Happy Hour with Your Gay Husband

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Friends Moving ? - Drink a Martini

Vodkatini

Happy Hour with Your Gay Husband
I found out today that our really good friends are moving to Seattle in 3 weeks. I just wanted to scream but I wish them well instead and cried. This did inspire a drink for them at their going away/anniversary party. They have been together for 17 years so we made this drink for the Party and called it the 17tini to commemorate the event.
17tini
1/4 part vermouth
3 parts - vodka
1 green olive or lemon zest twist
Swirl the vermouth around the chilled martini glass, then pour in the vodka. Finish by adding the olive or lemon zest twist.

This is just like them...Strong, Simple and Tart. I will miss you both.
Bottoms Up !
Your Gay Husband

Fabulous Custom Chotchkies for Less

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :
Make it Your Own - Paint it !

Frog Budah

Fabulous Custom Chotchkies for Less
I have said it before and I will say it again...go buy some spray paint in your favorite color. In this case I used white. I like to have a majority of white with splashes of color added. I only paid $4.99 for this Budah Frog. It made me smile, and for me that is all I need to close the sale. Now every time I look at it I smile. How nice is that especially for $4.99. I had the same experience withe the 3 sided Laughing Budah Head. I only paid .99 for it. I used a $1.99 can of white spray paint and I still have enough left over for my next project.

Before Painting

After Painting

It really helps to have a creative mind to find those Chotchkies that you can make fabulous just by giving them some love and attention. They don'y always look so great to begin with.This one was so little kid looking with funny flowers painted all over it. I saw it's beauty and new how great it could look in or house. I only paid $4.49 for this Snail.

Before Painting

After Painting

Laughing Budah Head

See how a fabulous Chotchkie can really make you eye move from one spot to another. I like having the pyramid shade with only 2 colors and something organic. All these objects are completely different but work well together because of the color and shapes.









I hope this inspires you to always be on the hunt. Whether it is at the $1 store, a yard sale  or even something you have in the Attic, you own it to yourself to MAKE IT FABULOUS. Have fun being creative..and remember it doesn't take alot of money to make it look like it did.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Steak Dinner and Steak Salad from Leftovers

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Always Make Enough for Leftovers

Ribeye Steak Dinner

Steak Dinner and Steak Salad with Leftovers
Sometimes I get a craving for a good steak, especially when it is a ribeye cooked on the grill. There is just something that the grill does to the meat. I just seasoned it with salt, pepper,garlic powder and a drizzle of Balsamic vinegar. I season it about 30 minutes; cover with foil and let come to room temperature before putting on the grill. I don't always want the whole steak and double starch dinner [as good as they are]. Sometimes I just want a good steak with fruit salad and a light cocktail. I made a 3 ingredient fruit salad using fresh red grapes, strawberries and cantaloupe.

Mango Cocktail

The cocktail is 2 part mango juice and 1 part vodka with a squeeze of lime. No matter if I am alone or with others, I enjoy dining with fresh flowers. You can do it without costing much. I bought 5 stems for $4.99 at the grocery store and put them in bud vases.

Steak Salad

I always buy my meats in family packs. These steaks came 3 to pack. I will cook the extra steak to use for a Salad later in the week. A couple of days later I made this salad for us while we were gardening.
I made it with romaine lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, onions, avocados, Parmesan cheese and croutons. It is topped with a creamy peppercorn dressing and fresh cracked black pepper [ use your favorite]. See it really pays off in more than one way to buy those family packs even if it is just the 2 you.




I hope this inspires you to make enough so you can have leftovers. Get creative and see what you can come up with.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Fashion Friday: Nude Dressing

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day:

Bare it ALL

Michael Bastian Spring 2011

Fashion Friday: Nude Dressing
Bare it All...This season the designers knew that the global warming influence would  take its place on the runways transforming our summer warming clothing needs.



