Exploring ART & DESIGN and MUSIC | FOOD & HEALING | SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING | RAISING SOCIAL AWARENESS

Fly Fishing, HOBBIES, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

BEGINNING FLY FISHING AGAIN

September 12, 2022 No Comments

fly-fishing-beginner

INTRODUCTION

Being a fly fishing beginner again simply is the most accurate way to describe myself and the contents of this post. I am writing about a sport that I am very passionate about, freshwater fly fishing. Actually, this writing describes my return to it after a ten year hiatus as well as various, random aspects of this favorite recreational sport.

They include:
1. EARLIEST FORM OF FLY FISHING
2. GENTLEMEN’S RECREATIONAL FISHING
3. FRESH AND SALTWATER FISHING
4. SPECIAL GEAR & EQUIPMENT
5. NO LIVE ‘BAIT’
6. IMITATION FLIES
7. WOMEN AND FLY FISHING
8. FLY FISHING GOES TO HOLLYWOOD

1. THE EARLIEST FORM OF FLY FISHING
“References to fly-like fishing comes as early as the 2nd century AD. In a letter, Roman Claudius Aelianus described a specialized form of angling by Macedonians on the Astraeus River. According to Aelianus, the Macedonians used hooks dressed with red wool and feathers taken from under a rooster’s waddle to catch fish.”

“The history of western fly fishing is much more recent than ancient angling with the first written record of flies found in 13th century English records. The earliest flies were described as tufts of feather tied around hooks used to catch grayling and trout . . .”(1)

2. GENTLEMEN’S RECREATIONAL FISHING
In contrast with other types of fishing, fly fishing evolved from a gentleman’s recreational pastime. As a result, it was considered a contemplative even spiritual activity.

A Spiritual Sport

In fact, being one with the mind of the fish rather than at battle against the body of a fish is the way I also experience it. This is the reason why I love fly fishing. In other words, it is primarily a spiritual respite rather than a physical struggle to me.

3. FRESH AND SALTWATER FISHING
In contrast to fresh water fly fishing, saltwater fly fishing is typically done with heavier tackle than that which is used for freshwater trout fishing, both to handle the larger, more powerful fish, and to accommodate the casting of larger and heavier flies.

A Physical Sport

In contrast to my passion for freshwater fly fishing, saltwater fly fishing holds no interest for me. How ironic. Since I live so close to the Atlantic ocean. Actually any kind of saltwater fishing would be easily accessible to me.

4. SPECIAL GEAR & EQUIPMENT
Early images of the fly fisherman often show this sportsman in a dress suit simply with a rod and reel. In contrast the gear and equipment of today is much more complicated.
In fact, from head to toe there are clothing, accessories as well as equipment specific to the properly prepared angler.

Besides the requisite fly fishing rod and reel, additional essential items can include:

a. chest high waders with waterproof boots
b. hat or attachment with a band for flies
c. a catching net
d. basket for caught fish

5. NO LIVE ‘BAIT’
One of the very first lessons I got in fresh water fly fishing was that live bait is prohibited. Related to this, is a quick story. The first time I went fly fishing I had a choice between two shops. The former was an Orvis Outlet.

At that location, a group of fly fishing beginners was gathered around an outdoor table studying the etymology of flies. In spite my being a fly fishing beginner, I knew this was not the way I wanted to begin. This is because what brought me to try fly fishing in Colorado was fishing, not studying.

My Kind Of Place

As it turned out directly around the corner was another much smaller shop, Frying Pan Angler. My discovery was the proverbial local ‘hole in the wall’ type place. It was situated between a gas station and a small yogurt shop with a no live bait sign boldly displayed on the door. Immediately, I knew this was the place for me.

Don’t Kiss the Fish

Despite my being a fly fishing beginner on a short vacation, I still got to spend some quality time with the staff and guides. My mentor told me that live bait will kill the trout and then the water will become toxic. He also warned me against kissing the fish I caught that would be released. Human germs and trout streams do not mix. This ultimately explained reasons why imitation flies along with fly tying are essential to this sport.(2)

6. IMITATION FLIES

Here’s a video illustrating how a freshwater fishing fly is made.

Since freshwater fly fishing fake flies must mimic their live, seasonal version, one needs many hand tied flies to match the season and the kind the fish one seeks to catch. Therefore no flyfishing sports person can have too many flies. In conclusion, one needs a place to store them. So many boxes are designed to hold them.

women-fly-fishing — Women and Fly Fishing doning FisheWear from True North Trout.

7. WOMEN AND FLY FISHING

Alison, Begins Fly Fishing Again

Eureka! So here I am (was) where the Roaring Fork River meets the Frying Pan River in Basalt Colorado. In fact, I’m fly fishing for the first time. To my delight, I found it to be as wonderful in real life as I always dreamt it would be.

Reunion
Actually, the above was ten years ago in Colorado. So my return to ‘catch and release’ had a ten year lapse so that makes me a beginner, again. My return took place on Saturday, Sept 17th, 2022 at the Connetquot State Park Preserve on Long Island, NY. It was, in fact, through my attendance at the 3rd Annual Women’s Fly Fishing Expo.

fish caught and released — Alison, instructor Ed, and rainbow trout at the 3rd Annual LI Women’s Fishing Expo 9.17.2022 at Connetquot River State Park Preserve. Photo taken by my husband.

Famous Women in Fly Fishing
Although the amount of men who fly fish still outnumbers the number of women, we have made our mark. To prove this point, refer to the fascinating article Six Women Who Are Revolutionizing the World of Fly Fishing

Famous Women in Fly Tying
“OKAY BOYS, GET OVER IT: women have made some of the most important contributions in the fine art of fly tying.” So begins the article below, The Women of Fly Tying.

