Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Thanksgiving Rant

Howdy Folks,
It's November already and the holiday cheer (and marketing) is in full swing! I've already made my first batch of cookies in  preparation for Thanksgiving! What? You mean you don't make turkey and pilgrim hat shaped sugar cookies for your neighbors??

Why does everyone forget about Thanksgiving? Sure it means nothing after all the native americans were pushed off their land and left to adapt to a world that was completely unnatural to them...but think about the pies! The dressing, the stuffing, the casseroles!!!

Yes, call Jerry Hingle heartless, but I love Thanksgiving for one reason and one reason only...the FOOD! I go absolutely crazy in the month of November trying different recipes in an attempt to find the perfect dish to bring to my mother's house. Already I've made pumpkin bread, both savory and sweet, cranberry relish, green bean and corn cream casserole, croissants from scratch, and sweet potato pie. Mmm mm mm. My mouth is watering. I haven't quite decided what to make yet, but tonight I'm going to attempt and make this recipe:

Giada's Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/ciabatta-stuffing-with-chestnuts-and-pancetta-recipe/index.html

It looks difficult, it looks expensive, and it looks delicious. Wish me luck as I try my hand at the lovely Giada's stuffing. She's so gorgeous, the food has to be tasty right? I'll let you know how it goes.

 -

Friday, October 26, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Guide to Halloween in Austin

Howdy folks,
This weekend is Halloweekend here in Austin and you know what that means...forget sleeping. You can sleep when you're dead! Now is the time to grab your costume that you've been working on all year (or all night) and show it off. I'm not sure what I'm going to be yet...I've got two costumes up my sleeve. I might just rock both of em on Friday and Saturday. And I'm not quite sure where I'm going yet...this is typical of Austinites. But if you're not a typical Austinite and don't want to just "wing it" when the time comes, follow my tricks and treats for having an awesome time in Austin on Halloween. Here's all the stuff you can do:

1. Dogtober Fest
This was last weekend, but it's good to take note for next year. This event keeps getting bigger and bigger as word spreads. Located in the Domain, this event is all about your canine friends. There are costume contests, booths, snacks, some dancing, and lots and lots of dog watching. This is heaven for those of you with a weakness for dressed up pups. Feast your eyes on the cutest canines as they gnaw at their costumes.

2. 6th Street Pub Crawl
6th street seems to be the biggest attraction on Halloween and Halloween weekend. Basically, thousands of people gather on 6th street and walk up and down to see different costumes, take pictures with costumes they like, and (if they can get in) sit at a bar and costume watch. It's become an unofficial Parade of Weirdos, you might say. Come down and people watch if you can, but you'll need to get here early if you expect to actually sit at a bar. Or, you can purchase tickets for drink specials..I'm not sure how it works, but visit Pub Crawl Austin for more info.

3. Halloween Balls Galore!
There are a ton of Halloween Balls popping up all around Austin as people begin to realize that 6th street is just not big enough for the whole town. Instead, people are resorting to awesome Dances and Balls where's there are guaranteed drinks, dancing, and costume watching.  Of course you have to pay admission, but believe me, after a few years of inching your way through 6th street, this is a great alternative.
Haunted Halloween Ball
Jared's Halloween Party
The Zombie Ball (An Austin favorite)
Hell: A Halloween Ball  
Austins Monster Ball 

4. Thriller Dance Party
Hosted by Ballet Austin, this is a really cool event where you learn how to dance Thriller. If you wear a costume, you get $12 bucks off! It's also hosted on Halloween night, so if you gotta work the next day (like most of us) then this is a good home by 10pm kinda party.

5. Vintage Circus Halloween Party 
Sounds creepy already. There's not too much info out there on this, but it's on Halloween night and it's located at the East Side Showroom. If you decide to go to this, let us know about it in the comments. I'd love to hear what it's about. 




Monday, October 15, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Tips for Austin City Limits

Hello good people of the internet,

Were you at ACL this past weekend? I was unable to attend this year, unfortunately, but I heard the shows were great. My facebook was filled with all sorts of posts from people at the fest...waiting in crowds, getting soaking wet, and then dancing their little bums off while the band played. Sounds like lots of fun. Especially the soaking wet part. Yes, it was raining hard this weekend and I felt sorry for all the people out in the middle of Zilker waiting for their favorite bands. Especially since all the ponchos in Austin were sold out...again. This seems to happen every year, and so for the fourth of fifth year in a row, several thousands of people were left without protection from the evil rain.

Yes, if unprepared, ACL can really stink. It's only until you hear your favorite band play their first chord that you realize it was all worth it. Here are my top tips for future Austin City Limit Festivals:

1. Come prepared!
Bring sun block, a poncho, lots of water, and lots of cash (for lunch and souvenirs). You never know if it will be raining or scorching hot. It's Austin, and in mid-October we're usually either really wet or really hot. So plan for both. The dough will come in handy when you get extra thirsty (you know what I mean) and really hungry. The food and drinks at the fest are hella expensive, so save your pennies and enjoy the grub.

2. Rent a place nearby
The ideal thing to do would be to rent a place near Zilker and be able to walk or bike to the fest. Biking would be your best option. But to do this, you need to plan ahead. Book your place before the lineup is out. With each passing year, ACL is becoming ever popular, drawing in crowds from all across the U.S. Book a place close by and save on time waiting for the bus, money on cabs, and money on parking. Because let me tell you guys, parking during the ACL fest is near impossible to find, and if you do, it's most likely $30-$75 a day. 

