My “Date” with John Legend

Ask anyone who has any form of relation to me, who I obsess over — the consensus will undoubtedly be John Legend. It began as an admirer of his soothing soul music, to a full BLOWN obsession over the past year. I think about him all too often, and with that in mind, I think it would be highly enjoyable to come up with my “faux date night” with him.

Here’s the one caveat — he does already have a girlfriend, but the deal with her is as such. I CLEARLY follow her on Twitter, and it is confirmed : yes she is beautiful but not a brain surgeon to say the least. John won one of TIME Magazine’s Most Influential People last year — LIKE, come on John. She doesn’t have to be a brain trust but she should be able to spell properly for gosh sake.

I believe at concert number…. well, at the next concert I’m going to of his which will be on January 1st in Atlantic City, he will finally recognize my presence and bring me on stage for “Slow Dance”. He usually picks, the most voluptuous, and attractive African American female in the audience. Meaning. My chances are unbelievably small but a girl can dream right?

So, I was reading Bon Appetit last night, and came across a Q&A with John about his most memorable meals, favorite foods, and craziest dining experiences. As you could imagine, my adoration for B.A. just signifcantly increased…. they combined JL and food, what more could I possibly ask for? ANYWAYS, he listed off some of his favorite foods as well as what he loves to cook up/ drink when out/ steer clear from. His love for eggs and VODKA SODAS confirmed that were soul mates. I thought it’d be funny to post the “faux dinner” I’d make for him, if and when I get the chance to make this dream a reality.

Mac & Cheese

Courtesy of Smitten Kitchen

Fried Chicken

Individual Chicken Pot Pies

…. Sigh, enough with the day dreaming!

What I’m Currently Obsessing Over….

Okay, I suck at being a consistent blogger during the school year, shoot me. I try very hard but whenever I want to sit down and blog a bit…. I look to my left and see books, I look to my right and see laundry. With that in mind, I have been somewhat of a negligent partner in this relationship. I will, say however, that my stats are still consistent so thank you for all of you who check in weekly.

I love this time of year…. well, I like certain aspects of this change in seasons. I do not like the PMS weather or the fare well of my flip flops and iced coffees. While somethings I wish would continue to stay around throughout the year, there ARE some things that make me love this fall/winter season. I thought I’d go through some current obsessions of mine, NO it’s not only food related products… shocker.

1) Purple and Cream Nail Polish– it’s “fall”esque and chic. While I should write how “unfashionable” it is to wear black nail polish, I secretly love it but cannot bring myself to be one of “those people” — hence why I am a coward and wear purple instead.

2) The Red Holiday Starbucks Cup – I am such a sucker for the whole “Winter Wonderland” trance every business tries to pull. Regardless of how much I despise SBUX, I am willing to purchase my coffee there during this time of year — ONLY for the instant upper in mood.

3) Window shopping– I don’t know why Americans decide to increase their amount of window shopping during the Holiday Season… it’s not like the merchandise suddenly becomes nicer, or that your wallet’s grown in size. The only places that are WORTH staring at the displays are typically in New York City. Regardless, I love nothing more than to wear my mittens with hot chocolate in hand and browse, browse, and browse clearly not thinking of possible gifts for friends, only myself.

4) Black Leather Jackets – cliche yes, but I just bought one this weekend and let me tell you, your confidence boosts with every wear. It gives warmth and an ego boost — who could ask for more? Now, if only I could stop being a pansy and smoke some cigs — it’d be the perfect final touch. Damn.

5) ALL THINGS PUMPKIN– Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin French Toast, you name it I love it. I think if pumpkin were to be popular at ANY other time of year, I wouldn’t be remotely as excited… It’s just the sound of “A CINNAMON AND PUMPKIN SPICED WARM BEVERAGE” that makes me instantly happy inside.

Courtesy of Closet Cooking

The Not So Typical Halloween Stereotypes

So, I sadly finished my final college Halloween – wow time flies, regardless, I must say that I can now categorize the various Halloween stereotypes. I think you will all enjoy this:

1) The Sluts who dress like they always  do….

