Valentine's Day on Long Island

I hadn't thought about posting anything for Valentine's Day, but the blog started getting hits regarding Valentine's Day date ideas on Long Island. Just because I'm single this year doesn't mean that everyone else is. Plus, I have a few ideas that are pretty solid. So, I'm taking one for the team + tossing some ideas out into the universe. These date ideas are also rad to partake in even when its not a Hallmark holiday. 

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Grab Coffee + Adventure

Hit up a local coffee shop + take your drinks on an adventure with you. I love going to Crazy Beans [they have locations in Miller Place + Stony Brook] + heading over to Avalon Park. If you're feeling super adventurous, get in the car, blast some tunes + drive to Montauk.

Other Places to Explore
Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City
Fire Island Lighthouse, Fire Island
Vanderbilt Mansion, Museum + Planetarium, Centerport
Long Island Aquarium + Exhibition Center, Riverhead
Sagamore Hill, Oyster Bay

Eat

Go out, get takeout or cook. No one wants to be hangry, or deal with someone who is. If you're dining out, my top three choices are Grey Horse Tavern, Tellers + Kotobuki, but go on Yelp or Urbanspoon to research places if you want something new or different. If you need to make a reservation, do it at least a week beforehand.

See Live Entertainment

Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this year, so there's a lot going on. Here are a few events you can enjoy [even if you're flying solo].

The Paramount, Huntington  Jim Breuer

89 North, Patchogue Miles to Dayton + The Falco Brothers

Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale New York Islanders vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Staller Center for the Arts, Stony Brook Savion Glover's STePz
The Space at Westbury, Westbury DigiTour

Visit a Brewery or Vineyard
Check out the Long Island Craft Brewers Guild for a list of breweries + Long Island Wine Country for wineries.

Do Something Fun

Fun is a relative term, but I'm all about places with an arcade or some sport where I can be competitive, especially in the dead of winter.
Cousins Paintball, Riverhead

Dave + Busters, Farmingdale, Islandia + Westbury
Country Fair, Medford
NYZ Apocalypse, Deer Park
Lazerland, Commack
Monster Mini Golf, Deer Park
Q-ZAR, Carle Place

High Velocity Paintball, Bay Shore [indoor field]
Karts Indoor Raceway, Ronkonkoma

Go to the Movies

I love going to the movies, especially for action//sci-fi flicks. If there's something that you both want to see, I say go for it, but don't drag your date out to see something that is going to bore them for the next ninety minutes. I did some research + found out that Kingsman: The Secret Service + Fifty Shades of Grey are opening Valentine's Day weekend. If neither of those are your scene, Seventh Son, Project Almanac + the latest SpongeBob flick will also be out. Sidenote: if your significant other sits through Fifty Shades of Grey against their will, they should be rewarded handsomely. Just saying.

Be a Hermit + Stay In
There is nothing wrong with raiding Netflix, ordering takeout + popping a bottle of whatever you're drinking + snuggling on the couch. If you're going to do this, DON'T WEAR SWEATPANTS. I know it sounds silly, but you can still play dress up if you're staying home. Save the sweatpants + messy hair for the morning after.

Honestly, it doesn't matter where you go or what you do, just make sure you + your main squeeze have a good time together. Holidays can become overwhelming + stressful, so try to avoid getting frazzled. If you're single, do something with your friends or be a ballsy broad like me + go on a first date that night.

Jason Michael Brescia on Bridge and Tunnel

Last week, I had the opportunity to interview Jason Michael Brescia, writer + director of Bridge and Tunnel, a film about a group of twenty-somethings living on Long Island. We discussed the ideas behind the film, the soundtrack + even got a little bit of an inside scoop regarding his follow-up film.

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How did you come up with the idea for Bridge and Tunnel?
Well, I had the idea to make a movie about twenty-somethings living on Long Island almost right after I finished my first feature film, The Newest Pledge. I knew I wanted to tell the story over a course of time. I wanted to play around with the narrative of it and I started off thinking I was going to make a few disjointed short films, then find a way to tie them together, but ended up instead focusing on letting a few characters evolve over time, and that sort of came together as i started to write it in 2011//2012.

