...and everyone who is going to see these has (hopefully) received them in the mail, I'll share with you my very epic Christmas cards from this year and last.
Last year was the first year I decided to utilize my Photoshop skills and order some custom cards. I drew some inspiration from JibJab and some other holiday sites to create these folded cards:
...but as I said, these may be offensive. I don't really understand offending anyone, so I tried to err on the side of caution, and poked fun at the jolly old fat man instead. By depicting him as Matty. A drunk Matty. Pretty awesome.
Last year was the first year I decided to utilize my Photoshop skills and order some custom cards. I drew some inspiration from JibJab and some other holiday sites to create these folded cards:
Outside
Inside
And for this year, obviously, the bar was set pretty high. I debated doing some sort of Ozzie-in-a-manger-a-la-baby-Jesus type concept, but quickly realized our (few) devout friends may be offended by an oh-so-casual poke at the religion responsible for the holiday that spawned Santa Claus and Black Friday. But, since we're on the topic, here were the first drafts at those cards that never made it to immaculate conception fruition:
...but as I said, these may be offensive. I don't really understand offending anyone, so I tried to err on the side of caution, and poked fun at the jolly old fat man instead. By depicting him as Matty. A drunk Matty. Pretty awesome.
Outside
Inside
So, I guess the moral of the story is, if you're looking for really obnoxious/self-indulgent Christmas cards, perhaps hit me up next fall. I seem to have my work cut out for me to top these.
Except now the holidays include a lot of gin and tonics with my dad.
This was the first year Matty couldn't make it home to Chicago due to work
I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday as much as I did.
Enjoy, people.
I'll be back with recipes, booze and lots of cheer.
I'll be back with recipes, booze and lots of cheer.
While we're on the subject of weddings, I may as well share the exploits of my crafty Sunday spent with a (few) bottle(s) of wine and my dearest friend/college roommate Court.
Court is marrying my buddy Andy at the Boston Public Library (swooooooon) come January. Like me, Courtney has great taste (ha) and a firm believer in DIY-ing it whenever you can. I'd say our labor paid off:
A while back I shared the magnet Save the Dates that I made for my brother's wedding. Now I have managed to pimp myself out for friends and am creating more of these. Check out this great Postcard concept I made for my friend Amanda:
A new friend came over my house.
He is my furry fox friend.
I like to sniff him.
Don't you fucking judge me.
He is my furry fox friend.
I like to sniff him.
Don't you fucking judge me.
I am GOING PLACES god dammit.
So, sometimes I'll write up a little review on a restaurant I go to. And often times, should I feel the need to Yelp about it, it'll be negative. Because life is short, time is money, and other people deserve to be warned when it comes to bad service, over priced menus, or generally bad experiences.
But the places I frequent? I all-too-often wish to keep these to myself. I also have a varied view of a good experience, and can often have one at a dive bar or swanky spot. Because of this nuance, why try to explain myself to the Yelping public?
But here,
For few in-the-know Bostonians smart enough to read it,
I will share my favorite spots.
Starting today, with Savin Bar and Kitchen in Dorchester.
My BFF/college roommate, well-versed in Boston dining and living, first brought me to Savin Bar and Kitchen the day after their soft opening last march. In addition to the fact that it is about 5 minutes from my house, I was in love instantly with the warm interior and beautiful bar. Apparently a dive by the name of Donovan's used to be here, but I never checked it out. This place pretty much had me at first glance, then first cocktail, then first bite of skillet mac and cheese.
I already recapped some stellar Christmas tchotchkes for the dudes for you, so now I'm presenting some ideas for the ladies. With any luck--I'll throw up a post on pet holiday swag, Yankee Swap doozies, and perhaps even family gift ideas (though I seem fresh out of them for my own) before the 25th is here. In the meantime, here's a handful of fun stuff for a girl or two in your life.