3. Bring a tarp and some cards  and WAIT
You're gonna be spending the majority of your time waiting in crowds for the band to play. Trust me. If you want an awesome spot for the show, you're gonna have to get there an hour or two in advance. Perhaps earlier depending on how much you want to see the band. So bring a tarp to sit on and some bicycle cards and just enjoy the weather (assuming it's nice) while you wait for your band. You might even discover an awesome band in the distance while you're waiting.

Alright folks, that's my piece. Jerry Hingle has been to his fair share of Austin City Limits Festivals, so trust me. Read this and you'll be set for next year's ACL!

Friday, September 21, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Favorite Pins

Good morning lovely people,
As you know, I've been doing a lot of work around the house--trying to clean up after my absence and reorganizing all my odds and ends. I've figured out something about myself...I'm a hoarder. I  know what you're thinking... "But Jerry Hingle, what psychological issues made you a hoarder?" I'm not sure whether it's my fear of abandonment or just my plain love for nick knacks. Probably both. Either way, I've realized I need to make this a bigger project. My house needs reorganizing, and I need to turn to the pros for this project....not IKEA....I'm talking about Pinterest.

Pinterest is the perfect place for projects....you can browse and see what other people have done, get ideas and then do them. So I've set out to find my favorite pins...ones that inspire me to fix my house and maybe even redecorate. Here's what I found so far:

Tye-Dye Storage Dresser - perfect for storing all my odds and ends that don't look appealing on the outside.

Lazy Susan Shoe Rack - this is such an awesome idea for people who have too many shoes. Yes...men can have too many shoes...I've got my converse, my Beatles boots, my Toms, my other Toms, my workout shoes, my dress shoes, my homemade shoes, my sandals, the list goes on. 

Fabric Covered Storage Bin - this turns a dollar store plastic bin into a colorful storage unit that adds to the room. I imagine I'll use a more masculine fabric than the one shown above...perhaps a dark green or blue.


Super Useful Cereal Box - this is so creative, and a great way to reuse a cereal box. Just cover it with a cool design and use it to store papers, sentimental crayon drawings (from the kiddos) and other important stuff.

PVC Pipe for the Workroom - I can definitely see this in my studio. I don't see why you can't add some color too with a little paint?

Truly the Perfect Table - this is a great idea for hoarders such as myself. A table that holds anything and everything. It's gonna take some time to build, but I'd rather build it than buy it.

That's all for now, folks. I'm gonna get started.

- Jerry Hingle

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Jerry Hingle is Back!

Howdy folks!
It feels good to say that here in good ol' texas. I'm finally home, and Oz couldn't be happier to see us. My sis took real good care of her, but I expect she didn't hold her enough (she's not a cat person), cause Oz is really really needy. I suppose cats can get like that when they're lonely.

Utah was amazing...perhaps my favorite destination of all. I took some amazing pictures, of which still need developing. Here's the thing, folks, I think I might try and sell these or make a book out of them! People need to know just how beautiful the U.S can be, and who better than me?!

I can't post any of them for this reason, but I'll clue you in as to when this production is on it's feet. I've been back for a couple of days now and I'm still cleaning everything out (including Peanut's coat, which is matted and tangled from the wilderness). I don't think this project will come to fruition until later this year. I still have a lot of work to do with the photos as well as around the house. Don't worry! Jerry Hingle will be back on this blog on a weekly basis. Stay tuned!

--Jerry Hingle 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Recap

Hi folks!
It's been about a month and a week since I've been gone. I've wandered the open roads and found myself in different places throughout the southwest U.S and I'm loving every minute of it.

I stopped in Las Vegas on my way to California. Yes, I'm guilty of wanting to see Sin City just as much as the next guy. It was great fun! Finding a hotel where I could bring Peanut was difficult, so I found a campsite just outside of Vegas where I could park myself at night.

Then I made my way over to Fresno, California and had myself a wonderful time. It's gorgeous over here. Thanks to this website, I was able to find lots to do and see. It was just what I needed after a day in smelly, bright, busy Vegas.

Since then, I've been doing nothing but driving. To be quite honest, Jerry Hingle is getting tired of the inside of his car. I've gotta make my way across Nevada to my next destination: UTAH! I'm so excited. The thought of seeing all the natural bridges and canyons and red earth is enough to keep me driving.

Till then!

--Jerry Hingle

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Jerry Hingle Contemplates Song Meanings Beneath the Stars

Hi Folks,
I'm enjoying my time in Arizona. I never want to leave! I've been here about two weeks and I love it. Right now I'm at the Grand Canyon. I've been spending countless hours simply laying out in the sun, painting the canyon, and running into town for supplies. Peanut is looking rustic as ever--he's learned to love the rough lifestyle, and he finally stopped picking his fur every time a branch got caught in it. He's a mess! I say in a week or two he'll be close to a real wild wolf! I've been letting the scruff grow as well. People think I am a mountain man.

Anywho, I've been laying under the stars contemplating the meaning of life, meaning of science, the meaning of social norms, the meanings of songs...everything! One particular song that I've been really thinking about is Pride by U2. That's always been one of my favorite songs, but now as I have all the time in the world to think, this song in particular rings in my head. I've been thinking about history, and it's almost as if this song tells the story of mankind.