I see girls in their panties and bras — and I think to myself, wow, what a costume. Then I re think that thought and say ya know what? I’m sure they’re the “naughty” one in their group of friends. Think about it — if you’re not a hoe on a weekend basis, you’re not going to be comfortable dressing in your undergarments for any occasion, Halloween is no exception. So with that in mind I think these girls are dressed the way they usually dress.

2) The “Brahhh” who think he’s original and hilarious, when in reality, he’s neither

You all have one person who fits this stereotype– he’s the guy who always cracks the jokes that aren’t funny. He also is probably the only one who spent weeks trying to think of the most “provocative” costume that would make giggles and shocks — when in reality the costumes been done many times before. LAME.

3) People that dress in costumes where their entire body is completely covered making them unable to participate in conversation, or have sex with anyone for that matter

Here’s the thing — I don’t mind that you invest in an actual costume for an actual Halloween store but I hope you realize what you’re doing to yourself. You’re not only unable to drink because, well you’re in a costume with no mouth opening, but you also can’t socialize at a bar, and worst of all you can’t fool around with people. Sucks to be you.

4) The People who shouldn’t be dressing for Halloween, period.

Either you’re too old, too over weight, or too ugly — so don’t dress up. People that are so highly unsuited to wear certain get ups still do, because they think its Halloween, why not. When in reality, I think you look dumb and no amount of alcohol could deceive me. I think people who are over 30 should not be putting money or time into costumes, unless they’re formally invited to “WORK RELATED HOLIDAY PARTIES” — that’s the only exception. Other than that, if you’re over 30 and at a bar in a SUPER TIGHT Super Woman suit and you’re a man? I will be closing my tab for the evening at that point. Thanks.

Nip/Tuck, New Season, New Scares

I can’t lie… over the years I’ve been hot and cold, more like extremely hot and cold with Nip/Tuck. I began watching when the pilot aired x amount of years ago, must have been at least 5 years ago? Wow time flies… Anyways, I was absolutely obsessed with the show for a very long time. What ended up happening, however, was the content got more and more racy and more twisted. The point at which I stopped watching (aka took a hiatus) was when Troy made a larger woman put a paper bag over her face while he had sex with her from behind. I was EXTREMELY offended by it so I stopped watching for the rest of the season…

I can’t, however, seem to turn away from it completely. This season which just began 2 weeks ago has become one of my favorites for many reasons. There are clearly a few aspects that I am VERY not cool with, but hey, that’s every show for you.

PERKS OF THE SEASON, (THUS FAR)

1) Mario Lopez, Mario Lopez, Mario Lopez — OK so my old boss from NYC told me the first day we began working together about her hatred for the media crazed Lopez. While I do agree wholeheartedly? I think he’s EXACTLY the character that’s been missing on the show, the hotter…. richer… and nicer doctor. Troy needs to be put in his place, let’s be serious — his body is ABSOLUTE PERFECTION. Thank you FX for putting a smile on my face before I go to bed, thank you.     

2) Rose McGowan – while I don’t like her gold digging, knieving ways,  I think she brings a level of intruige to the show that’s been missing. Kimber’s WAY outlived her lifespan on the show, in my opinion. We get it Kimber, you’re low on cash & self-esteem but the fact that you’ve stooped down to working at a Chinese Nail Salon & molding “faux” cocks to sell on the black market? Like, you’re done in my opinion. McGowan, however, is sneaky… and hot…. and seductive. I don’t know — well see what happens with her, I hope Lizzy and Sean see right through her act. The fact the previews say they’re proposed? Makes me nervous.

3) McNamara’s Downspiral of a Life- To be honest? Troy went from being the hot one on the show to the extremely pathetic one in my eyes. I don’t even find him hot anymore, sad, tear. Anyway — I will say this much. Over the course of the show, McNamara has COMPLETELY turned into a mess of a human being, while becoming hotter each season — didn’t think THAT was coming. He went from being the mundane, sexually frusterated doctor husband to this nutball, who fucks every looney toon with legs, tries to overdose on pills, and is extemely alone and depressed. HOT.