Left->right, top->bottom:
Tocky jumping alarm clock from Nanda Home will jump off your nightstand and run from you if you hit snooze one more time. You can also record any sound you'd like for your alarm clock. ("5 more minutes, mom!!! God!")
Holga 35mm Camera, Lips flask and Banana Flask all via Urban Outfitters, and could definitely all be used harmoniously for a night on the town.
Honey Yellow Cup Cozy by natalya1905, hand painted stemless wine glasses by Glitz n Glass and handmade record bowl catchall* by AlbaandSuki all via Etsy.
Finally that really pretty jewelry box is available at Target. Who knew?
*I've actually made one of these catchall bowls from a record (the Monkees to be precise. Yes, I am awesome. I know) and will have to share the instructions--super easy and looks awesome on a coffee table!
Of course. these are all well and good. But if she's the girl in your life, maybe spring for something a little more...exciting.
Heart lock ring in sterling with rose gold via Tiffany & Co.
Someone please suggest to my boyfriend that he start reading my blog?
...apparently this is fucking happening. Not sure why I didn't screen my owners. I think I would have much preferred Jews.
As you will continue to notice, I make soup a lot. Especially when the temperatures drop, but just in general - I quite enjoy throwing some of my favorite things in a pot, waiting a few hours, eating a gravy-boat's worth, and then having lunch for a week (or often less, once Matty discovers the contents of the tupperware.)
This I had the idea for, then Googled, then got confused by so many variations (use chicken sausage! with orzo! add tomato! and some flour and cream! carrots!) that I decided to just wing it based on ingredients I enjoyed and knew would taste good together.
It's also worth noting that I used dried beans for the first time ever with this.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
Not when you're cooking that day and don't have time to soak the beans over night, that is. I tried the "quick-soak" method for these, which is bring to a boil then soak for an hour, and they were not nearly tender enough.
So. Either stick to canned beans, or soak overnight, or take out entirely and add more red potato. Any of those suggestions would make this good soup pretty great. But regardless, this is pretty healthy and very filling. Enjoy!
Turkey Kielbasa and Kale Soup
Sometimes I take like 500 photos on a Friday night.
We didn't even do anything exciting.
But here it is in less than two minutes!
I'll spare you a long diatribe about why you should make these. You already know you should. And, a week after I made them, they are just as moist and delicious as the day they came out of the oven. Cream cheese frosting optional. They were pretty tasty all by themselves.
Recipe from good ole' Martha here (tweaked just a bit)
Pumpkin Cupcakes
The one with the furry face keeps picking me up.
I'm up really high!
Yes. I know. Your initial reaction was probably "ew" (as was mine when the boyfriend first introduced me to this portion of bird) but please-- read on with an open mind. I wouldn't steer you wrong when it comes to fat kid delicacies. I assure you.
So, this week for "Slow Cooker Sunday" I made a favorite of Matty - the elusive turkey neck. This time of year they are cheap-as-can-be and available in a multiple pack at the grocery store. 5 turkey necks ran me a whole $2.97 at Stop and Shop. While there is not a ton of meat on a turkey neck, what's there is rather dark and pretty delicious. And, when cooked in a slow cooker for six or so hours, very tender. Give it a go next time you're feeling frugal and adventurous. You may be pleasantly surprised.
So, this week for "Slow Cooker Sunday" I made a favorite of Matty - the elusive turkey neck. This time of year they are cheap-as-can-be and available in a multiple pack at the grocery store. 5 turkey necks ran me a whole $2.97 at Stop and Shop. While there is not a ton of meat on a turkey neck, what's there is rather dark and pretty delicious. And, when cooked in a slow cooker for six or so hours, very tender. Give it a go next time you're feeling frugal and adventurous. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Easy Slow-Cooked Turkey Necks
It's a little late, but my turkey day weekend went pretty swell. Aside from my boyfriend having to work on Thanksgiving like a communist; all was merry and bright. And I got to begin my holiday decorating and present-scoping, which is often the highlight of my year (Matty is set to break all previous records for amounts of random gifts received).
