Artichokes with Lemon Aioli Suace

Your Gay Husband Tip of The Day :

Have a Tasty Veggie Appetizer

Steamed Artichoke

Artichokes with Lemon Aioli Sauce
I love when Artichokes come into season. I remember when living in San Francisco, I would see Artichoke plants being used as decor. I didn't realize they were part of the thistle family. That is why the heart is covered with the bloom. When they bloom they are beautiful. But in this case we will be eating the beauty of Artichokes. They make such a perfect snack or even a light lunch.

Snipping off Tips

When picking an Artichoke I try to buy the biggest ones when I use them for a meal. You will nee to trim the tip of each artichoke leaf [they are sharp] and cut stem flush at the base. Remove and small leaves at the base and cut the top with a knife about 1/2 inch.

Trimmed Artichoke

Once it has been cleaned up, give it a good rinse under cold water. Using a sharp knife cut an X in the base of the stem about a 1/2 inch deep. Now steam it for 20-30 minutes until leaves remove with a little tug. Set aside. If you want it hot , serve it within 10 minutes. It can also be served room temperature or cold.

Cleaning the Artichoke Heart

Once you have made it to the Heart of the Artichoke [arguably the best part], you will need to remove the the purple thistles. It is easy but a little messy. Use a spoon and scrape it clean. If you are serving these at a dinner party make sure to have the appropriate utensils.

Lemon Aioli Sauce

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 get a chance soon to make some Artichokes for yourself. It is such a treat.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Fashion Friday - Summer Tanning

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day:

Protect Yourself

Tanning Today

Fashion Friday : Summer Tanning

 Protect yourself while gaining a beautiful tan....That's what I hear from the my favorite sales consultant where I buy my skin care products.During time of year while I am out at the pool or walking on my favorite beach, wearing sun protection is a must. It does not take much time or money and it will save you from discomfort and possible long term sun damage [talk about a fashion NO].Here are a few of my favorite sun protection and relief products.

Hawaiian Tropic

Hawaiian Tropic Golden Tanning Lotion SPF 6 - 10.8 oz  $4.00

A touch of Hawaiian tropical, exotic, natural flora and fruit extracts...nature's richest tanning and moisturizing blend, containing Vitamins A, C, & E, helps to prevent photo-aging. This waterproof, PABA-Free formula gives you the best of both worlds. It provides minimal protection against the sun's UVB rays, and allows for a beautiful golden tan. Sun Protection Factor: 6 Enriched with Cocoa Butter and other natural skin conditioners, this formula helps prevent peeling and combats the drying effects of sun, wind and water. Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil, Original 8 fl oz (237 ml)



Banana Boat Tanning Spray



Banana Boat SPF 4 Ultra Mist Dark Tanning Lotion Spray $6.00

 A Stunning Tan from Any Angle This sheer, lightweight formula can be applied at any angle even upside down! Made with coconut oil and cocoa butter, and scented with original banana coconut rum fragrance, Banana Boat Ultra Mist Dark Tanning Lotion SPF 4 Continuous Lotion Spray is your ticket to paradise. Banana Boat Sport Sunblock Lotion, SPF 15, 8 Fluid Ounces (Pack of 3)

Clarins Spray Tanning Lotion

Clarins Sun Care Spray Oil-Free Lotion Progressive Tanning SPF 15 5.1 oz Tanning Lotion $29.00

mist texture - non-oily lotion Refreshing & instantly melts into skin Broadly protects skin from the damage of UV rays Water resistant & delicately scented Perfect for outdoor sports & sightseeing

This is a personal favorite because of the quick results and is a great tan enhancer.Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, 4.4-Ounce Box

Fake Bake Self Tanner

Fake Bake Instant Self-Tanning Spray Air Brush 207ml/7oz $14.00

An aerosol spray for a sunless, airbrushed tan. Fake Bake Instant Self-Tanning Spray Aerosol mist Continuous spray Easy to apply Comes with application gloves Paraben-free, preservative-free formula.

It's amazing and 100% natural. You can hold can in all directions to get hard to reach places. It goes on instantly so you can see where it's going. You can build up layers to go as dark as you like. Once dry (0 secs) you can go out! No waiting to develop or staining clothes, and lasts over a week. They've just thought of everything with this product, it's my fave! Fake Bake Self Tanning Lotion 6 oz.