Yeah, I liked how you included in the storm [Hurricane Sandy], because a lot of people on Long Island were affected by that, including myself [we had been evacuated + came back to foot of water in our apartment].
We were getting ready to go into production in 2012 + this was all happening. While this was going on we had no power; our friends were evacuated. I was like, well this is the reason why the story [is going in this direction] + why I wanted to make a movie about Long Island. It all made sense, not that we were capitalizing on it by any stretch of the imagination. We were making a movie about what life was like in 2012, so naturally, you can't tell the story without that.

I totally agree - when I was watching the film it didn't feel like it was fabricated. It felt very natural, so to speak.
We didn't want to get preachy with it, we wanted to show the characters living through it. We didn't want to get political - we just wanted to show how people lived through that, outside of it [the people who were affected by the storm firsthand]. Mainstream media showed Chris Christie and the concert with Bruce Springsteen at MSG. We weren't at that concert, Chris Christie never came to our street. Instead, what it was it that we were all really cold, there was no power, but we figure out a way to get through it. And then it snowed.

Yeah,  that whole ordeal was a shitshow. But, I like how the events weren't the central focus of the film. You addressed the topic, but the scenes were character driven, not situationally driven.
When you're writing a story like that you have to fish for excuses to get everyone into the same room. When you get to a certain age, you and your friends just don't end up in the same room as much as the characters on a TV show do, like Friends. They all just happen to be hanging out the the apartment at the same time. That doesn't happen in real life - everyone is too busy. If you're telling the story about a group of eight people, chances are those eight people are in the same room together maybe once or twice all year. Its usually something like a Super Bowl party or New Year's, which we used in the film. We were lucky that this was a year that the Giants were in the Super Bowl. We caught a break that we set out to tell the story of 2012 [back in 2011], and we are going to write this script next year and tell the story as we watch time unfold. Actually, in the original draft of the script [before the storm had occurred], Lina [Natalie Knepp] comes home from the city for Thanksgiving, and they go out the night before..

Typical Thanksgiving Eve shenanigans.
Exactly. Everyone's loose + relaxed. When she comes home after the storm [the characters end up going out because they are cooped up with no power], everyone is tired + on edge, + it worked so much better that way; it felt natural.

I hate to say it, but the timing of the events worked to your benefit for filming.
Yeah, if we weren't going into production when we did, there would have been no way to recreate that sort of set design. We wouldn't have been able to go to the wreckage like we did. Like you said, we weren't trying to capitalize on it. When we shot in Long Beach, we went to the neighbors to explain what we were doing, and they've all been very supportive. The apartment we showed that flooded out? We met some of the people who lived there, and they've even come to the screening to watch the movie. Its almost been a release for them, to be able to watch the film and tell their story. The whole purpose of the movie was to show what life was like, sometimes to a flaw, that we go that far with it.

Honestly, I didn't know what to expect when I had viewed the trailer, but after watching the film, everything made sense. It felt real. Who didn't go to the Hamptons because of scheduling conflicts; the quick exchanges at the funeral before Meghan [Brianne Berkson] has to leave the group to go to work. Real life surrounded the storyline.
The funeral was a way to get all of the friends in the same room. Thats the way the project was, trying to get them in the same room.

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It's either events of catastrophic proportions or an event that everyone needs to be at, but that is realistic, though. I don't know how many times I'll try to make plans to get my friends in the same room. The last time it happened was for a wedding party, for our dress fitting. But, if we try to make plans for dinner, we are rescheulding three times, who can't come because something with the baby, etc. It doesn't happen like it used to anymore.
Thats what we were saying. The challenge in writing it was creating organic situations for the characters to interact within.

What was your favorite part of the movie to film?
My favorite part? Pretty much any shoot that takes place indoors or in some sort of business was always the most difficult to shoot because we would have to go in after they closed. On those days we didn't start shooting until 2 or 4 am, so the best would always be when we'd wake up and have to shoot scenes at the church, and that was a 10am - 5pm day, that was great. There weren't many of those.