3.1 Phillip Lim

 When thinking of dressing for the warmer summer climate, skin toned or nude color dressing is not always someones first choice.However, after looking through the racks at my favorite stores, the colors that I have been drawn to this season are neutral tones that are easy to mix and match.











Simon Spurr spring 2011

 
Nude tonal dressing can be a modern approach to a simple classic dressing.This interpretation of a men's suit, made in a light brown tailored fabric brings ease to a traditional look.











Tommy Hilfiger


Spice up nude color dressing with a splash of color.Tommy Hilfiger this spring season used flashes of hot pink and green to bring life to the nude tonal colors. I like the little hit of stripes...brings interest to complete the look.

Robert Geller spring 2011

Simon Spurr spring 2011

Don't panic, you do not have to dress nude completely, tonal or nude color dressing also works when it is shared with other colors. Of course its simple to think of wearing it with black.Explore other colorful options that can enhance your personality and
bring life to the simple color of nude

Goodoo Lace up

.

Fennix Alligator and Ostrich

Nude,  tonal colors can also be seen on the feet this season. I like these shoes for the node colored fashions this season.

Alberta Ferretti

The sexiness of this dress is simplicity in design, executed beautifully in a natural nude color. This season for women the choice of weaning nude colors came from many designers. The color is soft and feminine but cane also be modern and sometimes hard.










Salvatore Ferragamo


The simple clean lines and use of tonal colors brings a new modern twist.Would you wear this while shopping in a french open market?...why of course...why not?

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen this spring season used the nude colors to expressively bring life to this hard and edgy lace trim cocktail dress. I wonder who might wear this dress on the red carpet someday? Might Taylor Swift gain the points if she rocked this dress at the next country music awards?....Hmmm?

Jimmy Choo "Energy"

Many shoe designers are using the color nude in their collections this season. The new neutral color can be worn with just about any color. This shoe is named "Energy" and is a top seller for $895.00.









Nude color dressing is legal...walk out with confidence, nude is on trend!!!
So go get NUDE. I will be looking for you.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husbands Husband

Zucchini Fries with Lemon Aioli Sauce

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Have a Snack During Happy Hour

Happy Hour Snack

Zucchini Fries with Lemon Aioli Sauce
When I was growing up the only way I would eat zucchini was if my mom would fry them. It was like eating fries and not veggies. It was a good way to trick me into eating more veggies. This is a twist on the original. These are a  perfect snack for 2 or great served as an appetizer or even on pasta, drenched in marinara sauce. Mmmm my mouth is watering.
COST - $4 for 4 people [1 squash per person]
TIME - 20 minutes
DIFFICULTY - 2 on a scale of 1-5

Cut Zucchini

The first thing to do is to wash and dry the zucchini, then cut them into long looking french fries. I plan on 1 squash per person. I get 6 pieces from 1 squash. I use smaller squash that are bout 6-8 inches long.

Dredging Station

I find it easier to set up a dredging station when making fried food. For these I use the dry - wet - dry method. You will need 3 plates or shallow bowls. The first one will contain flour, the next is a mixture of eggs and water, the last one has Panko [Japanese bread crumbs]. I season the zucchini with salt, pepper and a dash of Cayenne pepper [optional]. Don't forget to season each plate in the dredging station with a little salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.

Panko

Just start left to right and dredge in flour then egg wash then Panko bread crumbs. Now the are ready to be fried. Add 1/2 an inch of canola oil to a skillet on medium to medium high heat. Turn the zucchini as it browns on each side [about 1 minute]. Remove and put on paper towel to soak up any extra oil. This is the perfect time to add some salt. For the Aioli sauce I mixed 1/4 cup of mayo, juice of 1 lemon, salt, pepper, garlic powder and cayenne and mix. his is also a great sauce for Artichokes.




