Dinner and Democracy

A Peppermint Party

Meagan Nelson December 24, 2017

I am obsessed with the sweet, fresh taste of peppermints. Every Christmas, in order to be festive, my parents and I would decorate the stair banisters in our house to look like candy canes, and my mom and I would also make a delicious peppermint ice cream pie with Oreo crust (find the recipe below). The sweetness of peppermints always reminds my family of the joy of being with loved ones during the holidays, while the freshness of the mint is a great segue into the new year, which is a time for us to feel refreshed and set new goals. Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a Merry Christmas as we learn about how this classic candy made its mark as a holiday staple. ❤

Peppermint and History

Let’s take a look at the history of peppermints according to organic gardner, Sally Painter. The name peppermint comes from Greek mythology in the form of a love triangle. As in all Greek mythologies, there are many versions of the story. The most popular one states that Hades seduced the nymph, Minthe, and his wife, Persephone, became enraged with jealousy and turned Minthe into a plant that people would constantly walk on.

Outraged by his wife’s interference, Hades imbued the plant with peppermint, so whenever the plant was crushed underneath footfalls, it would release a wonderful aroma. Hades hoped that by doing this, people would remember Minthe and recall how beautiful and full of life she had been. Persephone was furious over her husband’s tampering, because Minthe’s presence would forever linger in the air as a constant reminder of her presence. In another version, Persephone turned Minthe into peppermint (other versions state mint) as a way to save her from Hades’s seduction.

Photo Credit: Green 400 Magazine

Ancient Egyptians used peppermint. In fact, dried peppermint leaves were discovered in pyramids that carbon dated to 1,000 BC.

The Romans grew mint and peppermint in their gardens for its medicinal purposes, especially as a digestive aid. They also used mint and peppermint as a ground cover, especially between stepping stone pathways. They enjoyed the pleasing aroma the plants produced that greeted guests as they entered a home or a courtyard.

Peppermint is a natural occurring hybrid of spearmint and water mint. The first recorded cultivation of peppermint was recorded in 1750 when a new hybrid was created and grown in London. The first commercial growing of peppermint in the United States began in 1790 in the state of Massachusetts. Peppermint has always been considered a medicinal cure for various ailments, mostly digestive; however, there were many other uses prescribed for this special plant.

In 1846, peppermint growers in the US began using steam distilleries to replace the older method that required the boiling of the mint in order to release the oils. The peppermint oil was then skimmed off of the top of the water. This new method improved the quality of the oil and enhanced the production of peppermint oil. Over the centuries, peppermint has grown in popularity as more than just a digestive aid, although it’s still used for that purpose. A peppermint tea is a great way to ingest the herb. Other uses of peppermint include distilling the oil to produce flavoring. Peppermint flavoring is used in candies, medicines and hygienic products. The United States produces more than 75 percent of the world’s peppermint oil.

Peppermint and Politics

Did you know that peppermints as a preferred candy flavor can actually reveal quite a bit about one’s political ideology and engagement level? According to Praxis’ Steven Maxie, those who tend to vote Republican and participate in politics frequently choose peppermint patties as a favorite candy, while low-engagement Republicans tend to favor Skittles and Rolo. Democrats who do not turnout to vote often tend to favor Nerds and Airheads as their candy of choice, while high-turnout Democratic Voters tend to favor Babe Ruth, Almond Joy and Rasinets. Finally, for those who are middle-of-the road, Resee’s Pieces and Three Musketeers tend to suit those who fall on both sides of the aisle. Who knew that peppermints and candies in general could reveal so much about the political personalities of the public?

Photo Credit: Matt Blitz

Peppermint and Pop Culture

One of the most iconic symbols of peppermints being used in pop culture today is when singer Katy Perry wore a peppermint bra dress on her California Dreams tour. The singer made headlines after insurers suggested that she ditch her peppermint bra as a safety precaution due to a previous incident when her hair got caught in the wheels. Perry was forced to go with it. “I seriously doubt it could be lethal but they want a new bra designed that will not allow hair to be caught up.” said Perry. “What a girl does for her art.”

Perry’s iconic peppermint bra dress has become so popular that several creative people have come up with their own costume version of the dress, often worn on Halloween. Discover the process for recreating Perry’s iconic peppermint dress here.

Photo Credit: Billboard.com

Christmas Peppermint Pie

Photo Credit: Meagan Nelson

Directions:

Crush one box of chocolate wafers into tiny pieces to form crust inside 8” cheesecake pan
Melt half a stick of butter
Mix butter with wafers inside 8” cheesecake pan
Bake in oven on 350 degrees for 15 minutes
When done, fill pan with pink peppermint ice cream of choice on top of crust
Spread whipped cream/heavy cream in a thick layer on top of ice cream
Sprinkle with chocolate shavings on top
Freeze for two hours
Enjoy!

Sources:

Source: Painter, Sally. “History of Peppermint.” Love To Know [Burlingame] N.D.: Print.

Source: Mazie, Steven. “Love Peppermint Patties? You Must Be A Republican.” The Big Think, Inc. [New York] N.D.: Print.

Source: “Please Take Your Bra Off, Katy Perry.” News Group Newspapers Limited [London] N.D.: Print.

Source: “Katy Perry Peppermint Dress: Progress.” Lyddi Design Costumes [San Francisco] N.D.: Print.

Perfecting Pasta

Meagan Nelson September 3, 2017

September is here, and fall is just around the corner! One of my absolute favorite fall dishes of all time is butternut squash pasta, and pasta, of course, has been a comfort food of mine since childhood. My absolute FAVORITE memory eating pasta growing up was when I was on my family’s annual trip to Cannon Beach in 2011, when my mom and I were eating our favorite ravioli from JP’s Restaurant in Cannon Beach. (Sadly, it has been closed for five years – RIP). We met this adorable, very sweet newlywed couple at the table next to us. My parents and I liked them so much that my parents, being the kind and generous people that they are, bought them their dinner in secret and the couple didn’t know about it until after we had left the restaurant. It was such an amazing feeling to later find out that my parents had shocked the husband with surprise and made the wife burst out in tears of gratitude. It is behaviors like these that make me strive to do the selfless and generous acts that my parents do every dsay. Let’s take a minute to learn about how one of the world’s most popular dishes found its place in history and pop culture!

While Americans know and love pasta as a signature Italian dish, evidence suggests that prior to the 1^st century AD, the Greeks had developed a mixture of egg and water roasted on melted stones that resembled sheets of lasagna. The Romans put their own spin on the dish soon after, layering the lasagna sheets and stuffing them with meat or fish.

By the 5^th century AD, a large number of Arab people traveled into Sicily and took a liking to pasta due to its ease of mobility during travels. After a new form of pasta in the shape of strings was developed in Palermo, Arabs then brought their love of pasta from Italy back to their home countries.

Following this time period, when Marco Polo returned from his travels to China in 1295, he was rumored to have encountered pasta during his travels, as pasta was found in many recipe books twenty years prior.

Photo Credit: Serious Eats

By the 14^th century, pasta became very popular in “The New World” as Spanish explorers travelled overseas. Between the 15^th-18^th centuries, pasta became commonplace in American culture, making its way onto the tables of everyone from Thomas Jefferson, to French ambassadors, to people like you and me.

