Hawaii In The House!

I was in Hawaii a few years ago for work, and as I was leaving I stumbled upon a shop in the airport that sold plant cuttings. You could purchase them, take them home and possibly grow a bit of Hawaii in your den. I am certainly not a gardener by any stretch of the imagination, but I bought some of the cuttings anyway.

I don't know what I was thinking. I knew I would never plant them. Maybe I thought I would give them as gifts to those with a more "green-thumb" inclination than I. Enter The Hubby...he can grow anything! I am convinced that you could provide him with a slab of concrete, some seeds and in a few weeks there would be a budding, glorious garden blooming.

Now, keep in mind...these cuttings sat in a drawer for a few years until the time that I met The Hubby. He took them, threw them in pots, cared for them more than I care for my own teeth, and they began to bloom. What is even more funny is that he set them outside all summer long in the heat and humidity that is a Maryland summer and nothing happened. They grew and gained more leaves, but they didn't bloom.

Cut to two weeks ago. He finally brought them inside because the weather has been getting cooler and placed them in the bedroom. What happened then? BLOOM!!!

Hawaii at home!

I wake up to these every day now. In addition to the 5 blooms you see, there are 14 just waiting to show up. The blooms last a few days and then are replaced with another. This has been going on for a week now. Thank you Hubby for bringing Hawaii to the bedroom.

Not "That Cuban Place"

Things are a little confusing here in my little town. We have a restaurant called "That Cuban Place", but this post is not about that cuban place. This post is about the cuban place that is better than "That Cuban Place".  This cuban place is Sabor De Cuba.

It is located in Frederick, MD right in the thick of the downtown area. We have so many great restaurants in that area, many of which I have spoken about here. My coworkers and I hit Sabor De Cuba one day for lunch.

Don't tell my boss!

I decided I had to try one of their Mojitos. You can't feast at a cuban restaurant and not sample this iconic drink. Besides, it was a Friday and I didn't have a lot on my plate back at the office. I have to say, it wasn't as good as the ones I make, but in the grand scheme of the Mojito Universe it was quite good.

Minty, limey goodness

One trick I noticed is that here the bartender blends the ingredients before placing them in the glass rather than muddling them in the glass. The upside of this is that the mint pieces wind up small enough to make it up the straw as you're sipping. The downside is that it tints the cocktail green. Not the typical color of a muddled Mojito. I've always enjoyed the contrast of the clear cocktail with the mint leaves myself.

For my lunch I ordered the Cuban Sandwich, how could I not? This place definitely gets these right...perfect, in fact.

Yes...I ate the bread.

A Cuban Sandwich, for those of you who have never sampled one, consists of roast pork, ham, swiss cheese, mustard, and pickle. It is then pressed like a Panini so the insides get nice and gooey and the bread gets nice and crispy.

I have sampled this sandwich all over the country and there is only one restaurant in Miami who makes one that is better than this one at Sabor De Cuba. I warn you tho, they don't reheat very well so be prepared to finish this delight all in one sitting. It's really not that difficult, just skip the appetizers.

NOTE: In all fairness, I have personally not tried "That Cuban Place", but coworkers of mine have and didn't have the best things to say about it. I plan to check it out for myself at some point and will post my review here.

Craftaculosity: The "Woods" Basket

Once again I had the fortunate chance to design a Cocktail Configurations Basket for a local charity's benefit. The event was being held in conjunction with the Reunion Show at The Lodge. It was an amazing night! More people packed that tiny log cabin in the woods than I had seen there in years! It was great seeing all of the performers who hadn't graced the stage since the place was known as Deer Park Lodge many years ago.

For the event, I traveled down memory lane and created a cocktail basket that recalled my own precious memories from the heyday of Deer Park. I give you "The Sex in the Woods" basket. Don't judge.

I stopped while it was still tasteful...don't ask!

The tagline reads, "It's like 'Sex on the Beach' only darker...and you don't wind up with sand in your junk!" Basically, I took the standard Sex on the Beach cocktail recipe and constructed it with dark spiced rum instead of vodka. You'll find my recipe at the end of the post. But first, a few more pics.

The basket was a hit and brought in $200 in the auction. Again, more than I ever would have personally written a check for! Here is the recipe for the drink.

               The Sex in the Woods

                   2oz   Spiced Rum (I use Bacardi Oakheart)
                   1oz   Peach Schnapps
                   2oz   Cranberry Juice
                   2oz   Orange/Pineapple Juice

                   Mix all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker
                   with ice, shake well and pour into a Collins Glass
                   filled with ice. Garnish with an orange stabbed
                   by a twig.