I hope you enjoy your happy hour as much as we did.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Weekly Grocery Bargains

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Shop Friday thru Monday for BIG Savings



Memorial Day Savings

 Weekly Grocery Bargains - Memorial Day Sale
There are always great deals on anything having to do with BBQ or outdoor entertaining. Check your ads and make your plan of attack. This will be a good time to stock up on meat for all those BBQ's you will have between now and the 4th of July. These prices are good thru May 31st.

Always Great Savings

Albertsons has a great selection of flowers, so make sure to pick some up for the holiday. So make sure to stock up and save. They have a wide selection of products across the board that are on sale. You do not need a rewards card to receive discounts.
Print Albertsons Coupons here.






chicken drumsticks - .79lb
beef brisket - $2.99lb
Atlantic salmon - $5.99lb
Ribeye steaks - $4.77lb
boneless skinless chicken breast - $1.79lb
corn on the cob - 10 for $2
18 pack Miller beer - $13.99
watermelon - $3.88ea

Honest to Goodness Savings

 Once again Aldi has kept to it's reputation for no frills and great deals. Their gardening merchandise just hit the stores and they have some really good items. Don't forget to stop by Aldi for your staple like milk and eggs. Who knows maybe you will leave there with tree or a stainless steel gas grill. Today I even saw a 12 foot pool and a trampoline. I'm not kidding. Don't forget a quarter for your basket, you will get it back when you return your cart.
Print Aldi Ad here.

Fresh-Juicy-Tasty

Make sure to check out the produce while you are their. They have a very diverse selection.They also carry a huge selection of Hispanic food, spices and baked items. You can even get frog legs here. You do not need a rewards card to receive discounts. Print Fiesta Ad here.









ribeye steaks - $4.99lb
chicken leg quarters - .59lb
seedless watermelon - $3.88ea
cherries - $3.88lb
yellow corn - 4 for $1
colossal shrimp - $12.99lb 6/8 count
salmon fillets - $4.99lb
tomatoes on the vine - $1.49lb
green beans - .99lb
iceberg lettuce - .88ea
navel oranges - 7 for $1


Low Prices Plus More ...

  Kroger is the WINNER for best store of the week. I really like Kroger and the usually have the good deals. Make sure to check out their seasonal items. They always have a wide selection and they are always going on sale. You will need a rewards card to receive discounts. Print Kroger Coupons here.





 ribeyes steaks - $3.99lb [freeze BIG TIME]
split chicken breast - .99lb [freeze BIG TIME]
cherries - $3.99lb
Atlantic salmon - $6.99lb
pork shoulder roast - $1.49lb
Johnsonville brats - $3.99 19.76oz packs
asparagus - $2.99lb
jumbo mangos - 10 for 10
sweet blueberries - $2.99lb
pork spare ribs - $1.99lb

Serious Food ... Silly Prices

Sunflower farmers Market is my personal favorite place to shop. I still only buy when the are having sales but the environment is great. I just had some basil chicken sausage with pasta the other night for dinner. They make the sausage at the store. It is always fresh and yummy. You do not need a reward card to receive discounts. Don't forget some table wine as low as $3.33 a bottle. It is good.
Print Sunflower Ad here.

rib extravaganza - 25% off
artichokes - 2 for $4
fresh chicken sausage - $2.99lb
seedless watermelons - 2 for $3
broccoli and roma tomatoes -.88lb
leaf lettuce - .88ea
seedless grapes - 41.99lb

Ingredients for Life.

  Tom Thumb labels their food with colored tags indication it nutrition level such as organic or gluten free. You do need a rewards card to receive discounts. Print Tom Thumb Coupons here.





ribeye steaks - $4.99lb
chicken thighs or drumsticks - .88lb
8 inch split cherry and apple pie - $2.99ea
Johnsonville Brats - $2.66lb
seedless watermelon - $2.99ea

Here are some additional LINKS for a store that might be in your area. Let me know if there is a store you would like me to add.
Safeway - HEB - Trader Joes - Jewel - Raleys - Ralphs - Vons
Happy Shopping and Saving.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Happy Hour with Your Gay Husband

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Anytime is Martini Time

 Martini Time

The Doobs Martini
Ice cubes
2 tsp dry vermouth
1 part gin
1 part sloe gin
4 dashes orange bitters
orange zest twist, to decorate

Put some ice cubes into a cocktail shaker. Add the vermouth and shake well, then strain away the excess. Add the gin, sloe gin, and bitters, stir, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Decorate with an orange zest twist.