Pasta became a very popular staple for soldiers from the Civil War to World War II, and after many Italians immigrated into the United States post 19^th century, spaghetti, lasagna, and many other forms of pasta became a regular part of the American diet, loved by people worldwide.

Pasta and Politics

Photo Credit: Meagan Nelson

A viral article was published recently about a stoner genius who used a rotini noodle to improve his joint-building skills. For those who choose to indulge in the use of marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes, note that a better way to roll a joint is to not only use tube-shaped pasta to stabilize it, but also to filter out any ash. While marijuana has been legalized in several states largely for economic and medicinal purposes, it is important for us to learn how marijuana can be used safely in its highest quality, and why marijuana legalization benefits the country as a whole.

Here are the top ten reasons why marijuana legalization is smart according to cannabis.net:

Alcohol Sales Drop 50% Over the First 3 Years Of Legal Cannabis

Alcohol and liquor sales go down by 50% when cannabis is legalized. In states where cannabis is legalized, even if only medically, alcohol sales are greatly reduced. This fact means less liver disease, less alcoholism, less alcohol abuse, and less health risks associated with regular alcohol consumption.

Pharmaceutical Drug Use Drops By 25% Over the First 3 Years of Legal Cannabis

Pharmaceutical sales and prescription drug use drops by 25% over the first three years when cannabis is legalized. Adderall sales slow as more kids with ADHD and similar issues get treated with cannabis pills. The myriad of drugs given for PTSD diagnoses get cut in half when cannabis is legalized. Cannabis is shown to have positive health effects in many areas. Breakthroughs are happening around the world in Alzheimer’s treatments, autism treatments, cancer and cancer tumor research. What about simple pain relief drugs like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and aspirin? Cannabis has shown to be a wonder treatment for headaches, nausea, arthritis, body pain, and many symptoms that “over the counter” drugs treat. Guess why big Pharma doesn’t want to see cannabis legalized?

Better Marriages and Better Relationships Emerge

Better marriage and better relationships start to form around cannabis. Cannabis promotes peace, oneness, and relaxation. Cannabis elevates the level of tolerance and lowers the level of anger and aggression in people. Cannabis increases patience in a person, which can be quite helpful at the end of a stressful day.

Health Insurance Costs Go Down

The cost of health care is skyrocketing as baby boomers hit the 75-90-year-old stage and “no denial policies” are factored into the insurance pool, and cannabis lowers these health insurance costs. We create a healthier society that reduces alcohol use, lowers stress, and lowers prescription drug use with cannabis, thus lowering our health care costs. Cannabis is a healing plant that has many healthy vitamins and minerals as well. It does wonders in healing muscles and lowering recovery time in athletes. It also can be used as a Kale substitute and has many antioxidants, thus improving the health of individuals.

More Tolerance for People with Different Mindsets in the World

If there is one thing cannabis does well, it is relaxing people. Our differences seem less severe when we are using cannabis, and our reasons for fighting seem less sound. In the end, we all want to be happy and live an enjoyable life. “Live and let live” is the mantra of many stoner communities. Cannabis has been used at many peace ceremonies in history dating back to 2,700 BC. It is a plant that promotes relaxation, non-judgement, and peace. Hence the peace symbol was a predominant symbol of the cannabis movement in the 1970s.

Lower Car Insurance Costs

Yep, you heard that right. While you should not drive stoned or high, some studies have shown that drivers do better when using cannabis instead of alcohol because of cannabis’s ability to improve concentration and ability to focus. The fact that alcohol use would drop by 25% to 50% would lower car insurance costs alone.

Lower Unemployment and Better Employment

Many jobs in the government can’t be filled right now due to the fact that most of the applicants would fail a drug test for marijuana. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the CIA is having a hard time filling their anti-hacker and computer security roles because most applicants won’t apply knowing they would fail the drug test for marijuana.

If the CIA is acknowledging it, you can be sure it is a private sector issue as well. The best talent is sitting on the sidelines because they prefer a lesser or different job that either doesn’t drug test or allows cannabis use.

Sick People Get a Natural Medicine

Sick people can use this all-natural plant since marijuana can relieve their pain and make their life experience better, whether they have anxiety, cancer, or another illness. Isn’t a better life all we are all hoping for, especially as our bodies get older? Fewer aches, less pain, and lower stress can be achieved through the usage of cannabis, and many adults would prefer the use of marijuana to a ridiculous increase in pills as they age.

Incarceration for Non-Violent Offenders and Prison Costs

Incarceration for non-violent offenders goes down and prison costs go down when marijuana is legalized. Some offenders have disproportional sentences for their marijuana offenses compared to those with more serious crimes, and there is a huge disparity of non-Caucasian arrests for drug offenses compared to that of Caucasians. This behavior is unjust and needs to be stopped.

The Billions Wasted On The “War On Drugs” Can Be Put To Better Use

The billions of dollars wasted on the “War on Drugs” could be put to better use if marijuana were legalized. Our federal and state law enforcement agencies would be better off to re-deploy to much needed areas like illegal heroin, fentanyl, synthetic marijuana, and opiates coming into the country. Billions of dollars have been wasted in the last decade chasing marijuana around the world and trying to eradicate it, but these efforts have been largely unsuccessful. Taxpayer money and federal drug agencies would be better utilized trying to put an end to use of highly fatal and addictive drugs instead.

Pasta and Pop Culture

One of the most well-known representations of pasta in modern pop culture comes from the hugely successful children’s book, Strega Nona, about a wise old witch doctor who takes care of her villagers by feeding them using a magical pasta pot and curing their illnesses. The book, whose morals include diligence, fair punishment, selflessness, and community, went on to win a Caldecott Honor in 1976 and was named one of School Library Journal’s “Top 100 Picture Books of All Time” in 2012. Purchase the book here and enjoy!

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta

Recipe and Photo Credit: Kyra Martin

Ingredients

Number of Servings: 8

Cost per serving $1.38 view details

1 lb cooked pasta with the water reserved (use penne or rotini, something short, not like spagetthi)
1 butternut squash, about 3 or 4 lbs
8 oz goat cheese, plain
1 onion, chopped
1 cup or so walnuts, chopped slighted and toasted
salt
pepper
olive oil

Directions

Peel and chop the squash into about 1 inch by 1 inch pieces.
In a lightly sprayed sauce pan, mix the chopped onion and squash with some olive oil, salt and pepper
Roast for about 30-40 minutes at 400 until the squash is tender; a fork should go in and out easily like when cooking potatoes.
In a dry pan on the stove top, toast the walnuts until golden brown and you can smell them. Keep a close eye on them because they can burn quickly.
Cook the noodles until done and reserve some of the water.
Add the goat cheese and melt with a little water until the mixture is thick and creamy. Don’t add too much or it will end up diluted and soupy. I only added about 1/4 cup total.
Stir in the squash, onions and walnuts.
If you’d like, you can garnish with some dried cranberries and more walnuts.

A Lesson About Lemonade

Meagan Nelson July 3, 2017

Nothing says, “Hello Summer!” or “Happy 4th!” like an ice cold glass of lemonade. Not only is it one of America’s favorite beverages, but it is also a sweet one, both for your mouth, and for your memories (for mine anyway…haha!) My fondest recollections of lemonade were having one of those classic lemonade stands as a child with some of my friends in the third grade, using the money to help build houses for families in Honduras with my elementary school. Nothing brings a community together more than a good old lemonade stand, and today, let’s learn about how lemonade has been used as both a pop music phenomenon and a symbol for poverty alleviation.

