carls. Where there was a surprise run-in. And beer out of a can.) 

I can't believe a place like this is closing. Although the crowd was sparse the Bob Pace Band rocked our little crowd of 6 impressing us with guitar playing skills like I'd never seen. Seriously. At one point there was guitar playing with a pint glass-o-beer. And the same guitar-skilled man was on a table plucking the strings. (I don't know much music jargon. Forgive me.) It is the one night I didn't pack a sharpie in my bag...of course. So I'll have to head back to BoG to tag the bathroom wall before they close for good.

*Disclaimer: The next featured photo includes offensive language, ill-fitting tank tops, and no, I did not get to take it home.*

The night ended after pitchers, lots of laughing and even more impressive guitar playing. But not before I was challenged to wear the shirt featured below. Which was being worn by 58 year old Chris. (She got it at a tattoo shop. It's an iron on. She knows it doesn't exactly fit her, but it has sentimental value. She decided to pair it with a long denim skirt and attitude. Lethal combo. She also offered to "kick the ass" of anyone who made fun of me. And wore my shirt. That had a bow on it. Which she both hated and enjoyed.) Yes. I wore that. For about 15 minutes. Long enough for Derek, Mark (somehow not pictured. sorry about that Mark) and Josh to laugh, take pictures and stare on in disbelief. 

I'd say it was a pretty weird and wonderful Tuesday.
Thanks S, A, T, J and D for a night even Chip Eagle would say was his favorite.
xo-LP

Negatives.

Dear 27,
So much to report today that this post may explode. Either that or my 6 faithful readers (yep. the number has increased) will get bored mid-post because they are on LP+blogger overload.
So here's a list:

1- At family dinner Sunday I completed list item #2 with the camera. So I didn't exactly load the film right, and I annoyed the dinner guests with my snapping, but it was fun and the results are strange and awesome. And I have negatives. Which is a positive. (I need to finally hook up the scanner...better pics of the pics to come.)

2- Added another new spot in Des Moines to my list yesterday. Thanks for to the reformed cheerleader Laura (+ 3 other names) for meeting me for a long overdue lunch at the delicious Bagni di Lucca.

3- Drew up another Macguyver recipe. Prepare to be underwhelmed. (and to not see it until I finish it.)

4- So much travel in the next two weeks my head is spinning. Here's some music for the road.


5- Another DSM adventure tonight. Should make for a fun recap tomorrow.

Any of you have suggestions for a new playlist tool?
xo-LP

I don't dance like you guys.

Dear 27,
What a weekend. My first dinner at Proof that proofed (ha) to be even better, if you can imagine, than their luncheon fare. A visit from half the family.

Another Jane original quote that had us all laughing. Fauxgria courtesy of these guys. Dancing to Faculty Lounge at Ingersoll Live.

Dinner at the incredible Baru 66 for the close of restaurant week.
A living room remodel. The start of #2 on the big list.

Whew.
xo-LP

It's the Freakin' Weekend Baby.

Dear 27,
I simply cannot believe it's August 27th.
Summer went by in the blink of an eye and suddenly it's Fall. The weather, the smell, the late rise of the sun in the morning (I've actually been up to the know this is true nearly everyday this week).
It feels like football, and Iowa City, and porch card games.
Looking forward to what's to come in September. I've hatched many an adventure for the 30 day month... stay tuned. I would fully expect my excitement to match this face from Christmas, 1987.

Thank you R.Kelly for your rap brilliance (I, too, don't see nothin' wrong), and Poladroid for causing sleep deprivation because your "make-your-pics-into-polaroids" tool is so much damn fun.
xo-LP

Over the Moon.

Dear 27,
In an effort to knock out #4 I've been doing a little research.

Ugo Rondinone (Swiss mixed media artist) and his 3 works first greet you at the entrance to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. While Ugo tried his hand at many ways of art creation, here in Des Moines we admire 3 of his sculptural works right off Grand Avenue. The two goofy heads are part of a series of twelve called "Moonrise" created by Ugo honoring/mimicking/channeling/representing fully the 12 phases/faces of the moon/months of the year.

Ugo crafted these moon faces (about 9-10 feet tall I'd say. Taller than 1.5 of me. That's for sure) first out of clay, then cast them in aluminum. You can see from this photo the smooshy (yes. technical art term) hand marks left from the sculpted clay. In an effort to follow the rules set forth by Jeff Fleming, I resisted the urge to touch the finger marks on the big moon faces.
From what I read, Ugo was pretty into the moon (as well as themes of fantasy and desire.) The two sculptures featured here in Des Moines are called: "MOONRISE.east.january" and "MOONRISE.east.august."

The other Ugo Rondinone (I'm still working on pronouncing his name. I've got the Ugo down, but the surname needs some practice) stands next to the moon faces, stark white against the neighboring green trees. "air gets into everything even nothing" is another sculpture of aluminum, cast from a 2,000 year old olive tree near Naples, Italy, which I learned in the hometown of Ugo's parents. It's truly lovely, but a little be eerie. The idea that a 2,000 year old tree, with such deep rooted (pun intended) history elsewhere is now placed as an enamel coated rootless, leafless object among the trees here in Des Moines is troubling and profound.

