Cabin Fever

Tis the season for merriment and deliciously toasted beverages

     Unless global warming has entered your neck of the woods it should be quite chilly out and it's time for scarves and fair isle sweaters. Since the season is upon us I say welcome it with open arms and rum,  plenty of rum. It's a versatile alcohol that is exceptionally delicious in warm concoctions. So, children, I say grab yourself a bottle, some ingredients, and head up to the mountains for some much needed rest and reprieve from modern society (and people, mostly people). I highly recommend a cabin such as...

This cabin may appear small but it was the perfect size to force my boyfriend and I to always be within arms reach of each other. After a day of skiing it was the perfect place to come back to and  warm our bodies with hot buttered rums and spiced rum cider. A recipe for the ideal cozy fireside cuddle session with Christmas music softly strumming in the background and the flannel boxers you bought at Gap awhile back. 

So here is my secret recipe for the delicious rum beverages... Enjoy:

Hot Buttered Rum:

I didn't remember the recipe for them but recalled the main ingredients were: 

• Butter
• Rum
• Brown Sugar
• Some Winter Spices
• Boiling Water

Not knowing the correct portions I mixed half a stick of butter with a handful of brown sugar. After I mixed them together I just added what seemed like a shot of rum and filled the mug with boiling water. (Sugar, butter, and rum who doesn't love these?!?)...Normally they are delicious, in this instance they weren't. After failing, I suggest you chug it down (don't waste rum) and boil some more water for the next potation. 

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Spiced Rum Cider!

• Rum
• Boiling Water
• Those packets of powdered spiced cider

Yes, these packets. With them the drinks are exceptionally easy to make, I'm not above it. Now, with the appropriate and delicious libations in hand we can let the festivities begin! Since this is best served hot it'll warm your body and the rum will warm your soul and/or any achy muscles you've acquired from skiing. It pairs perfectly with homey seasonal dishes like chili. It also pairs beautifully with a second drink; so keep the water hot. 

All liquored up and cozied in to a loved one (cats?) this drink really brings together the winter season. Wool socks, sweaters, flannel, down comforters, snow and even more snow. This is the perfect season for the introvert (who actually wants to ever leave the house?) and god forbid you attend a party... But if you're feeling crazy enough this is the perfect drink to woo guests with. Just don't let them see the discarded packaging. To this I say Happy Holidays and Happy Drinking. Stay Cozy. 

Family Size Chicken Lasagna

Freshly made pasta layered between white meat chicken and crisp vegetables in a creamy sauce.

Stouffer's. Stouffer's. Stouffer's. I'm only reviewing the chicken one because it's the most recent one I've had the pleasure of enjoying; the vegetable one is far better, though. However these are absolute bliss. They are delicious and something I'd gladly buy a hundred times from Stouffer's. They are the perfect size (family) to have a wonderful dinner with your boyfriend, lunch the next day and once he goes out of town you can eat your feelings for a solid three or four days!

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Carbs: 54g

Preferred Beverage: White wine, It's got to be white wine. Chicken lasagna; it just screams white wine! Also, nothing is classier than sitting, alone, at a table, and only a glass of white wine separating you and the candle light for two. 

Proper Attire: It really doesn't matter. You're alone so no one needs to know you were wearing a snuggie. 

Appropriate Cinema: I found that it's best to eat in front of a mirror. It'll appear you're dining with another person and if you're especially lonely you can pretend it's your traveling boyfriend (even if you don't have one!!). If there's no mirror at the ready to dine in front of I'm sure your cats will offer their brief companionship. 

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       If you love leftovers, boy is this the dish for you! It's ideal to woo a lover with your culinary (frozen dinner) prowess and then continue to eat the same thing for several days thereafter. The vegetables and sauce pair perfectly with the knowledge that you'll be alone for several days (or forever); just hold the tears. Save any sadness or crying for dessert (don't spoil the night)! We also wouldn't want to ruin a perfectly good meal. If crying is a must it can be saved for any of the subsequent meals. Alas there comes a time when every morsel has been devoured and as James Baldwin wrote "everybody has to leave the Garden of Eden.".

Sunday Night Blues

Ok, lets be honest. You're home. It's been a trying day and all you want to do is relax. What better way than to create an easy hor d'oeuvre and drink a cold beer to mull over the days events. You're home alone because you're nerdy and fabulous boyfriend has jeted across the continent to invariably make him that much more attractive (if that's possible). Your roommate won't be home for while so let's indulge and give in to our every whim. I decided to make my favorite: Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. 

