The Fall Follower

Students and Professors Find Common Ground in Homework

2011-12-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

During this time of the semester, students are usually crumbling under the weight of exams, final lab reports, and term papers. If you are one of these students, just remember: you are not alone, and I’m not just talking about your fellow classmates – I’m talking about your professors too. What many students don’t realize is that professors often have an enormous amount of writing and research that takes place outside of the classroom, which means you are not the only one scrambling for deadlines. To get a “behind the scenes” look at being a university professor, I spoke with University of Massachusetts Boston anthropology professor Colleen Nyberg.

Abby Thibodeau: As you know, I'm interested in hearing about your research as well as how your research interacts with your teaching schedule. I'm eager to learn why more students are not aware of this "double life" that professors lead, and so I hope you can shed a little light on that topic as well.

On your website you list several of your research interests. For those who may be unfamiliar with biological anthropology, how do you describe something like 'HPA Axis Trajectories' and 'Hierarchical Linear Models' (i.e.: how do you explain your research to non-anthropology and non-science folk)?

Professor Colleen Nyberg: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, Abby. I think you lead with an important question – that is, how do we, as scholars, pitch our research to the public. Basically, I am interested in understanding how our ecological, sociocultural, and psychological environments "get under the skin" to impact our health and well-being. The main pathway I focus on is understanding how stress links these factors to our individual biology, and the HPA axis is just a fancy term for the actual systems in the body that coordinate this response.

When you perceive something as stressful, that signal is initiated in your brain (the hypothalamus), which transmits hormones to your pituitary gland, which then communicates to adrenal glands above your kidneys to release the stress hormone cortisol – that is the 'HPA axis'. This system is a major part of homeostasis or what keeps our bodies in balance – and I think it's fascinating because it is a moving target – shifting throughout the day in response to mild everyday stressors, but also helping the body adapt to major events or trauma. But as humans, we are complicated and can't always articulate what is stressful--this is a concept that is largely culturally constructed and people often don't disclose private information in interviews---using stress hormones, in my case cortisol, provides a glimpse into how our bodies are responding to stress, regardless of what we think about it. Using models is just a way of trying to understand this change over time, and its downstream implications for health.

AT: When and where do you travel for your research?

CN: I work primarily in lowland Bolivia, among the Tsimane', an indigenous population who are semi-nomadic and practice swidden horticulture, hunting, and foraging. While some communities are relatively remote and are not engaged in market-based activities, others are acculturating rapidly, in part due to development and logging. These changes in lifestyle have real consequences for people's health and well-being, and I work as part of a collaborative project (TAPS), which is trying to understand what this means for people's quality of life, and also how to improve it. We work in conjunction with indigenous scholars and also members of Tsimane' communities.

This summer, I'll be returning to the Amazon to teach at a National Science Foundation-funded field school; it's basically a methods boot camp for graduate students in anthropology. No electricity or PowerPoint presentations – just headlamps and a portable white board we take up river in the dugout canoe. I'm especially looking forward to seeing my translator and his family since the kids will have grown quite a bit since I was last there.

AT: Is it difficult to switch gears between being out in the field and being in the classroom?

CN: Of course. Both require very different skills in dramatically different contexts.

AT: Many students may not realize that their professors have to do homework too, in your case research and writing about your research; how does this 'homework' interfere or interact with your teaching schedule (for better or for worse)?

CN: Being a full-time professor is a busy gig, and I think many students don't realize the amount of behind the scenes work that goes into doing research. The final write-up, whether it takes the form of a journal article or book chapter, is the culmination of a process that may take years---this extends to writing grant proposals to fund the research, securing IRB approval, carrying out the data collection in the field, and analyzing the data. This means that professors always have homework, which may entail logging many hours on the computer after class, on non-teaching days, and on weekends. I think calling this a "double life" would be a little overly glamorous, but we are required to juggle of number of responsibilities.

AT: Does UMB provide opportunities for students and professors to collaborate on research?

CN: That's ideally where we are headed. In fact, we are strategizing ways to engage students at the undergraduate level, and also in the planning phase of a master’s program in anthropology that would provide interdisciplinary training in globalization, health, and the environment. I also have several thesis students working on projects that are closely aligned with public health – thankfully this is one area where jobs remain plentiful.

AT: Have you found UMB to be a positive setting for conducting and publishing your research?

CN: I'm still learning the ropes, but I know that there is a lot of buzz about new opportunities for research and strengthening the infrastructure to support it. For instance, the new integrated science complex is slated to be pretty impressive, and there are many faculty dedicated to ensuring that UMass Boston maintains its 'teaching soul' while continuing to promote research activities.