(Art critics say things like "profound" when describing art. I'd also say it's a juxtaposition between the tree's beginning and aged life in Italy and it's cold, ashen existence among the living in Iowa. Or something like that. Where's Sinclair when you need him, right Jen?)

Looks like I'm well on my way to giving a pretty serious tour.
Thank you Art major. I knew you'd come in handy (that and google skills.)

Still hoping to see a few new spots in Des Moines before August ends...any gems I'm missing out on?
xo-LP

Back to School.

Dear 27,
It's the first day of classes here on campus.
The air is clouded with anticipation, there's the appropriate amount of dew on the grass, the rush of a new year and the smell of new pencils and books and papers. (I love that part.) And this year, most of the bitty freshman were born after 1992. Weird.
After a weekend of wild and crazy bacheloretteness (Thanks Annie!), as well as the outfit shown below that was praised by a man wearing a sequin/beaded vest much like what a modern day Aladdin would wear, I'm beat.

 

Playlist.com and I have officially broken up. I'm looking for a new musical boyfriend, but until then, a list:
1- "We Rule the School" Belle and Sebastian
2- "Boy From School" Grizzly Bear (a Hot Chip cover)
3- "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" Simon and Garfunkel
4- "Back to School" Of Montreal (Royal Trux cover)
5- "New Kid in School" The Donnas
6- "San Dimas High School Football Rules" The Ataris

Happy Monday friends.
xo-LP

Caprese, Baby.

Dear 27,
For MacGuyver Volume 2 I give you what should be a lunch.

Yes. I am totally proud of that picture. And the fact that my counter looks clean. (I may or may not have channeled a Top Chef scene to remind me to wipe the plate so it looks lovely.)

Might have a couple BONUS meals to add this week. 

And check out the list for updates on what I'm crossin' off. Looking to watch my next "classic" movie this week. I will be accepting recommendations. Go.

xo-LP

You've been waiting for a cool year since the 4th grade.

Dear 27,

On a whim my pal Jenni and I hopped in the Focus (with my first McDonald's cheeseburger in nearly 5 years) and headed east to Iowa City for a night of "divorce rock" and adventure.

The Mill is one awesome venue. Can't believe after four years of milling about (ha) Iowa City I never managed to catch a live show there. (In fact I believe the only time I was at the Mill was for a Telefund pre-bar-crawl pizza party and Kath snuck beers in her back-pack purse.) 

We arrived just in time to hear Rosi Golan finish up her set. My dear friend was right-- "she was amazing." (Thanks for letting me borrow some of your words.) Her voice was fluid...as Jenni said, every word she sang was "soul soaked." She looked so calm on stage and her voice flowed with the same grace and ease.

And then she came back out for a song with William Fitzsimmons (during his set) that is equally amazing. I caught a bit of that on film:

(If you want to listen to the whole track-- buy Rosi's album or check it out here.)

Then William Fitzsimmons came out.  Just he, a few guitars, and another guitar player (Joe. He tried to get Joe dates several times in his set. After witnessing Joe’s guitar skills I’m sure it worked.)  He has shaved off all his hair but kept his beard, so he looked like a total freak show.  

He opened his set and spoke to the crowd “How’s everyone doing tonight?” The question was met with cheers and he quipped “Well your night’s about to get a lot worse,” referencing his album “The Sparrow and The Crow.”
It was an intimate set of painful songs about Mr. Fitzsimmon's divorce and his guitar sang along with him (I was not expecting that to be so impressive.) He spoke in a low deep voice which stood in such strong contrast to his music—which sounded like he was simply breathing the lyrics. A definite highlight of the night was hearing Mr. Fitzsimmons cover Iron and Wine. (And yes. I agree with him. His beard is f-in cooler.) Just a really, really cool guy.

After the show and snacks, we explored the ped mall, ran into 2 people I knew and sat at the bar at Bo James while Jenni enjoyed a Big Beer on "Country Night" and responsible-Laura enjoyed the scenery. (Seriously. Cute boys are sprouting up like polo-shirted weeds in Iowa City. I bet Kate has about 23 boyfriends already.)

Thanks for joining me on-a-whim-Wednesday Jenni! You're the best.
And Shane-- I told you I would.
xo-LP

My girl Monday.

Dear 27,
All girly jams sung about boys.

**Well Playlist.com and I are having some relationship issues. I tried 4-18 times to get this playlist to show up in time for Monday...but it didn't work. So I drew it. Google the songs to experience audial delight.  (ps- I googled audial. Real word.) Happy belated Musical Monday.***



(One to get you started. Plus the video is neat.)

Here's to a week of focus. Or something like that.

**and another update. This week has been far from focused.***
xo-LP