John Nolan's video for "Here Comes the Wolf" was filmed at local music venue, Amityville Music Hall.

Now, how did you end up choosing Ryan Hunter + Brian Byrne to work on the score?
Ryan and I had gone to high school together, but we weren't friends back then. One of my friends was the Envy on the Coast tour manager [Hunter + Byrne's former band], so we kept in touch through the years. Ryan had given us some NK songs to use in The Newest Pledge, and was on board with Bridge and Tunnel from day one. Ryan came by the set once or twice, + as soon as we had stuff to show him, he + Brian got to work + they put their stamp on it. From there, the whole soundtrack unfolded. Ryan did a great job + Brian's great at helping Ryan create + manifest the sounds he's hearing in his head + how to get it onto tape. Ryan is a genius at the writing part + Brian is equally smart at creating + engineering.

Now that this project has come full circle, is there anything new you've been working on?
I'm moving onto a new project, which will start filming in June.

Are you allowed to reveal anything?
Its almost a continuation of Bridge and Tunnel, with people that are a little bit older now. Bridge and Tunnel is kind of like that purgatory phase, where you're in-between childhood + adulthood. The new movie is like, adulthood has started, this is what its like, have fun.

Have you finished writing it?
I'm a few drafts deep, but we're not at the final draft yet. I started writing it in late 2013, after Bridge and Tunnel wrapped.

Are you sticking to the same format you used for Bridge and Tunnel?
It's different, stylistically + tonally. Its for lack of a better word, its lighter viewing. Its not as real. Bridge and Tunnel is real, almost to a flaw where if you're not paying attention, you'll think nothing happened throughout the movie. This is more of a narrative film, where Bridge and Tunnel was a lot of subtext that needed to feel really real, almost documentary style. I want this to feel more like you are watching a movie, to the style of it.

Will you be working with many of the same musicians that you worked with on Bridge and Tunnel?
Nothings confirmed with that. I've spoke to Ryan + John Nolan [Straylight Run, Taking Back Sunday] to let them know that this project is happening, and I'm sure that at some point, that if they have the time, both will find ways to be involved in the project, which i think is cool. I'm sure I will connect with Brian at some point, but this movie won't have a score.

So this is going to be more like a soundtrack.
Yeah, just because it fits what it is - a score would take you out of the concept of what the new film is. There is going to be plenty of music. John + I spoke a few times about it. When John became involved with Bridge and Tunnel, he was coming into a finished product, there was only so much he could do. He had been working on "Here Comes the Wolf" at the time, and he and the producers made it more cinematic to "fit the film," but this time he'll be more involved in the beginning of the project; he'll have more of a clean slate. It'll be cool to give someone like him more of a wide palate of colors to play with. He did such a great job with Bridge and Tunnel, with such a small palate of colors. Now its like, John, here is this wide scope - give us what you got. It'll be fun.

The soundtrack you had for Bridge and Tunnel was great, too. Lots of bands that were born on the island.
I wanted to create a soundtrack that had lots of homegrown artists. I know when people think of the type of music our generation grew up with, John is one of the people at the forefront. For the characters who are in Bridge and Tunnel, the music they would have been listening to is what [is on the soundtrack]. Getting people like John, Vinnie Caruana [The Movielife, I Am the Avalanche], Bayside and Ryan involved in the movie… wasn't really a choice. If I wanted the movie to be authentic, I couldn't fill it with background bar noise - it had to be what these people had grown up listening to. We were really privileged to get that + John was the domino that sort of, in a way, legitimized us to everyone else. At the end of it, I'm proud of the soundtrack and the movie, + I think we did it justice + over time, I hope people discover them [the film + soundtrack] + think its cool.

Bridge and Tunnel will be streaming for free until the end of the month, which you can watch here. You can also snag a copy of the soundtrack from Enjoy the Ride Records, which I highly recommend [I'm picky about soundtracks, but this one is killer from start to finish].

