Desserts »Handsome Dan’s

Sno Cones and Candy

It’s worth walking twenty minutes in the stagnant heat, dripping in sweat to get a Handsome Dan’s home made sno-cone just to cool yourself off from said walk.

The place has excited me ever since I saw the sign which included the flavor “Earl Grey Cream”, an ice cream delight introduced to me by Van Leeuwen a few years back. It’s delicious and lighter than regular ice cream.

The space, which I believe was once a boutique beer spot, is a gleaming white mecca for classic candy lovers and I’ll admit, I had no self restraint. I saw jawbreakers and that was it – I was cramming stuff into a mason jar before I even read that it cost, like twelve dollars.

It’s pricey, but jawbreakers and runts are hard to come by and honestly, at this exact moment in my life, where I am denied so, so many things – booze, eggs sunny side up and salami to just name a few, where I’m so sore that even turning in my bed aches, but if I don’t the leg on the bottom will start to hurt – at this point in my life, if I want to shove as much candy as I want into a twelve dollar jar and then my face, then I am going to do that.

Handsome Dan is super nice too, so I’m happy to help him stay in business.

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Posted on July 3, 2012

Hunks »Rufus Sewell

Aurelio Zen

I don’t feel I’ve been able to pay enough attention to give a complete opinion of Zen, the new Italian by way of all British cast mystery series on PBS.

I will say that Alan Cumming’s intros are borderline brilliant in their campiness and I love that the series credits (and general vibe) pull from Giallo.

It can also be said without a doubt that Rufus Sewell is a world class hunk. As a dignified detective who brakes the rules by having too much integrity, he’s at his dreamiest.

Usually a slightly evil character, he’s even sexier as a hero. Game of Thrones fans are dying to have him join the cast – wouldn’t that be awesome…

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Posted on June 30, 2012

Restaurants »Bar Suzette

At The Chelsea Market

You just can’t resist the scent of truffles. And once you’ve caught the scent you can’t duplicate with anything else. Sorry, was that all too yuppie to say? Well, regardless it’s true.

And when an after doctor appointment stroll took me to Chelsea market, Bar Suzette drew me in with truffle mozzarella crepes and I couldn’t say no. Luckily I’m so pregnant and sore and tired and hungry all the time that I didnt have to say no. Or explain the fact that it was merely a pre lunch snack.

You normals out there can partake in this as a light meal. The stand is open earlier than many of the market restaurants too, in case you need a bite on the early side.

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Posted on June 30, 2012

Style Icons: Female »The Go-Go’s

Ladies Gone Wild

Female rock stars. A girl’s whole life can change if she’s got some good ones to look up to. My sister and I invented parallel lives in our fantasies which culminated in a combination of The Bangles and Barbies. But before that we had The Go-Go’s.

They embraced the best of the 80’s fashions. Neon, poofy skirts, wild hair, off the shoulder tops (honestly was there anything I aspired to wear to feel more grown up as a child?), they flaunted bold patterns and even managed to pull off suspenders, overalls and pleated pants which was (and still is, ladies!) nearly impossible.

They were second only to Cyndi Lauper and maybe Madonna in solidifying our interest in fashion.

Jim has always had a major crush on Belinda while Van has recently taken quite a shine to the song Vacation. So they’re still a part of my life decades later.

See more: Style Icons: Female Musicians

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Posted on June 28, 2012

Restaurants »Red Hook Lobster Pound

at Smorgasburg and 284 Van Brunt Street

The Red Hook Lobster Pound lobster roll is gauaranteed to be one of the best bites at smorgasburg but it’s also one of, if not the priciest at $16. Makes it hard to accept if you want to sample lots of goodies.

So here’s a tip. For a mere (ha!) $10 you can enjoy their tarragon tinged shrimp roll which is arguably as good as their name sake sandwich.

It’s a refreshing summer bite on these record breaking hot days.

See more: Restaurants Red Hook Sandwiches Seafood Williamsburg

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Posted on June 28, 2012

Spend a Couple Hours »Mystic Aquarium

55 Coogan Blvd. Mystic, CT

Sorry for our absence but we were on vacation.

Part of the trip took us to the delightful Mystic Aquarium where we spied beluga whales (my favorite), jellyfish, sharks, penguins and poison dart frogs (Van’s favorite – by far).

While admission is pricey, it’s worth it for kids to see animals up close they’d otherwise rarely get a chance to. It’s a clean, pleasant place that doesn’t feel too crowded even when it is and has staff on hand to give information about all the animals.

We skipped the 3D movie but it would likely be fun for older kids.

See more: Spend a Couple Hours Connecticut Parks Zoos

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Posted on June 26, 2012

Recipes »Easy Barbecue Ribs

from Mmmm… is for Mommy

How good can it be when BBQ ribs meet the slow cooker? Well Van, who’s usually sort of vegetarian (not through any effort on my part) yelled “meat!!!” for the first time.

So, pretty darn good.

These were actually more tender than many I’ve had at restaurants. We used Stubb’s sauce.

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Posted on June 20, 2012

Songs »Gold

by John Stewart (1979)

Let’s face it, I’ll take to just about anything that features the warbling of Stevie Nicks.

But Gold by John Stewart would be awesome even without her.

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Posted on June 18, 2012

Style Icons: Male »Willie Nelson

Red Headed Stranger

I am very much feeling the long braid for men and Willie Nelson is kind of the master of it.
Of course, the singer (one of my favorites) has much more accomplishments than just that to warrant a spot among my style icons.

He’s a rebel. Even if just a tax evasion weed smoking rebel, he stands firm on his beliefs which are mostly to be thankful and kind to others which in many ways makes him more independent and bad ass than the money hungry ego centric rock stars of today.

He’s an amazing talent (no one sings or writes the way he can) and one that always inspires us older people to keep on with our passions. He didn’t achieve his height of success until he was forty, not that “success” was ever really this outlaw/country/hippie/icon’s goal. He mostly seems to want to be happy and make others happy with his music (only stopping to fight for causes he finds important like farmers rights and the legalization of marijuana).

His music is special – I know I’ve had days where nothing but a willie Nelson song will do. So, aside from his effortless cool look- not only with those braids, but a perfectly fitted black tee and worn jeans, Nelson is just an awesome guy whose music makes my world a better place.

Desserts »Handsome Dan’s