4) Lizzy Fights Back- She’s always had spunk — I love Lizzy. While I think FX was ridiculously stupid to have her character fall in love with Troy, I don’t think that you can help who you love sometimes — and that’s clearly what they were trying to  get at with that relationship. While that fizzle as we ALL knew would happen, I am SO glad she’s getting the pay back and closure she wellfully deserves. He’s a slime ball who won’t change (Troy, that is) no matter who comes along. He’s unable to change for anyone – end of story… I thought perhaps, that their weird lesbian/narsasstic relationship MAY work out in some weird way, but I was wrong. While by the end of the episode last night she dropped the charges, I am glad she’s standing her ground and making her point against that douche.

Favorite Brunch Recipes

So, I’m a sucker for breakfast… I am in love with all things breakfast and brunch related. Seeing as that I’m in college, breakfast is a weekend STAPLE — to help absorb all of your previous night’s bad decision making. With that in mind, I thought it’d be fun to go through my 3 favorite food blogs and find my favorite brunch/breakfast recipes.

ENJOY….

Boozy Baked French Toast– Smitten Kitchen

1 loaf supermarket Challah bread in 1-inch slices, no need for the super-fancy stuff here
3 cups whole milk
3 eggs
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Your choice of flavorings: I use 3 tablespoons Bailey’s and 3 tablespoons Cointreau, but Frangelico (hazelnut), Chambord (raspberry), Creme de Cassis (black currant) Grand Marnier or just a teaspoon or two of vanilla or almond extract can do the trick. You can bump up a citrus flavor with a teaspoon of zest, add a half-cup of chopped nuts such as almond slivers or pecans between layers or on top or a similar amount of raisins or other dried fruits.

1. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with salted (my choice) or unsalted butter.
2. Arrange bread in two tightly-packed layers in the pan. I always cut one slice into smaller pieces to fill in gaps, especially when using braided Challah. If using a thinner-sliced bread, you might wish for more layers, though I find that over three, even baking can be difficult. If you are using any fillings of fruit or nuts, this is the time to get them between the layers or sprinkled atop.
3. Whisk milk, eggs, sugar, salt and booze or flavorings of your choice and pour over the bread. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
4. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The bread will absorb all of the milk custard while you sleep.
5. Bake at 425 for 30 minutes, or until puffed and golden. This will take longer if you have additional layers.
6. Cut into generous squares and serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar or all of the above.

Serves 6 as main course.

Mango and Nutella Crepes– Closet Cooking

(makes 4 crepes)

Ingredients:
1 batch crepes
2 cups mango (peeled, stoned and sliced)
4 tablespoons nutella
1 handful pistachios (chopped, optional)

Directions:
1. Assemble.

Poppy Seed Pancake Recipe — 101 Cookbooks

To make the citrus syrup put the orange and lemon segments and agave nectar in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat and stir until the ingredients combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for for 5 or 6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

To make the pancakes combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, poppy seeds and sunflower seeds in a large bowl. Add the buttermilk, eggs and melted butter. Stir all the ingredients until they are just combined. Don’t worry if the batter is a bit lumpy, you don’t want to over mix.

Heat your skillet, pan, or griddle to medium-hot and brush it with a bit of butter. Test for the right temperature. If a drop of water dropped onto the pan starts to dance, you are in the ballpark. Pour about 1/3 of a cup of batter into the skillet. Wait until the pancake bottom is deep golden in color, then flip with a spatula and cook the other side until golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve with a golden pat of butter and a nice drizzle of syrup.

Makes about 12 large pancakes, or dozens of silver-dollar pancakes – enough to feed a small crowd.

Taylor’s Favorite New Fall Products

So to sit here and say that I haven’t had one spare second in my day, would be a blatant lie. I still make time for good meals, good wine, and good friends. I suppose this semester came with a large kick in my ass and I haven’t really had time to sit in silence and blog… sad, very very sad.

 

The fall/ Halloween time is my favorite time of year. From everything from burning wood smells, to trick or treating, or candy apples this is my absolute favorite season. While Boston totally skipped over fall and onto winter, I still believe it is “fall” here. The veggies that are best during this season are also some of my favorites:

                                        Beets, Squash, Eggplant, Sweet Potatoes… oh my!

I thought I’d show everyone some of my favorite new fall food purchases, food keeping my belly full and my heart happy. 