Because I'm a music nerd + I could tell that Jason had great taste in music, I had asked him to put together a playlist of some songs he has been into lately [which is how I discovered the latest Music Monday], so head over to Spotify + give it a listen.

Music Monday//Local Show.

Happy Body Slow Brain//The Flight

Happy Body Slow Brain will be touring throughout the Northeast next

month + will be performing at Amityville Music Hall on Saturday, May 3. 

Birthday Adventuring: Greenport.

This afternoon, Erich and I ventured out to Greenport, which is located on the North Fork of Long Island. It usually takes over an hour to get out there, but since we were stuck behind a construction vehicle on a single lane road, it tacked on an extra thirty minutes on to our drive. We didn't mind, though. The windows were down and the pre-autumn air swirled around us, as we talked and listened to music. Scenery heading out east is spectacular as well. Vineyards, farm stands, windmills and beautiful homes kept our attention as we make the trek out east.

When we got into town, I suggested we snag a late lunch at BBQ Bill's. They have indoor and outdoor seating, and since the weather was absolutely gorgeous today, we opted for the outdoor seating. I have been dying to try a brew from Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, so I ordered their Harbor Pale, which was delicious. The brewery is within walking distance from the restaurant, but we just wanted to lay low and enjoy some time together. We had fun sneaking random pictures of each other and Erich said he would help me take some photos for our adventure, so I could blog about it. I totally forgot to take a picture of my food, but Erich captured his before digging in. He joked that I was missing my obligatory food shot. Honestly, I was too busy talking and enjoying the time with him, that I completely forgot to snap a shot. I chose the pulled pork sandwich with macaroni and cheese, while Erich opted for the pulled chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries. The mac and cheese was bland (one of the few foods I am super picky about), but I added some pulled pork to it, which definitely made it taste better.

After lunch, we walked around Greenport for a bit longer, then decided to head back home. Our allergies/sinuses started acting up again, plus we needed to make a pit stop at my cousin's house for his fourth birthday. 

It got darker earlier than usual, so I snapped a couple shots while we drove westward. Next trip, I really want to head to Modern Snack Bar in Aquebogue. I have always been intrigued by the quaint building and the eye-catching sign. I just read reviews, and it seems like a solid dining choice. 

By the time we got to my cousin's house, we had just missed the piñata, and saw the birthday boy in tears! He was upset that the piñata was smashed, so his dad promised to piece it back together, so he could keep it on his dresser. I gave him his card, to try and help ease his worries. The card definitely helped take his mind off the piñata, and soon, we were ready to sing happy birthday. Even though my head was pounding and my eyes were burning (awesome week to get sick, huh?), I was really happy to see my family. One little showed me how she could do cartwheels, another told us that he was going to kindergarten soon, and littlest princess wouldn't let me put her down, covering me in cookie crumbs. The rest of the peanuts ran around, sippy cups or cookies in tow. They are seriously the cutest. Earlier that day, LYSA held a pep rally in memory of Dominic, to retire his football number and to announce they would give out a scholarship for the next three years, until Dom would have graduated. Tonight, I could see the sadness in everyone's eyes at the party. He's been gone three months; its so weird to celebrate milestones without him. Whenever I get sad about Dom being gone, I let the waterworks flow, then think about what Dom would want me to do. If he were here, he would give me a hug (probably a cookie, too), flash that wonderful smile of his, and tell me not to worry, that everything will be okay. He would want me to smile and enjoy life. So that's what I'm doing. 

An Afternoon with Eastern Phoebes.

I love when an interview can be unscripted and totally candid. Sometimes in this line of work, its not possible to do so, especially when questions are sent via email. When I'm given the chance to sit down and shoot the shit for awhile, its great. Its even better when the folks you're interviewing aren't total strangers! Last week, I got to meet up with Eastern Phoebes, a band hailing from the South Shore of Long Island. We discussed the band, life without the 'net, the upcoming EP and plans for their next video shoot.