8. FLY FISHING GOES TO HOLLYWOOD (Via Montana)

It comes as no surprise that the film, ‘A River Runs Through It’ is part of the Brad Pitt trilogy sprinkled with gold. Besides the awards it accumulated, it has also won over new fans to fly fishing. Without a doubt, it has also rekindled the hearts of those like myself who already have a strong sense of connection to this spiritual sport.

SOURCES & RESOURCES

A. History of Fly Fishing

B. Fly Fishing – Everything You Want to Know

C. History of Fly Fishing: A Short Guide

D. Fly Fishing from Wikipedia

E. (1)History of Fly Fishing

F. Fly Fishing History

G. (2) Image compiled from ‘do not enter sign’ and ‘worms’ website

H. US Womens Fly Fishing Team

I. Six Women Who Are Revolutionizing the World of Fly Fishing

J. Women in Fly Fishing

K. The Women of Fly Tying

L. River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin on LI, my local source for everything flyfishing

fly-fishing-introduction

FINANCE, Financial Survival Tools, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

WHEN A COMPANY OFFERS SOMETHING FOR NOTHING

August 18, 2022 No Comments

FIOS FREE INTERNET: Is It Really Free

The current ‘Fios Free Internet’ promotion needs close examination. This is because offers of something for free may not beat the competition’s price without something for free. Such is the case with the current offer from Fios, the internet provider that is Optimum’s competition. Below is a flyer about this promotion.

The flyer describing the current promotion from ‘Fios for Free’ Home Internet service.

HOW TO COMPARE THE FIOS FREE INTERNET PROGRAM AND THE OPTIMUM INTERNET SERVICE

Making a comparison might seem confusing and overwhelming. It is important to do the following:
a. learn what the program offers at verizon.com/fiosforward
find out whether or not you qualify for the Fios program
b. know what program you participate in and exactly what you have as well as what you are paying now at Optimum.net
c. find out if you qualify and if the offer saves you money by contacting the person whose name is on the flyer (bottom left side of flyer).

STEP ONE
Find out if you qualify for the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program. The flyer specifies how to do this in the bottom left hand corner.

STEP TWO
Continue only if you qualify. We qualified. So the next thing to do was to ascertain what program we had and how much we pay. We have the Optimum triple play program which is a discounted package. It normally costs $122/month. In addition, we have another discount program of $30 more off each month. So we pay $92/month.

STEP THREE
As an alternative, if someone is not signed up for anything or already signed up with Fios for all their services, the free internet offer might very well be an advantage. But, as Optimum subscribers, it would not be for us. If we dropped the triple play program, the cost for TV and telephone service would equal about what we are already paying for everything, $92/month.

Optimum.net/triple play monthly bill

Personally, we would not benefit from the Verizon Fios Free Internet Program because we already have the Internet with the Optimum triple play package. But if we did not have triple play or the additional $30/month discount, the Fios program might benefit us.

IN CONCLUSION

There is a lot to consider here because a ‘something for nothing’ offer is not as simple as it appears to be. Instead, it is a something for nothing offer with several ‘ifs’ involved. So be sure to do your due diligence. That way you will know for certain that you are getting the best Internet deal, free offer or not.

Fashion, Spectator Sport Style, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

SPECTATOR SPORT STYLE: What Are Spectator Pumps?

August 11, 2022 No Comments

vest

INTRODUCTION: A Mystery

The meaning of spectator sport style as in ‘spectator pumps’ was a complete mystery to me in my youth. So I decided to do some indepth research recently to find out. As it turned out, the spectator pump was part of the spectator sport style that appeared in the fashion world starting in the 1920s. In fact, the trend has survived over the last century to a greater or lesser degree.

Curiosity Plants the Seed

As a result of long term curiosity, I decided to explore where this name came from and why fashions were branded ‘spectator’. Basically, all I knew from my youth in the mid 1950’s was the name ‘spectator pumps’. As a matter of fact, my mother had a pair of them. Because they were so popular most women did. Thus, I wanted to know where this popular but strange name came from.

DEFINITION FOUND

It turns out that the definition of spectator sport style that even exists in fashion today, can be summarized by the name of a particular fashion icon, Ralph Lauren. Granted, he was not the inventor of the style. None the less, he immortalized this classy fashion statement.

Iconic Brand

As a result. this fashion style has great popularity still. In addition, it has brought great fortune for the Ralph Lauren brand. To summarize this definition are simply these words ‘a fashion style for spectating sports’. And it comes in many clothing items and accessories.

HISTORY

The history of this style includes specific and classic for both men and women. Therefore, this next section from Spectator Sport Style addresses those qualities with description and appropriate photos (as much as possible).

SPECTATOR STYLE FASHIONS: Then

Part One: Men’s Winter Spectator Fashions

“Attending sporting events was a popular leisure time practice that was popularized in the 1920s. Fashion-conscious spectators dressed in attire appropriate for a variety of sports events. The weather often dictated the fashion.

For instance, male and female college students who attended autumn and early winter football games wore bulky raccoon fur coats or heavy tan-colored camel hair and woolen polo coats belted at the waist or with a partial belt at the back.”

Part One: Women’s Winter spectator sport style

spectator style fashion — tailored woolen tweed suits with knee-length skirts

“Women’s sportswear was becoming more masculine. By the late 1920s college-aged women wore tailored woolen tweed suits with knee-length skirts and loose-fitting slacks to collegiate sports events.”

(I was unable to find an exact replica of the sort of outfit described above. But the Hermes tailored woolen tweed suit pictured above bears a close resemblance to it. Granted the shoes may be from a later date.)

Part Two: Warm Weather Events Spectator Fashions
“Warm weather events such as horse races often were held in stylish surroundings such as resorts. Wealthy male spectators wore navy blue woolen blazers with gold buttons.”

