If I weren’t working all day today, I would be cozied up at the Empty Bottle in Chicago for their First Annual Synthesizer Chili Cook-Off.  I’ve never been much of a chili gal, can’t do spice and don’t do a whole lot of meat…but this bizarre pairing of experimental music and homemade chili has got me yearning for interaction with some smack-talking, chili-cooking, taste-testing competitors.

This Christmas my parents surprised me with a Bodum Chambord Milk Frother. I had technically asked for a milk frother, pointing my mom in the direction of the Aerolatte version. However, she went the extra mile and did a little research on the best milk frothers on the market, which led her to Bodum’s stove-top version. It’s fantastic! I’ve used it pretty much every day since Christmas and have to say that it produces beautiful, cafe-quality foam that looks especially gorgeous when served in my vintage Italian turquoise blue and gray espresso set. Thanks Mom!

Erin would really love it if you could leave these gifts underneath her Christmas tree . . .

1. Fringed Poncho Sweater in Charcoal from Nasty Gal 2. Tunnel Vision Tray from Fish’s Eddy 3. Boat Street Pickles from Blackbird 4. Tenba Messenger Camera Bag 5. An Object Of Beauty by Steve Martin

And we wonder why Americans are so fat. Based on the food and beverage comparisons alone, Paris vs New York should be called Petite vs Obscene. When it comes to the caffeine fix, the French opt for a delicate espresso to be enjoyed standing at the bar. In America, coffee orders can be cringe-inducing, like “Lemme have an extra-large with 10 sugars and extra cream.” Let’s be honest. At this point, you aren’t even drinking coffee. You might as well have ordered a coffee milkshake and should consider placing a bulk order for diabetes testing kits.

Ah, yes, the cultural carbohydrate contingent. Personally, I’m a baguette lover. Love the taste. Love the crusty exterior. Love it paired with butter. Love it paired with jam. And love how romantic it looks sticking out of my tote bag as I pedal through the park. Bagels are not nearly as aerodynamic or idyllic. Moving on . . .

Hmm, this one’s kind of a toughie. I think it’s safe to say that directors are known for having eccentric (questionable) behavior. In this case, Godard (father of Nouvelle Vague) may or may not be an anti-semite, and Woody may or may not have pedophilial tendencies. But, let’s let the facts speak for themselves, shall we? Godard ranked No. 3 on the BFI’s list of The Top 10 Directors, whereas Allen didn’t even make the list.

Winner: Paris!

Today, I’m sharing my ridiculously tasty chili recipe. Technically, it’s my dad’s recipe. He’s an amazing cook. In fact, his cooking is probably why I’m so particular about food, I was spoiled my entire life! The man can cook meats like no other and has this uncanny ability to whip up sauces at the drop of a dime. He really should be bottling these, because I tell ya, they’re INSANELY good! Likewise with his chili, which was passed down from his father.

We’ve all tweaked the ingredients a bit over the years, and now, I’m declaring our chili recipe — 3×3 Chili. Why 3×3? Well, let’s see. The recipe calls for three types of beans and three types of meats. There are three people in my immediate family. Three is my favorite number. And finally, the recipe has been passed down through three generations of Phillips’.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we have for many, many years — and if you end up making it, I’d love to hear how it turned out!

Don’t look at this tumblr if you haven’t had your obligatory Saturday brunch yet! via omgsexyfood

Neither would we. But BrewDog of Scotland thought it’d give it a whirl. The microbrewery created “The End of History” — a limited edition brew with a 55% alcohol content. And, because the insanely high alcohol content wasn’t crazy enough, BrewDog decided to package the beers in taxidermied animals. Thankfully for the sake of the squirrels and the stoats and your liver, it was an extremely micro microbrew, only 11 bottles were produced. And yes, it’s already sold out.

Peeped at the Blu Dot Blog.

Arman, As in the Sink, 1990

Boris Bally, Tableware – Five Piece Placesetting, 1991

Roy Lichenstein, Dishes, 1966

I used to sneak and watch My So Called Life on MTV. I didn’t quite understand that Ricky was gay or that Jordan Catellano was supposed to be hot, but the day I heard Claire Danes say “There is something about Sunday nights that makes you want to kill yourself,” I knew this show was worthy of my 9 year old time. Even as a 4th grader I knew that Sunday nights meant Monday mornings; a day that reminds us that your boss still exists, your log-in password still works, and the dirty coffee pot in the staff kitchen will probably never see a clean spongue again. All items that were placed in a cubby on Friday and washed down with that first 5pm beer have now come wooshing back. I don’t need to explain more really, you have all seen Office Space. So, while you sit there, trying to make it through another Monday, here is something I made, to make it through as well. I give you: “goldfish sculpture on velvet chair” medium: polaroid . Hey, even if you hate it, at least you just got 4 minutes closer to closing time. Check each Monday for more!

Last year I acquired a wonderful popsicle making book and spent most of my summer months experimenting with different recipes.  While the majority of them turned out to be unappetizing at best, it was a fun project and I am excited to see this idea beginning to spread in the form of popsicle shops across the country.  So far, the most tempting of them all appears to be Popbar, located in Greenwich Village in New York.  Popbar introduces hand-crafted gelato on a stick and jazzes things up by giving you the option to customize your pop with chocolate dips, or coatings of chopped nuts, coconut, or granola.  The only problem I’m really having with this is the fact that I currently live hundreds of miles away from a dark chocolate dipped coffee pop that I’m almost positive has my name on it.