Tuesday, November 29, 2011
25 Gifts to Get Him Down Your Chimney Tonight: Day 1
Today's gift idea for your honey is this super, cute G-Shock $160 from UrbanOutfitter.com This watch is available online only, but is a free shipping item. I'm dying to know what color the back light is. The watch also has solar technology, moon data, stopwatch, countdown timer and water resistant up to 200 meters. Any man would love to have this on his wrist (And it's cute enough for you to borrow)
Have I Been Naughty or Nice?
With the holiday quickly approaching, it's time to start putting a little thought into what I want. I usually think of totally awesome things, but when my mom or boyfriend or whoever ask, I usually spazz out and totally forget, so here it is, the ultimate gift guide, for me!
1) The Nook Color $199
It has a VividView 7" touchscreen with apps, e-mail and web with video. Netflix and Hulu Plus and Marvel comics all coming soon to the Nook Color. I also like how you can get in store support at any Barnes and Noble.
Nudie Jeans is a socially conscious and environmentally friendly company that sells premium denim. I normally would never even want a pair of jeans so expensive, but they're suppose to be lifelong jeans. You don't wash them for 6 months. You can freeze them to help with the smell. They form to your body and things you may keep in your pockets so they end up worn perfectly and when you finally do wash them you can do different effects. John has a pair and when we went to Florida, we sandblasted and washed them in the ocean. They came out awesome.
3) Swarovski Pearl iPhone case $35
I found this super cute iPhone case on Etsy. I fell in LOVE! It's everything I am. Pearls and crystals and pink bows! Oh, my!
4) Burlap Toms $54
I'm currently on a burlap kick, so when I saw these Toms I went absolutely crazy. I can't wait to get these on my feet. I plan on making different color bow clips to add a little color to them. It'll be super cute!
5) Ugg Womans Kensington in Toast $220
How cute are these Uggs? Super cute, right. I like the whole motorcycle look to them. I'll look super cute in these and some leggings. A must have And the nice thing about these are my sister works at Macy's which is owned by Neiman Marcus so she can get a discount. Yay!
6) Knitting 1 Classes $35
There's been so many craft projects that I would love to do, but they all involve knitting. This is also one of my New Years resolutions is to learn how to knit so this would be a gift that would mean a lot to me. Plus, Sammy needs cute sweaters for this upcoming cold season.
7) Jackie Ohh III Ray-Bans $139
Look how cute these are?! I first saw them on the Urban Outfitters holiday gift guide. These sunglasses are so classic and fab!
8) A New Coat
I have 3 options for this one:
Drop-waist Belted Wool Coat from Victoria's Secret for $109
or this BB Dakota Coat from Urban Outfitters for $99
or BB Dakota Switching Trains Coat from ModCloth.com for $109.99
As you can tell I'm totally jonesing for a white coat this year. I think it'll look cute, fun and flirty this winter. And yes, I will keep it clean.
9) Gift cards. The gift that keeps on letting me get exactly what I want. Sephora, Victoria's Secret, Urban Outfitters, Shoedazzle, Target and Pac Sun (Yes, I've been shopping there lately. I don't know why)
10) Tools. Since I have my own place, I think it's only appropriate that I have some tools in case I want to fix stuff or build things. Mainly a drill, a hand sander and some wrenches. This is the weird one on the list.
There you have it. My ultimate Christmas list. Now don't think I'm just a little, selfish, spoiled brat. Starting December 1st, I'll be doing 25 gifts in 25 days for that special man in your life. So stay tuned!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Maple Cheddar Bacon Burger
John had been craving some burgers and I had some ground beef that needed to be cooked. I wasn't feeling the traditional grilled patty, so I decided to mix it up a bit.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/4 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup syrup
1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
5 strips of bacon
Sliced cheddar cheese
Hamburger buns
Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Form into patties. Pan fry on medium heat.
While patties are cooking, place bacon in oven and cook until crispy, about 15 minutes.
Top burgers with cheese and cook until melted.
Toast and butter your buns, then top with patty, bacon and any other condiments desired.
Serve with a plate of French fries and give your honey a kiss on the cheek when you set his plate down ;)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/4 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup syrup
1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
5 strips of bacon
Sliced cheddar cheese
Hamburger buns
Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Form into patties. Pan fry on medium heat.
While patties are cooking, place bacon in oven and cook until crispy, about 15 minutes.
Top burgers with cheese and cook until melted.