So Thursday, sans boyfriend, I headed to my Aunt and Uncle's house in Topsfield, MA for the usual Thanksgiving traditions: delicious turkey, lots of wine, and many laughs.
Oh, and some deer in their yard:
We are going somewhere.
I don't give a shit where.
But bonus points if it involves bacon, girl dogs, or leaves I can run around in.
Got all that?! Make it happen.
So, let's get this out of the way. I'm a little weird about ground beef.
Like, never eaten a whole hamburger in my life, weird.
Like, cook with ground turkey or chicken any chance I can, weird.
Like, I somehow prefer hot dogs at a barbecue, weird.
And give me a rare steak and I will eat it with a smile on my goddamn face.
But something about hamburger just does not appeal to me.
However, of course, there are exceptions to every rule--
Like, never eaten a whole hamburger in my life, weird.
Like, cook with ground turkey or chicken any chance I can, weird.
Like, I somehow prefer hot dogs at a barbecue, weird.
And give me a rare steak and I will eat it with a smile on my goddamn face.
But something about hamburger just does not appeal to me.
However, of course, there are exceptions to every rule--
- [When it's one of three types of meat] in really good meatballs.
- In a bolognese or some delicious sauce with pasta.
- And, of freaking course...chili.
Sunday Chili
Many of you out there may be gearing up to host your own Thanksgiving tomorrow. Perhaps it's old hat for you, and you could truss a turkey with your eyes closed. Or maybe it's your first Thanksgiving as a hostess, and you've been researching turkey cooking methods for weeks. But, if you're reading this, there's a strong chance you're like me: still (somehow, at age 27) a "kid" and attending Thanksgiving at your parent's house, or your aunt and uncle's, or what have you.
When attending as a grown-up-kid, it's recommended you bring something, whether asked to do so or not. One can never go wrong with a bottle of wine, and it could also serve as a gentle reminder that you would like to not be seated at the Kid's Table with your nine year old cousins.
Cookies, pies and all that good stuff are also always stellar choice, but I tend to be full by the time dessert rolls around; so I usually opt to prepare an appetizer. And then I eat approximately 60% of whatever app I brought. And drink 100% of the wine.
It's the thought that counts?
Anyway. Recently a friend of mine told me about her go-to bring-to-party app: jalapenos wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cheese.
Um. Exsqueeze me?
YUM. YES. NEED. Why didn't I think of this?!
I had a fall photo shoot. Cause I am the most photogenic dog on the PLANET. Don't hate.
So. I didn't really want my first review-type post of a restaurant on her to be negative; but I also believe the people deserve the truth. And you, dear reader, are the people!
And the truth is this: Sibling Rivalry was nothing spectacular. If you're not familiar, this place is one of the many restaurants along the South End's Restaurant Row. When I lived in this storied neighborhood years ago, this was one of the few places I never tried. I was too busy spending every spare penny on tacos at Tremont 647 and cocktails at Columbus Cafe. I had always wanted to try Sibling Rivalry, and was intrigued by their dueling-brothers/chefs-concept. So when they came up on Groupon for a lovely $40 for $20 deal, I purchased. Then last Thursday, almost 10 months later and expiring Groupon still sitting in my account, I knew we had to use it or lose it.
And the truth is this: Sibling Rivalry was nothing spectacular. If you're not familiar, this place is one of the many restaurants along the South End's Restaurant Row. When I lived in this storied neighborhood years ago, this was one of the few places I never tried. I was too busy spending every spare penny on tacos at Tremont 647 and cocktails at Columbus Cafe. I had always wanted to try Sibling Rivalry, and was intrigued by their dueling-brothers/chefs-concept. So when they came up on Groupon for a lovely $40 for $20 deal, I purchased. Then last Thursday, almost 10 months later and expiring Groupon still sitting in my account, I knew we had to use it or lose it.