 

TLC NEW TOASTED ASIAGO CHEESE CRACKERS- So, I’m a big fan of the TLC Original Crackers but these have much more of a potent smell and a kick to them. Love these. I find these to be a much healthier alternative to Wheat Thins and Triscuits. 

TERRA SWEET POTATO AND CARROT CHIPS- Yes, Terra Chips are the East Hampton’s of Chips. I am in love with these chips. I think every time I dig into the bag I am sitting pool side with Sarah Jessica in the Hampton’s. 

LUNA’S NEW WHITE CHOCOLATE MACADAMIA BAR- I am such a fan of White Chocolate, let me re-phrase… I surrender to all things incorporating white chocolate. I also like some Luna flavored bars, with that in mind, I couldn’t be more pleased with the combination of the two. 

SO DELICIOUS DAIRY FREE CHOCOLATE/VANILLA/STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM- I’ve really been getting into the non dairy “ice creams” lately — they’re so creamy and satisfying. I am not going to lie, I don’t feel guilty and it tastes just as good as the real thing.

10 Things You Most Likely Don’t Know About Me

If you’ve clicked on this blog post, clearly you care somewhat about me and my well-being, and for that? I thank you. I thought it’d be a really fun little blog post to do, so here goes nothing.

10) I rarely turn lights on in my kitchen… I have perhaps turned them on I’d say three times since having moved into my current apartment. I am somewhat anal, okay VERY anal, and I prefer NOT to have this “doctor’s office bright” bulb show me all of the imperfections of my kitchen. With that in mind, I tend to turn on all other lights in my apartment in hopes that it will be sufficient lighting for me to make meals in there…. go ahead, judge me now.

9) I continued on with Harry Potter books for one reason and one reason only…. MY BURNING DESIRE TO ONE DAY EAT IN A HUGE MEDIEVAL CAFETERIA LIKE THE STUDENTS AT HOGWARTS. I want nothing more for my birthdays and holiday times… all I ask of anyone is to invite me to a boarding school Thanksgiving Meal. I will sit quietly in my flannel pajamas and absorb the beauty that is…. Boarding school style holiday meals, sigh.

I have a cat, named Gray… Reason being? I wanted a computer and instead, on my tenth birthday, I was given a cat.… IN a computer box. While wildly disappointed, by parents asked what I wished to name the little rodent (whom I still despise fyi, 10 + years later). I reply? He’s a gray cat, so just name him Gray.

7) My first true love? Patrick Swayze, may he RIP. I swear I had butterflies in my stomach just glancing at him on the big television screen- Dirty Dancing? Ghost? Let’s be serious now, how many FAITHFUL MEN (must chime in) can DANCE better than Prima Ballerinas and be amazing athletes too? Sigh.

6) I used to have a mild obsession with hot milk– warm regular milk. I wouldn’t be able to sleep without it. Weird because I am currently and have been lactose intolerant for over the past 10 years. Regardless, it was my “smoothing technique” to put me to sleep all throughout my childhood years. So my advice for anyone who can’t sleep? Or who perhaps had one too many Rockstars in a day? HAVE A WARM GLASS O’ MILK.

5) I watch Jimmy Neutron, a lot….. He’s witty. The show is smart and funny and has so many adult satirical references. I don’t care who knows, I LOVE JIMMY NEUTRON EVERYBODY. So deal with it.

4) After I had my tonsils taken out I came back home and found a possum swimming in my pool, as a result, I did not go back into that pool for FIVE YEARS. No I am not exaggerating. Through “extremely careful sanitation processes” and countless cleaners scrubbing on their hands and knees, I decided- it was up to par.

3) I used to have a sick obsession with Peanut Butter. I ran, a very long amount of time growing up and found PB to be one of the best ways to gain energy after a long day of classes. What happened, eventually however, was that I could not FUNCTION without my PB. I even kept a jar in my XC locker, yes, that is true.

2) My biggest pet peeve is when tourists are wandering the streets with maps, and bump into me. While I’m a very non confrontational person I become LIVID when this occurs. “HI? Is it REALLY that difficult to route your plan of attack for the day PRIOR to walking the sidewalks of a city???” PEOPLE have places to go, GOSH.