"One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One man come he to justify
One man to overthrow"

That's pretty much the cycle that we'll always go through as a species. A man/woman/nation thinks they're bringing justice, rises to power, and then is overthrown by another who believes they are bringing justice. Sums it up well huh? Throughout the song there are various references to great men of power and influence...Jesus Christ and Martin Luther King just to name a few. And sure enough, these men were overthrown by someone who thought they were doing the right thing. Will it ever end?

Thinking about this makes me want to log on to my TuneWiki and write this all down. Over the trip I've become addicted to commenting on song meanings through tunewiki...most people probably don't give a hoot but it's fun to get my ideas out there anyway.

Alright folks, it's time for Jerry Hingle to contemplate something more important than life...dinner.

--Jerry Hingle

Monday, August 6, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Take on Sedona, AZ

Alright Folks,
It's been a long time since I've last written. I've been busy driving, eating, and painting. I'm currently writing from a Holiday Inn parking lot (free wi-fi, yall!) and I'm sipping on my morning tea. I'm on my last day in Sedona, Arizona.

Now, I know what is on your mind, "Jerry Hingle, do you feel revitalized? Are the vortexes real?!"
I can't give it all away at once, people! Let's examine Sedona, for those of you who are unfamiliar with it's enchantment.

Sedona is believed to be the site of four different vortexes--or, sprial flows of energy. A vortex can be a spiral flow of water, air, whatever! But in this case, it's a flow of energy said to be felt in four different spots.

Vortex Locations in Sedona

1.  Bell Rock - masculine
2. Airport Mesa - masculine
3. Boynton Canyon  - both?
4. Cathedral Rock - feminine

So, the energy is not only felt by either men or women. These "masculine" and "feminine" energies are defined by the specific type of flow. If the energy is coming out of the earth, it is masculine. If it is coming into the earth, it is feminine, according to Philip Coppens.

But I've yet to answer the question: can you feel the energy? And my answer is what might be the most dreaded answer of all time: it depends. I felt something, but I can't be sure if it was energy or just the sheer beauty of the red rocks and canyons. It is so beautiful here, that whether or not you believe in the vortexes you will not be disappointed you came.

Really and truly your experience here in Sedona depends on how spiritual you are. If you feel connected with the earth and the spiritual realm, you will definitely feel an energy here in Sedona. If not, well, you'll simply be amazed at the beauty of this place.

--Jerry Hingle

Friday, July 20, 2012

Jerry Hingle's First Week on the Road

Readers!
It's been a week since I've been on the road and I can't tell you enough how much I needed this. Peanut and I are having a blast, and we miss Oz very much. Hopefully she is holding down the fort and not terrorizing my sister too much!

Oh my what a beauty it's been driving through the southwest. I've been doing a ton of sketches: sunsets, adobe houses, old ladies stitching baskets together--the people watching scene here is perfect. I eat whenever I want, sleep whenever I want, and I can literally sketch anything I want. All I have to do is stop on the side of the road and pull out some paper. The food here is delicious, if you go to the right spots. Sure I had some sorry burritos, but the New Mexican cuisine is amazing. It's much different from what we think of as Mexican food. They love their green hot sauce, and they do it splendidly.

The people here are great too. Having such an adorable dog like Peanut makes it easy for people to approach me and ask if they can pet him. Of course they can, and he makes for great conversation. But while these people are most interested in Peanut, I am most curious about their lives. What do they do, how long have they lived in New Mexico, do they like living in the desert? Some say yes, some say no, but most are content. My favorite part of being an artist is people watching and learning about them. I believe a true artist can never detach himself from society--art is in society. And it's been a pleasure learning about art in this way.

But enough about that! Jerry Hingle doesn't wanna get too deep on ya'll! I'll update you again on my adventures when I get to Arizona.

-- Jerry Hingle 


Monday, July 9, 2012

How Jerry Hingle Passes the Time on Road Trips

Greetings!
Sorry I haven't written in a while, I've been busy writing fiction as well as getting ready for my big road trip! I depart this Saturday - where has the time gone?!

With the big road trip coming up, I decided to dedicate this blog entry to finding ways to pass the time on the road.  Let's face it, Peanut isn't the greatest at conversation, so I need some help staying awake as I cruise on the highway. Here are my top 5 things to do if you're traveling alone:

1. Listen to an Audio Book
That's fairly obvious, but it's quite a life saver (if the book you choose is exciting). Road trips are no time to catch up on Aristotle or Nietzsche. That will put you to sleep for certain, and you're likely to wake up on the side of the road in a ditch (if you're lucky!) Instead, I like to listen to a mystery book or love story. My favorite series to listen to has to be Janet Evanovich's "One for the Money" series. It's packed with humor, mystery, and some love. It keeps my imagination and my engine running.

2. Counting Game
Make it a point to count things that you see on the road. Red cars? Trucks? Deer? Skunks? Anything that will keep your eyes open and looking for something. Punch Buggy is a good game to play, but I can't punch Peanut too much or he will nibble my face off!

3. Sing!
Put on your favorite jams and sing your lungs out. No one is there to hear you or make fun of you! Peanut will occasionally join in by howling (if my pitch is off) but he certainly doesn't have any sarcastic comments to jab me with. And for Pete's sake, don't pick an artist like Death Cab for Cutie that will depress and sedate you. My favorite picks are Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Adele. They're the kinda singers that make you want to belt out songs along with them. 