Lemonade and History

While the lemons first appeared in Asia (northern Burma and China), the first evidence of lemonade was found in Egypt around the 12^th century from the writings of the Persian poet, Nasir-I-Khusraw. The earliest versions of lemonade were known as “qatarzimat,” which was a mixture of lemon juice and sugar sold in Cairo markets. By the 13^th century, Egyptians started concocting a different kind of beverage, a lemon-syrup mixture, to which the Mongols later added alcohol.

By the 16^th century, the non-alcoholic honey version of the drink made its way to the street vendors in Paris, calling themselves “limonaders.” Other European countries soon followed suit and by the 18^th century, lemonade had found its way into American culture. During the Victorian Era, First Lady Lucy Webb Hayes became a major player in the rise of lemonade’s popularity in the United States. She was given the nickname “Lemonade Lucy” from 1877 to 1881 around the White House since she banned alcohol on the premesis throughout her husband’s time in office, instead promoting lemonade as a more suitable alternative.

Today, while most of the world’s lemon production comes from India Mexico, China, Argentina, and Brazil, America can thank California for supplying 90 percent of its lemons for lemonade production. Pretty sweet, huh?

Lemonade and Politics

Ever since the rise of Beyonce’s hit, “Lemonade,” the album pops into the heads of many whenever the beverage is served or brought up. More importantly, people like to talk about the messages behind what the “Lemonade” album represents; a defiance of the stereotypes of black female beauty, a protest against police brutality, and most importantly, perseverance. In fact, the album was largely dedicated to Jay-Z’s grandmother, who always said, “life gave me lemons, but I made lemonade.”

It is this exact quote that many Americans live by, and as we celebrate Independence Day and what it means to be American, we must now ask ourselves…Given the current political climate, how can we improve the lives of those who are impoverished so they can live in “the pursuit of happiness”?

First, let’s look at what “the pursuit of happiness” actually means; according to the Merriam-Webster Legal Dictionary, it is defined as “An inalienable right enumerated in the Declaration of Independence, in addition to life and liberty; the right to pursue any legal activity as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others.” The reason why this inalienable right has not been upheld to the extent that it was intended to be, and the explanation for why people in poverty remain stuck in that cycle for so long is because the centralized financial systems put into place, such as welfare, cut off people’s benefits immediately after they reach a certain amount of income, which disables them from being able to get back on their feet and have enough money to pay for those benefits they lost. Therefore, people are often trapped in the welfare system because the state will not allow them to earn enough money to be self-sufficient before losing the basic benefits needed to be secure and gain financial independence…put simply, depending on government assistance is better for low-income people than getting a job. This concept is an example of our government infringing on people’s rights to live freely without limits (other than leaving people unharmed), or their pursuit of happiness. For further information, see the video below:

A resolution to this problem would be to rely on private charities to provide low-income people with the direct help and resources they need rather than to be merely given a check from the government. Charities are able to divide their staff and distribute resources of value according to people’s needs due to the less bureaucratic leadership structures. In contrast, government has large groups of public officials advocating for diverse individuals’ needs through sending money as opposed to getting directly involved in the causes because the governmental management structure is far more bureaucratic than that of these smaller groups in private charities. With a private, less centralized leadership structure, charities can maintain a high level of effectiveness by having more control over keeping the workers who use resources most efficiently and getting rid of the ones who fail to meet people’s needs in the best way.

While a major issue is that charities often rely on the government for funding, having to comply with its strict rules before getting any of their goals accomplished, a few solutions that have been proposed to alleviate this problem. One of these solutions would be to not only make charitable donations tax deductible, but also make the amount donated (within limits) deducted out of their actual taxes as well. One of The Cato Institute’s scholars, Arnold King, suggests that if the given charitable donation limit were, for example, $20,000, then that amount could be taken out of their taxes so that the after-tax cost of the donation would be zero. For low-income people who make less than the charitable limit, they could either have the option of paying their income taxes or donating an equivalent amount of money to charity. Similar concepts, such as a dollar off taxes for every dollar donated, have also been proposed.

Just as our Founding Fathers would have wanted it, private individuals can have a much bigger impact on social change than bureaucrats can.

Lemonade and Pop Culture

As referenced above, Beyonce’s controversial hit album, “Lemonade,” alludes to persevering through the times “when life gives you lemons,” challenges the ideals of black female beauty, and speaks out against youth violence. From Serena Williams, to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, to The Weeknd, to Diplo, to Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce’s star studded collaborations on the album have turned lemonade into quite a versatile symbol for social change. Purchase the album here. Happy 4th, my friends! Let freedom ring! xoxo

Party Lemonade

Photo/Recipe Credit: Royalty Free

Ingredients:

12 Lemons, Thinly Sliced

3 Cups White Sugar

4 Trays Ice Cubes

8 Cups Cold Water

Directions:

Prep: 15 minutes

Ready: 15 minutes

Thinly slice lemons crosswise. Try to remove as many seeds as possible. Put lemon slices into a large punch bowl. Pour sugar over the top of the lemons. Using a potato masher or wooden spoon, pound lemons and sugar mixture until sugar is dissolved and lemon slices are broken.
Add ice cubes and stir in cold water. Serve in tall glasses.

The Making of Mac and Cheese

Meagan Nelson January 16, 2017

Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2017 brings us joy, luck, and most importantly, unity. In light of this year’s highly important and transitional events, including the inauguration and of course, Martin Luther King, Jr. day, I would like to explore one of those classic American dishes – macaroni and cheese. Whether homemade or out of the signature blue box, mac and cheese is one of those meals that can serve as an emergency dinner for stressed out college students, a side dish for a hearty meal of soul food, or a spiced up entree for families from other cultures celebrating their freedoms today. In fact, I’m pretty sure I lived off mac and cheese for several months throughout my hectic college career. Let’s learn about the evolution of mac and cheese in American culture.

Macaroni and Cheese and History

Photo Credit: Quartz

According to culinary expert Clifford Wright, since the Kraft Company put it in a box in 1937 every American kid grew up with macaroni and cheese. There can be no doubt that its ultimate origins are Italian, as one finds macaroni and cheese recipes from the late thirteenth century in southern Italy. The anonymous Liber de coquina, written in Latin by someone familiar with the Neapolitan court then under the sphere of Charles II of Anjou (1248-1309) has a recipe called de lasanis which we can call the first macaroni and cheese recipe. It was a macaroni, in this case, lasagne sheets made from fermented dough and cut into two-inch squares that were cooked in water and tossed with grated cheese, probably Parmesan. The author suggests using powdered spices and layering the sheets of lasagne, just like today, with the cheese if desired.

But the American macaroni and cheese has two main lines of ancestry claimed. In the first, it is thought that macaroni and cheese was a casserole that had its beginnings at a New England church supper. In southeastern Connecticut it was known long ago as macaroni pudding. In the second, and more famous story, and more than likely the original story, it is said that the classic American macaroni and cheese returned with Thomas Jefferson to Virginia after his sojourn in Italy. Jefferson had brought back a pasta machine from Italy. His daughter Mary Randolph became the hostess of his house after Jefferson’s wife died and she is credited with inventing the dish using macaroni and Parmesan cheese. Later, the Parmesan was replaced with cheddar cheese. Anyway, that’s one story. It is more likely that Jefferson encountered the dish in Italy and brought back the recipe.