1) I am extremely claustrophobic. To the point where nothing will stop me from “choosing the option no one ever wants to take”– CLIMBING THE STAIRS. My hands get clammy, I feel faint, and I begin to curse like a dirty SAILOR when the elevator doesn’t move fast enough…. or move at all. I feel if I were trapped in an elevator, poor people stuck in it with me… That’s all I have to say about the matter.

Celebrity Couples I Can’t Wrap My Mind Around

I have to admit — I do sometimes wish I could be swept away by Shia LaBeouf…. or Shane West…. well, pretty much any attractive actor would do. But in reality, I do sometimes look at couples in Hollywood and scratch my head. I don’t get a lot of the relationships that are and were taking place in Hollywood. With that in mind I thought I’d summarize some of my thoughts on my blog, DUH.

1) Seal and Heidi Klum– Now, don’t get me wrong. I do think Seal’s style and voice are both unbelievably sexy, however, I just can’t see those two together. I could see him swaying his hips in the dim lighting of his living room, with a glass of pino and a romantic black and white film on in the background. I see Heidi more into the flashing lights, champagne, city scene. But hey, I’m clearly not a good match maker because they are still SO smitten.

2) Evan Rachel Wood and Marilyn Manson– Need I elaborate on that one? The only comparison I could possibly make would be to compare Evan’s “stunt” with Marilyn like my interest in dating a skater kid during my freshman year of high school. Sure he rarely showered, was a “pop version of a skater kid” aka he wore Independent and FOX, but who cares– I thought I was bad-ass. As does she apparently.

3) Brian Austin Green and Megan Fox- This one boggles my mind more than the rest. She IS the actual sexual fantasy of every guy ages 14-45 and she’s with a TOTAL HASBEEN who doesn’t even treat her well? I’m SO lost. I know girls like the guys who don’t pamper them but come on…. can’t we compromise on Mario Lopez? He at least surpassed the “90’s hasbeen status”– Brian has definitely not, come on Megan you can do so much better.

4) Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy- Ok Jim’s funny, yes, psychotic a bit though too? YES. His hair in the photo below is also longer than Jenny’s but that’s besides the point. I get she’s also a “funny” hot ex-Bunny but I just don’t see how they click, whatsoever. I couldn’t imagine being in a relationship with Jim Carrey period, I feel like he’d pop out of a bathroom screaming ‘SOMEBODYYYY STOP ME’ at least once a day… and that’d get really old.

What Would You Bring With You On A Deserted Island?

Someone recently brought up the conversation starter, “What would you bring with you on a deserted island?” Everyone’s reply usually consists of…. some form of beverage and or food, music to listen to, and perhaps someone to mate with (to pass the time of course). I decided to think long and hard about my answer… seeing as that many shows such as Survivor and LOST deal specifically with this concept I thought it’d be a fun blog post. Feel free to comment on what you’d bring with you……

1) Hands down I’d have to bring these three CD’s (don’t ask me realistically how they would be played because I think CD players went out of fashion a very very long time ago)

• Eagles Hell Freezes Over– If I had to pick one album to summarize my upbringing it’d be this album, from winters in Vermont to summers spent in the Hamptons, this album made my childhood
• Jason Mraz Waiting For My Rocket To Come — I believe at this point of my adoration for Mr.Mraz, were friends. He just doesn’t know it yet. I think every song on this album reminds me of a different aspect of my life. It has been a staple CD of mine for many years.
• Eric Clapton Unplugged– This CD pretty much has many connections to me and my life, especially the song “Tears in Heaven”… I will always keep a copy of this CD someone close by me, no matter what I may move later in life

2) My Nike Pegasus (dating back to 02′)- Sure they have holes in the heels and have been put in the wash one too many times but I will say this much…. they are far more reliable and consistent than any man, that’s for sure! These shoes have been with me through the hills of Sardinia to the icy trails in the Vermont outdoors. I will always be loyal to my one and only true loves, the Nike Pegasus.

3) A Jar of Peanut Butter/Jelly Swirl- Here’s my mentality — I don’t like jelly however you’re getting both the protein and the deliciousness of the PB but also some sweetness too IN ONE TUB! I also figure I’m not catching any wild animals or bringing chocolate with me… chocolate melts and animals? Well, you can never be too certain.