4. Learn a new language
This is incredibly useful and effective. Is there a language you've been wanting to learn? Pop in the C.D and conquer that subjunctive in a matter of hours. I'll be packing my Spanish C.Ds to prepare myself for the Southwest. Voy a ser un experto en Nuevo Mexico!
  
5. Write!
You might be thinking "but Jerry Hingle, writing on the road is dangerous!" It's only dangerous if you insist on actually writing with your hands and not your voice. I'm going to pack my audio recorder and record my novel's next couple of chapters. I'll feel as epic as Sarah Connor, speaking into her recorder as she drives off away from civilization and into the desert.

Did I miss one? Let me know in the comments!

--Jerry Hingle  

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Favorite Ways to Stay Cool

Good afternoon, readers!
It sure is hot outside here in Austin, Texas. The Statesman says that the National Weather Service says:

"The forecast for Central Texas promises a partly sunny and hot day, with a high of 94 that could feel more like 98, the National Weather Service said."

It feels like 98? Well if you're a drama king like I am, it's gonna feel more like 108. That's darn near hotter than hell! Now I haven't been around these parts very long, but I've experienced a hot summer in ATX before, so I can tell you the secrets to keeping cool in this weird city.

1. Bananarchy
Awesome name. Awesome desserts. Bananarchy has made a spot for itself right off of South 1st street in Central Austin. They've got the most amazing frozen bananas--perfect for a hot day like today. Cover yours in chocolate, peanut butter, vanilla, nuts, candy, sprinkles--whatever your overheated heart desires. Tell em' Jerry Hingle sent you.

2. Krause Springs
After you've dipped a frozen banana in chocolate, dip yourself into Krause Springs. The water is all-natural, freezing, and so refreshing.  This is actually outside of Austin, Texas, but the short drive is worth it. Krause Springs is located in Spicewood, Texas just 45 minutes outside of Austin. Head out on 71 and you'll be there in no time.

3. Austin Museum of Art
You're probably thinking--what the heck does art have to do with staying cool? Two words--air conditioning. Art has to stay cool otherwise the quality is compromised! If you're looking for something to do indoors and away from the heat, check out this underrated museum. It's  only 5 dollars to get in, and you'll have plenty of art to gaze at while your skin takes a break from the unrelenting sun.
 

 

Friday, June 8, 2012

Jerry Hingle's New Project

Hello readers,
On this gray Friday morning as I sipped my green tea and read over the news headlines (from the Onion, of course) an idea popped into my head. I've always been partial to writing, but my experience thus far has lead me down the non-fiction path. I usually write about my life and its occurrences, and of course my beloved city. I love writing about Austin and Peanut, but what if I try my hand at fiction?

I know you must be thinking, "but Jerry Hingle, we love reading about your life!" Not to worry, dear readers, I'll continue to contribute to this blog. My fiction will be contained to old notebooks and a special doc on my laptop.

The bigger question at hand is what type of fiction to craft? Shall I write the next great American novel? A movie script? A sitcom? A short story? A novella? An opera?

I still have some contemplating to do, so I shall continue to sip my green tea and think about this more thoroughly.

Have a great Friday, readers!

--Jerry Hingle

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Jerry Hingle is Feeling Cheesy

Good Afternoon Readers,
I hope the week has been treating you well. If it hasn't, not to fear, the weekend is almost here!

On this warm and cloudy Thursday, I would like to discuss the topic of macaroni and cheese. Earlier in the week, Jerry Hingle had a honkin' big craving for some mac and cheese--and I'm not talking about microwaveable instant kind that you make with powdered cheese. I mean the kind with strings of cheese that stretch for miles! The kind that takes hours to make! The kind that takes minutes to devour!

If you think you have a recipe that meets those requirements, send me link through the comments. But for now, I've found a delicious recipe that I would like to share with y'all. This is called Over the Rainbow Macaroni and Cheese...and it's from Oprah.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound of elbow macaroni
1 stick of butter plus 1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup shredded Muenster cheese
1/2 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
2 cups of half-and-half
2 large eggs
1/4 tsp of seasoned salt
1/8 tsp of black pepper

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a deep 2 1/2-quart casserole.

Bring the large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the oil, then the elbow macaroni, and cook until the macaroni is just tender, about 7 minutes. Do not overcook. Drain well. Return to the cooking pot.

In a small saucepan, melt eight tablespoons of the butter. Stir into the macaroni. In a large bowl, mix the Muenster, mild and sharp Cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses. To the macaroni, add the half-and-half, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, the cubed Velveeta, and the eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to the buttered casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and dot with the remaining one tablespoon of butter.

Bake until it's bubbling around the edges, about 35 minutes. Serve hot. 

I like to add a little bit of Italian breadcrumbs to the top of the bake, or if you're feeling extra crunchy you can add some Parmesan to the top (it will brown and add a nice crunch!). There's so much you can do with mac and cheese!