Men’s Navy Blue Blazer with Gold Buttons and
Handmade Men Black and White Shoes, Men Spectator Dress Shoes, Brogue Shoes

“In the late 1920s men and women began wearing black-and-white spectator sports style shoes. They were white wing-tipped leather shoes trimmed with black leather or patent leather at the toes and heels.”

Women’s Spectator Ferragamo shoe and matching Diophy handbag

“Women wore spectator pumps with matching spectator handbags, white leather rectangular pocketbooks with a clasp at the top and black leather or patent leather trim at the four corners.” (I was unable to find the exact vintage handbag. Instead I included this current, very handsome Diophy bag).

Part Three: Aviator Jackets Became Spectator Rage
“In 1927 Charles Lindbergh (1902-1974) became the first aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. He became an instant popular cultural hero to millions of Americans. By 1928 fans of Lindbergh bought mass-produced reproductions of his leather aviator jacket to wear at sports events”.

CHARLES LINDBERGH AVIREX A-2 Bombers Cockpit Flight Leather Jacket. Very RARE

Part Four: Golf Participant and Spectator Outfits
“Golf matches also were fashionable places to see and be seen. Men watching the golf games wore clothes that mimicked the players’ outfits: three-piece sports suits that featured knickers (loose-fitting pants that ended just below the knees, usually fitted at the bottom by a button), a vest, and a jacket.”

“These often were made of light-woven woolens or tweeds. Knickers were worn with colorful argyle (diamond-shaped pattern) knee socks. Many of the accessories to golf attire, such as ties, caps, and socks, often were fashioned from Scottish clan plaids, because the game of golf was developed in Scotland.”

Part Five: Tennis Participants and Spectator Outfits For Men

From Vintage Fashions comes this example of the men’s tennis outfit. It is similar to the spectator’s attire.
“For tennis matches spectators wore variations of tennis players’ garb.

“The major difference was that tennis players wore white only. Men often wore soft, loose-fitting white woolen flannel trousers with a navy blazer.

Part Five: Tennis Participants and Spectator Outfits For Women

“Women wore knee-length pleated summer dresses in white or pastels, or loose trousers with pleats in the front.

During the late 1920s many women chose to wear berets, or soft, wide rounded woolen caps with narrow headbands, with their spectator style clothing”

SPECTATOR STYLE FASHIONS: Even Now

HATS: The Ultimate Spectator Sport Accessory The Kentucky Derby is home to one of the most spectacular spectator sport events today. It even has a signature spectator sport fashion, the Derby hat. It would seem that almost as many people enjoy the hats as do the horses.

If you would like to learn more, about this unique tradition, click this link. What sets the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks apart from other sports and entertainment events? It’s the hats!

Don’t miss this link for more about the A History of the Kentucky Derby’s Iconic Hats along with a sizeable source and resource section below.

SOURCES & RESEARCH

The Diophy Spectator Style Satchel Bag in Black and White
Diophy Handbags

Leo Women’s Giordano Spectator Dance Shoe

Ralph Lauren Spectator Sport Style

Encyclopedia.com-Spectator Sports Style

Glamour Daze 1920’s Fashions

Vintage Dancer

1920s Tennis Clothing: Outfits and Styles

Spectator Shoes for Men

Peacock, John. Men’s Fashion: The Complete Sourcebook. London, England: Thames and Hudson, 1996.

Peacock, John. 20th Century Fashion. London, England: Thames and Hudson, 1993.

argyle vest on amazon.com

Art & Design, Fashion, Handbags, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

Hobby Treasures Hunt: Latest Handbag Discoveries

August 1, 2022 No Comments

NEWLY DISCOVERED HANDBAG TREASURES MAKE MY SEARCH EXTRA FUN

I keep a close watch on what is new as well as what is newly available in the world of handbag treasures. Let’s say this is sort of the-bag-of-the-month club. Sometimes there are bags I have never seen before. Then I jump for joy.

Other times, there are bags I love so much, they bear repeating. There are even handbag treasures that are so affordably special that I have been able to purchase them. Dasein fits right into that category. This brand is featured at the conclusion of this post.

HANDBAG TREASURE BRANDS

There are several brands that I adore. Besides this, I have special ways that I keep track of my passion for my favorite brands. To start, let me introduce the brands:

Arcadia

An unusual shape and color of the unique Arcadia bag

Dooney & Bourke

Pebble Grain Zip Zip Satchel

Coach

This season’s and my favorite, cherry pattern in several styles

Kate Spade

My most favorite Kate Spade clutch.

Since my budget does not allow for purchases of most of these treasures, an occasional blog post about them satisfies my hunger.

HANDBAG TREASURE SOURCES

All of these sources appear in an earlier blog post:
Websites for each brand
Upscale Malls
Discount Outlets
Poshmark

FOOD, Food History, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

American Food History: High on the Hog

July 28, 2022 No Comments

AMERICAN FOOD HISTORY

Definitive American food history narratives are presented in the book by Jessica B. Harris as well as in the video series by Stephen Satterfield based on the book.

The titles of both are High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America. This blog post focuses on this phenomenon.

JESSICA B. HARRIS American culinary historian, professor, cookbook author and journalist

STEPHEN SATTERFIELD African-American food writer, producer, and media entrepreneur.

THE VIDEO: High on the Hog

Video of American Food History, High on the Hog

FOOD HISTORY FAVORITES

Actually, I have several favorite anecdotes from the ‘High on the Hog’ story. The yam versus sweet potatoes story is one of them. In fact, yams and sweet potatoes are not the same.

Yams are not the same as sweet potato but confusion about them exists

Sweet potatoes are often confused with yams but they are not the same

In fact, yams do not even grow in this country. They grow in Africa. On the other hand, the US is home to sweet potatoes. So if you see something in the US named yams, it is not from the US.

