Teeny Little Things That Make My Life Better

Ok, so this is not a life altering post, but honestly there are some things, teeny little things, which could easily go unnoticed, that just make my life better. This week, my new discovery which has made my existence a happier one is Goody StayPut Hair Bands.As summer approaches and I ache for long, flowing, messy yet chic surfer hair, chopping my mane is not an option. This poses a problem as I have been blessed with thick, heavy locks which few hair bands can withstand. I've tried the chic ponytail for work, because really who has time to blow dry and iron their hair every day? Not this Manhattan chick. But alas, nothing can hold this head of hair in place and therefore I arrive at work with a raging headache and looking a disheveled mess rather than a carefree, sophisticated working professional. And don't even get me started on treadmill running as hardly anything can effectively hold my hair out of my face. I mean really, what's a girl to do? Sadly, this has been a topic of much duress...until now.

I recently discovered Goody StayPut Hair Bands which just might be my new obsession. This wonderful invention looks just like a regular old hair band, but has super strength elastic, holding your hair in the exact place that you want it in an easy, pain-free way. This little devise is available in packs of 10 for under $4 and in different colors. For ladies with thick hair, this is really the only way to go. No more flyaway hairs. No more sagging ponytails. No more headaches. And most importantly, no more painful sessions of attempting a 4-wrap around hair band while effectively cutting off circulation in my middle finger. You can find them at most beauty supply stores, drug stores, and I even found mine at Target. Bonus: Included in the StayPut line are barettes, claw clips, contour combs, and headbands (thick or thin), which should come in handy for my Aruban vacation in July, where the breeze (and wild hair) is inescapable.

Such a teeny little thing, yet has made my daily life so much better.

Post-Memorial Day Hangover

The gods certainly smiled on us this holiday weekend with long overdue warmth and sunshine. I don't know about you, but I'm sunburned and berating myself for 3 days of gluttony, including but not limited to cheeseburgers, beer, unlimited Tostitos, and cupcakes. My internal battle since 7 o'clock this morning has been whether to hit the gym hardcore after work, or continue my laziness by laying on the couch with pizza and a healthy dose of the Food Network. Against my better judgment, I'm going with a quick workout and a simple, quick and healthy dinner of my Cheesy Chicken & Black Bean Bake. While the term 'casserole' just makes me think of moms, I'm not sure what another appropriate term would be for this, so I'm leaving out the 'casserole' and making it a one-pan bake. Is your interest piqued? If so, check out my recipe below and let me know how it turns out! I'll be making it this evening and the best thing about it? You can modify almost all ingredients to your own taste! Don't like black beans? Try pinto or canellini! Like it spicy spicy? Add some Cayenne!

Cheesy Chicken & Black Bean Bake
1 lb. chicken, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 C yellow corn
2 tbsp green chilis (or to taste)
15 oz can black beans
1-2 C cooked rice (I like brown rice, and use between 1 & 2 cups...to taste)
1 C shredded cheese of the Mexican variety (for the healthier version, use reduced fat cheese)
3/4 C sour cream (again, use reduced fat if you're being 'healthy')
1/4 tsp chili powder (or to taste)
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 tbsp scallions
salt & pepper, for seasoning chicken

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Saute in just a bit of olive oil just until browned and cooked through.
Mix all ingredients together, setting just a couple of tbsp of cheese aside.
In a baking dish coated with cooking spray, add mixture and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 7-10 minutes more
Enjoy!

*For some extra heat, try adding some cayenne pepper!

Memorial Day in Manhattan

Stuck in the city this weekend, but jonesing for grilled meats and cold beer? We've got some in-the-city suggestions for making the most of your Memorial Day weekend! After all, if you can't get out to the burbs for a down home backyard picnic, there's no shame in having a professionally prepared BBQ!

Blue Smoke:
By far one of my favorite NYC spots, Blue Smoke is barbeque with an upscale twist. During my first visit, I over-ordered because I couldn't limit my picks...everything looked that good. Appetizers range from Jack's Fry Bread to Barbeque Chips w/Blue Cheese Dip, and neither should be missed.

Blue Smoke . 116 East 27th Street . 212.447.7733

To be honest, I don't even remember my main course, as it was overshadowed by the apps and side of Mac n Cheese. I'm sure it was delicious though. Anyhow, do not, and I mean DO NOT, skip the Mac n Cheese, as it's the best I've had. Lastly, I have a strange need to try dessert, despite my stomach's otherwise protesting. I recommend the apple crisp. Beware: If you fill yourself with food as I tend to do, you may find it difficult to walk following your meal. Bonus: Jazz Standard, Blue Smoke's own jazz club, is located downstairs for some post dinner entertainment.
Fry Bread w/Chipotle Butter: $5.95
Mac N Cheese: $7.95
Fried Chicken: $18.95
Ribs: $14.95/$22.95

Virgil's:

A sister restaurant of the famed Carmine's chain, Virgil's is down home barbeque at its best (note the napkins are actually hand towels). With wood paneled decor, you'll feel quite relaxed at Virgil's. Featuring ribs, catfish, steaks, and wonderfully pulled pork, you pretty much can't go wrong here.

Virgil's . 152 West 44th Street . 212.921.9668

Don't skip out on the hush puppies with maple butter appetizer ($8.50), as you're unlikely to find better (and if you do, please point me in that direction). For a real holiday weekend barbeque experience, be sure to check out the 4 page beer menu. The only downside? Right in Times Square. But the prices are reasonable (shocking for Times Square) and it's likely to be a relatively slow few days since city dwellers will be fleeing for the weekend.
Hush Puppies: $8.50
Memphis Ribs: $23.50
BBQ Brisket Sandwich: $12.50
Most Beer Options: Under $6

Gyu-Kaku:

Try this barbeque restaurant with a Japanese twist. And the Memorial Day weekend spin? You do the grilling yourself! One of my favorite Village spots, Gyu-Kaku features a grill in the middle of every table.

Gyu-Kaku . 34 Cooper Square . 212.475.2989

Variations include marinated steak, chicken, seafood, and lamb chops. And what barbeque would be complete without s'mores for dessert! I recommend the miso skirt steak, spicy udon noodles, and edamame. Go hungry and order throughout the meal as necessary because, trust me, the more you eat the more you'll want.

Miso Skirt Steak: $10
Garlic Shrimp: $8
Udon Noodles: $9
S'mores: $4