I went out on a limb and didn't test this recipe in my own bar before offering it up for auction. I was fairly certain it would taste ok at the the very least. I have since heard back from the folks who purchased the basket and the cocktail was a huge hit. Lesson learned? Don't be afraid to just take a shot in the dark every now and then. Course I 'm not sure I've ever been afraid to take a shot...unless it was made with Jägermeister (Ick)

Dinner Out: Thrive!

While in Atlanta, my coworkers and I went to my favorite downtown restaurant, Thrive! 

I have been here a few times in the past and it just continues to be wonderful every time. It's got an amazing contemporary interior and wonderful food. Here is my first Ginger Mojito, a concoction that I recommended to them 2 years ago and they have since placed on the menu.

A classic Mojito using their Ginger Beer instead of soda water...Yum!

Yeah, I had 6 of those...who could resist? Everyone knows how I feel about Sushi, but this restaurant has sushi items on the menu that are flash fried...they fry everything in the South. Because these are gently cooked I don't run into the usual texture problems I have with raw Sushi.

The Dragon Roll!

It consisted of spicy tuna and salmon, avocado and a spicy cream cheese. It is then flash fried for mere moments to perfection. I have got to find a place around here in Maryland that does this!

Filed Under: Things I Probably Wouldn't Eat

This southern delicacy was proudly featured in one of our meal areas at the convention I just worked.

Two great tastes...tastes great together!

I say "Southern Delicacy" because this is something I have never found in my grocery store. I suppose I should have tried it so that I could accurately report upon it's flavor and texture. But really, I couldn't make it past the packaging on this one.

While it kind of looks like Paté , I can't imagine that this concoction from Oscar Mayer is anything like Paté  Anyone ever tried it? Let me know what it's like in the comments.

Outta Here!

I know, I just got back from Atlanta, and it was ok. But now I am off on vacation to Rehoboth Beach and I can't wait. Look, I'm already packing!

Yep, the bar is in that cooler!

Packing for the beach is completely different than packing for my business trips. I start by making 5 lists...one for the clothes, one for the bar, a list of toiletries, the electronics get a list, and finally...there is an ETC list for things that don't fall into any of the above categories. So much more is involved in vacation packing. You have to have 3 outfits a day, the pool outfit, the lunch outfit and then later the dinner/bar outfit. Sometimes the dinner outfit can't be the same as the bar outfit, so then you have to have 4 outfits for that day.

I take a lot of mix and match stuff. T-shirts that go with shorts and later dress up with a bowling shirt for a bar outing. One thing I do not take are any kind of shoe that entirely encloses the foot. This is vacation and it's flip/flops and sandals from here on out!

I'll be sure to post about the first Mojito sipped while at the pool!

A Summer Without Candles

I've always felt that burning candles in the summertime was counter productive to keeping the house cool. I know, how much heat could a candle put off? But how much heat could a bunch of candles put off? Enough, I think!

I have been looking for a candleless alternative and finally found it at Pier 1. These are cute little paper lantern lights that are LED and remote controlled. They take 3 AAA batteries each and the batteries last a good long time. I've gotten about a week out of a set.

Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE a remote!

Now, not only does the remote let you turn the lights on and off, it also lets you set their on time for 2 or 4 hours. Pretty cool, something I didn't know and the documentation doesn't even mention is that it also remembers what time you turned the light on and turns it back on at that time each day. Totally cool feature that they should say something about somewhere. I thought I was going crazy with the lights coming on without me turning them on.

Here are some photos of the gorgeous result.

The Drag Queen Lamp

I love how they light up the wall

And light up the table

And light up the bar

The lantern that started my lantern fetish

So there you have it, a great way to light up a lantern without creating a lot of heat. I also picked up an assortment of small round mirrors which I placed in the bottom of the lanterns to help reflect the light. They really made a difference it how bright the light is. Head on over to Pier 1 if you have any lanterns to light.

Cookography: Pots De Creme

I can't take credit for this recipe, although I did augment it just a touch. I found it on one of my favorite Blogs, The Pioneer Woman Cooks. I made it for my families "Father's Day/Nieces Birthday" dinner this past weekend. As I've mentioned in the past, my family doesn't celebrate any holiday on the day that it falls...Oy!

Anyway, this quick and easy dessert was just what we needed.

Perfection!

You just can't go wrong with chocolate and whipped topping. These little gems took all of 10 minutes to create and all of 2 seconds to eat. You start with eggs, chocolate chips, a dash of salt, and your desired flavoring (I used Amaretto) in a blender.

The Oster of my heart!