The food history narrative reflects the music narrative in Rumble, the history of 20th Century American Music. Both bring fascinating insight into the cultures of American music and food history.

TRACING MORE AMERICAN CULTURAL HISTORY

Tracing the slave trade to America reflects additional cultural history. It is actually the transformation of African American food to American food.

This adds to the rich musical history of America. It is detailed in the blog post, RUMBLE in a previous post.

Video of American Music History, Rumble

Please watch both of these videos to get an educational and entertaining understanding of these cultural histories. I highly recommend them.

SOURCES & RESOURCES

Queens born Jessica B. Harris Receives James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award

The History Makers: Jessica B. Harris

Oldways: Jessica B. Harris, PhD.

Stephen Satterfield is Changing the Way We Tell Stories About Food

Whetstone Magazine on Facebook

RUMBLE: The Roots of Rock ‘n Roll Rhythm

July 13, 2022 No Comments

Rock ‘n Roll Roots Rhythm Are Now Known to Pre Date African American Music

The Rock’ n Roll roots rhythm is based in the Native American musical progression known as RUMBLE. Actually, African American music is part of the evolution of rock ‘n roll. But it is not the sole or earliest contribution to this music as previously believed or documented.

The Three note progression of Rock’n Roll’s Native American DNA

RUMBLE

Less than a decade ago, numerous prestigious documentary sources made public these newly revealed findings. In fact, these sources are documented by public media programs. All of them were published around 2015.

1.RUMBLE: A Documentary on Netflix

RUMBLE: Rock ‘n Roll Roots on Netflix

2.Rumble on Imdb

RUMBLE: Rock ‘n Roll Roots on Imdb

3.Rumble on PBS

Rumble on PBS

4.Rumble on the Guardian

Rumble on The Guardian

5.Rumble on NPR

Rumble on NPR

Wikipedia’s History of Rock’n Roll

Origins of rock’n roll From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Contrary to the above published documentaries, the following quote of rock ‘n rolls history lacks the inclusion of any reference to Native American musical influence on this topic.

ROCK ‘N ROLL: The Popularized Version

“History of rock and roll” redirects here. For the radio program, see The History of Rock and Roll. For the TV program, see The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
“The origins of rock and roll are complex. Rock and roll emerged as a defined musical style in the United States in the early to mid-1950s. It derived most directly from the rhythm and blues music of the 1940s, which itself developed from earlier blues, the beat-heavy jump blues, boogie woogie, up-tempo jazz, and swing music. It was also influenced by gospel, country and western, and traditional folk music.[1] Rock and roll in turn provided the main basis for the music that, since the mid-1960s, has been generally known simply as rock music.

“The phrase “rocking and rolling” originally described the movement of a ship on the ocean, but it was used by the early 20th century, both to describe a spiritual fervor and as a sexual analogy. Various gospel, blues and swing recordings used the phrase before it became used more frequently – but still intermittently – in the late 1930s and 1940s, principally on recordings and in reviews of what became known as “rhythm and blues” music aimed at black audiences. In 1939 during the April 5th broadcast on “The Fred Allen- Town Hall Tonight- Show” the song “Rock and Roll” appeared as a barber shop quartet lead-in. In May 1942, long before the concept of rock and roll had been defined, a Billboard record review described Sister Rosetta Tharpe vocals on the upbeat blues song “Rock Me”, by Lucky Millinder, as “rock-and-roll spiritual singing”.

“In 1951, Cleveland-based disc jockey Alan Freed began playing this music style while popularizing the term “rock and roll” on mainstream radio.[2] Freed was the first radio disc jockey and concert producer who frequently played and promoted rock and roll.[3] Various recordings that date back to the 1940s have been named as the first rock and roll record, or at least as precursors of the music.[4]“

The above quote and the additional musical history that follow are extensive. Actually, I found many familiar names from the African-American genre of American blues and rock ‘n rolls origins. But nowhere in this narrative is credit given to their now known Native American ancestry or birth of this music. For example, there is no mention of Charley Patton, Link Wray, Dockery Farm.

Blues DNA

Native Americans Enter the Picture Separate mention of musicians like Charley Patton do appear in his ancestry as, at least partly Native American. But, his musical participation does not go back further than blues history.

In addition to that, he is not credited with music style that led to rock ‘n roll. In direct contrast, all of the videos at the beginning of this blog post do indeed set the record straight. Fortunately, their impact is revealing in addition to paramount.

Dockery Farms

Rarely was it beneficial for Indians to publicize their Native American Ancestry. In fact, there was a horrific prejudice against this. Believe it or not, a person of color was safer passing for black rather than admitting to having Indian ancestry. Actually, the latter would result in an admitted Indian being sent to a reservation.

Fortunately, there was one rare exception to this known as Dockery Farms. This was an agricultural and musical haven for various indigenous people and people of ethnic origins.

Wikipedia’s History of Rock’n Roll Footnotes

[1] “The roots of rock music”. Rockmusictimeline.com. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
[2] “Alan Freed”. Britannica. March 4, 2018. Retrieved February 3, 2021. Alan Freed did not coin the phrase he popularized it and redefined it. Once slang for sex, it came to mean a new form of music. This music had been around for several years, but…
[3] Bordowitz, Hank (2004). Turning Points in Rock and Roll. New York, New York: Citadel Press. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-8065-2631-7.
[4] “When was rock’n’roll really born?”. The Guardian. April 16, 2004. Retrieved February 22, 2021.

Future writing in my blog posts will shed light on African American Food History. Based upon the fascinating series High on the Hog. Stay close to this blog for the upcoming post, soon.

Share this:
Tweet
Share on Tumblr
More
Pocket
Print
Email
Like this:
Like Loading...