Toast and butter your buns, then top with patty, bacon and any other condiments desired.
Serve with a plate of French fries and give your honey a kiss on the cheek when you set his plate down ;)
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Happy Belated Thanksgiving
Hope everyone had a great holiday! I love being able to spend time with family, just not too much. After a few hours I want to pull my hair out.
I ate lots of good food. My older sister makes THE BEST macaroni and cheese. And John's parents make the best fucking turkey in the world. I usually don't even like turkey, but they grill it and it comes out so moist and flavorful. I decided to go with a dessert this year. Chocolate Pecan Pie.
I sadly forgot to take a picture seeing as I woke up early that morning to make it (not a morning person at all), but it came out delicious and I still want to share the link with you guys.
I got this one from my favorite cooking show Down Home with the Neely's.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/neelys/tonys-chocolate-pecan-pie-recipe/index.html (I'm on my blogger app which doesn't let me do hyperlinks so deal with the long URL for now)
The pie was rich and delicious. I did omit the bourbon. And I used dark and light brown sugar. Only things I would suggest changing is chopping up the nuts and melting the chocolate down first. I think it would have been better if the chocolate was evenly distributed. It's a quick and easy and delicious dessert that will make your future in-laws love you even more.
If you try it, I'd love to hear how yours turned out so comment and let me know!
I ate lots of good food. My older sister makes THE BEST macaroni and cheese. And John's parents make the best fucking turkey in the world. I usually don't even like turkey, but they grill it and it comes out so moist and flavorful. I decided to go with a dessert this year. Chocolate Pecan Pie.
I sadly forgot to take a picture seeing as I woke up early that morning to make it (not a morning person at all), but it came out delicious and I still want to share the link with you guys.
I got this one from my favorite cooking show Down Home with the Neely's.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/neelys/tonys-chocolate-pecan-pie-recipe/index.html (I'm on my blogger app which doesn't let me do hyperlinks so deal with the long URL for now)
The pie was rich and delicious. I did omit the bourbon. And I used dark and light brown sugar. Only things I would suggest changing is chopping up the nuts and melting the chocolate down first. I think it would have been better if the chocolate was evenly distributed. It's a quick and easy and delicious dessert that will make your future in-laws love you even more.
If you try it, I'd love to hear how yours turned out so comment and let me know!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Everything is Better with Bacon
So. . . I've been suspended from work for a week. It totally sucks, and I'm not quite sure how I'm going to pay my bills, but I'm gonna try to make the most out of it. A week of domestic goddess-ness. House wife in training practice run.
Last night I did day 2 (day 1 was some really great wings. I didn't take pictures, but I'll share the link later). And I have to admit, I out did myself. The lady in front of us at the grocery store over heard and said it sounded fantastic. Bacon wrapped pork loin, mashed potatoes and baked apples.
OH MY GOD BASED GOD!
And it came out deathly delicious. A simple meal that will have your honey sending you back to the kitchen to make another plate for him, with a nice pat on the ass (We live like we're in the 50s. It's awesome, don't judge)
Bacon Wrapped Pork Roast
1 2.75 pound pork roast
5 slices of bacon
1/4 cup syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 350
Combine all the spices with the syrup. Baste all sides of the roast with the syrup/spice mixture.
Place 3 slices of bacon on top of the roast vertically. Weave the rest of thee bacon in horizontally. Baste again.
Cook 20 minutes for every pound, basting every so often.
Let sit for 5 minutes and then slice up and serve. I made this with mashed potatoes and cinnamon apples.
John was crazy about this dish and so was I. It's definitely getting added to the rotation.
Last night I did day 2 (day 1 was some really great wings. I didn't take pictures, but I'll share the link later). And I have to admit, I out did myself. The lady in front of us at the grocery store over heard and said it sounded fantastic. Bacon wrapped pork loin, mashed potatoes and baked apples.
OH MY GOD BASED GOD!
And it came out deathly delicious. A simple meal that will have your honey sending you back to the kitchen to make another plate for him, with a nice pat on the ass (We live like we're in the 50s. It's awesome, don't judge)
Bacon Wrapped Pork Roast
1 2.75 pound pork roast
5 slices of bacon
1/4 cup syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 350
Combine all the spices with the syrup. Baste all sides of the roast with the syrup/spice mixture.
Place 3 slices of bacon on top of the roast vertically. Weave the rest of thee bacon in horizontally. Baste again.
Cook 20 minutes for every pound, basting every so often.
