It was right before the holidays when I last shared some bits of what's making me happy. Figured it was time! I'm also going to shake this up a bit and add a bit of a personal touch-- in addition to whatever articles/shows/products/noms I enjoyed on the web or out and about, I'd also like to share some photos of what else made me smile. This is an easy week to do so-- my BFF just had a baby. Without further ado--

1. Nick Kroll's eponymous Kroll Show on Comedy Central is pretty funny in general, but the reason I watch is almost strictly in hopes of a Rich Dicks skit. I've loved these characters ever since my buddy Lu introduced me to some this hilarious video back before Kroll even got his Comedy Central break. And while "Publizity," and seeing Kroll in drag, is always humorous-- I've got to say that Aspen and Wendy take the cake.

2. I've mentioned Mei Mei about a dozen times around here-- owned by my best friend's husband and his sisters, this food truck--and now, restaurant!-- is absolutely blowing up in Boston. They've been covered by everyone from the Globe to Serious Eats to the Guardian and more. They also happen to be employing my other half these days (we keep it all in the family 'round here). Anyway. I finally got to try the Banh Mei the other day when I dropped Matty off at work-- and it was incredible. Just as life-altering as their signature Double Awesome, with more of my favorite things (pickled veg, pork shoulder), sandwiched between a light and flaky scallion pancake. Bostonians, go try this. NOW!

3. More TV-- sorry! But if you're not watching American Horror Story this season you better get on that. Shit's about to get real with these witch bitches!

4. Finally, I got a PolyScience Smoking Gun for Christmas. It is fucking awesome and well worth $100 if you like smoky flavors without spending hours actually, ahem, smoking things. You can also use it with herbs or tea-- and smoke things like cocktails or meat to "marinade"-- I've noticed it imparts a very distinct "smoky" flavor into everything, and it's so fun to use (kind of like lighting a bong? Who said that?)

As for personal moments, here's a few this week that made me smile:


My best friend had her baby! He is positively perfect. This goes beyond weekly happiness. This made my whole year-- I couldn't be happier for them.


I spent this weekend making chili and tortilla soup. While this kind of prep is somewhat arduous, I absolutely love the variety of color that makes up two of my favorite dishes. (We've got a thang for soups and stews 'round here, if you hadn't noticed...)


While relentless snow falling from the sky doesn't exactly make me happy, per se, it's somewhat bittersweet these days, knowing we are California-bound oh so soon. I will miss this neighborhood, even when it's covered in cold, wet, bullshit.


Finally, I swung through Stitch House Dorchester today to pick up some yarn and try my hand at knitting again. If anything can keep me occupied and not nauseous on a cross country drive, I think it is this. First up, a scarf. We'll see how that goes.