The other day I was talking with a friend about cocktails and how most of our group are Vodka drinkers. I found this great Martini that will satisfy even the most loyal Vodka drinker.
Take a moment and make yourself a nice drink and enjoy some peace and quiet or some great music. My favorite is walking the garden. However you decide to enjoy Happy Hour, I hope it relaxes you...you deserve it.
Bottoms Up !
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

The PERFECT Lawn and Organic Garden

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Sometimes We All Need A Do-Over



After the Do-Over

 The PERFECT Lawn and Organic Garden
It was 5 years ago when we moved into our house. We ended up removing several trees that were in bad shape as well making room to put in the pool. Due to the ground settling from the movement of the soil and the decaying of roots from the trees that were removed, the ground seemed to sink several inches. For the last 2 years we had snow and below freezing temperatures that took it's toll on the yard as well. This occured in both the grass areas as well as the Organic Planting beds. The planting beds run 2 sides of the yard from one end to the other. The entire yard is organic so we don't use fertilizer other than the Organic mulch. It has natural enzymes in it that will break down and enrich and feed the soil.


Lawn Before Do-Over



Lawn Before Do-Over

Not only did the soil sink, it also got taken over with weeds in areas so I decided it was time to start over from the beginning.

Lawn and Weeds Removed

Organic Planter Beds - Before

First all the grass and weeds needed to be removed with a shovel. It remove some top sol as well. This will ensure that the weeds will NOT grow back.

Marking Sprinklers

Now that we have a blank slate, it is time to rebuild. I added Enriched Top soil that is made for sod. The areas were filled so that they would be level with the top of the cement. It was recommended to plan for a 7% settling or the soil. The sprinklers were marked and the flood drains were covered so they would be easy to find and know where to cut the sod so it fits snug. The entire yard has drains that run under it both in the planting beds as well as the grassy areas to prevent flooding.

Lawn - After

Lawn - After

It feels so good to know  that the entire yard has had it's little face lift. The lawn looks great and in a month or so it will be even more lush. It just needs a to be watered.

Organic Planting Beds - After

Organic Planting Beds - After

The best thing about adding  the organic soil and mulch to the plantings beds is that it makes caring for them much easier. With an organic garden you get more birds and butterfly's and you never need to worry about your pets.


I added 4 inches of Organic soil and 2 inches Organic mulch to the planting beds.
This was alot of hard work and planning but definitely worth it. The yard won't need another Face lift like this. Not to say it won't need a little here and there, it just won't need this much work. My motto for this project is "give your yard what it needs to thrive". If you want to have a Perfect lawn and garden you might just want to start over from the bottom up so you don't need to play catch up every year. You may need to pay more to do it right but in the long run you will actually SAVE money because you won't be doing it over year after year. This project was so well worth it and makes for a not only a perfect lawn and garden but also a perfect space to relax and reconnect with nature.
I hope this inspires you to roll up your sleeves and create a QUALITY space that is all your own.