Let sit for 5 minutes and then slice up and serve. I made this with mashed potatoes and cinnamon apples.
John was crazy about this dish and so was I. It's definitely getting added to the rotation.
Monday, November 14, 2011
A Whole New Appreciation for Hip-Hop
Last week, boyfriend and I rented a movie from Redbox. Unfortunately, I got really, REALLY drunk off of Christmas Ale and blacked out and don't remember watching it. Shit, I don't even remember getting it. I was that bad. I made chili (no blog yet, it's not perfected), and was so drunk I chopped up way too many peppers and it was crazy hot. John was afraid to try it, but says it was really good.
Anyway, that was a few days ago. I was just going to return it, but I asked John was it worth watching, and he answered yes without any hesitation. Spencer (roommate) didn't think I would appreciate it, but boy, was he wrong.
Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest was by far, the best documentary I've ever seen and in the top 5 for best movies I've ever seen. I feel like my eyes were just opened for the first time.
My exposure to hip-hop in my life has been very limited. My mother only listened to R&B and my father was into rock and pop. Plus my parents seem to be older than most my friends so I didn't really grow up listening to Tupac and NWA. Lots of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. The only time I ever heard rap regularly was when I was around my older cousin. He use to babysit us as a kid. My sister's got into hip-hop and rap when they were older, but things like Jay-Z and Lil Wayne, both of which I like (Except new Wayne. He's a douche, see here, that makes albums full of singles that can also be club mixed). I didn't get my first REAL taste of hip-hop until I moved in with John and Martell. And not to toot their own horns, but they were great teachers.
One of the things that attracted me so much to John is he's passionate about things that are important to him. His family, his friends, his dream, me and hip-hop (Yes, I added myself in there. No one has ever loved me as hard as this man does. Woo!) So when we started dating, he showed me his world. He exposed my ears to beats and rhythms that I other have wouldn't have ever heard. He played music that touched my soul. I've changed so much in the past year, and part of that has to do with my new found love.
Martell showed me a different side of music, the creative process. Martell is an aspiring rapper/producer and out of all the people out here aspiring to be a rapper/producer, he IS the most talented. If you know him, you know that anything he's interested in, he obsesses over (Not a bad thing). Listening to him make beats was an experience. You would hear him in his room picking out his samples, selecting the right type of drum and where it should be placed. and over the next few weeks, you'll hear it develop and grow. John referred to it as a pregnancy once. This thing that you love and create is inside of you and it grows, and changes. And finally when it's ready, it's absolutely perfect. I secretly envy him and that he's able to create such beautiful music.
With this tag team of mentors, I found myself appreciating and enjoying a whole new culture. Figuring out my favorite artist and forming opinions of my own. It's been exhilarating experience. But watching this movie today made me realize I don't know where it started. I don't know the roots from which it all began. I've been inspired. I feel like it's a whole new world for me to explore. My brain has been missing out on so much amazing music.
If you like things that are awesome, you should most definitely check out this movie.
Anyway, that was a few days ago. I was just going to return it, but I asked John was it worth watching, and he answered yes without any hesitation. Spencer (roommate) didn't think I would appreciate it, but boy, was he wrong.
Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest was by far, the best documentary I've ever seen and in the top 5 for best movies I've ever seen. I feel like my eyes were just opened for the first time.
My exposure to hip-hop in my life has been very limited. My mother only listened to R&B and my father was into rock and pop. Plus my parents seem to be older than most my friends so I didn't really grow up listening to Tupac and NWA. Lots of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. The only time I ever heard rap regularly was when I was around my older cousin. He use to babysit us as a kid. My sister's got into hip-hop and rap when they were older, but things like Jay-Z and Lil Wayne, both of which I like (Except new Wayne. He's a douche, see here, that makes albums full of singles that can also be club mixed). I didn't get my first REAL taste of hip-hop until I moved in with John and Martell. And not to toot their own horns, but they were great teachers.
One of the things that attracted me so much to John is he's passionate about things that are important to him. His family, his friends, his dream, me and hip-hop (Yes, I added myself in there. No one has ever loved me as hard as this man does. Woo!) So when we started dating, he showed me his world. He exposed my ears to beats and rhythms that I other have wouldn't have ever heard. He played music that touched my soul. I've changed so much in the past year, and part of that has to do with my new found love.
