To everyone who checked in, called, and continues to think of us here in Boston, Thank You, from the bottom of my broken heart.

So, I'm currently writing this from a couch in Chicago. Matt and I are out here to see his family for his thirtieth birthday bash this evening, and right now it's a lovely afternoon of Nick Jr and Eggo waffles with his niece.

Every time we visit, I want to take over someone's kitchen and cook. Partially, it's a "thank-you, here-let-me-do-it" to our hosts; but it's also a selfish, must-cook-now feeling I get when I haven't made anything in a few days. And sometimes, I just want to try to show off whatever dish I'm currently obsessed with. Looking through photos of the past few weeks exploits, I came across these little guys that I made with risotto rice. This was somewhat labor intensive because it involved, you know, making risotto first and allowing it to cool. But a rif on this with leftover rice of any persuasion, or orzo, or even quinoa would, I'm willing to wager, be delicious.

It's here!
The day us annoying fans everywhere have been waiting for; the return of the hit AMC series Mad Men is tonight. And I couldn't be more excited.

One of my favorite meals to make is breakfast.
For the most part, there is always a surplus of bacon in our fridge.
Usually some eggs.
If I'm lucky, a potato or two is laying around. Maybe some greens or veggies left over from weeknight cooking.
There's never a more gratifying way to clean out the fridge.




A few weeks back, I had picked up a whole giant stalk of Brussels sprouts at the grocery store. They had served as a great side with some grilled steaks earlier in the week, but when I woke up on Saturday, loads of time and champagne on my hands, I knew I had to use up the rest.

As luck would have it, we also had some bacon and a few potatoes lying around. I quickly grabbed my chalk board, got to work, and we eventually ate breakfast around 1PM; Jambox softly blaring the Macklemore, mimosas topped off, still a full day of fun ahead of us.

Happy Weekend, everyone.

As I mentioned yesterday, today is kind of a big deal for Matt and I.
And, yeah, I know once we're married, our "dating anniversary" won't matter as much. But for now, this day (which is really just the anniversary of the day I landed in Los Angeles and got Matty drunk and planted a kiss on him. Very romantic stuff) is a pretty valid landmark along our little voyage. We've been through a lot together. And sometimes it's nice to have a day designated to reflect upon that.
I'll take just about any excuse for nostalgia. And celebratory drinks. If you hadn't noticed.

One thing Matt and I often hear from friends is how "good of a pair" we are. I'm tech savvy. He likes to work with his hands (and threatens to throw his computer into traffic about once a week). He thinks teasing is a valid form of flirting. I think he is 100% correct (and he should shut his stupid fucking face about it).
He knows how to iron.
I...do not (total professional over here).
He can cook. I can (now, also) cook. We're both all about weird ingredients and trying new things.
He knows with a look when I need a hug.
I know with a grunt when he needs some space.
I wouldn't go so far to call our impending union perfect, but... let's just say we compliment each other really, really well.

Another two things that go together really, really well?
Jameson Irish Whiskey and pickle juice.
Yup. You heard me right.



So, by now I am sure 99% of my audience is familiar with our shot of choice. I've been talking about it for over two years now. We did so many of them at my birthday party a few years back, they were added to the Franklin Cafe brunch menu the following week (yep, taking total credit for that one. You're welcome, Southie.)

But for those of you who have never indulged in this terrific union, I encourage you to give it a shot.
I am not a whiskey drinker. I am also not a die-hard pickle fanatic either (I like them, sure, but before trying this shot, pickle juice wasn't really at the top of my list for, you know, drinking).
But, something about these two just work together.
Sometimes the best of pairings are those that simply work together without any explanation.
And those that get you drunk.
Both of which, I suppose.... can be said for Matt and I as well.
Ah, love.
Cheers.

So, when I set out to add this feature to my blog (way back, four weeks or so ago), I intended to share my latest findings and newest song addictions with all of you.
However, here I am, already straying from my own format. You see, this month is a little different. And perhaps so is April of this year, in particular.
Tomorrow marks five years since the day that began this chaotic whirlwind romance with the man that will someday be my husband.
And a week from today is his thirtieth birthday.

I could go on and on about the past five years, with him in my life.
How happy I've become. How comfortable he has made me in my own skin. What it's like to be so positively in love that you give zero fucks about living three thousand miles apart. What it's like to have someone move across country for you. How easy it is to forget the days we were apart, now that we're always together. How he still lights up when I catch his eyes across a room.

But, well...I mean, it's obvious.
This kid simply rules. And as he stands on the edge of his third decade on earth, I hope he's well aware.

Here's my playlist for Matty. Some new, some old, all the love. Enjoy.