Cheers,
Jerry Hingle   

Friday, May 18, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Camping Plans

Dear Gentle Readers,
It's been a busy two weeks and I've got lots planned for the summer. As you might recall, I've got a road trip planned for the summer. Now, it's not quite summer (although I know there are several college kids who might disagree with me!) but it's darn near close. I'm already starting to make lists of what I'm gonna need for my road trip. Let's see:

1. Tent
2. Cooler
3. Blankets
4. Flash light
5. Lots of batteries
6. Pop Gun

...now I know what you're thinking...why do you need a pop gun, Jerry Hingle? Well, I'm going to be camping in various landscapes. There might be bears, mountain lions, javelinas, who knows? I don't want them hurting Peanut or stealing my food, so I need a pop gun to scare em off. Now, back to my list:

7. hot dogs, ground beef, bread
8. matches
9. plenty of canned beans
10. bottled water

I think I've got most of the essentials down... but I don't yet know what I'm going to do about charging my various electronics...the camera, my phone, my laptop...etc.

For those of you who say "that's not real camping!" don't forget that I'm a modern day photographer! I can't take a trip and not bring my camera! But I can't bring my camera and not bring my laptop! Alright, I've got lots of shopping to do. Peace!

Friday, May 4, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Guide to Cinco de Mayo

Buenos Dias!

Jerry Hingle is practicing his Spanish for this year's Cinco de Mayo.  In all honesty, this is probably just another excuse for gringos like myself to indulge in Mexican food and drinks (they don't call it Cinco de Drinko for nothing!) but we'll set aside that sad truth and just enjoy it, eh? The real holiday that Mexicans celebrate their Independence on is called "Diez y Seis de Septiembre." But that's just too darn hard for us gringos to pronounce!

So what am I doing this year? I'm gonna chow down on the best Mexican food in Austin!

Curra's Grill
This has some great Mexican food, and is located on E.Oltorf so you know it's legit. Try their famous hot sauces and wash em' down with a rita while you're at it.

Cedar Door
This has the best Mexican martinis in Austin. Hands down. It's supposedly where the Mexican martini originated, but who knows, right? Don't question it. Just drink it.

And if you're looking to check out some fun events, try heading down to the Barrio Boombox at Hotel Las Vegas!  It should be loads of fun, and it's located on 6th street so if it gets boring, all you have to do is walk on down till you find something fun.

Wanna chillax and watch a movie for Cinco de Mayo? As ya'll know I love the Drafthouse and all their fun events. This Cinco de Mayo they're showing Three Amigos with an "all-you-can-eat-tacos" special! Ay ay ay ay ay!

To be honest, amigos, I'm not sure what I'll be doing to celebrate our friends south of the border. But I know there will be food, there will be fun, and hopefully the rest takes care of itself.

Adios!

  


Friday, April 20, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Adventures with Peanut

Happy Friday, Everyone!

Gosh, it's already the end of April. How time flies when you're having fun. I want to dedicate this blog entry to my dear friend, Peanut. If this is your first time reading about my adventures, then you probably don't know who Peanut is! He's my adorable Pomeranian. Anyone who reads my blog knows how much of a dog lover I am, therefore I was horrified to read about the story of Cisco: a dog who was shot by a police man in Austin, Texas. I want to urge anyone who is aware of this story to like their Facebook page.  

I was very sad to hear about this, and as a dog owner I completely empathize with Cisco's owner. But I need to get back to the topic at hand before I go off and start preaching about injustice. Of course the first thing a person thinks about when something like this happens is, "what if it had been me?" When I read this story I grabbed Peanut and gave him a big hug. I decided that this weekend would be all about my fun little friend.

Here's a list of my favorite pet friendly spots in Austin, Texas:

1. Town Lake
Whenever I come with Peanut we usually take a walk and enjoy the sparkling waters of Town Lake. But if you really want to enjoy the lake, you can take your dog on the boat at the Zilker Park Boat Rentals! Yup, dogs are allowed on the boats. Hopefully Peanut isn't too afraid of the turtles.

2. The Domain
The Domain is a great place for dogs. Almost every store places cool bowls of water outside their doors for shoppers' canine friends. Peanut and I like to walk around, window shop, and then stop for a bite at the yogurt place.

3. Dog and Duck Pub
This is just a great place to drink a beer and have a bite to eat. It's even better cause you can bring your dog as long as you sit on the front patio. Which is fine by me!

There are so many places in Austin to take your canines if you don't want to leave them at home. Check out DogFriendly.com for more ideas!

That's all from me, folks, but ya'll have a great weekend!



   

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Purple Rita

It's 5 o'clock here in ATX, and that means it's time for happy hour. Unfortunately, I can't make it to the bars cause my poor cat Oz is not feeling so well...she keeps coughing and meowing strangely. I'm not sure what the issue is, but I'm not about to leave her side for a half price drink!

Luckily, Jerry Hingle still has some delicious margarita tricks up his sleeve. Of course, I'm now an Austinite, it's my job to learn and love the art of the rita. Here's my take on the purple margarita. Yes, it may not be the exact Baby A's recipe, but you'll find it tastes pretty good.

The Purple Rita

You will need:

  • 2 oz Sweet and Sour Mix 
  • 2 oz of Chambord Raspberry Liquor 
  • 1 (or half) oz of Everclear (depending on your preference) 
  • 1 oz of Lime Juice
  • 1 oz of Cranberry Juice
Pour all contents into a shaker and shake it nice and good. Pour it over ice in a salt rimmed glass and you're good to go! Or, if you prefer frozen, throw your glass of ice and the mix into the blender and hit puree.

It's as easy as that. Now I can enjoy happy hour in the comfort of my own home to the sounds of poor Oz coughing up fur-balls in the background. Mmm-mm. Tasty.