Sunburn Relief

California Baby Aloe Vera After Sun Lotion 2oz Lotion $12.00

A non-greasy cream that soothes and heals wounds and irritations. California Baby Aloe Vera Cream Light, fluffy hydrating cream Works on contact with the skin Soothes eczema, diaper rash and other irritations Great for dry or chapped skin Ideal for skin of any age or type. California Baby SPF 30+ Fragrance Free Sunscreen - 2.9 oz

Tea Tree Sunburn relief

Tea Tree Relief Spray with Essential Oils 4 oz Spray $3.00

Soothe minor scrapes and insect bites Relieves discomfort associated with sunburn Comforts tired, aching feet A nurturing blend of botanical extracts combined with antiseptic properties of Desert Essence Eco-Harvest Tea Tree Oil offer relief for your skin and body when you need it most. Convenient spray applicator is ideal for hard-to-reach areas.

Excellent spray, if you like tea trea oil/the odor of tea tree oil. It's thick. For me, has somewhat of a soothing effect and makes for an excellent bug repellent.Tea Tree Oil Spray with Emu Oil



Soak in the rays



Sun protection is critical....it will only take a few minutes in the sun to begin the process of sun damage. Be responsible for your tan, use protection.








Kick back, relax and enjoy..
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband Husband

Happy Hour With Your Gay Husband

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Variety is the Spice Of Life

2 Fantastic Cocktails for Summer

Happy Hour With Your Gay Husband
Here are 2 great drinks that are easy to make and very refreshing for the hot summer months. I guess they would be good in the winter as well...just sit in front of the heater and drink up.

A Kiwi in Tennessee
1/2 kiwifruit, peeled
2 parts Jack Daniel's
1 part kiwifruit schnapps
1 part fresh lemon juice
ice cubes
lemonade, to top
kiwi slices, to decorate
Muddle the kiwifruit in a cocktail shaker, then add the Jack Daniel's, schnapps, and lemon juice. Add some ice cubes and shake well. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Stir and top up with lemonade. Decorate with kiwifruit slices.

Lynchburg Lemonade
ice cubes
 1 1/2 parts Jack Daniel's
1 part Cointreau
 1part fresh lemonade juice
lemonade, to top up
lemon slices, to decorate
Put some ice cubes with the Jack Daniel's, cointreau, and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Top up with lemonade and stir. Decorate with lemon slices.

I hope you take the time [ at least 1 hour, a happy one at that] and enjoy these cocktails either alone with some great music playing or with friends and family.
Bottoms Up!
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Weekly Grocery Bargains

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Shop with a Friend and Buy in Bulk

Memorial Day Savings


 Weekly Grocery Bargains
I know it isn't always possible to shopping with a friend but when you can...you should. Take a trip together and buy in bulk and split everything. This will help with the initial hit on your wallet as well as reducing waste of perishable items. Just make sure to check unit pricing when buying in bulk to be certain that is really is a lower price. Check out all the great savings in this weeks ads...prices are good til 06-14-2011.

Always Great Savings

Albertsons has a sale on Meats this week. The prices are good...but not great.The nice thing is 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.






boneless skinless chicken breast - $1.69lb
beef brisket - $1.99lb
pork spare ribs - $1.99lb
large raw shrimp - $5.99lb 31/40 count
TX yellow corn - 5 for $2
broccoli crowns - $1.29lb
seedless grapes - $1.99lb

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.








NY strip steaks - $3.99lb
chicken breast - quarters - .99lb
yellow corn - 4 for $1
roma tomatoes - .59lb
sweet peaches - .99lb
Haggen Dazs ice cream 2 for 45
Tide - $5.99 ea 50oz limit 1
sweet mangos - 3 for $1
red grapes - $1.29lb
watermelons - $3.88ea
large bay scallops - $3.99lb

Low Prices Plus More ...