AT: Do you have many colleagues who balance the same research and teaching schedule as you?

CN: Sure, research is a requirement of all tenure stream faculty, although teaching schedules may vary from department to department. I have many great colleagues in the anthropology department who perform this balancing act quite successfully. I think everyone should take at least one anthropology class, but then again, I am pretty biased.

AT: I was in your Introduction to Biological Anthropology class, so I know a little bit about this, but can you discuss how you incorporate what you learn outside of UMB with what you teach in your classes?

CN: Bringing my research on stress into the classroom can be vital to understanding issues such as health disparities. Our biology literally embodies our world and our experiences, and this is reflected in our health. This is one of the most fundamental reasons why equality matters.

In a broader sense, I think an anthropological approach is uniquely poised to generate and apply solutions to some of our most pressing global issues, whether they involve issues related to health, economics, climate change, or indigenous rights. The study of humans from past to present reminds us that adaptability and empathy will be vital in fostering a sustainable future.

AT: In your experience, are students typically interested, surprised, intrigued, etc. when they hear about your research?

CN: All of the above, although they might be slightly disappointed that my research doesn't somehow involve yeti or sasquatch (this is an inside joke for my 105 section). Humans are far more interesting.

AT: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I hope that as the fall semester comes to a close, students can find some sense of inspiration, perhaps, from their professors who are also experiencing the pressure of homework and deadlines.

For more information about Professor Nyberg’s research visit her blog at: http://colleennyberg.wordpress.com/about/.

And if you haven’t already taken Professor Nyberg’s advice about signing up for at least one anthropology class, visit the Anthropology Department website to learn more about classes, events, lectures, and opportunities to get involved: http://www.umb.edu/academics/cla/anthropology/

Montréal in 48 Hours

2011-12-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

The first thing to do when you get to Montréal should always be to seek out a heaping plate-full of poutine. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this traditional Canadian dish, poutine is a combination of everybody's favorite things: french fries, cheese, and gravy. But it doesn't have to stop there. Add pepperoni, green peppers, or even bacon if you'd like. Montréal knows how to do poutine right, and if you really want the best go to Resto La Banquise located at 994 Rue Rachel Est (and it doesn't matter what time you get there because this poutine oasis is open 24 hours).

How can you resist?

After you have successfully consumed several plates of delicious poutine, you will definitely need to a take a walk in the park. Luckily for you, Montréal has one of the best. Parc du Mont-Royal

The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York's Central Park, and inaugurated in 1876, although not completed to his design.

And this is the view from the top!

Exploring through this park will undoubtedly work up an appetite, which means: it's time to eat again. If you're like me, you will eat breakfast at any time of day. So for an afternoon, post-walk meal, chocolate crepes and eggs Benedict just makes sense.

Why, yes, those eggs were poached perfectly.

I often stray away from ordering crepes because they are such a difficult thing to get right. In Montréal I know that I would not be disappointed.

If you don't have 48 hours, get a taste of Montréal in two minutes with this video from Ministère du Tourisme Québec.

Winter Countdown

2011-12-08T18:13:00.000-08:00

Reminder: There are still 12 days, 21 hours, and 45 minutes left of fall.

Ugly Holiday Sweaters: Making a comeback

2011-11-30T07:40:00.000-08:00

We thought they were gone for good, buried along with the neon legwarmers and shoulder pads of the 80's, but it's official: ugly holiday sweaters are back. This may be because of the modern affinity for irony, in which case these sweaters fulfill a multitude of odd ironies. Whether you're attending an "ugly sweater" themed party or just looking to get caught up on holiday trends, you can't escape the ugly holiday sweater this holiday season.

Thrift stores are the usual hideout for ugly holiday sweaters, and the more you're willing to dig, the better the holiday find.

I think when you find the perfect one, you'll know right away.

Some holiday shoppers not up for a trek through mountains of used clothing prefer to buy their ugly holiday sweaters online. Best places to purchase wearable holiday cheer:

- Rusty Zipper: vintage clothing online retailer featuring an entire section devoted to ugly holiday clothing
- Butt Ugly Sweaters: find ugly sweaters for every occasion!
- Ugly Christmas Sweater Party: for the largest selection of ugly Christmas sweaters
- We Love Holiday Sweaters: if you haven't found the perfect sweater yet, go here and make your own!

What about this patchwork snowman number from uglychristmassweaterparty.com?

Still not convinced? Check out this article from The Washington Post.