Cheers!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Favorite Spring Activities

Lordy Lordy how time does fly!

My good and gentle readers, spring is upon us. April just began and I've already seen both showers and flowers. The highways are lined with reds, yellows and of course blues (bonnets for good ol' Texas). Already people are predicting a hot summer, but I say why stick our nose in the future when we can just enjoy the now?! Yes, let's stop thinking about how hot the summer is going to be and instead focus on what a beautiful spring it is. And personally, spring and autumn are the best seasons here in Austin, Texas. Spring is the time for Jerry Hingle, as well as many Austinites, to dig up his shorts, flip flops, and silk shirts out of the closet. People seem to be more cheerful in the spring time. After the last cold front has blown past us, and warm weather settles in, Austinites begin to show more smiles (and more skin at that).

So if you're in the area and you're looking for some fun Spring activities, here are my favorite Austin spots:

Zilker Botanical Garden
Of course, I have to include this. When I visited last year it was a dry, hot, and sad excuse for a garden. Now that we've had a lot of rain, it should be covered with beautiful exotic flowers.

The Green Belt
If you're the hiking type, hike down the Green Belt and be sure to pack some food with you. I like to take Peanut with me if I'm  not planning on hiking (he's too much of a prince to hike that far). Instead, we sit by the stream, eat snacks and bask in the sun.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
There is a fee, but it's completely worth it as long as the flowers are in bloom, and let me tell you they ARE!

The Oasis 
Alright, be forewarned, the food sucks. But the view is amazing! The view is probably the only thing sustaining that friggin restaurant. However, Jerry Hingle has a plan for ya'll : eat before and drink when you're there. Sip a beer or a margarita and enjoy the view! Simple as pie.

Alright folks, that about wraps up my favorite spots for warm weather fun. Check em out and let me know how it goes!

Peace.




 

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Jerry Hingle Cheers for the Hunger Games

Howdy Folks!
Alright, so there's been a lot of buzz lately around this movie called the Hunger Games. In case you haven't heard, it grossed more money on opening weekend than any of the Harry Potter movies, excluding the last one. What's the big deal?

If you've been living under a rock, I'm here to give you the scoop. Hunger Games is a young adult, dystopian book series about a girl named Katniss Everdeen who is simply trying to survive and feed her family. She lives in a society where people are lucky to eat one meal a day, and the Capitol (aka the governing authority) commands them with a firm hand, controlling what they do and how much freedom they have.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away (North America)...

The people of this society led a revolution against the Capitol and lost. Now as punishment, the Capitol arranges an annual tournament in which a child from each district is chosen at random to fight to the death until there is one victor. Guess who is chosen?

Not Katniss, her younger sister, Primrose. But Primrose is sweet, innocent, and nothing but skin and bones, and Katniss won't let her go. She volunteers to take her place in The Hunger Games, and suddenly she is faced with this task of both surviving and defending herself against any big scary kids who try to kill her.

If that sounds like your cup of tea, go see the movie! It's a great adaptation of the book. If you're a fan of young adult novels written for girls, read the books too, but I will say that the movies are more gender neutral than the books.

Peace out, people! I'm off to read the 3rd Hunger Games book, Mockingjay, and make Peanut act it out.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Jerry Hingle's SXSW Tips (For Next Year)

Good afternoon folks, 
I had myself a great week at South-by-Southwest (SXSW). However, I am still dead tired from it. Anyone who does south-by correctly will know that by the end of the week, your liver and feet will be exhausted. If you don't know about this gigantic festival/convention, I am here to give you the scoop. 

SXSW for FREE 
Sure, it sounds glamorous and exciting at first, but know that if you're not willing to spend money for your south-by experience, you will be spending time. Lots and lots of time...waiting in line. Jerry Hingle doesn't have too much money in the bank, so there I was, waiting in line for all the freebies I could get. I waited in line for the bus, I waited in line for wristbands and free badges, I waited in line for free food, free t-shirts, and I waited in line for free booze. Sure it's worth it once all is said and done. 

Now, most of the free shows require you to RSVP for admittance. Every once in a while you will might get lucky and rsvp for a venue with an awesome lineup, but it's hit or miss. And remember, south-by is about discovering new music and new talent, so don't be so quick to dismiss what could be a good band just because they're unheard of. Here are all the events I RSVPed to, and I'm more than positive they will be hosting again, so keep this saved if you're planning to do south-by next year. 

RSVP for it all! (This is a nice little site that will RSVP you to tons of events in case you're not sure where to start)  

So there you have it. Oh and there's always free shows at Auditorium Shores across the bridge. This year the Shins, Counting Crows, and the Cult played. Who knows who will be there next year?! :-D 

Later folks, Jerry Hingle is gonna nap for about 3 days straight now.  

Friday, March 9, 2012

Don't Rain on Jerry Hingle's Parade!

Woe is me....


To my discontent, it is raining once again in Austin. There go my plans! My heart goes out to all the SXSW attendees who are starting their festivities this weekend. Better have a poncho in hand! As for me, I will have to rewrite my weekend schedule. 


But I won't let the rain dampen my spirits! Sure, it's 45 degrees Fahrenheit and raining in March, but after all, it's still winter! This is an opportunity to sip hot cocoa and snuggle with Peanut while watching a movie. Maybe even make cookies. "But what cocoa recipe are you going to use, Jerry Hingle?" Glad you asked! 