You mix this on low until it's well combined. Then you take a cup of strong, very hot coffee and you pour it through the lid while mixing on high. The hot coffee melts the chocolate and tempers the eggs until you have chocolate goodness you just want to pour on someone and lick it off (I digress)! You then pour it into whatever vessels you have handy. I had these little deposable shot glasses just sitting around.

An empty shot glass is no good to anyone!

I also wound up grabbing these small ramekins for the excess.

The rest I drank from the blender.

Then your refrigerate them until they are set and serve them with your favorite whipped topping. I used the Cool Whip seasonal flavor, French Vanilla.

My Mom's Boston Creme Pie in the background. Also Yummy!

These were a total hit with the family. Well, except for the family members who don't ever drink coffee. They found the coffee taste too much. Those who drink coffee didn't notice the coffee flavor at all. They focused on the chocolate...as did I. In the end these are great low sugar desserts that pack a powerful chocolate punch without being overly sweet.

Hotter Than H E Double Hockeysticks!

As some of you might have heard, it's little warm here on the East Coast. As I was driving back from lunch today this is what I saw.

Yeah, almost 12:30pm. I better hurry.

OMG! 100 degrees!!! It's freaking June...we shouldn't have temps like this here until Mid-August! What is up with this weather???

Nirvana

On Saturday Tod and I went here...

Heaven on earth!

We don't have one in the area yet so we had to trek to Chamberburg. But it was well worth the trip. The Hobby Lobby is better than any craft store I have ever been to. Not only do they have the supplies for any craft project you might enjoy, but they also have a huge amount of home decor and accents, as well as, a bunch of furniture.

It's like Michael's and Pier 1 got married and had a beautiful child.

I'm Seeing Spots

I love Pier 1. I remember when it was a great, cheap place to buy home accessories. Of course, now it isn't cheap anymore...they've gone up-scale. But you can still find some great stuff there. I usually shop the clearance sections. But these were not on clearance and I hope you can see why I had to have them.

I know! Right???

My dear mother made that runner years ago with fabric that I picked out. Now 4 years later, to find this glassware that works so well with it...providence! See why I had to buy them at full price. I just knew they would never make it to the clearance shelf. I think they will also make great tea light candle holders. I am all about things that can have a dual purpose. Sort of makes me feel like I got a 50% off coupon for them.

I know, I know...whatever I have to tell myself. I can rationalize just about anything!

We Interrupt the Hospital Posts...

...for this breaking discovery. Every now and then at 2 o'clock in the morning I find something amazing on the internet that isn't about porn. I jest! (Hey, it's out there...what can I say?)

Last night I was checking in and catching up on the many Blogs I follow and one had a link to this hilarious You Tube video created by a British comedian named Isabel Fay. Yes, she prefers comedian to comedienne. (says so herself on her website)

Well, at this point, I have probably watched the video 20 times and I can't stop laughing. I pick up something new in the lyrics every time. I have to admit I don't know who some of the british celebrities are, although I did recognize Helen Lederer from Absolutely Fabulous.

You can also click over to Isabel's website Clever Pie to see some of her other videos. I got a huge kick out of "Total Paperclips of the Heart" and "Commemorative Commemorabilia".

Just thought I'd share a giggle what with everything else that's been going on lately. Let me know what you think of her in the comments.

Cry For Your Supper!

Every now and then I run across something on the internet that just makes me go "Wha????". Ok, the internet makes me do that a lot! Let me share my latest find with you.

SALT MADE FROM REAL TEARS!

The Sneezing one worries me a little.

I hope these are real. They come from a company called Hoxton Street Monster Supplies. They have a really cute site, you should check it out.

Even if they might not be manufactured using actual human tears, a collection process I would love to witness!  Flavored salts are fun to play with in the kitchen. I also love the packaging...it's very "Apothecary Chic".

I think if someone were to bottle my tears it would be called "Sappy TV Show". What would your bottled tears be called? Let me know in the comments.

Nothing to Do With Canada: Rum Cake

I'm now a manager at work. I have 11 people under me. I call them "My Minions". Not to their face of course...ok, YES I have called them that to their faces, but only in a joking manner. Anyway, one of my Minions went on vacation and brought me back the perfect present. Rum Cake from Mexico!

How Festive!

Cupcake sized...larger would have been nice.

Do my Minions know me or what? I'm not accusing this particular one of trying to get on my good side...but Rum certainly never hurts. It was yummy, and it gave me a bit of a buzz. Yes, I ate it at work. Hmm, I'm beginning to not sound like the best manager in the world. I now want to try to make my own Rum Cake. Anyone have any recipes they'd like to share?