Of course it was pouring on Thursday, so when Matt picked me up from work, we drove over. One lap around the South End, nowhere to park. Two laps, two cigarettes later...nowhere to park. Finally after coming up on the Beehive for the third time I announced I had cash, and we should valet my darling, beat up, Honda Civic.
Valet guys were nice enough. Didn't even scoff at my messy car. Asked for $16 GWs to run the thing around the corner for an hour, but still, nice enough.
Once inside and out of the rain, the staff was also considerably hospitable. I did love that their kitchen is open, with bar stools set along a counter facing in. That is dinner theater if I've ever seen it.
The bar area was also cool; chic and dimly lit, separated from the quiet dining room and with ample space to meet up with friends. They also had a decent variety of beers and wines, and a nice cocktail list. So, like I said, not all negativity here.
Our server explained the concept of their menu (which has not been updated on their website, I see), which is that each chef will take a common element - curry, pasta, fowl, tartare, etc - and do their own spin on it to create two distinctly different appetizers or entrees. This excited me, but I wasn't sure we would see the brothers go head-to-head on any plates. Mostly because Matty and I are pretty notorious for eating about two bites of things and declaring that we are "full". This usually leads to splitting an appetizer and one entree, or something to that effect whenever we go out. I certainly knew we were not up for two apps and two entrees; in terms of our stomachs and wallets as well. Even factoring in a Groupon, these prices were pretty high.
For drinks, I ordered a Crispin Hard Cider and Matt went for the Righteous Rye from Sixpoint Brewery (again, their site hasn't been updated with the same drink menu we were presented...I just had to do some serious thinking and Googling to find the name of his beer). These were stellar calls on our parts. The Crispin came in a Belgian glass and was dry enough to evoke champagne, while still clearly being a cider. Matty's beer was smooth and amber colored and went down pretty easy.
We decided to go for Chef Bob's take on tartare to start, which was steak. This was the only picture I took because it was very quiet in the dining room and I was definitely being watched when I snapped it.
I was so excited when this came out, with the lovely avocado and lightly fried hush-puppy like accouterments. But it was...OK. While we did eat all of it, I could not shake the fact that the tartare itself tasted like ketchup. It really did. Which I did not care for, and could not shake. I have definitely had better tartare before; I wish I could see how Chef David's tuna stacked up to this.
For entrees, I got a half order of the special pasta (again, we "suck at eating") and Matt ordered Chef David's take on chilies: pan-seared sea scallops with a chili relleno and salsa fresca. The special pasta was an oxtail ravioli. The raviolis were good, although dolloped with some sort of tomato-stuff that looked, tasted, and behaved exactly like tomato paste. Matt's scallops were slightly over cooked but still tasty; the rest of the dish somewhat unremarkable.
I suppose this is just one little experience at a restaurant that has been in business since 2004, so they must definitely do something right to keep paying the rent on this South End eatery. Perhaps it's the friendly service and cocktails... I can't really imagine it's the food.
We're going grocery shopping!
I got a new shirt!
And I GET TO PLAY WITH MY BUDDY KURT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here are two highlights from my recent trip to Disney World with my best friend for her bachelorette party...
Cinderella's Castle, all lit up for the holidays:
& Hogwarts, taken from the nearby roller coaster:
...turns out things are just as magical at age 27.
Cinderella's Castle, all lit up for the holidays:
& Hogwarts, taken from the nearby roller coaster:
...turns out things are just as magical at age 27.
So, my brother got married on the first of the month.
After that--
After that--
everything else kind of paled in comparison.
But I did get sent to Austin for work (where we threw a big party @ GDC)
And got to put the dog in some Halloween attire.
...And got to see the one and only John Mellencamp live, from a private balcony box.
...And saw the earliest snowfall in the past twenty or so years, while managing not to lose power.
...And got some quality time with not one but two Chihuahuas.
So I guess it was a pretty exciting month all around. Roll highlights!
Baking is relatively new for me.