Enjoy your Zen.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Rainy Day BBQ Pork Ribs with Brine

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Work With What You Got - A Rainy Day

BBQ Style Pork Ribs

Rainy Day BBQ Pork Ribs with Brine
Sometimes I just get a craving for BBQ Pork Ribs. I was all set to make some BBQ ribs the other day but we ended up getting severe Storm Warnings and before you knew it the sky ripped open and we had a major down pout that seemed to go on for ever. So being the creative person I am I decided to make my BBQ Pork Ribs anyway. I used a brine and cooked them in the oven. This is what I did.
COST - $12 including 2 side dished for 4 people
TIME - 30 minutes prep
DIFFICULTY - 2 on a scale of 1-5

Brine

I decided to use a brine for these ribs to still give that smokey flavor.
Brine
4 quarts water
1 Tbsp liquid smoke
1 Tbsp garlic, ginger, onion and cumin powder
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup salt

Dry Rub

Mix ingredients and pour over ribs in a large pan to set for 2 hours up to overnight. The ribs need to be submerged in brine. If you do not have enough just add more water to cover. After ribs have soaked in brine, remove and dry off with paper towel. Now add your favorite dry rub. I use a brown sugar rub I get from the TX state fair. Put Ribs in a Hot oven at 400 degrees for 30 minutes then wrap ribs in tin foil and lower temp to 300 degrees for 2 hours. Remove.

BBQ Pork Dinner

Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. I only put BBQ sauce on right before I serve. The ribs were so tasty and I especially liked the smokey flavor.
For this dinner I made fresh yellow corn and a baked sweet potato for sides. This was a perfect dinner and we like the leftovers just as much.







So whether it is raining out or not you can always make the BBQ Pork Ribs and get your fix.
I hope you enjoy these as much as we did. Let me know if you have any comments or questions.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Fashion Friday: BoHo Chic

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

You Look as Good as You Feel



Bohemian Style

Fashion Friday: BoHo Chic This summer the winds will blow back in a trend ever so present on the Sprig 2011 runways.The look is romantic and expressive.The approach..be daring...mix and combine things that are unexpected.

Janis Joplin 

Bohemian style is nothing new...back in the late 60's and 70's, musician Janis Joplin led the "BoHo" trend. For Janis, it was not about following a trend it was her personal expressive style that combined the details of lace leather and velvet all in one look or outfit. The folkloric trims and braided hair all led to the colorful "let the sunshine in" ways of creating personal style. Fashion at that time was very conservative, plain and non expressive.

The "Boho" look

The romantic, soft edge of  "BoHo" look is a nice approach to summer makeup and hair. The simplicity of multiple braids used as a headband creates a organic approach to beauty. Minimal make up allows the face to breathe.The use of blush is light and sun kissed while the eyes are lined to enhance your romantic persona.

Alice and Olivia

Fast forward to 2011, the Boho look is interpreted in a modern way. Alice and Olivia has been one of my favorite collections for a long time. In this look, the long silk paisley printed dress is worn fitted with a high slit and uneven hem line, combined with a white and ivory feather vest.This is unexpected, fun and creates modern edge dressing in the new millennium.

Just Cavalli


The "BoHo" look allows layering to be a expressive and unconventional. Combining the details of leather and fur, mixing up prints and colors personalizes the look and generates fashion interest. In this look, i really like the combination of the animal print blouse worn with the tethered pant, and accessorized with a gemstone necklace, leather hat and jacket.

Elie Tahari

Fringe, Fringe and more Fringe.The use of fringe detailing made popular back in the 70s is a "BoHo" look currently seen on the Spring 2011 runways. This fringe vest by Elie Tahari is a modern approach to the "BoHo" inspiration. The simple use of a skinny belt creates waist interest and defines figure.

JJ Winters suede bag



If you are not brave enough to wear fringe, try it in a hand bag.This spring many designers interpreted the Bohemian trend in their handbags.This suede fringe handbag by JJ Winters is one of the hottest,celebrity owned and worn handbags this season. It could yours for under $400.00.













This summer allow the winds to blow you into the romantic and adventurous looks of "BoHo Chic". Be willing to mix it up, be expressive.This look brings comfort ease and simplicity.

For me, that's just what I need right now...Let the sunshine in!
Til Later,
Your Gay Husbands Husband