Fashion, Pocketbooks, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

POCKETBOOKS TOP MY FASHION PASSION: The Secret of My Search

July 3, 2022 No Comments

How My Pocketbook Passion Began

My pocketbook passion started about 30 years ago. Each year, I would buy myself a beautiful, popular, designer purse. To start my collection, I purchased numerous Dooney & Bourke bags, Coach bags, and then some Kate Spade bags.

Vintage Dooney & Bourke Teton Style Multi Color bag from vintagedooney.com

My Passion and My Search

I began my journey searching for and purchasing the most attractive Dooney & Bourke ‘All Weather Leather’ bags.

Since the Internet was not yet a means of advertising and purchasing, items were available from beautifully designed mail order catalogs.

In fact, this is where my passion for pocketbooks began. The handbag at the left is very similar to one of my first purchases.

FAST FORWARD: Outlet Malls and The Internet

A photo of a Tanger Outlet Mall with plenty of parking and discount upscale stores.

Over the years, the technology for shopping has become more sophisticated, appealing and convenient. If I want to make a purchase without leaving home, the Internet has become the place to go. If I want a feast including entertainment and purchasing delights, destinations like the Tanger Outlets are the ideal place to go

INTRODUCING: 21st Century Shopping – POSHMARK

There is no end to what I have been able to find online, at upscale mall shops and at mall outlet stores. But isn’t that the whole idea of retail shopping today? The possibilities are endless.

Here’s a video about the fascinating story of the immensely successful online social marketplace community known as Poshmark.

One brand, in particular has become my favorite vintage pocketbook passion, Italian made ARCADIA. This brand is one I recently discovered from the gangbuster technology for feeding my passion, online search and research. In fact, my favorite place to ‘window shop’ and purchase is on Poshmark. It is the hottest spot of them all. I visit almost daily.

Four of my favorite vintage Arcadia handbags found on Poshmark.com

The Evolution of How to Go Shopping

There is an evolutionary path to this search for collecting both new and vintage handbags. Collecting new handbags started with mail order catalogs and stayed there for many years. Then as technology was embraced, it evolved into the Internet.

Out of curiosity, I have even visited one of the Tanger Outlet Malls I had heard so much about. Of course I made a purchase. The mall was an appealing, well designed shopping village. In addition, it had a movie theatre so no parking space was wasted when shopping hours waned.

Three Primary Venues

At present, three venues have become my primary sources of feeding my pocketbook passion. They are online discount sources, like Poshmark, online company websites, and thrift stores.

Thrift stores are a great resource and a way that many non-profits raise money

SOURCES AND RESOURCES
1. The History of Online Shopping

2. 8 Amazing Things People Said When Online Shopping Was Born 20 Years Ago

3. Students Prefer Online Shopping to the Mall

4. The Future of the Outlet Mall Industry

5. Vintage Dooney

6. The History of eBay

7. The Iconic Marketplace: The Poshmark Story

8, The Best 10 Thrift Stores near Rockville Centre NY 11570

Share this:
Tweet
Share on Tumblr
More
Pocket
Print
Email
Like this:
Like Loading...

FOOD & HEALING JOURNEY, Passion for Food, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

The Happy Pig’s Clucket Bucket: A Review

June 13, 2022 No Comments

PLANT BASED FRIED CHICKEN

Plant based fried chicken in The Happy Pig’s Clucket Bucket(TM) >and all its other portion packages is absolutely delicious.

In fact, it is as good as any fried chicken I have ever tasted, animal or plant based. Actually, it’s even better. So be sure to find out all the ways you can purchase it.

A Review Plus

The spicing is perfect. In addition, one would never know by the taste that this is a plant based rather than a chicken based product.

But, this is not only a Happy Pig’s plant based fried chicken review. But it is also an acknowledgement of a fantastic plant-based product that I am delighted to eat as well as write about.

HOW I FOUND THE HAPPY PIG’S CLUCKET BUCKET(TM)A Farmers Market Find

My social life began again last weekend after a long, barren winter. The past season was devoid of social activity due to to continued concerns about COVID. As a result, the spring and the Farmers Market season have come as an especially welcome time. To add to that, the find of a new product, The Happy Pig’s Plant Based Fried Chicken makes it extra special.

SAMPLING THIS PRODUCT

The sample packet I received is not the usual selling portion. In fact it was a complementary sample. Actually, the plant based fried chicken and other products have been part of the circuit of growing Nassau County based food trucks.

On Social Media, But Nowhere To Be Found

So when I went to the same farmers market this past weekend, plant based fried chicken was nowhere to be found. I was challenged by another mystery and another ‘amateur detective’ project.

It had to start somewhere. So, their website was the obvious place to start my search. But I found no Farmers Market schedule on it. Instead are these social media links:

Facebook

Instagram

There is a saying, ‘when all else fails, read the directions’. In this case, all the social media sources and resources did not yield a solution, except one. This one was a phone number on the website. Since my writing started very early in the morning, I did not call it. But when a reasonable time came, I did call. Alas, Wendy Ann Lantigua, the owner of the company answered.

During our delightful conversation, I learned the following:
• Wendy was about to update the website providing additional information.
• She attends the Malverne, LI Farmers Market whenever possible.
• Delivery will be available. There is a $5. charge.
• The food truck has been sold.

Most importantly, I certainly would have enough options to get more of this amazing plant-based fried chicken. Just to be certain, I added this healthy, delicious resource to my own healthy food source and resource list on the Healthy Food Systems Page

SOURCES AND RESOURCES

The Happy Pig’s Clucket Bucket Chick’n (TM).
Website
email The Happy Pig
Facebook page
Instagram
Yelp Review

DESIGN, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog, Vintage Fashion

FASHION: Luxury Accessories

June 13, 2022 No Comments

AN HERMES SCARF

An Hermes scarf was one of the luxury accessories my mother brought back from her trip to Paris in 1964. Not only is it a luxury accessory but an Hermes scarf bought in 1964 is also a truly vintage item. In addition, it is in pristine condition. The scarf is from the Passementerie Silk Design Collection.