There really is no appetizing way to display these

Recipe; Bacon, dates, and goat cheese .

• Stuff the goat cheese into the dates. 
• Wrap in bacon and push a toothpick through to keep it together. 
• I've found that placing them on a wired rack over a cookie sheet yields the best and crispiest bacon by allowing the fat to fall down so it doesn't just soak in it. 
• Place into the oven at about 400 and turn at the 10 minute mark, leave in for about 20 minutes or until you've reached your desirable crispiness. 

                 Now it's time to start your night. Take your bacon-deliciousness straight to the bathroom and we cannot forget your beverage too! Start a shower and allow it to get extra steamy as you light a few candles and set the mood with some Lana Del Rey. 
                It's nights like these that you have to yourself that you really get to be introspective and think about all the things you've been through and can truly be appreciative of. Traditionally I would pick up a book and devour it's contents; but as of late my contents have selfishly taken over. My life is fantastic. I love it. I just want be able to fully enjoy every aspect of it and appropriately react to each circumstance and exude love unto those that I hold most dear. 
              The one that comes to mind is my boyfriend. He deserves so much for the things I've put him through and experiences with me. I'd also hate to neglect how supportive and intelligent he is/ has been. I'd wish for nothing more than to curl up in his arms and feed him this delicious bacon dish right meow. 
Ever since he entered my life it has been wholly enriched beyond believe. Without him I probably would't have seen a therapist. A psychotherapist that was quick to prescribe and treat. I searched for alternatives before going; but accepted defeat and booked an appointment. 
                 It was defeating in that everything I could think of/ try just didn't work and this women's answer was quickly and easily drugs. Off putting. The psychotherapist was, after-all, right with her drug cocktails (well not all of then but perhaps just 1 pill). After a revelation/ hypothesis that certain behavior was exacerbated by other internal conflicts and/ or 'personality disorders'. I'm excited that it'll work and that I'll finally feel again, I can concentrate and ignore any possible anxiety and negative feelings to things that are inherently positive. 
                Yes, I'm sad that the boyfriend is away for the week. However, I legitimately feel excited and pleased for him because it's good for his career and to escape my recent weirdness. Conversely I genuinely miss his body next to mine as I lay down to sleep miss his shivering when he first climbs into bed and I get to warm him up. It feels wonderful to feel the love of others and give it in return... and also to fully appreciate bacon again. 
           Sometimes, it just takes a little bacon, steam, and well placed candle lighting to wholly appreciate the magnificent things you have in your life. Especially the people who still talk to you after all you did was complain for an entire year. Oh what a year it's been! 

Hot Chocolate

Ladies and Gentlemen lets have a talk, 

It should probably look like this

        First of all I need you to go fix yourself some hot chocolate. Don't skimp out on 'sugar free' or 'low sugar' or any of the generic brands you can find. I'm talking about the good stuff. Premium hot chocolate. Milk, aways use milk because it's 99 times superior to water in any chocolate beverage. Lastly, place a few marshmallows in there to make it extra special; whipping cream for those who felt 
even more risque.(Cough, schnapps, anyone?) Are we ready now, can we have a chat?
        Let's start off with a little background info. Lately my life has been interesting. Introspective and heavily lacking in lean cuisine. I became a terrible student, friend, and an even worse boyfriend. My exceptionally high standards for myself and how I interact in society had slipt. Feeling sad and irritable at the drop of a hat or the slamming of a cupboard (they prefer to be gently closed). Irrational and weird behaviors were creeping up on me. It was a slow rolling cloud that was only accruing more negativity and pressure. Anxiety. Depression. It needed to disappear. 
       I took it upon myself to banish this cloud before anything could happen. No! Cloud, go away! I tried exercising more, eating healthier (lol!), and tried to vent/ communicate what I was feeling to my boyfriend and some friends. It only came off as nagging and bitchy comments. It was unpleasant and I felt bad about what I had said/ done but only until I unraveled myself from the cloud's embrace. 
        Feeling defeated by the inability of my fabulous relaxation techniques I learned from a class to fully banish this cloud I sought out a therapist. Upon talking to her she quickly sought out a psychotherapist (I knew I had a problem but..). This psychotherapist quickly prescribed a mood stabilizer. Apprehensively, I conceded and began taking it. 
        Glorious. The clouds seemed to part and I could be me again. I felt better(ish) and was less of a twat to everyone around me.... especially my lovely boyfriend who had the privilege to see the worst of it all and was gracious enough to not slap me. Alas, every story has a twist or some version thereof. I recently went back to said psychotherapist for a follow up. 

