Haunted Hallways-Take Two

Sooz mad the most adorable Alice

Frankenstorm's making its way to Manhattan, but that didn't stop the 80 Lafayette staff from hosting Haunted Hallways-Take Two. 

Just like last October, period pieces made their way to the 11th Floor.  The Roaring '20s served as our theme.  Duke Ellington blared in the background; paired with "champagne" and bowtie clad chocolate covered strawberries, even Gatsby would be proud of our efforts.  Of course, I donned a frilly flapper costume, while my fellow RA Thomas looked quite dapper in a corduroy blazer. 

FYI, making 200 chocolate covered strawberries is no easy task!  Unless you happen to have a lot of extra time on your hand, I'd leave it to the professionals.  But, if you're felling adventurous, take comfort in the fact that it only requires two ingredients-strawberries and chocolate.

Of course, before you start dipping, it's all about melting your chocolate.  Sure, it sounds simple, but I've found it's very easy to mess up.  Melting chocolate in the microwave is quicker than trying out a double broiler.  Plus, it dirties up less dishes!   

Some strawberries were drizzled with white chocolate
while others dressed for the occasion! 

For starters, I'd suggest filling a deep mug with chocolate chips, instead of using a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave the cup for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between each interval.  This is important because you'd hate to overheat your chocolate.  When your chocolate's mostly melted, use smaller intervals-15 seconds, 8 seconds, etc.  A few seconds can really make all the difference between melted chocolate and an overheated, lumpy mess.  But, if you do find your coating becoming thick and dry, add 1/2 a stick of butter and a dollop of cream.  To revitalize your chunky chocolate, just stir and microwave.  

And there you have it.  The next time you get a hankering for homemade chocolate covered strawberries, just remember to melt carefully and stir frequently! 

And...just for fun, I had to share these '90s Nickelodeon inspired costumes from the 16th floor.  That's Quail Man on the right, and Jarold from "Hey Arnold!" on the left.  

Gotta love that giant afro Jimmica! 

Female Firefighters Throughout the Nation

For my latest package, I became quite close with the firefighters from Ladder 7 here in New York City.  Before I even started shooting, my professor had warned me that members of the FDNY would be rough.  Thankfully though, she couldn't have been more wrong!  The Chinatown firefighters were especially nice, allowing me to film B-roll and my standup inside the station.  After learning that I'm a poor college student, they even offered me breakfast of coffee and doughnuts!  So now, on to my piece. 

 

Females make up less than four percent of firefighters throughout the nation. But, I've got their story for us now.

Coca-Cola's Lauching Beauty Beverages

Coca-Cola's leaving the traditional soda business behind!

The soft-drink giant's partnering with French pharmaceutical company Sanofi to produce beverages that double as beauty treatments, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Dubbed Beautific Oenobiol, its makeup consist of mineral water, fruit juice, and nutrition additives that all add up to "strengthen hair and nails, embellish skin, and help its drinkers lose weight."

The new beauty drink move showcases Coke's attempt to diversity from the traditional fizzy soda market.  Apparently, they're worried New York's giant soda-ban will make sipping from the ruby red can less attractive.

No word yet on when the new drink will be hitting a Duane Reade near you, but it's making its debuts in French pharmacies this fall.

So what do you think?  Will you be trading in the traditional flavor for the beauty beverage?

Recipe Alert: Coconut and Praline Pie

Now that's what you call a delicious pie! 

No meal can be complete without a delicious dessert.  As promised, here's the recipe for Coconut and Praline Pie.  It's super easy to make, and takes no time at all to prepare.  And of course, it tastes absolutely delicious!

Ingredients Needed: 

-2 deep dish pie pans with pre-made graham cracker crust

-1 cup chopped pecans 

-7 ounces coconut

-8 ounces of cream cheese

-1 large tub of Cool Whip

-1 large can of sweet and condensed milk 

-1 bottle of caramel sundae syrup 

Directions:

1) For starters, spread the coconut and pecans on cookie sheet, and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes.  

2) While they're baking, mix half your cream cheese, Cool Whip, and condensed milk.  

3) Divide the mixture into your two pie crusts, so they're both half-way full.  

4) Next, drizzle the ice cream topping onto the mixture.  

5) Mix your toasted pecan and coconut, and sprinkle half of it on top of the caramel.

6) To finish off your ingredients, repeat steps 2-5. 

7) Place your two pies in the freezer until you're ready to eat.  Enjoy!  