This is my favorite hot chocolate recipe of all time, provided by the lovely Ina Garten. I adore her. Her voice is so sexy, and her food always looks delicious--oh, how I envy Jeffrey. Anyway, this recipe is from the Postcards from Paris episode in which fans email Ina with their questions about Parisian food and she answers them. This chocolate emulates the hot chocolate from a Parisian bistro. 


Double Hot Chocolate by Ina Garten

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 8 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee powder
  • 4 to 5 vanilla beans or cinnamon sticks

Directions

Heat the milk and half-and-half in a saucepan on medium heat to just below the simmering point. Remove the pan from the heat and add both chocolates. When the chocolates are melted, add the sugar, vanilla extract, and espresso and whisk vigorously. Reheat gently and serve immediately. Use a vanilla bean or cinnamon stick to garnish each serving.   


Alright, folks, I've got some hot chocolate I must attend to. Jerry's out! 

Friday, March 2, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Summer Vacation Idea

Good morning, gentle people!
I was surfing Pinterest just yesterday and my eyes were met with vacation destination pictures galore. The seas of Greece, mountains of Colorado, Pyramids of Giza...it got my heart pumping and yearning for a good summer vacation. I can't travel internationally, because I don't quite have my passport just yet. :( However, there are loads of beautiful places I can visit in the U.S! Maybe Jerry Hingle will just pack up all his things and set out for a good long road trip!

Or, maybe not...

As I ponder over places that are worth my time and money, the Grand Canyon immediately comes to mind. I've seen it when I was small, but I don't quite think I appreciated its beauty. Now that I am older and a working artist, perhaps this is just what I need to get inspiration.

Yes...an idea is now forming in my mind...I shall take a month long road trip and drive through the Southwest United States. There are so many destinations that are perfect painting spots! The painted desert, Santa Fe, Carlsbad Caverns, the mountains, and of course the majestic Grand Canyon.

I'm so excited just thinking about it. Peanut and I, cruising along the southwest with the windows rolled down, and the taste of freedom (and some bugs) in our mouths...its perfect! No one will be there to bother me or tell me that we need to press on. If I want to stop and paint, I shall!

Guys, Jerry Hingle has some planning to do. Gotta buy a tent and all that.
Stay fresh!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Jerry Hingle @Ladies of the 80s

Hello good people,
It's been a short, but fun week! Friday is upon us, and the weekend looks promising.

Last night, I attended the fabulously fun "Ladies of the 80s" sing-along party at the Alamo Drafthouse. It was so much fun, I highly recommend going if you love 80s music. If you're unfortunate enough to not have an Alamo Drafthouse in your neighborhood, I deeply apologize. Not every city is awesome enough for a drafthouse. I'll explain the concept: you watch a movie while waiters bring you food and drinks. It's a restaurant and a movie theater all in one, but it's much more than that. The drafthouse has long united the Austin community with fun events, darn good beer, and awesome movies. This month they have a special "quote along" showing of The Princess Bride--how awesome is that?

Back to the Ladies of the 80s sing-along...it did not disappoint! It began with a dance off between three volunteers, which was hilarious and a great way to start the night. Then we jumped right into the music...everyone got up to dance in their own little space, and eventually a crowd gathered on the stage. We might as well be in an 80s dance club! With music videos showing on the big screen, blasting 80s beats, and complimentary maracas, it's hard not to have a good time. Of course, Alamo ensures audience participation in their own creative way: they handed out 99 red balloons to be released during Nena's 99 Luft Balloons, provided colorful streamers to be thrown across the theater during Cyndi Lauper's True Colors, and threw inflatable men into the crowd during It's Raining Men. So much fun. Jerry Hingle had himself a good time.

If you're interested in attending Ladies of the 80s, check it out! Ladies, get your big hair on, put on your leg warmers, and get ready to sing your lungs out. And dudes, just let loose and enjoy yourselves.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Weekend Plans

Hello world,
Had me a rough week...I've been plugging away at work and now it's time to play. I think I'm gonna spend the weekend hitting all my favorite Austin joints.

1. Sixth Street
Yup, after a long week this shall be my first destination. If you're down there, I recommend Maggie Mae's (sure it's a little cliche, but on the weekend 3 floors open up and it has live music). After I get some cheap two dollar beers, I shall head to west sixth to finish the night with class.
2. Juan in a Million
Best breakfast tacos...ever...
3. Gourdoughs
When you've had a long week like I have, you need to stock up on carbs and insane combinations of donut toppings. There's no better place to do so than Gourdoughs. It's the best food cart to go to if you have a sweet tooth. Huge fried doughnut + bacon + maple icing=heaven.
4. Shoal Creek Park
After chowing down on fatty doughnuts, I'm gonna need to walk it off, so I'll head down to the park with Peanut for a nice skip or a jog. For all you dog lovers, this is an off-leash dog area, so your canine companions can roam freely.
5. Shady Grove
I'm feeling the need to get my Hippie Chick on...so I'll head down to Shady Grove for a delicious Hippie Chick sandwich. It's got eggplant, chicken, pesto, bell peppers, arugula...I really must stop...my mouth is watering.