Macaroni and Cheese and Politics

While macaroni and cheese certainly brings people together from an array of different backgrounds who today, on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, may be celebrating their freedoms from discriminatory segregation laws, it can also serve as a metaphor for something else – the free speech rights exercised by the diverse people of America.

Photo Credit: Biography.com

With today being a remarkable day for remembering the nonviolent activism of Martin Luther King, Jr., who advocated for the judgement of people based on the “content of their character,” please let us remember to protest peacefully throughout this historically significant week of the controversial presidential inauguration.

Photo Credit: The Washington Times

While some people have committed themselves to protesting in ways that are potentially dangerous, illegal, or violent, please keep in mind that this American holiday advocates for exercising freedom of speech in a peaceful manner. Below is a list of potential ways to protest this week:
Formal Statements
1. Public Speeches
2. Letters of opposition or support
3. Declarations by organizations and institutions
4. Signed public statements
5. Declarations of indictment and intention
6. Group or mass petitions
Communications with a Wider Audience
7. Slogans, caricatures, and symbols
8. Banners, posters, and displayed communications
9. Leaflets, pamphlets, and books
10. Newspapers and journals
11. Records, radio, and television
12. Skywriting and earthwriting
Group Representations
13. Deputations
14. Mock awards
16. Picketing
Symbolic Public Acts
17. Displays of flags and symbolic colors
18. Delivering symbolic objects
19. Symbolic lights
20. Displays of portraits
21. Paint as protest
22. New signs and names
23. Symbolic sounds
24. Symbolic reclamations
Pressures on Individuals
25. Fraternization
26. Vigils
Drama and Music
27. Humorous skits and pranks
28. Performances of plays and music
29. Singing
Processions
30. Marches
31. Parades
Public Assemblies
32. Protest meetings
33. Camouflaged meetings of protest
34. Teach-ins
Withdrawal and Renunciation
35. Walk-outs
36. Silence
37. Renouncing honors
38. Turning one’s back
Noncooperation with Social Events, Customs, and Institutions
39. Suspension of social and sports activities
40. Boycott of social affairs
41. Student strike
42. Withdrawal from social institutions

For full list, click here.

Have a great week and please remember to protest in peace 😉

Macaroni and Cheese and Pop Culture

Mac and cheese created a buzz in 2012 when the telecommunications company, Verizon, released a humorous and viral commercial that contained the “Mac and Cheese” song by GWOW in its promotion of the 2012 iPad. With so much new technology on the rise, who knows where mac and cheese will make its next hilarious appearance?

Beecher’s “World’s Best” Mac and Cheese

Recipe from Beecher’s “Pure Flavor” cookbook and The Weekend Gourmet

Photo Credit: The Weekend Gourmet

This is a delicious mac and cheese recipe from one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle, Beecher’s! Enjoy 🙂

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350. Spray an 8×8 baking dish with non-stick spray. Cook 6 ounces of penne pasta for two minutes less than the package directions — it finishes cooking as the mac and cheese bakes. Set aside while you make the cheese sauce.

Step 2: To make the cheese sauce, melt 1/2 stick of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/3 cup flour and cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Slowly add 3 cups whole milk. Cook until the sauce thickens…about 10 minutes. Give it a stir every minute or so to keep it from scorching. Remove the thickened sauce from the heat.

Step 3: Add 14 ounces (3.5 cups) Beecher’s Flagship Cheddar, 2 ounces (1/2 cup) Beecher’s Just Jack Cheese, 1/2 tsp. chipotle chili powder, 1/8 tsp. garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Stir until all the cheese is melted an incorporated…this takes a bit of patience, but keep stirring until the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine the cooked pasta and 2 cups of the cheese sauce (half the batch) in a large bowl. Scrape into a prepared baking dish. Top with an additional 1/4 cup shredded Flagship Reserve Cheddar and 1/3 cup grated Gruyere. Just before popping into the oven, sprinkle an additional 1/2 tsp. chipotle chili powder on top. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes…until the cheese is melted and the whole dish is bubbly. Let the pan sit for five minutes before serving.

If you’d like to try Beecher’s “World’s Best” Mac and Cheese at home, there are two ways. One is to buy it pre-made at select local retailers. The other is to purchase the “World’s Best” Mac & Cheese Kit at the Beecher’s website and whip up a batch (…or two) in your very own kitchen.

Mashed Potatoes and Their Meaning

Meagan Nelson November 24, 2016

The holidays, especially Thanksgiving, would not be the same without the comfort food of mashed potatoes! My mom makes the most delicious mashed potatoes that I look forward to every year at the holidays. Whenever we have my aunts, uncles, and cousins over to celebrate, my mom’s potatoes are always one of the first dishes to be gone! Let’s learn from King’s River Life Magazine and Potatoes USA about how this classic comfort food gained popularity throughout the world, and brought people together over time.

Potatoes and History

The potato, from the perennial Solanum tuberosum, is the world’s fourth largest food crop, following rice, wheat, and maize. The Inca Indians in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8,000 BC to 5,000 B.C.

Photo Credit: Harry’s Fresh Foods

In 1536 Spanish Conquistadors conquered Peru, discovered the flavors of the potato, and carried them to Europe. Before the end of the sixteenth century, families of Basque sailors began to cultivate potatoes along the Biscay coast of northern Spain. Sir Walter Raleigh introduced potatoes to Ireland in 1589 on the 40,000 acres of land near Cork. It took nearly four decades for the potato to spread to the rest of Europe.

Eventually, agriculturalists in Europe found potatoes easier to grow and cultivate than other staple crops, such as wheat and oats. Most importantly, it became known that potatoes contained most of the vitamins needed for sustenance, and they could be provided to nearly 10 people for each acre of land cultivated.

In the 1840s a major outbreak of potato blight, a plant disease, swept through Europe, wiping out the potato crop in many countries. The Irish working class lived largely on potatoes and when the blight reached Ireland, their main staple food disappeared. This famine left many poverty-stricken families with no choice but to struggle to survive or emigrate out of Ireland. Over the course of the famine, almost one million people died from starvation or disease. Another one million people left Ireland, mostly for Canada and the United States, as shown in the picture below.

Photo Credit: Awesome Stories

Mashed potatoes eventually came about because of all the Indian people in the Americas who ate potatoes, the Incas seemed to prefer theirs mashed. Some sources say the actual recipe for mashed potatoes originated in 1771 when a French man named Antoine Parmentier held a competition on ways to make potatoes. Other sources say that it was the English who came up with mashed potatoes and gravy, somewhere in the 1600s. Today, Americans enjoy potatoes in a variety of ways, whether they are fried, baked, grilled, or of course, mashed for the holidays!

Mashed Potatoes and Politics

Mashed potatoes, especially potatoes in general, have had a long association with the idea of immigration, particularly because of events like the Potato Famine in the 1840s. It’s no secret that immigration has been one of the most talked about issues since the recent election, and what’s a better time than the holidays to talk about how to bring people from different walks of life together! Let’s take a closer look at some of the most talked about solutions from ListLand’s Dave Anderson to help alleviate the American immigration crisis.