The Joys of Georgia Living

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you might have seen a post or two about Mamy (my mom's wonderful best friend named Amy, who's basically my second mom--hence the nickname).  Well, she arranged for me to surprise my mom with an impromptu trip to Georgia.  I arrived yesterday morning, and have been soaking up the Southern rays ever since!

Of course our first stop was lunch at my favorite Macon restaurant,  IVP.  Then, last night we watched my brother march in his senior year halftime show and had barbecue with all the fixings for dinner.  

As for today, well, the morning started off with a trip to the Wesleyan Market.  Once a month the college showcases products from local vendors.  Everything from fruits and veggies to vintage clothes and pottery can all we found.  And, the best part is it's all made in the Macon/Middle Georgia area.  Being me, I had to also buy a bag full of boiled peanuts.  Throw in a few scarecrows and a couple of pumpkins, and it's no surprise that our outing made for the most perfect fall morning.  

Look at this closeup from the gigantic bow wreaths.  It's made from Macon newspaper.  

Georgia peanuts just can't be beat.

I just loved this combination of vintage shoes and fall pumpkins.  

Are those cups just too cute! 

After a trip to the tiny town festival, we made our way to an even tinier town, Haddock.  It's home to our favorite tea room, Trish Ann's.  But quickly I'll digress to the car ride over.  On the way there, we saw a man dressed all in camo with a deer head in his front seat and two coolers and a four wheeler in the bed of his truck...oh the joys of Georgia Living!  Half antique store/half tea  room, Trish Ann's is the perfect place for ladies who lunch.  Along with their large selection of hot teas, vegetable spread and pimento cheese served with two types of crackers make the perfect appetizer.  And for lunch, well it's tiny pinwheel sandwiches paired with potato soup and sweet potato poppers.  The food there is absolutely delicious.  But be warned, the portions aren't suited for hungry teenage boys--we've learned that the hard way.   

Talk about one yummy meal! 

Fresh Market was our last stop of the day.  We're making Coconut and Praline Pies for dessert (don't worry the recipe's coming soon), so we had a quick stop off for ingredients.  While my mom was searching for ingredients, I was scoping for some delicious free samples.  We may have only been there for 10 minutes, but I found seven to try.

NYU Has Republicans?

NYU's considered one of the most liberal universities in America, but not every student will be voting for President Obama. 

It’s less than a month until the Presidential Election. And the NYU Republican’s Club is making sure their candidates voice is heard. 

So, for my latest journalism package, I take a look at our campus' lesser known political club. 

All Good Things

Their name ins't lying.
 It really does serve All Good Things!

Picture a bustling market with fresh flowers, homemade bread, delicious coffee and yummy soups.  Now add New York City into the mix, and you've got my new favorite hangout--All Good Things.  Nestled on the corner of Franklin and Church, it's literally a one stop shop for the best local goods around.  I guessed you'd call it a gourmet food court of sorts because there's multiple vendors, each with specific selections.

I was first introduced to the lattes from Blue Bottle Coffee Co. on Friday, and already I've visited their tiny stand twice.  Sure, they're a little pricy at $4.25 each, but they're just so darn good.  Plus, each cup features a fancy froth designs.  So, if you're having a rough day and are deserving of a great cup of coffee, be sure to check it out.

They don't do that on my Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks...

And, according to its owner, a restaurant on its lower level will be opening soon.  I'm feeling a swanky field trip soon!

Bejeweled Jets Gear?

Football and fashion are merging once again!  So,  for all your NFL loving ladies prepare for a new game day look.  

Yesterday, Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman showed off the limited edition collaboration.  No, it's not bedazzled football helmets or lacy jerseys.  Instead, the collaboration is aNY Jets tee that's "delicately beaded in great detail and generously covered with genuine Swarovski crystals."

Talk about your ball field blink!

For $110, you can snag one up here.

Unfortunately, the Jets are the only team t-shirt that's currently available.  But don't worry if you cheer for another team come Sunday.  There's more up Chapman's sporty, sparkly sleeves.  Expect designs for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City CHiefs, and Washington Redskins in the near future too.

So It Looks Like I'm a Music Video Star...

This year, 80 Lafayette is all about marketing!  And, the Mayhew collateral refuses to be left behind.  Sure, we can amp up our banners, but what really sets us apart from other halls is our awesome music video.  Set to the tune of "Call Me, Maybe?" here's our original song, "Join the Mayhews, Maybe?"   

Be warned, if you're feeling a little hungry it's probably not the best thing to watch...so many delicious pancakes are featured!  And, that awful voice you hear, well that's me trying to sing.  But anyways, hope you enjoy! 

And again, I'd just like to say thanks so much to Claire and Cody for your awesome shooting and editing skills!