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







sirloin steaks - $2.99lb
cherries - $2.88lb
ground beef - $2.99lb 93% lean
blackberries - 10 for $10 6oz packs
Kroger butter - $2.77ea
Kroger cheese - $2.99 ea 16oz
Yoplait yogurt - 10 for $5
zucchini or yellow squash - 10 for $10

Serious Food ... Silly Prices

WINNER of the week just for the amazing price on the Chicken Sausage. 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.

seedless grapes - .59lb
bell peppers, broccoli bunches or red potatoes - .77lb
chicken sausage - $1.99 lb [stop what you are doing and buy some to freeze]
cantaloupes - .77lb
red or green leaf lettuce - .77ea
pork loin chops - $2.99lb

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.





beef back ribs - .99lb [freeze and BBQ]
boneless skinless chicken breasts - $1.99lb
red seedless grapes - $1.28lb
Vidalla sweet onions - .50lb
country style ribs - $1.99lb

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

Fashion Friday: Bon Voyage Attire

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day:

Stripe it Up With Stripes

Sperry Topsider

Fashion Friday : Bon Voyage Attire  Bon Voyage....As the summer heat continues to simmer, I find myself thinking of ways I would enjoy this smoldering heat...Maybe if I was on a cruise ship sailing the Mediterranean coast.With that though in my mind, I decided my fashion choice while sailing the Mediterranean coast would be STRIPES...So put on your Sperry Top Siders and lets set sail.

Michael Bastian

While I drift away into my Mediterranean dream, I first begin to think of ways to simply introduce strips into my wardrobe. The influence of this trend does not have to look bold. Stripes can be seen in many ways, the simple contrast trim on a short or a light knit stripe in a zip up jacket. This is look by Michael Bastian is a favorite for me.

Michael Bastian

Stripes can bring attention....Don"t think that you won"t turn heads while wearing stripes. I like this look from Michael Bastian Spring 2011 collection  it brings both the urban Man and the surfer Dude together to create a look seen on the streets today.

Jill Sander

Wearing stripes takes confidence. I found this fantastic dress from the Jill Sanders Spring 2011 collection. The many years that I have been dressing and working with women, the common call out is that women prefer that the stripes are vertical in design. The truth about it is that it does elongate the body, it can create an illusion of slimness, however the proportion of length is critical.

Jill Sander

Horizontal stripes are often avoided.This look from Jill Sander however is the perfect choice for that special comfort dress while lounging on the Captains deck or while consuming the delicacies from the midnight chocolate buffet. All jokes aside, the dress is a statement. It's the simplicity of shape with a slimmer bodice and fuller skirt, this dress looks both bold and soft.








Stripes,Stripes, and more Stripes....This summer join me in this Mediterranean dream.Take a chance and express yourself this summer in stripes.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husbands Husband

Ain't a Thing But a Chicken Wing

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Don't Forget The Dipping Sauces

Chicken Wings

Ain't a Thing But a Chicken Wing

We were having some friends over for a pot luck so I decided to make some chicken wings. They are easy to eat when you are mixing at a party or sitting at a table, either way they are GOOD. The best way to cook wings is to deep fry them. I find they tend to fall apart or stick when baking or BBQing. Here is what I did.

COST - $10 for 6-8 people including dipping sauces

TIME - 30 minutes including cooking time

DIFFICULTY - 2 on a scale of 1-5

Washing Wings

I bought these wings for .77lb. They were fresh and not cut. The first thing to do is to wash/rinse the wings under cool water. Let them drain then dry each one off with paper towels. This will make them have a crispy skin when frying. If not there will be water in the oil and it will splatter and steam the wings. Not a good combo.

Cutting Wings

When cutting the wings into sections make sure to start with a SHARP knife. Just go between the joints and cut. This gets easier after you do the first few.  I made 40 wing sections without using the end segment. I just tossed that piece.

Seasoning Wings

I made a rub for the wings, it is super easy and really adds a burst of flavor.

1 Tbsp each of garlic and Salt and Flour

1 tsp each of pepper, onion powder, paprika

mix ingredients together and sift on the wings. Let them rest for at least 20 minutes. You can do this the night before. This is for 40 pieces.

Frying Wings

Add 4" of oil to a large stock pot and heat on medium high til it reaches 350 degrees. I did 7 at a time for 7 minutes and they turned out perfectly. You will know they are done because they will float. Let drain on paper towel and serve. I made 40 wind sections and served them with sides of sauce. It is fun to have a few so your guests can decide what they want. I put out Ranch, Buffalo, Sweet Teriyaki, and BBQ sauce.

This get together was so much fun and easy to serve. The wings were delicious and had a nice crisp skin.

Let me know how they turn out for you. Put these out with some ice cold beer and stand back as your guests devourer them. I hope you enjoy these as much as we did.

Til Later,

Your Gay Husband

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