R.I.P. Louise Bourgeois

How to Recycle Used Tea Leaves

Today, after my third cup of tea at my boring job, I thought about the amount of loose tea I've wasted throughout my fifteen years of daily tea drinking.  In the spirit of going green, and simply being less wasteful, I thought I'd post a couple of ways to reuse, and get the maximum benefits from your tea. Doing my research I found some fabulous websites devoted to tea-- especially Ya-Ya Tea House-- that I will definitely consult with in the future.

1.  Make a tea pillow. As the writer notes on the Ya- Ya Tea House's website, this will take quite a bit of time and quite a bit of tea; However, the benefits will be amazing! Many eastern medicines suggest using a tea pillow to combat headaches, insomnia, and even to relieve blood pressure.

2. Cleaning. Although we all know that tea is great for detoxifying your body, Ya- Ya Tea house notes several ways tea can be used to clean your home. Damp tea leaves and cloth can be used to keep mirrors and windows streak-free. In addition, tea can remove the rust from cast iron pots and deodorize refrigerators.

3.  Skincare. Of course, we've all noticed the amount of skin products that contain tea at our local stores. According to several websites, the caffeine (and other healthy substances that I probably cannot spell) in tea can be used to reduce puffiness around the eyes, soften wrinkles, and basically just perk up the skin. Ya- Ya also suggests using loose tea leaves in combination with baking soda for a relaxing bath. 

4.  Gardening. I'm not too good at the nature stuff, but many websites suggest using used tea for fertilizer and composting.... Yeah, that's all I have to offer on that subject.


Well, I'm sure this is just the tip of the iceberg (did I get that right?) of the uses for used tea leaves and bags. Please find below a link to the websites I used as sources, as well as a delicious recipe for Earl Grey Tea Cookies, from Real Simple's (or, Real and Simple, as I like to call it) website. xoxoxox.




http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/earl-grey-tea-cookies-10000001046907/index.html

http://blog.yayateahouse.co.nz/2007/10/15/green-innovations-12-ways-to-recycle-used-tea-leaves/

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1029172/handy_ways_to_recycle_used_tea_bags.html?cat=32

Purple is the New Black

I must have these purple shoes.

 

The Sartorialist 

Going Vogue

This makes my life a little happier.

http://www.afterelton.com/sites/www.afterelton.com/files/goingvogue4.jpg

Performance Art: Kalup Linzy

Two weekends ago, I had the pleasure of seeing Kalup Linzy perform an acoustic set at Texter & Spengemann Gallery in conjunction with Performa 2009.  Linzy, a former recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2007, as well as a grant from the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation, is best known for his satirical videos based on the over-the-top drama of soap operas and music videos. I first encountered Kalup Linzy's work at "Frequency," a group exhibition at the Studio Museum of Harlem. I  was struck by the artists ability to confront topics of sexuality, race, church, and pop culture with a sense of humor.... Well, that, and as his ability to perform in drag. 

Note to all: It really upsets me when men look better in leotards than I do! Despite this fact, I managed to control my anger, and even laugh a little bit with the crowd at the gallery. Linzy, performed as Taiwan, one of his most famous characters (please see the above picture), hits such as  "Asshole,"and  "Edge of My Couch." Personally, my favorite song (and a potential club banger) is "Chewing Gum," a beautiful ode to men's genitalia.

It was very interesting seeing work so aggressive performed in a cold, white cube-esque gallery, with a primarily white audience. We all know that art is very subjective, however there is a tendency to take every damn thing seriously. On that Sunday, it was great to see a packed house of people willing to break character and honestly laugh along with Kalup Linzy.


Performa Arts- Kalup Linzy
Kalup Linzy Performance

Grace Jones

It's hard not to be inspired by the beauty and style of Grace Jones. This All Hallows Eve, I will attempt to capture the hotness of this fashion icon. Wish me luck!