Home for the Fallidays: Warm Fall Cocktails

2011-11-28T07:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the cold weather, we now have an excuse to bust out a fall drink menu that combines seasonal flavors with alcohol to create the best warm cocktails of the year. Here are a few of this season's most popular drinks:

Mulled Hibiscus Punch: Simmer 2 cups dried hibiscus, 8 cups water, 1 cup sugar, 6 cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon vanilla and a dash of nutmeg in a saucepan for 30 minutes. Strain and serve with cinnamon sticks.

Dried hibiscus from Trader Joe's

Hot Dulce de Leche: Heat 2 cups milk and 1/2 cup dulce de leche in a saucepan, whisking, until frothy. Add a shot of rum, if desired. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon. (To make your own dulce de leche go here).

Mulled wine: Combine 4 cups of apple cider and 1 bottle of wine with 1/4 cup honey, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, 1 orange zested and juiced, and 3 star anise in a large saucepan. Boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and serve wth orange peel for garnish.

Dried Star Anise

Thanksgiving Week: Eat, Eat, Eat...

2011-11-20T19:36:00.000-08:00

This week is Thanksgiving week, which means it's time to gather together the best recipes in preparation for the best Thanksgiving meal. For 2011 I am encouraging everyone to ditch the instant mashed potatoes, the canned cranberry sauce and boxed stuffing. It's time to step up to the savory Thanksgiving plate and make these favorite side dishes from scratch.

Turkey-worthy mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are an undeniable Thanksgiving must. Make everyone's favorite mashed potatoes by including everyone's favorite ingredients: butter, cream, and cheese. Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes (peeling is optional). Put cut potatoes in a large pot.

Fill the pot with enough water to cover the potatoes.

Boil the potatoes for about 15 minutes or until potato cubes fall apart easily with a fork. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot. Mash the potatoes. Add butter, half and half, pepper, and shredded white cheddar cheese, and then blend together until desired consistency. (Remember: you want to maintain a desirable mashed potato consistency, so don't over do it with the butter and half and half.)

Mash until smooth.

After adding additional ingredients, place cover over pot and keep warm until serving.

Perfect cranberry sauce: Enough with the cans of cranberry sauce. What you need to accompany your delicious roasted turkey is more of a warm relish and less of a jello-like slab of cold cranberry-flavored gelatin. To make the best cranberry sauce you've ever had start by rinsing two bags of fresh cranberries (these can be found in the fruit section of the grocery store during the holiday season). Once fully rinsed, put cranberries and one cinnamon stick together in a large saucepan.

Two bags of rinsed cranberries + cinnamon stick + 2 cups of water over medium heat.

Zest and juice one orange. Add orange juice, orange zest, 2 cups of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Let simmer on low to medium heat for approximately 20 minutes or until the desired consistency. Allow to cool for a bit and remove cinnamon stick before serving.

The best stuffing you will ever have: Enough with out-of-a-box stove top stuffing. That is for Thanksgiving wimps. This stuffing recipe will knock your socks off, and it's easy to make. Start by cutting a loaf of bread into small cubes. Place cut up bread on a large baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 7 minutes.

While the bread is baking, put one stick of butter, one large finely chopped onion, three finely chopped celery sticks and a cup of vegetable broth in a large saute pan. Add approximately one palm-full (I'm guessing this is probably 2 tablespoons) of each of these: sage, thyme, rosemary, and dried parsley. Add a dash or two of pepper and dried mustard. You should eyeball the amount of each of these and add more or less depending on your own personal tastes. As this simmers add a second cup of broth.

Saute over medium heat until vegetables are softened.

The bread should be done baking by the time this is finished simmering. Take bread out of the oven and add to the saute pan. Mix everything together, making sure that all pieces of bread are covered in delicious buttery, brothy, savory goodness. Put bread back on the baking sheet. Put back in the oven for approximately 25 minutes or until bread is golden brown and a bit crispy.

Fresh out of the oven PERFECT stuffing.

The perfect stuffing for a perfect Thanksgiving meal.

Congratulations: now you are prepared to make a delicious Thanksgiving meal with savory and delectable sides that will not only impress your guests but will actually make your turkey taste better.

Thanksgiving sides unite!

A Fall Request

2011-11-16T07:16:00.000-08:00

Santa is still on vacation!

I have one plea for the executive powers in charge of television programming and advertising: postpone the holiday commercials. I understand that this country runs on consumerism, but as a true advocate for fall, I say these holiday commercials (the ones with the Santa lookalikes, holiday sales, and mountains of perfectly wrapped presents) are too much and too early.

