1. Really Ridiculous Comedy 
I don't watch TV- ever. But I recently discovered HULU and It's Always Sunny is too damn hilarious! Maybe I like it because it's set in Philly. But I'm guessing the real attraction is just the sheer absurdity of the characters' adventures which involve pretty much everything I would never ever do. I won't even get into the shenanigans. Just click on over to HULU and catch up on it- I promise you'll be laughing out loud Urkel style in no time.
2. Nuts and Garlic
Not sure if it's the change of seasons but we've been devouring nuts at an alarming rate. And garlic is in pretty much every dish i make (not the desserts of course but you know what i mean). Combine the two and you've got perfection. My girl Nicky Nic Nick recently visited from the Bay Area and brought us the most incredible Garlic Pistachios (thanks Nick!). I'm telling you these pistachios melt in your mouth! Nicky picked these up from the G.L. Alfieri stand at the San Francisco market. Luckily the brilliant people who made these nuts have a great website and ship all their treats. I am already planning to grab some holiday gifts from the site. Check out: G.L. Alfieri
3. Wray & Neph
Jamaican Rum will always do the trick.4. Support Starving Artists and Local Business This Holiday Season
We all indulge and spend more money this time of year on gifts for loved ones. For the holiday season I say boycott the mall and all large corporate stores. For gift giving try to save money, support local artists, and spend money in urban businesses.
First: I make a portion of gifts and even if a gift is not entirely handmade I always personalize wrappings with funky collages and clippings.
Second: I check out the ETSY website. ETSY is an awesome site chock full of all kinds of unique handmade goods, vintage finds, and supplies. PLUS- you can search and buy locally.
Third: I shop in urban businesses ('hood business as we like to say). By urban business i mean a business that has chosen to stay in the city to serve the needs of residents.
Off the top of my head here are some Rochester shops/ vendors I will be perusing: MoodMakers, Archimage, Thread, Tonja's Hat Store ( 674 South Ave. right near Thread), Future Xclusives, The Public Market, Abundace Co-Op, Record Archive (make sure to ask about local artists), and LakeShore Records. Obviously there's a million more- get exploring. Remember when you spend your money where you live you will get to see the benefits.