The band is comprised of Ry Smith and Meg Bayley, who also happen to be the most adorable couple I've ever met. When they play live gigs, they are joined by friends Rick Katterman and Gary Norton. I've known Ry for years, but this was the first time I had met Meg, but I felt as if I'd known her for years after I left that afternoon. We conducted the interview at their lakefront cottage, which was fantastic. The beginning of our conversation was essentially Ry and I catching up on our lives as of late - we had met back in 2007, when he was performing with the band, Camera-Head Shark. We have had brief encounters in the last year or so, but we haven't had time to sit and chat in years. I knew that he had a new musical project going on, but I didn't find out about it until a couple months ago. I know, I'm a horrible friend - I should be up on these things. I had listened to Lion Gardiner, which the band released this year, and fell in love with it. There are so many elements and facets to their music. It makes you feel happy, but not in a cheesy sort of way. Do yourself a favor and put on a pair of headphones and just listen. Don't surf the 'net, leave the land of Instagram for the next hour, and lose yourself in the music. Its free (just enter your price as $0.00), although it wouldn't kill you to pay a few bucks for the album.

Lion Gardiner is the first full-length album created since the formation of Eastern Phoebes, but the band prefers recording EPs. Working for an LP for months on end is far more tedious than banging out an EP in around a month. In fact, their next EP, Better People, will be out this October. Ry worked on most of this while Meg spent the month in San Francisco, completing her yoga training. I got to hear a few rough cuts, and I am really digging what Ry had been working on while Meg was getting her Ohm on in California. Meg's vocals need to be added in, along with whatever else Ry sees fit, but trust me on this, its gonna be good. We spent a good chunk of the conversation discussing the upcoming video, which will be for "I'm a Wolf," a song which will be on Better People. I can't spare details, but from the ideas Ry and Meg are swirling around, it will definitely be spectacular. 

As we sat in their sunroom, entertaining the pup, Penny Lane (yes, the same name as our cat), we discussed life and the lack of interaction we see between folks these days. It seems as if most people we know hide behind some sort of gadget, instead of going out and seeing the world. If most people we know go out to do something, the hot spot is almost always a bar, which is a scene that we really don't frequent much anymore. I'll be the first one to admit that I am totally guilty of zoning out on my computer (and my iPhone), but I do take time each day to spend time connecting with people and creating fun things. We all agreed that game nights are totally underrated and that we need to resurrect them, for the sake of humankind. 

You can find Eastern Phoebes on Facebook, Twitter and make sure to download their tunes [for free] over at Bandcamp. For even more fun links to Meg's yoga journey + Ry's artwork, head over to Eastern Phoebes for the links.

Fall Wardrobe Contest.

August has finally arrived, which means Autumn is soon approaching. To me, this means leaves falling, cool weather, drinking hot tea out of ginormous mugs, and shopping for my two favorite things - school supplies and fall clothes. When I was younger, I loved shopping for school supplies and picking out my clothes for the upcoming school year. Growing up in Florida, the extent of my fall wardrobe was basically the same clothes I wore year-round, with a few new hoodies tossed in. Our classrooms cranked the central air, so my sweatshirts were usually oversized and they doubled as fluffy pillows. Once, I actually got stuck in my hoodie, thanks to my friend, Greg, tying the strings to my hood together, and tying a knot in the arms. I should have expected it - we were goofing off in our eleventh grade English class, and I sat on the floor, putting my head and limbs on the inside of the sweatshirt (I told you they were huge). While this went on, I rocked back and forth on the floor, until I rolled over and cried for help. My teacher, Mr. Krolak, was not amused. He yelled at Greg to let me out, then told me to stop goofing off and to do something constructive, in my seat. Sorry, Krolak!

Now that I'm older (not sure how much more mature, though) and living in a cooler climate, "back to school" shopping is much more dangerous for me, especially since I need to be in a few professional settings throughout the week. How can one say no to new boots, jackets, sweaters and dresses? My boyfriend thinks i'm crazy, and that what I have in my closet is just fine. He says there is no reason to spend money on new jacket. Or another set of black boots. Aren't they all the same, he says? Oh honey, you have no idea.