This design came in many color themes. Actually the one show above is in my favorite colors. But it is not the one my mother chose. Hers was in a gold passementerie (tassel) theme with a light blue border. You can see a picture of her scarf at the end of this post.

HISTORY OF HERMES

I was able to locate an article on the history of Hermes. It expresses the history better than I could. Therefore, I am paraphrasing it below.

THE HISTORY OF THE HERMES SCARF: 1937 Hermes Scarf

One of the First Hermes Scarf Designs from 1937 Shows women playing a period game.

‘The history of the Hermes scarves is a story of luxury. Even the name Hermes is synonymous with luxury—it really is the best of the best. The brand is known for its quality and desirability. I don’t know a single woman who doesn’t wish she had a beautiful Birkin or Kelly holy-grail-of-a-handbag to hang from her arm (even though she may never admit it).

Almost equally as coveted as the famous Hermes scarf is that trademark orange flat box it comes in. As many of us know, the Hermes brand started as a harness and bridle workshop for horses in Paris in 1837. Thierry Hermes catered to the elite of Europe. Eventually the company expanded into other leather goods (handbags, clothing, etc.). The company continued to grow in popularity over the decades. It became a global powerhouse in the fashion world and continually expanding into different avenues of design. Even today, the company is family-owned, with no licensing deals, and no mass-production. Nearly everything they make is done right in France by experienced artisans who understand the importance of quality.’

Thierry Hermes – The Founder of the Luxury Brand Hermes

The history of the Hermes scarf dates back to the introduction of the first scarf in 1937. Its design was based on a woodblock drawing by Robert Dumas, who was a member of the Hermes family. The Hermes scarf designs were produced from start to finish. They bought the raw silk from China, spun it into yarn, wove it into fabric, and screen-printed it.

Hermes Scarf Design – Handmade in 18 months

‘Each scarf is still individually screen-printed, and designers (of which there are many) are able to choose from tens of thousands of colors for their designs. Think $400+ is too much to pay for a square of silk? Consider this: Once a Hermes scarf design is complete, artisans in the Hermes workshops located outside Lyon take over (some 750 people are employed there!). It takes about 18 months to produce a scarf from that point. The engravers alone take some six months to determine each scarf’s distinct colors (on average about 27). In addition, it takes about 750 hours to engrave the screens for printing (one screen for each color).’

The website that the Hermes Scarf History Section is based on

HERMES TODAY

Today, Hermes scarves typically measure 90cm x 90cm (36 or so inches square), and are made from the silk of mulberry moth cocoons. Each edge is hand-rolled and hand-stitched (a great way to help determine if you’ve got a fake or genuine example), and I have read that one seamstress will roll and stitch only about seven scarves per day. (it’s about quality and craftsmanship, not quotas!) Two collections of silk scarves and two collections of cashmere/silk blend scarves are released each year (and sometimes reprints of old designs or limited editions are put out, as well).

The 2,000+ designs that have been made vary greatly, but many have equestrian motifs. We have seen the Hermes scarf everywhere—Princess Grace of Monaco used one as a sling for her broken arm in 1956. Emily Blunt’s character sent boxes and boxes of Hermes scarves flying into the air when she was (unfortunately) hit by a taxi in The Devil Wears Prada (apparently the devil also favors Hermes).

Queen Elizabeth is frequently photographed with a Hermes scarf covering her head (and a postage stamp featuring her wearing one of the famous scarves came out in the 1950s). Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn were fans, as are many contemporary celebrities and fashion icons. Need to know how to tie a Hermes scarf in different ways? There’s literally an app for that. I think owning a Hermes scarf is almost a rite of passage for anyone interested in fashion. We are in love with vintage printed Hermes scarves at Rice and Beans Vintage and always have a few in stock, so browse our selection of Vintage Hermes now and own a piece of history and art!

Hermès scarf and iconic orange box

Paraphrased article written by Heather Cox and Edited by Sarah Korsiak Cellier for Rice and Beans Vintage

SOURCES AND RESOURCES

The History of the Hermes Scarf
Top 3 Reasons We Love Vintage Hermes Scarves
The Hermes Scarf: History & Mystique Hardcover – July 15, 2010

Share this:
Tweet
Share on Tumblr
More
Pocket
Print
Email
Like this:
Like Loading...

Continue Reading

Fashion, Frugal Shopper, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

THE FRUGAL FASHIONISTA

February 13, 2022 1 Comment

MY PASSION FOR SHOPPING

Donations Passed On To Me, Online and In Stores Bargains

Becoming a frugal fashionista has increased my passion for shopping. In other words, my extremely tight clothes and accessories budget has not diminished my joy and ability to acquire new attire. In fact, the degree of savings is directly proportional to the fun and bountifulness I experience. It may surprise readers to learn that the least expensive and most fun ‘free’ (clothes) donations to me are from a local church food pantry.

A selection of clothes including three Old Navy dresses I got from the church pantry at my favorite price, a ‘free’ donation to me. Thanks to St. Agnes in RVC, NY.

Then increasing in price from least to most, I frequent thrift shops, online bargains websites like Poshmark, and rarely something new at a discount chain like HomeGoods or Savers. In addition, I will buy a quality name brand when it is on sale. But the rule is, it must be at least 50-70% off.

Two Diophy brand purses from Poshmark. One I bought ‘new’ and the other one I got for $11.97 slightly ‘reused’.

ALMOST PROFESSIONAL SHOPPER

Hobby to Pro

In fact, I am becoming so adept at this pastime that I feel like a pro. What amazes me the most is that I like the clothes and accessories I am acquiring as a frugal fashionista is better than regular retail shopping.