4) Dane Cook- Ok I know I’ve never mentioned him once on here however on a deserted island you not only need someone attractive to look at? But you need someone to crack you up as well. AHOY, hence where DANE COOK comes in. I think I’d be able to successfully accomplish both tasks don’t you?

…. If you’re wondering why I didn’t mention sentimental things like “photos of my family” or “my dogs”…. let’s get real here guys. A) Anyone who says they’d pick a photo of their family over a possession is lying to your face. B) I’m not an animal lover. Done deal.

Degrassi–Why Do I Love You? Let Me Count The Ways

I tend to keep certain aspects of my life hidden… such as my obsession with Jimmy Neutron, my habit of eating waffles with whipped cream every night… things of that nature. I was skeptical for years of proclaiming my hidden love for the show Degrassi until I realized… I am not alone in the obsession, whatsoever. I thought for a long time I was the only one who had ever heard of or watched the channel Noggan (soon to be Team Nick… as in Team Nick Cannon??? Very confused but anyways). I realized SO many of my friends and classmates also are addicted to the originally Canadian show. Seeing as that I am DYING in anticipation for the new season to begin in October, I thought it’d be fitting to post my top 10 reasons I love the show now… just in case any of you are amateurs and want to catch up!

10) Spinner is still on the show — Spinner, the bad boy whose been through more girls than John Mayer has had his fair share of ups and downs, including bouts with cancer and bald heads. He had triumphed over it all however and managed to nab one of the only “FORMER DEGRASSI” spots on the show… AKA he’s one of the older members still returning back on the show. LOVES it.

9) Emma’s now unattractive and a brunette- I’ve always had issues with Emma… she’s hot then cold, up then down.. she never knows which guy she wants. I just don’t relate to her character at all. She used to be hot … after her whole anorexia/pre pubescent phase. The period during which her hair was blonde, she had boobs, and she was dating Peter.

Jimmy aka DRAKE aka Aubrey Graham- I LOVED him on the show, why you may ask? Because not only was he an athlete but a philanthropist, artist, and musician. Who could ask for more in a man I mean really? He also dealt VERY well with his shooting and his eventual handicap.

7) Peter’s on COKE in the new episodes- So me and my best friend Hadassa discussed recently the overlap of Degrassi themes but it’s all good- They’ve already done the “I’M A MUSICIAN THEREFORE I’M ALSO A COKEHEAD THEME” with Craig back in the day… But I love this one even more because Peter’s mom’s the Principle oh and he’s totally straight edge…. minus his “badass desire to drag race”.

6) Paige’s Questionable Sexuality- Ok so I’ll admit that I hated her for the first few years of watching the show… she was unattractive in my eyes and acted like the Queen Bee.. OH and she always says “SWEETIE” or “HUN”… When she decided to become Bi, however, I took a step back and decided she’s pretty freakin’ cool.

5) CRAIG, CRAIG, CRAIG- I don’t know what screams cool to me about him necessarily but I love everything about his character– he’s selfish, can’t decide who he wants more Manny or Ellie, dabbles with Coke obviously because he’s a musician and that’s what they do… and also gives up schooling for music. Yet again I say, “obviously”.

4) Ellie’s relationship with her boss- I can’t remember his name, the guy she started seeing right when she got to college, but anyway, regardless, he was quite the hunk. It also intensified his coolness that he was her boss for the newspaper at college. She’s a lost puppy looking for love and can’t seem to get it quite right ever… I feel kind of bad.

3) Marco’s style- Gay men in general know how to dress, so I can’t say he stands out but lately he’s been stepping up his game — in the new movie “Degrassi Goes Hollywood” he looked quite fly I must admit. Keep it up Marco.

2) The Newbies– Alli, K.C., Clare, and Connor- While 9th grade was SO very long ago for me, I can’t relate quiteee exactly to the new kids on the block but I do think they’re potential for DEGRASSI GREATNESS is high… especially because they all have demons of their own and are totally unique.

1) Last but not least– WHAT’S TO COME FOR….. Peter, Sav, Mia, Holly J, Darcy, and Riley during their final years at Degrassi? WE MUST WAIT UNTIL OCTOBER TO FIND OUT… I AM DYING!!!