Well. To be honest, cooking in general just bridged beyond pasta-plus-some-other-stuff-plus-cheese-equals-dinner in recent years. Since moving to Dorchester and developing an addiction to Top Chef last year, I have begun to actually experiment in the kitchen with my meals.
...Except, of course, dessert.
Well. To be honest, cooking in general just bridged beyond pasta-plus-some-other-stuff-plus-cheese-equals-dinner in recent years. Since moving to Dorchester and developing an addiction to Top Chef last year, I have begun to actually experiment in the kitchen with my meals.
...Except, of course, dessert.
How can one experiment when if you add an extra teaspoon of anything you can seriously fuck your whole cookie or cupcake experience? So, because of that, I have tended to stick to recipes when it comes to making sweets.
The other night, however, I had a pomegranate and a plan.
I posted this question on Facebook and got input from three Facebook buddies - an old friend, a college friend, and a new friend, all of whom had a bit of guidance for me.
As an aside, I would just like to say that this is yet another reason why I love the social network that runs all of our cyber-lives. How else could my BFF from like ninth grade assist me with a baking endeavor? You can talk all the Facebook-smack that you want, but I really enjoy being able to connect with friends, past and present, with the swipe of a tablet screen.
In the end, I stuck with my original inclination: throwing some fresh pomegranate seeds into a sweet corn muffin batter, and voila-- a delicious twist on a classic.
Sweet Corn Muffins With Pomegranate Seeds
Every Christmas since I moved out on my own, I have put up stockings for myself, my roommates, and the occasional friend/guy on the couch. Even when I have been barely on speaking terms with my fellow apartment-dwellers, I always, in the spirit of the season, put up some giant knit socks and use a portion of my holiday bonus to fill it with nips, travel size toiletries and various tchotchkes.
This year, I am living with all dudes (even the dog has a penis), so I have my holiday work cut out for me. Here is what I am scheming of, in no particular order:
We are eating in bed!!
Because I call the fucking shots!
Occasionally I eat pasta, with some butter, salt, and Parmesan cheese, and call it dinner. The simplest of things, and it always hits the spot. But whenever I have fresh produce, I want to include it. Last night, I had kale that I couldn't wait to devour, and the perfect pasta to accompany it. This was quick, easy and delicious. It would probably be delectable with some sausage thrown in as well should you want to make a more substantial meal of it.
Oh hello,
Welcome to my little corner of this here internet.
I'm Allie; a twenty-something Bostonian, blogging my way through the (mis)adventures of my life. I'm employed by a mobile web startup company (obligatory MocoSpace plug) and am fascinated by technology. I am addicted to my smartphone, iPad, and Mac; and compulsively follow tech and wireless news . I will occasionally use this place for some industry commentary or to lust over a gadget, but mostly my blog is about my social existence and experiments in the kitchen.
Speaking of the kitchen, don't bother analyzing how dirty mine is or the contents of my refrigerator (I live with three dudes, mind you); just be sure to note that I can make you a mean late night snack with about 4 ingredients and a very high BAC. Here, I will chronicle my cooking endeavors as I continue to learn, avoid cutting myself (again), and try not to burn down my apartment.
Of course, beyond my job and newfound culinary addiction, my social life is a pretty big slice of the life-pie. Despite entering my late twenties last summer, I still somewhat conduct myself as a college student: with a propensity for die hard friends, cheap beers, late nights, and stolen kisses. When I am not working, sleeping, cooking, or drunk (or some combination of the two) you can probably find me blogging, painting, or dicking around in Photoshop.
I've actually owned the domain neverbroken.com since I was about 16 years old. I have gone through numerous site designs and concepts over the past -- holy shit-- 11 or so years, but have always kept my domain the same. While it was probably "broken" more times than it was functioning over the past decade, my domain still reflects what sixteen-year-old me valued: independence, determination, and self-worth. Which is amazing, because I was pretty miserable in my own skin back in high school. Now, in the latter half of my twenties, I stand behind Neverbroken.com, and everything I have done with the Neverbroken Productions stamp on it. You can check out some of my design stuff or my portfolio, if you're so inclined.