The holidays and fall can have a peaceful relationship if each stays true to its respective places on the calendar. Yes, there are only eight days left until Thanksgiving, during which I plan on preparing a delicious and comforting Thanksgiving meal, but let this holiday be a fall one because, after all, there is over a month left until winter officially begins. Leave the holiday shopping until after the turkey has been devoured and the pumpkin pie has been savored. When those commercials claim: "it's that time of year again," please remember that it is not quite that time of year again.

Fall Fashion

2011-11-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Before we get hurried into snowsuits and wool from head to toe, let's take a moment to appreciate some of this fall's best fashion.

Eye-catching outerwear: As temperatures slowly slide into the frosty forecasts of November, a great coat is a must-have item. Indulge in bright colors with this 'Auburn Brightly Coat' from ModCloth to make a statement while staying warm. The detachable faux fur collar also gives this coat an extra edge, pushing it from practical day wear to elegant evening wear in one easy step.

Deers are the new birds: The sweater dress has long since been a fashion staple for fall. This year add modern, playful flair with this 'Oh Deer Sweater Dress' from Sugarhill Boutique. The muted brown tone will go perfectly with a bright colored scarf or hat.

Head to toe: Just like with a great coat, fall fashion is not complete without outstanding accessories. If your wardrobe inspiration for this fall takes you from modern day girl to film noir ingenue, seek out this stunning fall piece from Ophelie Hats (also available at ModCloth). Its dramatic structure and stunning amber color will add drama to your wardrobe without over doing it.

Another fall must-have is a great pair of boots. Mid-calf boots are making a comeback this fall, overtaking last year's ankle boot. When looking for a great pair of boots, find a sleek, neutral color that pairs well with everything in your closet. These Booker Boots from J.Crew come in a warm brown color, hit just below the knee, and would look delightful with bright legging or jeans.

Party people: After Halloween, the holiday parties begin to take over, so be prepared with a great holiday dress that can be worn for every event from Thanksgiving dinner to the Secret Santa party at the office to any New Year's Eve bash. This 'Lace Tank Dress' by Jessica Simpson is the perfect combination of class and style. Intricate lace detail adds depth and intrigue to the simple silhouette of this dress, making it the perfect dress for any party. Easily slip on a cardigan or combine with gold accessories for shimmer and black pumps for the ultimate party look.

Remember: Winter will soon be here, so incorporate these must-haves for an unforgettable fall wardrobe before it's too late!

11/11/11

2011-11-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

This Veterans Day is a special day not just becaust it's 11/11/11 but because there is a new movement sweeping the nation. This year Americans are leaving their pajamas at home and are getting out into the community to honor and celebrate veterans by giving back. Visit The Wheatley Chronicle for a fresh batch of Veterans Day articles addressing topics ranging from volunteer opportunities and the lives of military spouses, to celebrity veterans and the new Call of Duty.

Today is also a great day to give a special mention to the Veterans Upward Bound program at UMASS Boston.

UMASS Boston is known for providing its students with a wide variety of resources and opportunities. One resource that may be less known to students is the Veterans Upward Bound program offered free of charge for eligible veterans. The program is open to veterans of all ages and proudly stands by its free admission.

Being a part of the military is a tremendous decision that involves mental and physical strength, but many veterans face an even greater challenge when integrating back into civilian society. Now that President Obama has promised to bring troops home, many will be looking for an opportunity to start a new career path and UMASS Boston is here to help.

UMASS Boston aims to help these veterans by providing a unique and personalized education that builds on strengths and interests to guarantee success. The Veterans Upward Bound program works with eligible veterans to provide a unique and personalized educational path. A student enrolled in this program can choose one of four different paths to best fit his or her needs and goals. These paths include: College and Career Awareness, GED Preparation, Self-Paced Skill Development, and Sixteen Week Classroom Instruction. Additional services provided include tutoring, career counseling, educational instruction and many more. The experienced staff involved in Veterans Upward Bound will even assist veterans in getting aid from other resources in the area, making sure students get the benefits they need and deserve.

If you're interested in learning more about this program,visit:

http://www.umb.edu/academics/vpass/support_programs/veterans_upward_bound/eligibility_application/ or contact the program directly at: veteransupwardbound@umb.edu

Boston this weekend.

2011-11-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

I know the sun now sets at 4:29pm, and it makes you want to cry, but there are some pretty spectacular things happening this weekend in Boston, so get out and enjoy them before you have to crawl back into bed at your newly appointed bedtime of 8:00pm.

Brighton Arts & Crafts Fair 11/12 Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum

Open at 11:00am and free to the public, this fair is a great opportunity to get out, enjoy local talent, and maybe even begin your holiday shopping. The Brighton Arts & Crafts fair brings together an eclectic array of fine arts, crafts and hand-made goods and is focused on having variety among their vendors. (This year's fair will feature over 30 different vendors.)