Photo Credit: Photo Essay

Building a Wall/Fence

Because the Mexican border is 1954 miles long and contains several illegal crossing loopholes, one solution suggested is to strengthen border security buy building a wall or a fence. While incoming president Donald Trump has vehemently advocated for building such a wall, it would cost American taxpayers millions of dollars, and Mexico’s President has also rejected taking any financial responsibility for the wall as well. Further expenses would also be required for maintenance and technology for the wall, which would severely worsen America’s debt crisis.

Creating a Better Job Program for Illegal Immigrants

Because one of the main reasons that people flock to America is for better job opportunities to build better lives for their families, one idea has arisen for America to adopt an improved job creation program that accommodates non-US workers so that they have a more legitimate way of entering America and a clearer path to creating better lives for themselves. This solution provides disincentives for immigrants wishing to enter the country illegally and offers them a more direct path for increased success in life.

Improving the Work Visa Program

The majority of illegal immigrants enter the country legally with the proper documentation to receive a work visa, and they end up staying in the country past their visa expiration date. The main reason that it is so easy to do so is because the government does not have many strict rules for tracking down people who overstay their visas, whereas there are a variety of rules and bureaucratic processes to actually become a U.S. citizen. Not only should the visa program be revised and better managed, but the path to becoming a citizen once work visas have expired needs to be more accessible for immigrants.

Utilizing Military and Volunteer Civilian Groups to Protect the Borders

Many people feel that extra military enforcement will help keep illegal immigrants out and will improve the monitoring of illegal activity. While an increase in the implementation of armed forces might increase violence, many feel that it will reduce the number of illegals that enter the country. Additionally, many civilians feel a need to exercise their rights to protect their homeland, defend themselves, and make arrests when there are breaches of the peace, especially when they feel that officials are doing their jobs inadequately. Therefore, many civilian groups join alongside armed forces in defending the country.

Photo Credit: New America Media

Mandate E-Verify

The program E-Verify helps employers identify whether potential employees have the proper 1-9 information that matches with government records. It is currently optional for employers to implement, and there are currently over 500,000 users in the U.S. Many people feel that if employers do proper background checks on their potential workers, illegal immigrants will have challenges finding a job, and it will discourage them from staying in the country, since many illegal immigrants come to the U.S. find work to begin with. If E-Verify were to be mandated, more would need to be done to enforce it, largely since some employers favor hiring illegal immigrants for cheap labor.

Eliminate Illegal Immigration Rewards

Some people feel that the government provides illegal immigrants far too many benefits, and in doing so, immigrants have no incentive to leave America. These people feel that we need to take away these rights and privileges that our country grants to illegal immigrants in order for them to leave the country voluntarily. People feel that by eliminating illegal immigration benefits, illegals would not only have an incentive to leave the country, but they would also have an incentive to not enter the country in the first place as they would not be granted much better opportunities and would face immense difficulty becoming legal citizens.

Photo Credit: Washington Post

Legalize Illegal Immigrants

The majority of Americans believe in legalizing our country’s illegal immigrants. Immigrants provide several benefits to our country, including job creation, more opportunity, more economic revenue, higher productivity, a more flexible economy, and diversity of cultural benefits. Legalization would allow these people to contribute in our economy through increased work force, additional taxes, and additional investments. These arguments have caused a growing number of American citizens to advocate for giving illegal immigrants a chance at success in our country.

Of course, immigration is a highly sensitive issue, and many people feel strongly about a variety of the issues presented above. Since it is the holidays, and a time to celebrate being an American in whatever way you choose, I am very interested to hear your opinions about this topic? What do you think?

Mashed Potatoes and Pop Culture

Did you know that mashed potatoes have served as iconic symbols in classic coming-of-age American movies like National Lampoon’s “Animal House”? According to the website Crushable, in the clip below, John Belushi’s character exhibits stereotypical All-American frat boy behavior as he shouts, “I’m a zit!” and shoots mashed potatoes out of his mouth while squishing his cheeks.

Video Credit: MovieClips

While many Americans consider this scene to be an extremely funny “Animal House” and Greek life moment, (which it is!) and university guys all over America have the iconic “college” poster featuring John Belushi in their fraternity house or dorm room, let me take this moment to point out that Greek life is, in reality, a much more positive, life-changing experience for many of us. As a former sorority girl and fraternity sweetheart, I not only treasure so many of the funny, heartwarming, and exciting moments of Greek life as exemplified in films like “Animal House”, “House Bunny,” “Neighbors”, and “Legally Blonde”, but I also am so grateful for the leadership opportunities I had while serving in my chapter, Sigma Delta Tau (See a picture of me and a few of my sorority sisters below!) I served as Assistant Finance Chair for my sorority, I advocated for different philanthropies like Prevent Child Abuse America and the American Cancer Society, and most importantly, my fellow greek community members and I supported each other to achieve our dreams while remaining lifelong friends. For any of you considering joining Greek life, do it! You won’t regret it! Anyway, as a girl who used to live in a frat house and cook for the guys regularly, this movie (and movie scenes in general featuring friends bonding over meals) never fails to warm my heart!

Photo Credit: Meagan Nelson

Video Credit: MovieClips

Another movie clip featuring mashed potatoes in a unique way is from Steven Spielberg’s famous “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” in which Richard Dreyfuss’s character uses mashed potatoes to illustrate his changing mental state and how it affects his family. As a Spielberg classic, this film is one you won’t want to miss! Who knew that mashed potatoes could paint so many pictures of family life, friendship, and college life?

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Remember to cook a delectable side dish of mashed potatoes, and let it remind you of all the wonderful friends, family, and opportunities that you have in your life. ❤

Baked Mashed Potatoes

Image and Recipe Credit: Royalty Free

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hours
Servings: 11
Number of servings
11
Cost per serving $0.28

Ingredients:
4 large russet potatoes, (about 3 lbs)
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter
2 pkgs cream cheese (3 oz each)
2/3 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
3/4 salt
1 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 tsp paprika
Directions:
Place unpeeled potatoes in a saucepan; add water to cover and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 25 minutes or until pototoes are tender, drain.
Peel potatoes; place in a large mixing bowl, and mash with a potato masher.
Add the 2 tablespoons butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk and the 3/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until all ingredients are blended.
Spoon mixture into a lightly greased (12 X 8 X 2-inch) baking dish. Brush top of mixture with the 1 tbsp melted butter; sprinkle with the paprika.
Bake immediately, or cover and refrigerate. Bake at (350 F.), uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot.
If refrigerated, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Dessert

Caramels and Cooperation

Meagan Nelson November 14, 2016

Don’t you just love the taste of a sweet, gooey piece of caramel that melts in your mouth? One of my favorite desserts growing up were caramel kiss cookies that I used to eat for several birthday parties that my friends would throw in elementary school. While the sweet treat is not only a very timely one with the winter holidays coming up, it is also a great symbol of “sticking together” and “being sweet” during a time when this country couldn’t be more upset or divided. Let’s learn about the history of this delicious dessert from LifeScript, but more importantly, let’s learn how this candy can be used as a metaphor to bring this country together during these rough times in our culture!