These days I am living in Dorchester, not quite in the hood, with my boyfriend and a couple buddies. We recently added a Chihuahua to the mix as well, which has gone (adorably) swimmingly.
That about wraps it up. I hope you enjoy my blog! Please get at me if you wish.
xoxo
alliebeau
That about wraps it up. I hope you enjoy my blog! Please get at me if you wish.
xoxo
alliebeau
Matty and I always joke that we "suck at eating". We go out for a fancy dinner, and three bites into my entree I am declaring that I am full. We order an app, suddenly neither of us want dinner. Hell, I even have two beers and consider that a nutritious and filling meal (especially if it's blueberry beer. Antioxidants!).
I suppose, in a world of Fatty McFatFats and insane portions of food everywhere, it is a good thing that we both know our limits. However, it does mean that sometimes, we'll both get home around 7PM after a long day at work, and neither of us will be hungry for dinner. So...we play video games, or hang out with the dog, or whatever... and then, suddenly I'm cooking dinner at, like, 10:30PM.
This was one such meal.
But-- holy shit. Was this worth the wait.
I suppose, in a world of Fatty McFatFats and insane portions of food everywhere, it is a good thing that we both know our limits. However, it does mean that sometimes, we'll both get home around 7PM after a long day at work, and neither of us will be hungry for dinner. So...we play video games, or hang out with the dog, or whatever... and then, suddenly I'm cooking dinner at, like, 10:30PM.
This was one such meal.
But-- holy shit. Was this worth the wait.
I had a friend visit! She is a little old for me, but that's OK. She's a Chihuahua Cooger. Chi-oo-ger? Chi-ger?
I don't know. Shut the fuck up.
Roll highlights!
I don't know. Shut the fuck up.
Roll highlights!
It snowed. I made carrot cupcakes. I got drunk and played Wii with my biffle, while hanging with two Chihuahuas. I drew fake tattoos all over my roommate in Sharpie to accommodate his Hipster Halloween getup. I cleaned my kitchen. Life is good.
In true masochistic fashion, I always tend to go grocery shopping on Sundays.
Grocery shopping, at Stop & Shop in the South Bay Center.
The South Bay Center, also known as the epicenter of the Dorchester economy.
On Sundays.
The day every other person and literally their mother decide to crowd the narrow aisles, loose track of their children, yell loudly into cell phones, and debate for moments on end if saving seven cents is worth purchasing a different brand Fake Cheez Product than the one their child demands every vegetable is smothered in.
Ah, yes.
Sundays at Stop and Shop.
Ah, yes.
Sundays at Stop and Shop.
But anyway.
When I grabbed some stew meat on Sunday, I had plans for it to be a slow-cooker meal; to get tossed in with several other things I knew I'd have on hand. But of course, it's been a boozey week, and doing any sort of slow-cooker prep in the morning, especially wielding a blade, was a bad idea. So last night, I took whatever was left from the week (within reason), and threw it all in a pot to make some deeeee-licious beef stew. It's not much of a recipe, but here you go:
Every once in a great while, the gods of love and weekends and beer all get together and say, "let's give Allie's Boyfriend a Saturday off!" Entirely. Also, "let's not make him go back to manage the bar until 5PM on Sunday!"
And when that happens, we don't want to let down the love-weekend-beer gods (who would?), so we do our best to appease them. This Saturday, it included a food truck festival that happened to be at a horse track, so we were able to check off both the "unnecessary gambling" and "eat till you hate yourself" boxes in one trip!
For a brief rant, I would just like to say that I hate waiting in line. Furthermore, I hate waiting in line for over 45 minutes to order food at a food truck festival and then waiting an additional 30 minutes for the food to actually make its way to my pie hole. But I digress. All the trucks were busy, so we opted to wait it out for Lobsta Love.