Well, for those of you who want to spruce up your fall wardrobe, but don't want to feel guilty about spending the cash, I might have a solution to your problem. The Green Acres Mall, located in Valley Stream, New York, is holding a fall wardrobe contest. Ten winners will be chosen to receive a shopping experience with a personal stylist, plus receive a $200 Green Acres Mall gift card. Now, what exactly are you required to do? In a 400-600 word essay, tell Green Acres Mall why you should win a fall wardrobe session with a personal stylist and a $200 Green Acres Mall gift card. Entries will be judged by a committee based on originality, creativity and best expressed need for fashion assistance.

There are three ways to enter:
1) Email your entry, along with your name, mailing address, home and cell phone numbers, birth date and email address to info@greenacresmallonline.com, with the subject line “Fall Wardrobe Stylist Session Essay Contest” and you will automatically be entered to win.
2) Entries may also be mailed to: Green Acres Mall Fall Wardrobe Stylist Session Essay Contest, 2034 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, New York 11581.
3) If you are at the mall, simply drop your entry off at the Customer Service Desk.

The contest runs from today, until September 10, 2012. The contest is open to contestants 18+ who are legal residents of New York. Have fun and good luck! If any of you win, let me know.

Back to Nature.

The weather this weekend was beautiful, and I took full advantage of the sunny skies. Late Saturday morning, as my significant other slept, I decided to walk to the local organic market, to pick up a few snacks for the week. It was a bit windy at times, but the sun was shining brightly, so it was a nice balance. 

For the first part of my walk, I was listening to HEARTSREVOLUTION, because I needed some upbeat tunes. Halfway through my walk, I decided to shut my music off. I felt as if I were cheating myself from my surroundings. I realized that there are at least three neighbors that have horses, that I had no clue about. How'd I know? My nose told me, if you catch my drift. 

I passed lots of neighbors running, taking a walk, and taking their four-legged friends for a walk. I met the cutest Italian Greyhound en route. His owner walked out of a driveway, about four houses ahead of me, and this little guy kept turning around to look at me. Finally, they turned around and we eventually crossed paths. When we met, he was so eager to meet me! I knelt down, took my sunglasses off, and got onto his level. He came over and gave me the cutest little kisses. That alone made my afternoon. I said goodbye to my new friend and his owner, and walked the few blocks to the store. 

I grabbed a few items, including Miss Amy's Blue Point Mustard (made with Blue Point Oatmeal Stout), and chatted with the lady working at the store. I love shopping at the local businesses in my area - everyone is so nice, and takes time to have a nice conversation. 

As I was walking back home, I decided to check out a barn sale. I had seen the sign when I was walking to the store, but had passed. I figured it was worth a shot to see what was there. I was hoping for some vintage clothing finds or vinyl, but no such luck. Mostly furniture and dishes. I did, however, find a few yards of lace. For $2, it was a steal. I'd much rather give the money to my neighbors than a chain store!

The walk home was a bit nicer, because the wind finally died down. A block away from the house, I pulled out my iPhone, to get a few shots of the gorgeous foliage. This picture does it no justice - its absolutely breathtaking when you are within arms reach, watching the branches sway in the breeze.

I am so stoked that the warm weather has been more consistent. I can't wait to spend the Summer traipsing across the island. Long Island summers are the best!

Interview: Christina "Bean" Fiorino.

If I haven't typed this for all to read, I absolutely love Long Island. There is so much that this 118 mile-long island has to offer. Arts, culture, music, nature - Long Island has it all. Even though I moved away for eleven years, I came up every summer to visit, and dreaded going back to Florida. Through my various ventures, I have met many people who are doing awesome things. Last month, I interviewed Niko Krommydas, beer blogger extraordinaire. This month, I interviewed Christina "Bean" Fiorino, another short girl residing on Long Island. Bean is an artist of various mediums - she has an eye for great vintage finds, she makes killer creations, and is an excellent photographer. Like myself, she is often mistaken for a teenager, but that just means we've retained our youthful glow! ;)