Believe it or not, my wardrobe is nicer and would be more expensive new than I could ever afford. For example, my accessories include numerous Coach Leather, Kate Spade, and Dooney & Bourke handbags.

Over the years, I have collected vintage Coach, Dooney & Bourke, and Kate Spade bags, very affordable new bags and bags that would be a steal.

Mid to High End Treasures Finder

My skills as a frugal fashionista have resulted in labels like Old Navy Lands’ End, Talbots, L.L.Bean, and Lands End and more apparel in my closet.

A collection of ‘free’ cardigan sweaters to match any purchase. Included are (from top left to bottom right) Charter Club, Lands’ End, Croft & Barrow, L.L.Bean, Merona, Izod. All from the church pantry at no cost to me as a low-income senior.

CONCLUSION

Becoming Even More Frugal

Within a fairly short period of time, I have gone from a middle class, middle aged shopper to a fixed income savvy senior shopper. When the concept was first presented to me, it took some time for me to adjust. But now, I love being a frugal fashionista and I plan to get better and better at this great way to go shopping.

P.S. To comment, please scroll all the way down to the comment box and make you entry with DISQUS.

Share this:
Tweet
Share on Tumblr
More
Pocket
Print
Email
Like this:
Like Loading...

Continue Reading

« Previous 1 … 4 5 6 7 8 … 33 Next »

INTRODUCTION

They include: 1. EARLIEST FORM OF FLY FISHING 2. GENTLEMEN’S RECREATIONAL FISHING 3. FRESH AND SALTWATER FISHING 4. SPECIAL GEAR & EQUIPMENT 5. NO LIVE ‘BAIT’ 6. IMITATION FLIES 7. WOMEN AND FLY FISHING 8. FLY FISHING GOES TO HOLLYWOOD

“The history of western fly fishing is much more recent than ancient angling with the first written record of flies found in 13th century English records. The earliest flies were described as tufts of feather tied around hooks used to catch grayling and trout . . .”(1)

2. GENTLEMEN’S RECREATIONAL FISHING In contrast with other types of fishing, fly fishing evolved from a gentleman’s recreational pastime. As a result, it was considered a contemplative even spiritual activity.

A Spiritual Sport

In fact, being one with the mind of the fish rather than at battle against the body of a fish is the way I also experience it. This is the reason why I love fly fishing. In other words, it is primarily a spiritual respite rather than a physical struggle to me.

3. FRESH AND SALTWATER FISHING In contrast to fresh water fly fishing, saltwater fly fishing is typically done with heavier tackle than that which is used for freshwater trout fishing, both to handle the larger, more powerful fish, and to accommodate the casting of larger and heavier flies.

A Physical Sport

In contrast to my passion for freshwater fly fishing, saltwater fly fishing holds no interest for me. How ironic. Since I live so close to the Atlantic ocean. Actually any kind of saltwater fishing would be easily accessible to me.

5. NO LIVE ‘BAIT’ One of the very first lessons I got in fresh water fly fishing was that live bait is prohibited. Related to this, is a quick story. The first time I went fly fishing I had a choice between two shops. The former was an Orvis Outlet.

At that location, a group of fly fishing beginners was gathered around an outdoor table studying the etymology of flies. In spite my being a fly fishing beginner, I knew this was not the way I wanted to begin. This is because what brought me to try fly fishing in Colorado was fishing, not studying.

My Kind Of Place

Don’t Kiss the Fish

6. IMITATION FLIES

7. WOMEN AND FLY FISHING

Alison, Begins Fly Fishing Again

Eureka! So here I am (was) where the Roaring Fork River meets the Frying Pan River in Basalt Colorado. In fact, I’m fly fishing for the first time. To my delight, I found it to be as wonderful in real life as I always dreamt it would be.

Famous Women in Fly Fishing Although the amount of men who fly fish still outnumbers the number of women, we have made our mark. To prove this point, refer to the fascinating article Six Women Who Are Revolutionizing the World of Fly Fishing

Famous Women in Fly Tying “OKAY BOYS, GET OVER IT: women have made some of the most important contributions in the fine art of fly tying.” So begins the article below, The Women of Fly Tying.

8. FLY FISHING GOES TO HOLLYWOOD (Via Montana)

SOURCES & RESOURCES

Share this:

Like this:

FIOS FREE INTERNET: Is It Really Free

HOW TO COMPARE THE FIOS FREE INTERNET PROGRAM AND THE OPTIMUM INTERNET SERVICE

STEP ONE Find out if you qualify for the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program. The flyer specifies how to do this in the bottom left hand corner.

IN CONCLUSION

Share this:

Like this:

INTRODUCTION: A Mystery

Curiosity Plants the Seed

DEFINITION FOUND

It turns out that the definition of spectator sport style that even exists in fashion today, can be summarized by the name of a particular fashion icon, Ralph Lauren. Granted, he was not the inventor of the style. None the less, he immortalized this classy fashion statement.

Iconic Brand

As a result. this fashion style has great popularity still. In addition, it has brought great fortune for the Ralph Lauren brand. To summarize this definition are simply these words ‘a fashion style for spectating sports’. And it comes in many clothing items and accessories.

HISTORY

The history of this style includes specific and classic for both men and women. Therefore, this next section from Spectator Sport Style addresses those qualities with description and appropriate photos (as much as possible).

SPECTATOR STYLE FASHIONS: Then

Part One: Men’s Winter Spectator Fashions

Part One: Women’s Winter spectator sport style

Part Five: Tennis Participants and Spectator Outfits For Men From Vintage Fashions comes this example of the men’s tennis outfit. It is similar to the spectator’s attire.“For tennis matches spectators wore variations of tennis players’ garb.