Photo Credit: Glowing Positively

Caramels and History

Caramels are a special kind of confection. There is nothing better than snuggling in front of a good movie and letting a gooey caramel candy melt in your mouth. There are many different types of caramel, from sauces to wrapped treats, and many of these are easily made at home. Caramel is so versatile it can even be made in the microwave! While the exact history of caramel is unknown, it is recorded that about 1650 American settlers were making hard candies in kettles. Between this time and the early 1880’s, some ingenious candy maker added fat and milk while boiling sugar and water, creating what is now known as caramel. During this time, caramels were also made with sugar beet juice because refined sugar was expensive and hard to come by. Caramels are chewy because of the heat activation between the sugar ingredients and the milk solids. This creates the caramelized flavor. Caramels are made when sugar syrup is cooked and then milk and fat is added. The mixture is heated and stirred constantly in a kettle until it becomes milky or light brown. Caramels heated further actually turn into toffees.

Photo Credit: Deliciously Yum!

Caramels and Politics

Okay, I’ll admit it, last week was pretty rough. Feelings of lost freedom, fear, rebellion, and for some, elation, took over our minds. While last week marked the beginning of a radical change and transition of power, I always choose to be an optimist. I chose to write about caramel this week because of what the candy represents…something that is sweet that sticks together, which are things we need to remember in these turbulent times.To quote my favorite author, J.K. Rowling, while “dark and difficult times lie ahead,” I hope we can all get through this journey together.

Photo Credit: Google Plus

Clearly, the American people were tired of the establishment, craving honesty and crying for help. I’ll admit, while I was absolutely astounded and disgusted by several of Trump’s comments, and fed up with the system, I respect the values of American democracy. Because I love America, I will honor the opinions of our people and will take responsibility to accept the outcome of the president elect that we have chosen. To be completely honest with you, I voted for neither Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, and boy have I gotten a mouthful of blame for being the reason that Hillary wasn’t elected. Yes, I know that my views are not “popular.” To several people, that may translate to them that my views are “wrong.” I am aware that I think differently, but I truly value diversity of opinion. Just because people don’t think the way I do, I am not going to place the blame on them for the reason that my candidate of choice was not elected, and am not going to petition to change the American electoral system to get my way. I truly want to help bring this country together, and fighting with my peers is not the route that I choose to take. From now on, I will try even harder to be as tolerant as I can be to the best of my ability, showing nothing but love.

Photo Credit: Imgflip

Please hear me when I say that I am just as scared as many of you are. As Trump was not my candidate of choice, my initial reaction to him whenever I see him is to think about all of the racist, sexist, and very offensive remarks that he has made to various women, ethnic groups, cultures, and religious groups as shown by the media. I cringe inside. However, I have to remind myself that many good-hearted Americans had their reasons for voting for him, and seeing that Mr. Trump is going to be our next president, I want desperately to see the good in him, and I want nothing but the very best for him and his family.

Photo Credit: ABC News

After trying very hard to open my mind, from what I have gathered about Trump, there is no doubt that he is a person that commands attention wherever he is, and is a man that has an unbelievable amount of pride and arrogance. I can’t help but to admire the fact that after years of politicians reminding us how doomed that our country is going to be, Mr. Trump can say to Americans with confidence that our country is going to be “great again,” even when people criticize his policies, and he acknowledges that he takes into account bipartisain suggestions. When pressed in an interview on “60 Minutes” about whether or not he regrets much of the negative things he had said about people, I also appreciate the fact that he owned up to the fact that his comments, and the entire presidential race in itself was rough, but that he was instead going to focus on moving forward and doing positive things for our country like fixing healthcare, lowering taxes, and improving the immigration system.

Photo Credit: TV Line

The hardest idea that I had to grasp was that Donald Trump, from the short time between he was elected to the present, seems to be changing ever so slightly into a more diplomatic person. It’s so easy to just put him into the “racist, sexist” box and leave him there. While it’s hard to grasp the idea that people, especially those in power with a platform, can change, I’ve seen some evidence that this is true. I could not have been more thrilled that when prompted in the “60 Minutes” interview about his supporters performing hate crimes against gays, blacks, and different religious groups, Trump said that he was “deeply saddened” by those activities (I expected him to possibly say something brash). Trump commented, “I’m going to look at the camera while saying this, STOP IT.” To me, this was a little sliver of hope that Trump might try to be more of an accepting person, and that is probably one of my most dire wishes of all for this next presidential term.

Following this, I’m going to make some remarks about another important person taking on a new role in the White House…Melania Trump as our incoming first lady. I’ll admit, while I was at first very frightened about the idea of a former foreign model who posed nude becoming our next first lady, I had to stop myself for a moment. Who am I to judge a woman foe doing what she wants with her life and her body? Yes, Mrs. Trump will hold a position of power, but I believe that ALL OF US, regardless of how we choose to live our lives, deserve to feel important, and can have the power to affect change. Keep in mind, while nude modeling was a part of Mrs. Trump’s past, she too, just like Donald Trump, can change as a person, be she deserves the same respect no matter what.

Photo Credit: TODAY.com

While Mrs. Trump was deeply criticized by the media for speaking out about against bullying when the media painted her husband out to be one of the “biggest bullies” of the campaign, bullying is an issue that should not be dismissed, no matter the circumstances. Again, though the little evidence that I have gathered, Mr. and Mrs. Trump have the ability to make amends to their actions moving forward, especially as events and environments will be changing at a constant. In a way, Mrs. Trump in the White House is an act of progress.

Let’s face it, Melania Trump was foreign-born, as so many Americans are, and she speaks FIVE languages. As diverse of a country as America is, most of us can only speak one language. Congratulations, Melania! Her language abilities can prove to be a major asset in establishing relations with other countries.

Photo Credit: The Independent

I think one of the most surprising and heartwarming memories of this presidential election to me was when President Obama, Donald Trump, Melania Trump and Michelle Obama had man-to-man and woman-to-woman conversations in the White House recently. While both parties were visibly extremely uncomfortable, I was impressed by the effort put forward by both sides, with nothing but positive words coming out of each person’s mouths nevertheless. To me, this was an example of true bipartisanship, where both parties were placed out of their comfort zones, but each made their best effort to be civil with one another. I am so proud!

Photo Credit: BRG.com

To conclude these thoughts, while it is completely okay to be scared for the future, the future is completely in our hands. Let’s hope for nothing but the best for Mr. Trump and his family as the faces of this country that we love so much. Try hard not to blame those around you for this presidential outcome. Most importantly, like a delicious piece of caramel, stick together, and be sweet and kind to one another!

Caramels and Pop Culture

Photo Credit: Rhonda Richford

Did you know that caramel is now going to be a major highlight in a new popcorn shop in Paris founded by Avengers actress, Scarlett Johannsson? You can now dress up your favorite caramel corn in a variety of ways! The Avengers star is passionate about popcorn, and is making Paris’s popcorn scene truly unique and outside the box with the introduction of fresh-popped gourmet flavors at her happening Marais location. Six are available in the red-white-and-blue, barber shop-themed bar (Yay America!). Savory flavors include cheddar, truffle parmesan and olive oil and salt n’ pepper; sweeter flavors include Canadian maple with caramel, chocolate strawberry and strawberry cream. Check out the latest trendy international specialty store, called Yummy Pop, today!