The JimNotMike Annual Oscar Fashion Review

I admit it, I am a whore for the Oscar's. Heck, I didn't even see half of the movies that are up for nomination. I don't care about the movies. I want to see what everyone is wearing to the event! I want to see the streamline gowns and the fabulous train wrecks. I want to see who starved themselves and had a rib removed to fit their dress, and more importantly…who didn't!

This year, I think I'll start out with what I 'm calling…The Misses

Poor Sandra

I might take some flack for this one, but Sandra Bullock…where did your waistline go? I think I would love this dress if only it were slightly more fitted. It looks like a pudgy Morticia Addams ran into a Grecian column.

Sandra at the 2011 Oscars

How does one go from flirt to frump in the course of a year? Sandra, send me pics of your gown prospects for next year. Tod and I will help you chose.

Melissa McCarthy. Big gurls, ya know I love em!

She has looked so good at other award shows, I had very high hopes for Melissa on Oscar Night. Unfortunately, they were dashed along with the hopes of Big Gurls everywhere. There ain't no amount of sparkly dazzle that can save what I believe to be a pair of curtains she found hanging in her guest room. Scarlet O'Hara may have gotten away with it, but I am convinced Rhett was blind or at least had only one good eye.

What is with the leg?

It pains me to write this about my girl, but Angie…what has happened to you? I am seeing "Barbie goes Black" in this picture. It's the only thing that can explain to me the odd position of both her leg and her arm (It even looks like her middle 3 fingers are molded together..just like Barbie). Something tells me that she also had no idea that the cocked leg pose would go on to have such a life of it's own. The inter-webs will grab on to the craziest things.

And now they can grab onto both of them…Brad would!

Now that I am going to a cold dark hell for dissing on Angelina…let's get to my favorite looks of the night.

Ah Penelope…I love your first name!

Depending one which pics you might have seen, this dress was either gray or blue. I'm going to plant myself firmly in the middle and say it's a Bluish Gray. No matter what color it is, I think it's gorgeous! It has a great flow to it, yet it is also tight in all the right places. (Dang, I sounded like a Str8 guy there for a minute)

Ah Gwyneth…I love your first name!

I am soooo glad Gwyneth covered up her, all too muscular/boney, shoulders. In doing so, she made her look one of the sleek classics of the evening. If I had that body, I'd wear that dress too. (Gee look! The str8 guy has left the building)

Now let's talk about the Drag Queen!

Ah Glenn…I love…your dress!

For her age, Glenn Close is just amazing. I do think she removed a rib or 2 to fit into this gown. Something tells me she turned them into a corset. I tried to talk Tod into making a version of this outfit for Abigail and he said, "No way in hell and I doing that!" I don't really blame him, it's an incredibly intricate design. I really like how it was paired with a tuxedo jacket. Something only Glenn Close could pull off on the red carpet.

So that's Oscar Fashion 2012. Thanks to all of the websites I grabbed these pics from. Please don't sue me! What looks were your favorites?

It's a State College Christmas

The Hubby and I visited State College, PA to spend Christmas day with his family. Here are some pics from the trip.

Molly fancies herself quite the driver

The tree

The antics of small children

The antics of small dogs seeking leftovers

The trip to the local gay bar…gotta drink after all that!
I should note: This is the exact spot I dropped my iPhone.
The pic was taken after the sobbing stopped.

The trip home

DISASTER!

OK, maybe I'm being a little overly dramatic, but not everyone thinks so. Without going into a huge drawn-out story, just see for yourself.

My BABY!

Amazingly enough, it still works perfectly…but then it is an Apple product. I would expect nothing less. Folks I know who own an iPhone have been as horrified as I am, it's the folks who don't that just don't get it. They're like, "Gee, cracked your screen". Um YEAH!

So now I am at a crossroads. Do I repair the screen? Do I replace the phone? Do I upgrade the phone? I haven't decided yet. Since it still works, I am in no rush. I am off to work The Consumer Electronics Show next week and chances are there is a vendor there that handles just this sort of repair. So I may just go by their booth and say, "Hi, how bout a demo?"

If that doesn't work there is also an Apple Store in Las Vegas that I am fond of visiting. So I will just make an appointment at their Genius Bar and see what they tell me. I am due for an upgrade from AT&T, so the cost of replacing the screen works out to be the same as the cost of an upgrade to a new iPhone 4S. I was really hoping to wait to upgrade until the iPhone 5 came out…but all kinds of things could happen between now and then.

Heck, there could be a Zombie Apocalypse between now and then!