sarah said...
Dear Ask Rachel,
What is the best way to braid your own hair so that the braid doesn't disintegrate over the course of an evening leaving you with a hazy recollection of looking a little like a startled lion and forcing your friends, who are clearly older sisters of some experience, to rebraid it for you while you mumble at the table? Are there hair care products I could use? What about drinking less?
Dear Sarah:
First things first: drinking less is not the answer to your problem! Hydration is an essential component of healthy hair and skin.
Now that we have that out of the way, let's talk about solutions. A nice mousse or gel might give your hair some traction, which will help it stay braided.
You could braid your hair tighter, but if it's the romantic loose-braid look that you're going for, there are probably going to be some flyaways over the course of the evening, unless your stylist is Ken Paves.
Yeah, that's what you should do. Hire Ken Paves. Or just let your friend use you to play beauty shop in front of everyone you know. She sounds kind of desperate for attention, so you'd probably be doing her a favor. And after all, that's what friends are for!
Do you want to ask Rachel? Leave your questions in the comments.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Summer, and Rachel is Crazy
When I got hired to teach in another state for the summer, I thought, "Great. Now I won't go completely insane this summer, as I have for the last three."
Something about Tuscaloosa in the summer makes my brain come unscrewed. In '04, I adopted a sleeping schedule of 10am-4pm daily. I thought I was going insane, but nothing worked to get me on a more average schedule. In retrospect, I think, duh. Of course I was nocturnal. It was my first summer in Tuscaloosa. I also kept my apartment spotless at all times, probably because I had nothing else to do. I haven't gotten back to that standard since, and I probably only will if I win the lottery.
Another fond memory that seems to encapsulate summer in the Tusc: One day I was wearing some very uncomfortable heels. I was exhausted. I got out of my car and decided to walk barefoot, and that it would probably be uncomfortable to walk on the hot sidewalk. So I stepped into the grass that led to my apartment, only to feel the bottoms of my feet stung all over by--????--I had no idea. Whatever they were, they were stuck, and if I walked on the sidwalk, it would just hurt more. So I ran to my apartment, collecting more stingers in my feet with each step, and bolted inside so I could get off my feet. Apparently, those little white "flowers" on top of the grass are sharp and meant to be painful for anyone/thing who steps on them. Thus my aversion to walking barefoot in the South, specifically, at Hackberry Place.
Usually the insanity does not begin until late June/early July. But this summer it is here already (exhibit A: this blog); I suspect because I have to pack all my belongings, sell my old car, plan for a lengthy road trip, say goodbye to friends, and work on finding a long-term job all in the next 2.5 weeks.
On the plus side, my thesis was cleared by the graduate school. No corrections necessary! A reputable literary journal showed interest in publishing one of my stories if I am willing to do some editing (this is the closest I have ever come to publication) and I am looking at six boxes of newly-packed books. So there is progress despite the insanity.
Something about Tuscaloosa in the summer makes my brain come unscrewed. In '04, I adopted a sleeping schedule of 10am-4pm daily. I thought I was going insane, but nothing worked to get me on a more average schedule. In retrospect, I think, duh. Of course I was nocturnal. It was my first summer in Tuscaloosa. I also kept my apartment spotless at all times, probably because I had nothing else to do. I haven't gotten back to that standard since, and I probably only will if I win the lottery.
Another fond memory that seems to encapsulate summer in the Tusc: One day I was wearing some very uncomfortable heels. I was exhausted. I got out of my car and decided to walk barefoot, and that it would probably be uncomfortable to walk on the hot sidewalk. So I stepped into the grass that led to my apartment, only to feel the bottoms of my feet stung all over by--????--I had no idea. Whatever they were, they were stuck, and if I walked on the sidwalk, it would just hurt more. So I ran to my apartment, collecting more stingers in my feet with each step, and bolted inside so I could get off my feet. Apparently, those little white "flowers" on top of the grass are sharp and meant to be painful for anyone/thing who steps on them. Thus my aversion to walking barefoot in the South, specifically, at Hackberry Place.
Usually the insanity does not begin until late June/early July. But this summer it is here already (exhibit A: this blog); I suspect because I have to pack all my belongings, sell my old car, plan for a lengthy road trip, say goodbye to friends, and work on finding a long-term job all in the next 2.5 weeks.
On the plus side, my thesis was cleared by the graduate school. No corrections necessary! A reputable literary journal showed interest in publishing one of my stories if I am willing to do some editing (this is the closest I have ever come to publication) and I am looking at six boxes of newly-packed books. So there is progress despite the insanity.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Ask Rachel: Muffins
Tim C said...
If you are cooking muffins, what's the best way to avoid having the base and sides of the muffins stick to the tray?
Dear Tim,
Thanks for your question!
The first step is to have a quality non-stick muffin tin. Look for "Teflon" on the label.
Beyond that, there are several options, and most are efficient enough that it could be a matter of preference.
The most obvious: Muffin cups. These are small paper cups that you can use to line the muffin tin. They are available in the baking aisle at your neighborhood grocery store. There are several colors and patterns available, so they could be used to add flair to a themed event, such as a birthday party or funeral. Muffin cups are most effective for cupcakes, which tend not to spill over the cup as they bake.
I know what you're thinking. What if my muffins spill over and stick to the top of the pan?
Use a non-stick cooking spray, such as PAM, for the top of the pan. You could also skip the paper liners and just spray the whole pan, which leads to a smoother surface around the edges of the muffin.
If you are cooking muffins, what's the best way to avoid having the base and sides of the muffins stick to the tray?
Dear Tim,
Thanks for your question!
The first step is to have a quality non-stick muffin tin. Look for "Teflon" on the label.