Martell showed me a different side of music, the creative process. Martell is an aspiring rapper/producer and out of all the people out here aspiring to be a rapper/producer, he IS the most talented. If you know him, you know that anything he's interested in, he obsesses over (Not a bad thing). Listening to him make beats was an experience. You would hear him in his room picking out his samples, selecting the right type of drum and where it should be placed. and over the next few weeks, you'll hear it develop and grow. John referred to it as a pregnancy once. This thing that you love and create is inside of you and it grows, and changes. And finally when it's ready, it's absolutely perfect. I secretly envy him and that he's able to create such beautiful music.
With this tag team of mentors, I found myself appreciating and enjoying a whole new culture. Figuring out my favorite artist and forming opinions of my own. It's been exhilarating experience. But watching this movie today made me realize I don't know where it started. I don't know the roots from which it all began. I've been inspired. I feel like it's a whole new world for me to explore. My brain has been missing out on so much amazing music.
If you like things that are awesome, you should most definitely check out this movie.
Friday, November 4, 2011
2 for 1 On Gravy
One thing everyone should know about me is that I L O V E Christmas Ale! Like it's a little Kathy Bates, my obsessing. Great Lakes Brewery Company Christmas Ale. I'm kind of ride or die for the shit. Well last week was the official release at The Great Lakes Brewery. John and I of course went and of course it was packed as fuck. We had pizza. We made friends. We drank a lot of delicious Christmas Ale! It was awesome.
Anyway, we came home and the emotional drunk that I am, felt all "I love John and I want to spend the rest of my life with him." Blah, blah, blah! You know. Well I called his mother (Marcy) and invited her and his father (Erwin) over for dinner the up coming Sunday. The worst drunk dial ever, right?! And John, who wanted to teach me a lesson, wouldn't let me get out of it (I make the dumbest drunk dials).
So Sunday morning I had to wake up, clean the house, and cook a lovely meal. I decided on Cabernet-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Rosemary and let me tell you, they came out absolutely perfect. I did do a few modifications:
The next day. . .
Since I had a TON of gravy left over, I decided to use it for a pot roast. Another day of perfectly cooked beef, let me tell ya! This one I kind of made up on a whim. I didn't take exact measurements, but I'm a firm believer of food taste the best when you wing it.
Now it's time to get back to watching John play Arkham City and discussing the pay rate and benefits of being a goon. Possibly talking about putting an add on Craig's List
Anyway, we came home and the emotional drunk that I am, felt all "I love John and I want to spend the rest of my life with him." Blah, blah, blah! You know. Well I called his mother (Marcy) and invited her and his father (Erwin) over for dinner the up coming Sunday. The worst drunk dial ever, right?! And John, who wanted to teach me a lesson, wouldn't let me get out of it (I make the dumbest drunk dials).
So Sunday morning I had to wake up, clean the house, and cook a lovely meal. I decided on Cabernet-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Rosemary and let me tell you, they came out absolutely perfect. I did do a few modifications:
- I used beef broth instead of beef stock
- I left out the mushrooms (I HATE mushrooms, except on pizza)
- I used a teaspoon of dried rosemary
- And I always go extra garlic!!!
- I also let them cook bone-side up for 20 min (I had to go pick up John, my beetle needs a new alternator)
- Oh, and I cut my cook time short, I only let them cook an hour and 15 minutes (John's parents came before the 2 full hours so I just went with it)
- Double oh, I poured the beef broth over after the ribs cooked for 30 minutes. I seemed to miss that step
The next day. . .
Since I had a TON of gravy left over, I decided to use it for a pot roast. Another day of perfectly cooked beef, let me tell ya! This one I kind of made up on a whim. I didn't take exact measurements, but I'm a firm believer of food taste the best when you wing it.
- Seasoned the pot roast with salt, pepper, rosemary and minced garlic. Then I rubbed it with half a pouch of Lipton onion soup mix. Pour 2 cups of beef broth and cook for 30 minutes on 350.
- Pour leftover gravy over the pot roast. Continue cooking.
- Boil diced potatoes and carrots until tender and drain. Add to pot roast.
- Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Make your hubby a nice, big plate!
Now it's time to get back to watching John play Arkham City and discussing the pay rate and benefits of being a goon. Possibly talking about putting an add on Craig's List
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Happy Halloween!
I just wanted to share my awesome Halloween costume with you guys. I was the sexy Hamburglar. And John was my burger! I made his costume by sewing a yellow and brown shirt together. Oh, and you gotta have your condiments! 
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