Boston Book Fair 11/11 - 11/13 Hynes Convention Center

This book fair gathers together rare book dealers from all over the world to create "the oldest and most respected antiquarian book shows in the country." During the fair, several guest speakers will address topics such as "decorating with books and prints," "redefining collecting," and book appraisers will offer their expert services for fair-goers looking for a second opinion on something from their own collection.

SoWa Vintage Market 11/13 (Open every Sunday) 460C Harrison Ave, Boston

A self-proclaimed "fab market experience," this popular shopping spot has been praised for its variety of unique art, one-of-a-kind finds and local flair. The South End News called the SoWa Vintage Market the "hottest place to see and be seen on Sundays in Boston." Check it out this Sunday. Open at 10:00am and free admission!

One. More. Hour.

2011-11-06T14:30:00.000-08:00

This is another great thing about fall: Daylight Saving Time ends, and we all set our clocks back one hour to what is known as Standard Time. Though this is not really, technically adding an hour, it sure feels nice to sleep in. The only trade off, of course, is the dramatic change in the evening when 5:00pm feels like midnight, and you want to crawl back into bed for the night.

For a complete history of Daylight Saving Time check out this article from HowStuffWorks.com

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

They'll do anything for a treat.

Although it is a Monday, I hope all of you are still taking time to enjoy this spooky holiday.

Halloween is a time to... be scared.

2011-10-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

Getting into the spirit of Halloween, the Boston Globe put out a fantastic list of "Top 50 scariest movies of all time" complete with trailers and memorable quotes. Did your favorite make the list? I know mine did (see #11).

(Also, does #38 really deserve to be on this list?)

Pumpkins: They're not just for Jack-O'-Lanterns anymore

2011-10-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

Now that we have fully saturated September with the deliciousness of apple pie, it's time to move on to a sweet and savory favorite: Pumpkin Pie. This fall I made a promise to ban the can! No canned pumpkin pie filling needed for this recipe.

Here's what you'll need:

1 pie pumpkin (Go here for tips on how to pick a perfect pumpkin)
1 pie crust (refer to Apple Pie post for recipe/directions)
2 eggs
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon allspice
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

Begin by cutting your pumpkin in half. Remove all seeds from the inside.

Place both halves cut side down on a cookie sheet and bake at 325 degrees F for about 35 minutes, or until the inside is tender. Let the pumpkin cool until it has reached a reasonably warm temperature. Scrape the pumpkin innards from the peel using a spoon. Use a potato masher or blender to mash pumpkin. While mashing and/or blender-ing, turn up the oven temperature to 450 degrees F. If you have extra pumpkin puree, store it in the freezer for later.

In a large mixing bowl, beat two eggs and add brown sugar, flour, salt, allspice, and evaporated milk. Then add roughly 2 cups of the pumpkin puree. After mixing all the ingredients together, pour filling into a food processor (or the blender that you just used for the puree) and pulse until smooth. Now you are ready to add your pumpkin pie filling to your pie crust.

Bake the pie for 10 minutes at 450 degrees F, then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake an additional 40 to 50 minutes, or conduct toothpick test (should come out clean from center of the pie). To ensure the best possible pumpkin pie experience, let the pie sit overnight in the fridge. I also made some cinnamon whip cream to accompany this delicious dessert (take 1 carton whipping cream/heavy cream and add 2 tablespoons cinnamon and blend until the desired whip cream consistency).

Boston Folks: Hasty Halloween Shopping & Last-Minute Costumes

2011-10-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

When you were a kid, you had your Halloween costume picked out in July. Now that your life is taken over by work or school or both, you’re lucky if you even plan as far ahead as October 30th. Fortunately, there is a wide selection of costume shops, second-hand stores, and Halloween supplies in Boston to fulfill any last-minute shopper’s costume dreams. Whether you’re putting together a last-minute look, throwing a theme party, or searching for vintage fashion year round, these top picks will have everything you’re looking for:

1. The Garment District (& Boston Costume) – Though they stock plenty of vintage looks and fashionable used clothing for a colorful, year-round wardrobe, Halloween is truly a time to shine for The Garment District. Located on Broadway in Kendall Square, this large, self-proclaimed department store is home to over 40,000 different and unique pieces of clothing.

During the month of October, The Garment District transforms from an alternative department store to an over-the-top costume shop with shelves bursting with wigs, fake mustaches, vampire fangs, and rows upon rows of the best ready-made costumes. If you’re looking for scrap fabric to construct your own costume (perhaps for a scarecrow or hobo look), make sure to take advantage of the “clothes-by-the-pound” section where you can wade through a mountain of clothing and pay for your perfectly selected material by the pound.