Bean, wearing one of her cookie hair clips.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I come from a family full of artists- all different kinds.  I was lucky enough to be born with the same gift.  My imagination runs wild and it’s hard for me to stay focused on one type of art when there is so many to choose from. I’m a hands-on kind of girl and I don’t mind making a mess (although, I hate cleaning it up).  I was born and raised on Long Island.  There’s tons of competition here, but I learned that you can’t get discouraged by it and only learn and grow and become a better artist.  I’ve been told that in the art world “everything has been done” and that as an artist it’s our job to turn it into something special.  I sort of disagree with this…there are plenty of things that haven’t been done yet…we just aren’t using our imaginations to their fullest potential.  As artists, it’s our jobs to show the world something they haven’t seen yet and inspire future artists.

When did you decide to pursue photography professionally?

It’s never really been a “profession” to me, really.  I started my own business a few years ago, but it’s such a cut-throat industry that eventually I just found it more fulfilling to just photograph for myself.  There’s just so much you can do with photography if you’re not afraid of criticism and rejection.  However, if you start out shooting for yourself, you won’t be afraid to stray away from your comfort zone.

What was the first art medium you worked with?

Probably something made by Crayola.  Does that count? 

How did you come up with the names for your Etsy stores?

For my vintage shop, History, I was looking for a way to incorporate “vintage” without being too literal.  RABBITteeeth I recently confessed to my boyfriend that he was the inspiration behind the name.  Basically, he looks like a rabbit when he sleeps and I just liked the way it sounded.  I added the extra ‘e’ for no special reason.  Finally, I have SugarClips opening soon, which is my hair accessory shop.  I just thought it sounded cute.

Strawberry Glazed Donut, $10 at SugarClips.

When did you start making hair accessories?

Sometime between 2006-2008.  I honestly don’t remember exactly when, but it was my very first Etsy shop.  I sold feathered headbands.  I turned it into a print shop, but eventually closed it due to being too busy with school and work.

What inspires you?

A good song, childhood memories, nature, Disney World and Tim Burton.

Out of all of your art endeavors, which is your favorite?

I guess photography would have to be my favorite since I’ve been working on my skills since I was 15.

Where do you get your design inspiration?

Again I’m going to have to go with Disney and Tim Burton.  There are just so many elements to both.  Disney is extremely whimsical and Burton has a mix of both whimsy and creepy, which sums up a lot of my work.

Sugar Skull, $10 at SugarClips.

Do you plan ahead when you’re designing, or are most of your designs sponataneous?

A little bit of both.  For my hair pieces, I could be out shopping and have something pop into my head and I’ll spend hours planning it or I will be sitting at my desk kneading clay for however long until something strikes.  When it comes to my photographs, 99% of the time it’s planned ahead.

Do you prefer listening to music when working on your pieces? If so, what?

I do prefer it, but more often than not I’ll find myself working in silence.

What is the next step for you?

Most likely getting the hair accessory shop up and running.

What is your favorite piece(s) that you have in your store(s) right now?

My favorite vintage piece is a piece I just sold.  It’s Betsey Johnson dress from her 1980’s “Punk Label” collection.  It was one of those Little Black Dresses with a Betsey twist.    

Bean, wearing the Soft Pretzel clip.

You can check out Bean's photography at Christina Fiorino Photography and her Etsy stores can be found here: History, SugarClips, and RABBITteeeth.

Afternoon Adventure.

This afternoon, I received a text from my friend, Jessica. She asked if I wanted grab lunch, and of course, I said yes. Because of our schedules, we don't see each other much - usually just for special occasions or a quick bite to eat. I just snagged a tutoring job, so I had a few bucks to spare for an afternoon adventure. 

Since the weather was gorgeous, we decided to head into Patchogue for lunch. Patchogue is a quaint little town, not too far from the water. There are a ton of awesome mom and pop restaurants, bars and places to go for sweet treats. Summers are pretty crowded around here, especially during Alive After Five - a chunk of Main Street is closed for bands to play on various stages along the street, vendors to sell their goods, and for the general public to mingle. 