And that's all folks! If you're at any of these spots this weekend, give ol' Jerry Hingle a holler.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Jerry Hingle Lovestruck

Hello Good People,
Did everyone enjoy the Super Bowl? I know I did! I had myself a brewski, some yummy nachos, and a good ol' hotdog with my favorite fancy sauce. If you don't know how to make fancy sauce, it's easy. Just ask me or watch Stepbrothers.

As much as I would love to talk about the Super Bowl and Madonna's performance at half time, I really need ya'lls help! It's almost Valentines day and I have a special someone that I want to surprise. Can you believe it? Good ol' Jerry Hingle is in love. They don't know about my feelings, but what better day to let the cat out of the bag (not my cat, she would scratch my beard off!) than Valentine's day?

How should I surprise my beloved? I was thinking flowers in the morning, chocolate strawberries at lunch time, and a big teddy at night? Is that too cliche? I'm terrible with these things. Jerry Hingle needs a helping hand. Let me know your thoughts.

Hingle out!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Fur Fiesta

Greetings, gentle people of the internet!

I have quite the quandary in front of me...my beloved Pomeranian, Peanut, is shedding like crazy. He's usually a light shedder, leaving a few fur balls here and there, but lately I find his hair all over my couch. I'm too young to cover my couch with plastic, so I need another viable solution.

Before you respond with a brilliant "Hey Jerry Hingle, why don't you Google it?" please know that I did Google it, and found some interesting facts about Poms. According to PetPom.com, shedding is triggered by light. Who knew? Yes, indeed, the more light in the day, the more your pom (or any dog) will shed. This may apply to dogs who spend a lot of time outside, but not my little Peanut. Peanut is an indoor dog, so he shouldn't be shedding so heavily. On top of that, it has been very gray and gloomy these past weeks, so that rules out the sunlight theory. I am quite puzzled.

I found another interesting article from EcoLife about dog shedding and some ways to counter it. One tip suggested giving your dog omega supplements. I will definitely try that, and I will also try vacuuming Peanut. Don't worry, he's a tough little guy and can stand a low powered vacuum to his fur.

If you encountered the same problem (and if you're a dog owner, I'm sure you have) I'd love any advice or suggestions.

Jerry Hingle, signing off!  

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Vintage Drinks

Morning Everyone!
You must be thinking: "Geeze Jerry Hingle, cocktails at 10am?!" I know it's a little early to be talking about spirits, but I found the most awesome book yesterday about Vintage drinks and I need to blog about it.

After making a savory pot of macaroni and cheese for dinner, I realized my culinary repertoire is slightly barren. I  can't remember the last time I made a meal that I actually liked. My culinary curiosity needs rejuvenating, so I decided to make a trip to Barnes & Noble for a hot new cook book that might do the job.

Instead, I found this: Vintage Cocktails: Retro Recipes for the Home Mixologist. The illustrations are so colorful and vibrant and the recipes are awesome! Pink Lady, Manhattan, Grasshopper, Mai Tai, Tom Collins, I could go on. I love the way this author gives a brief history and commentary on the drink; she's got so much character. Anyways, I put it down and decided to wait till I get some more dough before buying it. But I can hardly wait to stock up on bitters and syrups and then try my hand at mixology.

There's only one problem, I still need to spice up my cooking life! Do you have a cookbook that you love and live by? One that can get me out of my Kraft macaroni and cheese rut? Jerry Hingle needs a helping hand. 

Friday, January 20, 2012

Hingle's Thoughts on Breaking Dawn

It's been so long since my last entry! What happened to the holidays? Is it really 2012?

Yes, indeed it is. The holidays flew by and I have nothing to show for it but some old hooks and a circle of dust where my Christmas tree once sat. Christmas was alright, but now it's a new year and a new me (yeah right)! I've made a ton of resolutions and kept up with none of them. 

However, I did catch the movie Breaking Dawn (I know, old news Jerry Hingle!) and it was....something else. Yes, I will shamelessly admit to being a fan of the Twilight series. For all of you anti-twilighters, I will say this: let us be. Sure, the protagonist is a lame, attention greedy, weakling, but she's surrounded by vampires and werewolves! What's not to like? Anyways, the only way to properly approach this topic is to break this movie down into segments.....
                                                          
****SPOILER ALERT****

The Wedding
Alright, so no complaints with this except for Kristin Stewart's poopy face. The ceremony was beautiful, and the dress was gorgeous. Y'all know you want it. But geeze, Bella certainly doesn't look like someone who is marrying the guy of her dreams. Her face is awkward, her stance is awkward, and she looks like she just pooped her pants and is trying to hide it. But, that's not the fault of the book is it? That's just terrible casting.

The Honeymoon
More awkward moments in which strange indie music is playing during what should be a playful and romantic montage. The location is perfect, the house is perfect, everything is perfect except the bride. 

What to Expect When You're Expecting...a Monster
Yes, this was a big problem of mine when it came to the book. Vampires can't reproduce...but I can't completely criticize Stephanie Meyer for playing with mythology. It's all fiction, so I don't see why the mythology police should come down on her for that. As far as the film goes, this was just as disgusting as I remember it to be in the book, so good job film crew! Makeup was awesome--Bella looks like something is sucking the life out of her. And the ending was awesome! Disgusting and bloody and Bella dies! Yay! 

So that's all I have to say about that movie. I can't say I'm completely looking forward to the second part of Breaking Dawn, but I am curious to meet all the different vampires that come to their aid. 

Alright, that's enough from ol' Jerry Hingle. Till next time!