Caramel Pumpkin Spice Candy Corn

Photo Credit/Recipe: Catherine Pappas

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, toss together peanuts, craisins, pretzels and m&ms. Divide the mixture between the two baking sheets. Set aside.

3. In a large cast iron pot, heat cooking oil over high heat with one kernel inside. Once the kernel pops, add about ¾ cup popcorn kernels. Once the popping reduces, lower the heat to medium-low. When all the kernels have popped, remove the pot from stove and let it rest with the lid on.

4. In the meantime, prepare your caramel sauce. Boil down sugar. Once the sugar begins to boil, add butter and whisk. When the butter has melted and the mixture is now thick, slowly add the whipping cream. Be sure to add the cream slowly as it will boil and may splatter.

5. Whisk until a thick caramel sauce forms. Remove from heat.

6. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice, then pour the caramel over the popcorn and toss until the popcorn is completely coated with caramel. Divide the popcorn between the prepared baking sheets.

7. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Just until the caramel has set and all the ingredients have warmed. Be sure not to burn the popcorn. 8. Transfer to a serving bowl sprinkle with salt if desired, and enjoy!

Drinks

Considering the Cocktail

Meagan Nelson November 3, 2016

‘Tis the season for fun and flavorful drinks! Cocktails, and alcohol in general, are some of those rare beverages that bring people together no matter where you are in the world. Not only is alcohol a common accompaniment to meals in various different cultures, but it is also a mark of significance and celebration when one reaches the legal drinking age of 21 in the United States. Whether it’s a business happy hour, a holiday, or a social gathering, alcohol is guaranteed to liven up spirits in any environment. My favorite memories with cocktails were going to happy hour every Monday night before my Congress and Legislative Behavior class with my friends at one of American University’s favorite bars and restaurants, Chef Geoff’s. Let’s learn about how cocktails have played a role in international politics and the fashion industry!

Photo Credit: Travel Channel

Cocktails and History

According to The Foundation for a Drug Free World, the history of cocktails and alcohol began when fermented grain, fruit juice and honey had been used to make alcohol (ethyl alcohol or ethanol) for thousands of years.

Fermented beverages existed in early Egyptian civilization, and there is evidence of an early alcoholic drink in China around 7000 B.C. In India, an alcoholic beverage called sura, distilled from rice, was in use between 3000 and 2000 B.C.

The Babylonians worshiped a wine goddess as early as 2700 B.C. In Greece, one of the first alcoholic beverages to gain popularity was mead, a fermented drink made from honey and water. Greek literature is full of warnings against excessive drinking.

Several Native American civilizations developed alcoholic beverages in pre-Columbian times. A variety of fermented beverages from the Andes region of South America were created from corn, grapes or apples, called “chicha.”

In the sixteenth century, alcohol (called “spirits”) was used largely for medicinal purposes. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, the British parliament passed a law encouraging the use of grain for distilling spirits. Cheap spirits flooded the market and reached a peak in the mid-eighteenth century. In Britain, gin consumption reached 18 million gallons and alcoholism became widespread.

The nineteenth century brought a change in attitudes and the temperance movement began promoting the moderate use of alcohol—which ultimately became a push for total prohibition.

In 1920 the US passed a law prohibiting the manufacture, sale, import and export of intoxicating liquors. The illegal alcohol trade boomed and by 1933, the prohibition of alcohol was cancelled. Alcohol is now used as an accessory to meals and social gatherings worldwide!

Cocktails and Politics

One of the biggest political issues surrounding cocktails and alcohol in the United States in particular is whether or not the drinking age should be lowered. Those who support a lower drinking age do so because doing so will make alcohol less of a “forbidden fruit” to those underage, making them less likely to drink dangerously out of rebellion or uncertainty about when they will next be able to drink again. Alcohol is also very easily accessible as those under 21 can obtain alcohol from friends of theirs who are of age. Additionally, lowering the drinking age to 18 allows legal adults to not have to hide their drinking habits due to legal restriction, enabling them to drink under better safety precautions such as with police, security, or other health officials around. Following this, countries with a lower drinking age such as China, Italy, and France have fewer alcohol-related emergencies and incidents. Finally, if individuals who are 18 have the right to take a bullet for our country in the military and decide who the leader of our country should be, they also deserve the right to drink alcohol.

Opponents of a lower drinking age say that keeping the drinking age at 21 has reduced teen drinking and driving rates by 54 percent, and reduces fatalities due to both suicides and car crashes related to alcohol, according to LiveScience. Additionally, Boston University Researcher of Public Health William DeJong points out that students drink less overall when the drinking age remains at 21. With strong arguments on both sides, what do you think?

Cocktails and Pop Culture

While most people opt to find a nice cocktail at a fancy restaurant or lively bar, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages are finding themselves at other places vital to pop culture…department stores! Shops like Target, Nordstrom, Brooks Brothers, and Saks have all invested in adding bars to their interiors, as it enhances the shopping experience to make it more relaxing, entertaining, and exciting. Why do cocktails have such a presence in the fashion world? Well, just as your clothes reveal a lot about your personality, wine and cocktails do the same. In fact, cocktails are a huge deal for Fashion Week…here to share with us some inside scoop from the fashion world is a USC fashion insider and public relations enthusiast, Lin Lee!

Photo Credit: Lin Lee

What sparked your interest in fashion?

I think my interest came from two aspects: the influence of my mom and girls’ nature to pursue beauty. When I was still a little girl, my mom would buy me a lot of clothes and dress me up. She would also take me shopping and bring a lot of fashion magazines home. I can say that I was surrounded by a “fashion” vice since I was very young. My mom is a very stylish person until now and probably my first fashion mentor. Under her influence, I began to pay attention about what to wear and how to style different clothes. She still gives me fashion and make up advice now! I enjoy the visual pleasure gained from simply looking at the beautiful dresses, shirts and shoes. I appreciate every piece of fashionable item as art. Designers are true artists and people wearing the items are stewards. My perspective over fashion also had evolved as I have grown up, I realized that fashion is beyond color, texture and tailoring, but it has the power to make us feel more confident. Fashion speaks a lot about our personality and style. I would like to call fashion style to be our second identity card. When we use fashion to embrace our identity, personality and to become more confident, we will start loving ourselves more.

What has been your experience been in the fashion industry?

I am and will always be a big fan of shopping. I love scouting different stores on weekends. I attended DC Fashion Week and a few fashion trunk shows from the beginning of 2015, where I got connected to designers, stylists and fashion photographers. I was very lucky to be spotted by a fashion photographer at DC Fashion Week. He said he loved my vintage fashion style and posted my pictures he snapped on the Facebook Page of DC Fashion Week. After that event, I had my first photo shoot with Mark. I started truly getting involved after I moved to Los Angeles. Between DC and LA, I was fortunate enough to intern for a fashion agency in London during the summer. That was the best summer of my life! At the fashion agency, I assisted the preparation of press days “ Christmas in July” with luxury brands such as Maurice Lacroix, Aigner and Wempe. I styled venues and rails in the showroom on a daily basis. My other responsibilities included maintaining the clipping service, and up to date filing system using fashion GPS, responding to sample requests from Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan etc. I also prepared gift bags to celebrities like Miranda Kerr, Amal Clooney, and Gigi Hadid.One time I was lucky enough to select clothes from the showroom for a photo shoot of David Gandy, a top UK male model.