         I may have forgot to mention Panic Attacks. They happen and it's super special..... I mentioned to my therapist I was feeling better but the attacks seemed to worsen and I hated it and I try everything to avoid them. Tried meditating, relaxing, counting, and distracting myself, they all just prolonged the inevitable... That feeling when you need to cry but can't. It's horrible; so why not just cry and get it out? I developed this philosophy for the panic. Just get it over with and try to move on. Just let it happen. I described this to the psychotherapist. 
         The psychotherapist was quick to prescribe more meds (yay?). I asked about alternatives and what I could do that didn't involve any more medication, who wants to be that person? Ultimately, she told me they were excellent fixes for short term relief and then we can work on long term goals sans medications; this was her selling point for them. So long as she would continue to provide me with information on these alternatives and working on them with me.  
         So feeling rather introspective after a wondrous cuddle/ (nap... its 2 am) session with le boyfriend I decided to gather my thoughts and shower. Whenever I'm about to enter the shower, feeling pensive, I anticipate some amazing euphony to happen. Euphoria! Just kidding! The only thing I could come up with was that why were they so ready to prescribe? Her pen blazed across the paper as soon as the lethargic printer regurgitated the necessary paperwork. The therapist didn't even bat an eye. I felt like she should have gotten to know me more. Figure me out. Knowing more about my life story than what I could briefly recapitulate in less than an hour. Who knows, maybe this is the right path to take. I want to be a better, happier, healthier person (if not for me for my amazing boyfriend and siblings) so are these medications right for me... for us?
         There's only one way to find out. I shall attempt to stay positive for what the future beholds (less drugs!) because life is a pretty exciting thing when you get down to thinking about it all! A quote that, for some reason inspires me, "You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling." -Inception. 

Darling, thats what gets me. Darling. 

Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

Tender white meat chicken with long grain white rice, delicate snap peas, carrots and zesty red peppers in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.

 Lean Cuisine. Lean Cuisine. Lean Cuisine. It may be time to that we take a break. We need to talk about this "cook for 2 mins take off cover stir, and cook for 2 more minutes" business. We're eating lean cuisines because we want to minimize the amount of effort we put into the food. It's also about time we talk about these entrees. You make delicious appetizers and 'lunch' dishes. This Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry wasn't satisfactory; not in the least.

Basic Nutrition Facts:

Calories:  250

Fat:  2g

Fiber:  2g

Protein:  12g

Sodium: 570mg

Carbs: 46g

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• Preferred Beverage: Let's be honest, whatever is in your liquor cabinet/ fridge and mix then together. Beer and orange juice? Rum and iced tea/ lemonade? If you're eating this then you probably really don't care about the flavor so much as getting the substance in your body.
• Proper Attire: After a hard day of work come home, put this in the microwave and take off all your clothes. 
• Appropriate Cinema: Iron Chef on the Food Network. No better way to highlight how depressing it is that you've microwaved a Lean Cuisine when these people are making amazing dishes in like 60 minutes. 

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             This dish was not much to write home about. It was boring and kind of gross and the worst part was that I had to actually touch (stir) it before it was done cooking. Like, I had already taken off my work clothes and didn't feel like doing much more aside from sitting on the couch and being an American. The added shame of watching Iron Chef was, really, the icing on the cake. The thing that got me through consuming this dish was the prospect of going to bed.

             When I'd rather go to sleep than eat, something is terribly wrong. The proportions were atrocious. I ate the whole dish in about 4 bites, not including the snow peas. Still ravenous I had to cook the pizza in the freezer. This Chicken Teriyaki dish is a really great way to realize that you actually eat way more than the people over at Lean Cuisine believe you eat. I'd suggest beginning by preheating the oven before you even fathom opening the box for this 'stir fry'. 

Ginger Garlic Stir Fry with Chicken

Ginger Garlic Stir Fry with Chicken

White meat chicken with snap peas,whole wheat pasta & ginger garlic sauce

Ladies and ladies it has finally happened. Lean Cuisine has failed us. This was one of the worst dishes I've ever had. Keep in mind, though, that I was completely sober and had just consumed some pizza; I wasn't starving which probably lead to it's downfall. This dish lacked flavor and that special Lean Cuisine touch not to mention the sucrose factor was nearing that of sweet tea. 