“The major difference was that tennis players wore white only. Men often wore soft, loose-fitting white woolen flannel trousers with a navy blazer.

SPECTATOR STYLE FASHIONS: Even Now

HATS: The Ultimate Spectator Sport Accessory The Kentucky Derby is home to one of the most spectacular spectator sport events today. It even has a signature spectator sport fashion, the Derby hat. It would seem that almost as many people enjoy the hats as do the horses.

If you would like to learn more, about this unique tradition, click this link. What sets the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks apart from other sports and entertainment events? It’s the hats!

Don’t miss this link for more about the A History of the Kentucky Derby’s Iconic Hats along with a sizeable source and resource section below.

SOURCES & RESEARCH

Share this:

Like this:

NEWLY DISCOVERED HANDBAG TREASURES MAKE MY SEARCH EXTRA FUN

HANDBAG TREASURE BRANDS

Since my budget does not allow for purchases of most of these treasures, an occasional blog post about them satisfies my hunger.

HANDBAG TREASURE SOURCES

All of these sources appear in an earlier blog post: Websites for each brand Upscale Malls Discount Outlets Poshmark

Share this:

Like this:

AMERICAN FOOD HISTORY

Definitive American food history narratives are presented in the book by Jessica B. Harris as well as in the video series by Stephen Satterfield based on the book. The titles of both are High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America. This blog post focuses on this phenomenon.

JESSICA B. HARRIS American culinary historian, professor, cookbook author and journalist

STEPHEN SATTERFIELD African-American food writer, producer, and media entrepreneur.

THE VIDEO: High on the Hog

FOOD HISTORY FAVORITES

TRACING MORE AMERICAN CULTURAL HISTORY

Tracing the slave trade to America reflects additional cultural history. It is actually the transformation of African American food to American food. This adds to the rich musical history of America. It is detailed in the blog post, RUMBLE in a previous post.

Please watch both of these videos to get an educational and entertaining understanding of these cultural histories. I highly recommend them.

SOURCES & RESOURCES

Share this:

Like this:

Rock ‘n Roll Roots Rhythm Are Now Known to Pre Date African American Music

The Rock’ n Roll roots rhythm is based in the Native American musical progression known as RUMBLE. Actually, African American music is part of the evolution of rock ‘n roll. But it is not the sole or earliest contribution to this music as previously believed or documented.

The Three note progression of Rock’n Roll’s Native American DNA

RUMBLE

Wikipedia’s History of Rock’n Roll

Origins of rock’n roll From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Contrary to the above published documentaries, the following quote of rock ‘n rolls history lacks the inclusion of any reference to Native American musical influence on this topic.

ROCK ‘N ROLL: The Popularized Version

Blues DNA

Dockery Farms

Wikipedia’s History of Rock’n Roll Footnotes

Future writing in my blog posts will shed light on African American Food History. Based upon the fascinating series High on the Hog. Stay close to this blog for the upcoming post, soon. Share this:TweetShare on TumblrMorePocketPrintEmailLike this:Like Loading...

Share this:

They include:
1. EARLIEST FORM OF FLY FISHING
2. GENTLEMEN’S RECREATIONAL FISHING
3. FRESH AND SALTWATER FISHING
4. SPECIAL GEAR & EQUIPMENT
5. NO LIVE ‘BAIT’
6. IMITATION FLIES
7. WOMEN AND FLY FISHING
8. FLY FISHING GOES TO HOLLYWOOD

2. GENTLEMEN’S RECREATIONAL FISHING
In contrast with other types of fishing, fly fishing evolved from a gentleman’s recreational pastime. As a result, it was considered a contemplative even spiritual activity.

3. FRESH AND SALTWATER FISHING
In contrast to fresh water fly fishing, saltwater fly fishing is typically done with heavier tackle than that which is used for freshwater trout fishing, both to handle the larger, more powerful fish, and to accommodate the casting of larger and heavier flies.

5. NO LIVE ‘BAIT’
One of the very first lessons I got in fresh water fly fishing was that live bait is prohibited. Related to this, is a quick story. The first time I went fly fishing I had a choice between two shops. The former was an Orvis Outlet.

Famous Women in Fly Fishing
Although the amount of men who fly fish still outnumbers the number of women, we have made our mark. To prove this point, refer to the fascinating article Six Women Who Are Revolutionizing the World of Fly Fishing

Famous Women in Fly Tying
“OKAY BOYS, GET OVER IT: women have made some of the most important contributions in the fine art of fly tying.” So begins the article below, The Women of Fly Tying.

STEP ONE
Find out if you qualify for the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program. The flyer specifies how to do this in the bottom left hand corner.

Part Five: Tennis Participants and Spectator Outfits For Men

From Vintage Fashions comes this example of the men’s tennis outfit. It is similar to the spectator’s attire.
“For tennis matches spectators wore variations of tennis players’ garb.

All of these sources appear in an earlier blog post:
Websites for each brand
Upscale Malls
Discount Outlets
Poshmark

Definitive American food history narratives are presented in the book by Jessica B. Harris as well as in the video series by Stephen Satterfield based on the book.

The titles of both are High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America. This blog post focuses on this phenomenon.

Tracing the slave trade to America reflects additional cultural history. It is actually the transformation of African American food to American food.

This adds to the rich musical history of America. It is detailed in the blog post, RUMBLE in a previous post.

Future writing in my blog posts will shed light on African American Food History. Based upon the fascinating series High on the Hog. Stay close to this blog for the upcoming post, soon.

Share this:
Tweet
Share on Tumblr
More
Pocket
Print
Email
Like this:
Like Loading...

FAST FORWARD: Outlet Malls and The Internet

A photo of a Tanger Outlet Mall with plenty of parking and discount upscale stores.