I saw this piece on A Beautiful Mess about fancy grilled cheese sandwiches and they gave the how-to for an Almond Butter and Fig grilled cheese. I am a purist so I will have to use peanut butter on this one; but probably Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter as it is divine!
Dragon Con Cosplay Dreaming
There are less than two months until Dragon Con and I am quite excited. In years past I have not participated in cosplay; but after reading the new Ms. Marvel I have a bit of inspiration. The cover of issue #1 features this outfit and I think it is right up my alley. It is also a little more fashionable than the Louise a la Bob’s Burgers look I was considering. Did I mention I am also hooked on the graphic novels????
If you are coming to Dragon Con look for me among the billion others who will be in downtown Atlanta on those days. You know what I’ll be wearing.
Boys Are Gonna Do
Aaron’s boots as photographed by Ryan Johnson.
We kept ourselves in the dark when it came to the gender of our baby. Our ears were wide open in anticipation of the announcement during delivery – IT”S A BOY!
This weekend I got hit with some words of wisdom from this very boy while wandering the aisles of Target; or as we Pinkeltons call it Circle and Dot. We were discussing his best friend Josh and why they fight yet continue to be friends. Why they put each other into painful, rug burn resulting headlocks; but continue to be friends. His three and one half year old response to me was, “Mommy, boys are gonna do what boys are gonna do.”
I was there and I still can’t believe that he said these words. How can you respond to a statement like this? I was speechless.I grew up a girl, so I am unable to understand his behavior. This is the type of knowledge only experience can bring. It is possible that I already have all of the information I need to know.
IT’S A BOY! And boys are gonna do what boys are gonna do.
The Kid is Sleeping – Let’s Get to Sipping
What do you after you have put your kids to bed? Let’s keep this sophisticated and get your mind out of the gutter! I am not asking if you get your freak on. I am talking about having a fun, just you and your mate, cocktail hour!!!
Since the boy was born it is during that time that we break out the latest craft beers that the hubs has brought home from the west coast. It is also the time that we celebrate National Margarita Day (February 22nd in case you were wondering), or make use of our whiskey stones, and generally reminisce about a quieter time before the succubus was born.
One big reason I love my husband is that he is a purist. He believes you should cut out the short cuts, especially when it comes to preparing food and drink. When he makes margaritas he don’t need no stinking margarita mix! That man makes it from scratch. For his hot toddies he slices lemons and places a single piece of clove into each section of the slice. It is overkill, it is the finest detail, and it is perfection. His eggnog recipe comes from one of the greatest bartenders on the planet – Jeffrey Morgenthaler who works at the greatest place in Portland, Oregon called Clyde Common. The recipe is laborious (especially if you are making an entire pot of it like the hubs does) but it is a work of art. You can learn how to make a single serving of the drink at Moregenthaler’s website here.
There is homemade simple syrup in our fridge always at the ready. Our stemware collection is obnoxious and we own more martini shakers that James Bond would shake, not stir, a stick at. We are sort of cocktail experts over here, so allow me to share with you one of our favorite cocktails to have when the babe is finally sleeping.
The St. Germain Cocktail
Fill a tall Collins glass with ice.
Add 2 parts brut champagne or sparkling wine,
1 1/2 parts St. Germain and
2 parts Club Soda.
Stir until completely blended and add a twist of lemon to garnish.
This cocktail is perfect for summer as it is cold, lemony, and refreshing. Find more elderberry liqueur yummies at the St. Germain website.
Photos courtesy of Burnlab on Flickr creative commons
Maria Pinkelton 