Also at this location is Boston Costume where you can buy or rent one of the many fully decorated costumes available. With two great costume suppliers sharing one roof, your chances of finding the best Halloween costume at the last possible moment are greatly improved. Though their hours of operation are extended to midnight during the Halloween season, be prepared to wait in line with hundreds of other last-minute shoppers. For more information about The Garment District and Boston Costume visit http://www.garmentdistrict.com/ or stop in at 200 Broadway in Kendall Square.

2. Dorothy’s Boutique – If your desired costume requires a voluptuous wig, platform heels with poker chips inside them, or hot pink fishnet stockings, Dorothy’s Boutique on Mass Ave in Back Bay is where you need to be. This costume shop has been praised for its eclectic selection of platform heels and drag-queen-approved apparel.

Dorothy’s also has a large selection of stage-worthy theatrical makeup including hair dye, lipstick, glitter, modeling putty for that perfect, over-sized witch nose, white face paint for a clown or ghost look, and even black-light hair spray. For those of you looking for something a little less sexy, Dorothy’s also carries full size penguin, Gumby and Pokey, and Santa Claus costumes.

As the 31st creeps nearer and nearer, the line at Dorothy’s gets longer and longer, so be sure to plan ahead or be ready to wait in line. Find Dorothy’s Boutique at 190 Mass Ave in Boston or on the web at: http://site.mawebcenters.com/dorothysboutique/index.html

3. Goodwill – If your Halloween costume requires less wig and makeup action and more era appropriate clothing, seek out a Goodwill store near you. For anything from 60’s hippie to 80’s secretary to 90’s grunge rocker, the many color-coded racks will provide you with plenty of material and inspiration. Though you may have to do a little more searching, your costume will glow with resourcefulness and authenticity. For best searching results, look through every section and don’t be afraid to recruit friends to help. Many of the most unique pieces get moved around and the best costume accessories are never where you expect them to be. Top rated Goodwill store locations include Roxbury, Davis Square, and Central Square. To find a Goodwill store in your area use the Goodwill locator: http://locator.goodwill.org/

4. Buffalo Exchange – This second-hand store specializes in bringing together designer looks and used fashion at a reasonable price. They buy and sell only the most popular brands and trends so that you don’t have to go searching and searching through piles of boring, faded clothing. Buffalo Exchange has a surprisingly large selection of men’s clothing, a vast collection of shoes, and a variety of dresses. If you’re taking a more modern approach to your costume this year, say with a celebrity or political figure in mind, Buffalo Exchange will help you get exactly the right look. In October, they always add more costume friendly accessories and attire to their selection.

If you need a little cash for your costume this year, bring in those jeans from the back of your closet and that jacket you never wear and take advantage of the exchange. They can give you store credit or cash on the spot when you bring in your unwanted, lightly used clothing. For more information about buying, selling, and trading at Buffalo Exchange visit: www.buffaloexchange.com or check them out at 238 Elm Street in Davis Square or at their Allston location at 180 Harvard Ave.

5. Army Barracks – A life-size marine statue stands at attention on the sidewalk to greet you as you make your way to the camouflage jump suits, bandanas, helmets, and dog tags. If an army soldier, marine, naval officer, jungle safari hunter, or Rambo is all you ever dreamed of being for Halloween, Army Barracks is here to help. An accommodating and enthusiastic staff is always ready to assist you, making shopping quick and easy. Add a camouflage vest and military insignia to give your costume that extra edge and head off to the party. If you’re still going to be a princess for Halloween, stop by Army Barracks anyway for an exceptional shopping experience. In addition to toy guns and aviator sunglasses, many shoppers praise Army Barracks for providing apparel that can actually stand up to tough New England winters, including real wool coats and Carhartt pants and boots. Check out Army Barracks at 173 Mass Ave in Boston.

6. Blick Art Materials – If you’re still determined on making your Halloween costume from scratch, despite being short on time, don’t fret. Blick Art Materials at 401 Park Drive in Boston has all the supplies needed to make an outrageous, spectacular costume at home. Blick stocks all the crafting must-haves: glue, glitter, ribbons, paint, foam, felt, buttons, tie-dye, yarn, and even wiggly stick-on eyeballs. Look for the plastic face masks for a quick craft project. These pre-made masks are perfect for creating a “Phantom of the Opera” costume or Shakespearean masquerade ball attire.