Beyond that, there are several options, and most are efficient enough that it could be a matter of preference.
The most obvious: Muffin cups. These are small paper cups that you can use to line the muffin tin. They are available in the baking aisle at your neighborhood grocery store. There are several colors and patterns available, so they could be used to add flair to a themed event, such as a birthday party or funeral. Muffin cups are most effective for cupcakes, which tend not to spill over the cup as they bake.
I know what you're thinking. What if my muffins spill over and stick to the top of the pan?
Use a non-stick cooking spray, such as PAM, for the top of the pan. You could also skip the paper liners and just spray the whole pan, which leads to a smoother surface around the edges of the muffin.
If you don't have cooking spray, here's a fun and easy improvisation:
Step 1: Put a baggie over your hand.
Step 2: Use your fingers to dip the baggie into a stick of butter or tub of margarine. I guess if you didn't have either of those things available you could use something gross like Crisco.
Step 3: Rub the butter in and around the muffin pan.
This option leads to a nice buttery flavor in the crust of the muffin. It is especially fun for kids, though it is surely not the most time-efficient method.
Again, thanks for your question. Happy Baking!
P.S. It is noted that our demonstrator is not using a high-quality teflon pan.
If you have a question for Rachel, please leave it in the comments. Anonymity allowed.
Ask Rachel
Okay, so I did my DWTS post and it's still T-3 weeks to Rhode Island. I want to give you advice. On anything! I always have an opinion.
Leave your questions in the comments (this is the one time it won't annoy me if you comment anonymously).
Bring the problems!
Leave your questions in the comments (this is the one time it won't annoy me if you comment anonymously).
Bring the problems!
Monday, May 28, 2007
The World Needs More: Laila Ali
I recently completed a lengthy creative project. When it was all filed away, what did I do? I watched TV! Specifically, Dancing With the Stars.
One of the best parts of the show was Laila Ali. I had heard of her as a boxer. I don't really get into boxing, so her awesomeness was a surprise to me. The bottom line: she is a classy, classy lady. Who will BEAT YOU DOWN. She was the only woman left for the last month of the contest. Every time she danced, she looked graceful and gorgeous. She has muscles. But you would never guess that she's a boxer who won her first bout in 31 seconds. 31 seconds! POW!
We need more women like her in the world. What I mean by that: she's providing proof, in a mainstream outlet, that enormous strength and femininity can coexist in a woman. And to top it all off, she's surrounded by men who aren't threatened by her badassness.
In this video, her partner Maks, aka Hot Stuff, is being a jerk. She shows him that's not acceptable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TlU_4ghWKQ
In all fairness, Hot Stuff was man enough to apologize the next time he saw her. Also, he was on the record as saying that if Laila didn't win, it was his fault (he must be feeling lame, because they ended up in third). Pay attention, world! Hot Stuff is arrogant, but he knows that Laila deserves respect.
Here they have some fun with Laila's fiancee while rehearsing for the rumba:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kepw1NoP0bI
I wish Laila and Maks had won. Their dancing in the finale was great, and I love what they're doing with gender roles. But their freestyle was just not on the same level as Joey's, and the chemistry between them was far more subtle than Apolo and Julianne's.
The winners:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swpt6lPco7c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJB1_AquG8w
A commercial where Laila boxes her Dad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOe2jZ1T1qg
One of the best parts of the show was Laila Ali. I had heard of her as a boxer. I don't really get into boxing, so her awesomeness was a surprise to me. The bottom line: she is a classy, classy lady. Who will BEAT YOU DOWN. She was the only woman left for the last month of the contest. Every time she danced, she looked graceful and gorgeous. She has muscles. But you would never guess that she's a boxer who won her first bout in 31 seconds. 31 seconds! POW!
We need more women like her in the world. What I mean by that: she's providing proof, in a mainstream outlet, that enormous strength and femininity can coexist in a woman. And to top it all off, she's surrounded by men who aren't threatened by her badassness.
In this video, her partner Maks, aka Hot Stuff, is being a jerk. She shows him that's not acceptable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TlU_4ghWKQ
In all fairness, Hot Stuff was man enough to apologize the next time he saw her. Also, he was on the record as saying that if Laila didn't win, it was his fault (he must be feeling lame, because they ended up in third). Pay attention, world! Hot Stuff is arrogant, but he knows that Laila deserves respect.
Here they have some fun with Laila's fiancee while rehearsing for the rumba:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kepw1NoP0bI
I wish Laila and Maks had won. Their dancing in the finale was great, and I love what they're doing with gender roles. But their freestyle was just not on the same level as Joey's, and the chemistry between them was far more subtle than Apolo and Julianne's.
The winners:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swpt6lPco7c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJB1_AquG8w
A commercial where Laila boxes her Dad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOe2jZ1T1qg
I have a blog.
This is something I vowed never to do. It wasn't hard to keep the vow because I always thought, "Why would anyone want to have a blog anyway?" But for the last two weeks it has seemed like a not entirely awful idea. Soon I will be in a new place, away from everyone I know. I know that blogs are mostly one-sided ways of keeping in touch (I've read several without ever commenting, online or in person, to the author). Conversely, my friend B. had people saying crazy stuff to him at parties on a regular basis when he kept his web diary. And now I am giving in, regardless.
Friends and family, please enjoy. I will probably not even tell anyone about this until I have written a few posts.
What will said posts be about? It's hard to say. Maybe Rhode Island. Maybe Dancing with the Stars. Probably just those two things.
Friends and family, please enjoy. I will probably not even tell anyone about this until I have written a few posts.
What will said posts be about? It's hard to say. Maybe Rhode Island. Maybe Dancing with the Stars. Probably just those two things.
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