We decided to frequent Public House 49 for lunch, a place neither of us had been to before. Since it was early afternoon, we decided to sit at the bar. We were greeted by Kira, a cheerful bartender, and were given menus to peruse. While I checked out the lunch offerings, I took a look around the bar and restaurant. This is a really nice place, why haven't I been here before?

Half of the beers on tap are Long Island craft beers, nice! 

Looking into the dining room from the bar.

The lunch menu had lots of great items: salads, sides, sliders, and sandwiches. Since I 86ed the bread until Easter, I decided to try the Salad of Baby Lettuce (dressed with pomegranate vinaigrette, dried cranberries and roasted fennel) and a side of Bacon and Onion Mac "n" Cheese. Mac and cheese is one of my favorite foods, and this one sounded superb. Jess ordered the Margherita Flatbread Pizza and the Caesar Salad. While we waited for our food, we caught up on life and enjoyed each others company. 

When the food was placed in front of us, our inner fat children cheered in unison. The "side" of mac and cheese I ordered was gigantic, and Jessica's pizza was about the length of my arm! The salad portions were generous, and the presentation of the food was really nice. I went a little picture crazy, but this stuff was so delicious, that I wanted to show it off, in all its glory!

Bacon and Onion Mac "n" Cheese.

 Voted the best mac and cheese on Long Island.

The Salad of Baby Lettuce is gigantic!

Jessica's Margherita Flatbread Pizza and Caesar Salad.

After stuffing ourselves into oblivion, I had Kira wrap half of my goods to go. Jessica housed her entire salad and all but one slice of her pizza - she eats like a beast and stays skinny, its totally unfair. Once we left Public House 49, we decided to get a drink at Roast Coffee and Tea Trading Company, which is a local coffee shop, about three or four shops away.


Roast was more uncharted territory for us. Jessica was actually the one who got me the job at Starbucks almost ten years ago. She is still a slave to the corporate coffee chain, which I don't miss one bit. Walking into Roast was a breath of fresh air for the both of us. Great ambiance, ample space, beautiful artwork and lots of unique items for purchase.

The staff at Roast was exceptional. Since I haven't been to a non-corporate coffee chain since I was in San Francisco a few years back, I was intrigued by their menu, and took some time choosing a beverage. We asked a few questions, and they were very helpful. Jessica chose the Buccaneer tea and a Magic bar (yes, she was still eating, the witch). I ordered a salted caramel iced soy latte for myself, and an iced vanilla latte to bring home to Erich. While I waited for my drinks, one of the employees was conversing with one of their regulars about his decision to cut his hair. The barista commented on his current coif, comparing it to Jimmy Neutron - I couldn't help but laugh. After that happened, I conversed with the both of them - as a former barista, you are used to chatting it up with complete strangers. After that interaction, I remembered how much I liked working with the general public, and actually missed my old job a bit.

The one part of being a barista that I truly miss is the connection with the customers, especially the regulars. Not that I didn't like talking with customers who only frequented the store sporadically, but the banter with regulars is much more laid back. Once you get to know each other, conversations are always amusing, and sometimes, you make new friends. Or even snag a date! Believe it or not, I actually wrote my phone number on a customer's cup a few years back. Gutsy, I know. Especially when you have to hand the drink off and act totally casual about it (that's the hardest part). Within an hour I received a text, and I wound up dating the guy for a few months. 

After I snapped a few pictures, I told the guy good luck with his haircut, said goodbye and headed to our cars. Jessica, being the ham that she is, wanted me to include her in my blog, so before we parted ways, I snapped a picture of her, tea in hand, being a weirdo.

When I uploaded this picture, I couldn't help but laugh - this is Jessica, in a nutshell. Over the last ten years, we have had countless adventures - along with countless disasters. These days, our adventures are a bit more laid back, but we still manage to laugh like a couple of loons. I wouldn't trade that for the world.

Want to find out a bit more about the places I explored? 

You can find Roast on Facebook and Twitter. 

Public House 49 can also be found on Facebook.