If you’re a beginner crafter hoping to make this Halloween your crafting debut, Blick carries a wide selection of books and how-to manuals to help you each step of the way. If you don’t have time for books, the expert staff is always available to give tips and tricks on how to get the best results. To save time, visit Blick online at http://www.dickblick.com and create a shopping list so that you can get in and out and still have plenty of time to create your masterpiece.

Don’t get caught without a costume this year. From inspiration to materials, these top retail resources will have everything you need. And remember, costume shopping works best when accompanied by friends, so get a group and get hunting for that Halloween costume you’ve always dreamed of.

Red, Yellow, Orange, Green...

2011-10-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

Searching for vibrant fall colors, I made my way up to Bar Harbor, Maine, home of Acadia National Park. Every fall hundreds of "leaf peepers" flock to this popular tourist destination to marvel at the beautiful changing colors. Bright oranges, fire reds, and striking yellows mix brilliantly with the deep evergreens and pines:

The beautiful view from Cadillac Mountain

Apples by the ocean

One of the entrances to Acadia National Park

Glowing with color!

Pie Time

2011-10-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

It is finally time for some pie. Because of the bags and bags of apples I keep receiving from friends and family (not to mention the delicious apples we got at the Common Ground Country Fair), I decided to make not one but TWO apple pies.

This recipe is a classic, easy favorite. Start by making the pie crust dough. I promise if you learn this one recipe, you will never want to by frozen pie crusts again. This is what you'll need for two pie crusts (or one double crust pie)*:

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar

1/3 cup vegetable shortening

1/2 cup ice water

*I doubled this recipe to make two double crust pies.

It is extremely important that you keep the butter and vegetable shortening cold, so make sure you refrigerate them beforehand.

Begin by cutting the butter up into small cubes.

Cut butter into small cubes.

Move the butter and shortening to the freezer while doing these next steps:

Mix together flour, salt, and sugar. If you want to get fancy, use a mixer. If you like it old school, just use a bowl and a spoon.

Flour + Sugar + Salt

Add in shortening and cubes of butter.

Mix ingredients together.

Ideally you would use a pastry cutter for this, but I don't have one of those fancy things, so I used a potato masher. As you are working these ingredients together, slowly add in ice cold water (this is when the dough will start to actually look like dough). Use your hands to fully combine and roll into a ball. This completes the dough making process. Now set it aside in the fridge while you prepare the filling:

For the filling you will need:
6 apples
(I've used all different kinds of apples. This time I used some macintosh, some granny smith, and some cortland.)
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Clove
Brown sugar
About a half stick of butter
Some Flour

Peel apples and cut them into sections. Mix apples together with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove (about a cup of brown sugar and add the spices to suit your liking). Melt butter in a large pot on the stove. Add apples to butter and stir until apples are slightly soft and completely covered.

Peel + Cut

Mix well and add a little flour to thicken.

After you've done this, take apples off the heat and let them sit. Now roll out the dough. Make sure you have your work area covered in flour so that the dough will not become a sticky mess. Start by cutting the ball of dough in half. Roll out one half of the dough. Start from the middle and go out in all directions to form a circle. It doesn't have to be a perfect circle because it gets folded over and there is usually plenty of extra dough. Place dough carefully into pie tin and mold it into the sides. Add delicious apple filling and then roll out the other half of the dough. Carefully place dough on top and combine crusts by pinching along the sides with a fork.

Pinch sides together with a fork + Poke top with fork. Add doughy heart if needed.

Now your pie is complete and ready to bake. Make sure to put pie on a cookie sheet before placing in the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes at 375 degrees F. You will want to admire it before the 50 minutes is up though, so I would recommend checking in at about 30 minutes.

Baking beauties

This amazing apple pie is best served with a scoop of whip cream or vanilla ice cream and possibly some hot apple cider or even a tall glass of milk.

Autumn in D.C.

2011-10-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I got a chance to step outside of New England and see how other cities do fall. First I traveled to Philadelphia where I met up with some friends, and then we journeyed on to Washington, DC. I figured that the further away I got from New England, the warmer it would be. Well, it turned out to be an unseasonably chilly and rainy weekend in D.C. We didn't let a little rain ruin our adventures, though. As you can see, we came prepared:

On Friday we went to check out the very popular bar scene on 18th street in Adams Morgan. Crowds of people came out to party at the numerous bars and clubs on this street.

Saturday we ventured out into the city to check out the tourist spots and do some shopping. We ended up at the National Portrait Gallery. One of the exhibits included an extensive collection of folk art.

The building that now is home to the National Portrait Gallery actually use to be a patent office. In one of the long corridors, they have on display original models that were submitted for patenting.

This one is an automatic telegraph receiver patented by Samuel F. B. Morse in 1837.