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Basic Nutrition Facts

Calories:                   280

Fat:             4g

Fiber:                5g

Protein:                19g

Sodium:            570mg

Carbs:              43g

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• Preferred Beverage: Normally I'd advise some amazing orange inspired cocktail. It's lunch hour and hardly time to be drinking, que laughter. Perhaps some of those wine coolers that come in handy 'travel' bottles...
• Proper Attire: A shameful shawl and oversized clothes: the usual. If you're at work you can pretend you're wearing less than desirable clothing; something to reflect the flavor of the dish.
• Appropriate Cinema: Sex and the City. It just seems to fit. 

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         Came home from class and was exceptionally starving. Ate the best: cold pizza and realized that I was still starving. Lone and behold there was a Lean Cuisine (6 were initially purchased as a packaged deal sent from the heavens; and yes all but two were consumed). It was time to try this garlic one.    

         Disappointment. It was the first Cuisine that brought shame to the Lean family. First of all; why is garlic in the title? I didn't taste it at all. Disappointment. Then the ginger came to play. It was exceptionally gingery and had some spice to it. As a fellow comparative ginger this was fantastic. 

        The vegetables were weird and the rice was equally mystifying. The amount of sugar in it was the most awe-striking. Whose idea was it to infuse so much sugar in a stir fry. Borderline dessert and wouldn't compliment any wine coolers available (who do they think is actually eating these dishes). Disappointment. 

       Ladies and gents, we have ourselves the first disappointing Lean Cuisine; a moment of silence, please. 

McCafé Mango Pineapple Real Fruit Smoothie

McDonald's McCafé Mango Pineapple Real Fruit Smoothie

"It's the ultimate cool down: sweet mango and juicy pineapple blended with creamy low fat yogurt and ice."

      It has taken me far too long to write about this. I've finally decided to divulge this gem unto the world. Yes, you can pick up your jaw from the floor I do, occasionally, patronize McDonalds. I do, however, only go there for this. 

      When it comes down to ordering don't be distracted by their luscious selection of delicious treats; I'll save you the time and let you know they're all awful. The two other smoothie flavors are equally disgusting. You have, and I cannot stress this enough, you have to get the mango pineapple. One more rule; you can't get these whenever you "feel" like a smoothie, the only opportunity to indulge is when you're hungover from a magnificent night of debauchery.

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Basic Nutrition Facts:

(for a medium because it's the perfect size)

Calories: .........270

Fat: ...............1.6g

Fiber: ...............2g

Protein: .............3g

Sodium: ........51mg

Carbs: ...............61g

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Preferred Beverage:                        After a night of drinking this is the only 

                                                       thing you'll want to drink. Go ahead and 

                                                       roll out of bed and head straight to 

                                                       McDonald's. You'll thank me later. 

Proper Attire:                                  What ever you woke up in. First of all 

                                                       it's McDonald's so they won't care if you 

                                                       show up sans pants (I did) or in yesterdays 

                                                       slutty attire (walk of shame?) the employees

                                                       probably have seen worse. 

Appropriate Cinema:                      Users choice. Your go-to show to remedy 

                                                       your already shitty day. Just don't stare into

                                                      the mirror and scowl at the bags under your eyes. 

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      So you woke up in an undisclosed location, wondering where you left your phone... Your day can only improve from here. What better way to kickstart it than to refuel your body with this delicious smoothie?!? Rolling right out of bed or whence you fell and 'slept' and immediately find your keys, hopefully you're not still a little intoxicated in which case go back to bed, and head straight to the nearest McDonald's. There is no excuse to complain about a commute to one. They're like spiders and you're never more than 100 feet from one. 

       I usually order a medium because it always does the trick, it leaves me wanting a little more but not disgustingly bloated and overfull. It's perfect for me; but it's also proportional to the amount you drank the night before. The more alcohol consumed the larger you need to go (don't be afraid of venturing into more than one smoothie... the employees will just think you're ordering for two!). 

       Hands down this is the best cure for the start of a shitty day. Walks of shame should always have a detour from the frat house to McDonald's to your house. It's an absolute. A necessity. You'll hate yourself more if you don't. One last word to the cautious -Don't tell your smoothie that it "Needs to get in you right now" when you're handed it. You'll blow your cover of not being one of those weirdos who go there on a regular basis// you'll have to start going to the other McDonald's across the street and that's just a huge pain in the ass.