Big Day

Yesterday was a pretty big day!

I started my new job. I’m very excited about my new position as a layout designer. The publication is fun, and the team is young. I didn’t see any Kool•Aid in the fridge while I was there yesterday, so I think I’m safe from insane corporate cults.

My husband cooked me a wonderful belated birthday dinner! When my birthday rolled around this year, we were pretty strapped for cash, so he promised he’d make it up to me when we were doing better financially. He made good!

He cooked a six course French dinner, complete with Crème Brûlée! He did an amazing job. I was stuffed! And my gift? Baking Illustrated: The Practical Kitchen Companion for the Home Baker. It’s an amazing cook book by the people at the American Test Kitchen that goes over the science of why things work. I can’t wait to use it!

I took some photos with my phone, unfortunately I left the protective cover on, so they’re a bit blurry.

First we had Brie with French bread and small salads with homemade Tarragon dressing. Yum!

I’ve never had Escargot (though given the chance several times, I’ve always passed,) so B wanted to try one more time, since he loves escargot. He was nice and did it in mushroom caps for me, though. So good!

This was my favorite thing! An artichoke and cheese tart. So creamy and subtle. Amazing.

I don’t even know how to describe what this was. Gulf shrimp, carrots, celery, onion, tomatoes, white wine sauce all on top of a crispy, garlicky, buttery French bread toast. I already ate the leftovers.

B made a perfect Crème Brûlée, and even bought a torch! (I can’t wait to use it!) He did a fantastic job, and seeing how I’m a bit of a crème brûlée snob, that’s a huge compliment!

There were no leftovers.

American Apparel, RIP?

(Image: Racked)

I have to admit, I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with American Apparel. I love their soft, no-frills, deep-plunge v-necks, and their pair-with-anything cotton skirts, but I’ve definitely left their dressing room in tears over skin-too-tight dresses in size XL. (I’m a size 2!)

I even like their ads, despite the fact that they’re trashy, over-sexed, and often exploitative to women. I sometimes find them sexy. (Sometimes.)

But what happens when their inevitable bankruptcy happens? Where will I go for over-priced tights and one-piece lamé swimsuits? Sad face.

(Via Jezebel)

Mustachioed

(Image from Third Drawer Down)

I’m obsessed with mustaches. (Still.) I don’t know what it is, but they just make me happy. Like these awesome mustache mugs from Third Drawer Down. WANT!

Lovely Weekend

(Image from Entertainment Weekly)

We went on an impromptu trip to visit B’s parents this week, which was lovely. The dogs enjoyed the big, open yard and B and I enjoyed some delicious home-cooked pizza. (I made a white pizza with shrimp and spinach, he made a yummy pepperoni, artichoke and mushroom pizza.)

B’s mom also gave me a depression glass butter dish and juice pitcher, so it may be time to throw a brunch. She’s an antique dealer and always giving me little knick-knacks. Perhaps it’s time to start an online vintage knick-knacks shop, as well?

Psst: MAD MEN starts up again tonight! Order is restored.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

I’ve decided for our next vacation I’d like to visit Mackinac Island, Michigan. It’s the only “motorless city” in the United States, as cars have been outlawed since 1898. Residents get around by boat, bike, horse, and, of course, foot. How refreshing would it be to go stay in a place like this? Especially in light of recent findings on the carcinogens in our everyday lives.

(Image from Top50States.com)