This is Thomas Edison's tin-foil phonograph that was patented in 1878. Behind it you can see Singer's patented sewing machine on display

According to this week's forecast, D.C. will be back to its usual warm, sunny weather. The leaves are still waiting to change, and it will feel more like summer than fall for a few more weeks.

Green trees in the park in Washington, D.C.

Back in New England, temperatures continue to creep down to the 40's and 50's and people are bringing out the scarves and hats.

*Check back soon for a fall food post that includes delicious apple pie.

The Common Ground Country Fair

2011-09-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Hosted each year by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), The Common Ground Country Fair is a celebration of "the rural and agricultural traditions of Maine." When strolling through tents of local goods, hand-spun yarn, handmade crafts, and fresh picked produce, you feel there is nothing this local world cannot accomplish or produce.

Despite its rural location in the town of Unity, Maine, the fair draws a large crowd from all corners of New England. In 2010, nearly 60,000 people attended the fair. Judging from the crowds that paraded through the fairground on Sunday, this year's fair is sure to be just as successful.

In addition to the large variety of goods for sale, there is also a vast selection of events, exhibitions, shows, and lectures to attend. A popular crowd favorite is the sheep dog demonstration. Trained border collies show off their expert herding skills with the help of their trainer, farm owner and experienced demonstrator Dave Kennard. Below are some pictures from the demonstration on Sunday:

Kennard shows the audience how to handle sheep.

An obedient border collie corrals a herd of goats and sheep.

An audience member takes a turn at herding the pack.

In the fairground's main hall, prize-winning produce from local farmers and gardeners is displayed proudly. Bright green squash, vibrant tomatoes, hot peppers, and delicate onions line multiple banquet tables. Cans of pickles, jams, and preserves are stacked high in the corner with a blue ribbon dangling from each one. A first place pumpkin sits on a scale like a throne, weighing in at 114 pounds. On this day vegetables finally get the recognition they deserve for being just as beautiful as a bouquet of flowers. These are a few of my favorite first-place vegetables:

Large Bottle Gourd

Pumpkin on the left: 114 lbs. Pumpkin on the right: 104 lbs.

A beautiful bouquet of lettuce sits proudly next to a blue ribbon.

Along the outer edges of the fairground, barns and stables house local farm animals and livestock. Side-by-side with their owners, these animals patiently endure the endless gawking and cooing that comes from passing crowds. A few of the animals at this year's fair include goats, sheep, cows, mules, horses, oxen, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, and rabbits.

Like a lot of the animals at the fair, these bashful mules on display are for sale.

A peaceful sheep looks up mid-chew.

Two oxen doze off in the hazy heat.

A friendly cow takes a peek at the crowd.

For those who just want to browse, there is plenty to see, taste, and enjoy while walking along the dirt paths of the fairground. Here are just a few of the sights to be seen:

A folk band plays on a solar-powered stage.

A blacksmith hammers a link for a metal chain.


Dancers join hands to form a circle on stage.

My fellow fall followers and I left The Common Ground Country Fair with our bellies full of delicious food and our hands full of fresh, organic produce and local goods, ready to officially welcome the fall season. Thank you, MOFGA for providing fall enthusiasts like me with a perfect way to kick off the season.

Our collection of goods on display in the kitchen

Coming up soon: Using apples from the fair, I'm going to make a delicious fall favorite: homemade apple pie!

Happy First Day of Fall!

2011-09-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

For most New Englanders, the first day of fall indicates another giant step towards the dreaded winter season. This year I encourage everyone to see the first day of fall as an opportunity to celebrate and enjoy a beautiful season that is too often overlooked. Keep checking The Fall Follower for updates and tips on how to make the most of your fall.

Coming soon: The Common Ground Country Fair!

Celebrate Fall

2011-09-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite season. I love the vibrant colors, autumnal festivities, and the cool, crisp air replacing the humid haze of summer. I especially love celebrating fall in the beautiful landscapes of New England. The Fall Follower is your source for all things fall including (but not limited to) fall events, art, music, fashion, festivals, and food (lots of food).

First on the fall to-do list is the Common Ground Country Fair hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). Beginning September 23 (the first day of fall) and ending September 25, the Common Ground Fair is the perfect way to welcome in the new season. I plan on eating mountains of delicious organic food, admiring local artists, buying local goods (yarn, clothing, jewelry to name a few on my list), and stocking up on plenty of organic fruits and vegetables.

Be sure to follow The Fall Follower for details on this fantastic fall event. If you would like to go to the Common Ground Fair visit: http://www.mofga.org/TheFair/tabid/135/Default.aspx for more information.