Photo Credit: Fashion Gone Rogue Photo Credit: Harper’s Bazaar

Photo Credit: Primped

After that internship, I had a street wear coverage in the Style page of a UK newspaper called Metro, definitely a highlight of my summer in London.

In general, fashion work is very fast-paced and detail-oriented. You are always fulfilling diverse responsibilities, either on computer, in the showroom or out picking up samples from clients or press. Talking about being detail-oriented, for example, it matters how your fold the clothes and where you put clothes on the rail.

I started modeling for many freelance photographers and filmmakers in Los Angeles. Most of my works are prints and used for photographers’ portfolios. I also modeled for a fashion boutique in LA to help promote the sales of their clothes. I still get reached out by photographers sometimes. For me, photo shoot is an enjoyment, from which I am able to release pressure, freely express my emotions through facial expressions and poses and imagine myself to the person I would like to become. Recently I got reached out by a model management professional and will hopefully start acting in independent artists’ music videos.

Photo Credit: Lin Lee Photo Credit: Lin Lee

I put most of my modeling works on my Instagram @lin_leelovesfashion, and have a personal website: www. jialinliblog.wordpress.com. I get a couple of features on fashion Instagram accounts, too.

Photo Credit: Rachel Zoe

I am currently an editorial intern for The Zoe Report AKA Rachel Zoe. It is a daily online style outlet curated by American stylist Rachel Zoe. She styled clients from Miley Cyrus, Anne Hathaway, Cameron Diaz, Backstreet Boys, etc. From working for the company, I could learn a lot of fashion, beauty and lifestyle trends. I am now pitching my topics to the editorial director. Hopefully I will have my first article on The Zoe Report soon! This semester, I also had a great opportunity to volunteer for Spring Summer 2017 LA Fashion Week in Hollywood Athletic Club, where I met a lot of interesting people in the fashion industry and passionate fashionistas who are looking to go into the industry. It was a wonderful three-day show filled with glamour, laughter and inspiration. I would love to fly to New York for the New York Fashion Week in Feb. 2017.

Photo Credit: Lin Lee

What are the ups and downs of being in the industry?

The excitement comes from the diversity of tasks. You are always doing things, either on computer, in the showroom or out picking up samples from clients or press. But the tasks can be overwhelming as well, since fashion companies are very fast-paced. You cannot expect yourself to be sitting by the computer and sipping coffee all day. You have to pay extreme attention to what you are doing. For example, it matters just how your fold the clothes, where you put clothes on the rail, what clothes are next to each other etc.

There are some challenges with modeling, too. It can be an exhausting and demanding job. When I was a marketing model for a fashion boutique, I had to put on and take off clothes as fast as I can. It was basically like, put on the dress, go into the studio, take a picture, come out, take off the dress and put on another one. I remember I probably tried on almost 100 outfits within 3 hours, no break! Another time I had a shoot at Venice Beach, I had to climb on a slippery big rock. I was pretty scared! Once I was walking in heels at a canyon. These challenges are nothing compared with my love of fashion.

How would you describe your sense of style? What are your influences?

To be honest, it is very hard to define my sense of style. I am very adventurous and like trying different styles. I wear dresses a lot and like using a mix of different colors. I am also good at using accessories, such as hat, hairband, necklace and scarf to style a plain outfit. How I dress really depends on occasion. In general, I love vintage fashion a lot because it perfectly presents femininity and elegance. I love everything classy and elegant. For example, the little black dress created by Coco Chanel is never out of style, applies to all occasions and easy to go with any accessories. Look at Audrey Hepburn in that cute dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s! I also love the flare dress and blouse worn by Audrey Hepburn in movie Roman Holiday.

Photo Credit: Vogue

Talking about influences, my initial influence could be my mom. Sometimes I think every fashionista can give me some inspiration on how to dress. I love observing people’s style in the street!

What is the biggest fashion trend today?

Well, I do not believe in fashion trend too much. I agree that the fashion trends advertised in magazines, televisions and online are beautiful, but it would be too boring if everyone blindly follows the trend and wears same items. It is best to find a style that fits you the most, whether it is body shape or personality. For example, I read that one-piece and metallic heels are popular now, but both items may not apply to every single girl. Victoria Beckham and Kate Middleton are both fashion icons but they dress differently. You have to first think about whether this trendy item makes you look better or not. Fashion trend rotates in a cycle, and there is always a comeback for some old items, which is called retro.

Photo Credit: Harper’s Bazaar Photo Credit: Elle

Another perspective I hold about fashion and style is that, the most expensive is not necessarily the best. The master of fashion knows how to wear a $50 dress like it is $1000. Olivia Palermo is a good example. She was often spotted wearing Zara, Topshop, Mango or Banana Republic, even at some important ceremonies. However, cheaper clothes never stopped her from looking gorgeous. She does not have a super model shape and is not very tall, but she looks like a super model when she is dressed up so well! You do not have to be obsessed with only luxury brands, like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, etc.

What are your fashion and career goals?

There are many options for me. I hope to work on the marketing/ PR side of luxury fashion brands and work all the way up to executive positions. I will strive to become a future fashion icon to be invited to all major fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, London and NY. I would also love to style celebrities in the future. My ultimate goal is to become a fashion inspirer to help more people join in the league of fashionistas and love themselves by embracing fashion.

Any highlights and inside scoop from LA Fashion Week?

On the last day of LA Fashion Week, I saw a group of people on wheelchairs and a few handicapped boys coming into the venue. I got very surprised when I heard that these people were models. They are so different from models we see on media, those who are tall, gorgeous and stylish. Actually the last show of LA fashion week was specially prepared for this marginalized community. Despite their physical disabilities, they are never forgotten by fashion. Every one has the right to pursue fashion and look good, no matter if you are healthy or not. Fashion is not only reserved to the model-looking people, but belongs to everyone. Inclusiveness is one of the charms of fashion.

What are some big things we can look forward to in the fashion industry?

I am not an authority in fashion industry, so this is a hard question. I see many oriental elements appearing in top fashion collections, such as Gucci, Fendi, Giorgio Armani. The application of oriental elements like embroidery, dragon, panda, Chinese knots are unique and innovative. Met Gala last year brought the oriental charm to the center of world New York with a theme called “The China, Through The Looking Glass”, the theme It is eye-opening for western customers and also caters to eastern customers. I expect there will be more cultural fusion in the fashion world in the future.

Last question, what are your favorite cocktails?

I love mojitos, piña coladas, and margaritas!

Cranberry Holiday Mojito

Recipe and Photo by Betty Crocker

Ingredients

Ice

1/2

cup fresh mint, chopped

1/2

cup fresh or frozen cranberries, if desired

cups sugar-free sparkling cranberry juice

Splash 100% cranberry juice blend

oz (3/4 cup) clear rum

Directions

1 Fill 3 tall mojito glasses with ice. Divide mint and cranberries evenly into glasses.
2 Into each glass, pour 1/2 cup sparkling cranberry juice. Add to each a splash of cranberry juice and 1 1/2 oz rum; stir quickly to muddle flavors. Serve immediately.