Things I'm Crushing On

Last night I went out for dinner with these lovely ladies (minus the handsome man)...

 My sisters Christine & Kimberly and our friend Danielle...and my cute husband

We went to La Carbonara, one of my favorite NYC restaurants. It's quaint, cozy, serves up delicious Italian food and is fairly inexpensive. I dig it. We followed up dinner with a little trip to Milk Bar in the East Village. I'm sorry to report that I forgot my camera! But I plan to make many more trips in the future so I can give you a proper rundown.

Meanwhile, since it's a snowy Friday and I'm all about comfort, I thought it would be fun to share some things that I'm like totally crushing on this week.

Momofoku cookies

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Though I could have easily devoured anything on the menu at Milk Bar (including cereal milk-flavored soft serve...is that genius or what?), I must have had residual holiday cravings since I went with a single cookie; a cornflake, marshmallow and chocolate chip concoction that was sticky, sweet and just all around wonderful.

Panko breadcrumbs

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I used these in Rocco's buffalo chicken tenders and my life has been forever changed. Crispy chicken in the oven? Sans oil? Yes please.

Boardwalk Empire

The clothing, the set design, the indulgence, Michael Pitt...it's a gorgeous production and a gripping story. Oh and the fact that it's yet another show to come out of New Jersey doesn't hurt either. As for Steve Buscemi? At times, I forgot it was him. Somehow I see an Emmy in his near future. Shaun and I burned through the first season in one weekend and are now on a serious hunt for our next TV-on-DVD obsession...taking recommendations.

Jets/Fantasy Playoffs

Though I'm still bummed about the Giants, I'm excited for round 2 of Fantasy Football and I'm happy that my favorite Jets fan is happy. Jets party to commence tomorrow night at 6pm for the 8pm game.

Arnold Cinnamon Raisin Sandwich Thins

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I forgot to snap a photo, but had to share anyway. They're cinnamony-raisiny goodness for 100 calories. Plus, when toasted they make the office kitchen smell like heaven and suddenly everyone wants to be my friend.

Tea, especially when served in my Anthropologie R mug

It's yummy and  pretty. 'Nuff said.

Anjou Pears

I received some in a Harry & David holiday gift basket at work and have been eating 1 per day ever since. They are juicy, sweet and delicious! A nice change up from my usual apple.

My Built Lunchbag

Shaun got it for me for Christmas and I have used it everyday since, even if only to cart a banana and Babybel cheese to work.

More snow

It's happening in NYC right now! Good thing I got my rubber boots on!

So there you have it...all the things I'm loving right now. What are you crushing on this week? What are your weekend plans?

February Favorites

Please pardon my MIA-ness over the last few days but Shaun and I took a little vaca in Antigua to escape some of the cold Jersey days (more on that to come later, so stay tuned!), but hopefully you enjoyed my guest article over at Haute Apple Pie. I'm just a few days late on my February Favorites but still want to share them, and hopefully you'll share some of yours with me! Without further ado...

Mascarpone cheese This is one that I must explore further, especially following my truly delightful and palette pleasing marscapone dessert at Fig & Olive. Though Giada DeLaurentiis uses it incessantly, my own Italian mom doesn't so I hadn't either. But mixed with some vanilla bean atop an almond shortbread cookie, this creamy Italian cheese has won me over big time.
Crostini There's just something about spreading anything on a crispy, salty bread round that just makes my heart skip a beat. Whether it's fig jam and gorgonzola cheese, truffles, bell peppers, or roasted garlic, crostini has been a major player in my repetoire of late.
Red wine It's been perfect during the harsh winter months. Since I virtually never drink hard liquor and only enjoy beer on a warm summer day, red wine is really the only alcoholic beverage for me. Whether by the glass at our favorite Friday happy hour or a cheap bottle from Whole Foods for our Valentine's Day dinner, I've thoroughly enjoyed this treat over the last month.
Cherry tomatoes Though I'm typically not a huge fan of tomatoes, this miracle produce turns a basic pasta dish from eh to oh la la. Chopped up and sauteed in my Pasta with Turkey Sausage, the only thing better than the taste is the heavenly smell that comes from sauteeing them with a little garlic and olive oil.
Multifunctional Kitchenware Living in a one bedroom apartment with a tiny kitchen means that any appliance or tool that doubles in use jumps to numero uno in my book. After continuously making a giant mess by resting spoons on my stove top between stirs of sauces and the like (a tiny kitchen has made me reluctant to even buy a spoon rest since it's just another item that stays out on the countertop), I realized that my sweet red and white tea cup saucers double as a spoon rest. Added bonus: I get to enjoy my seldom used, yet gorgeous, red and white saucers more frequently.
Baked by Melissa mini cupcakes Ok, I was going to let this one pass by since I tend to write about cupcakes a lot. But I scored a freebie box of BbM cupcakes a few weeks ago (thanks, L!) and enjoyed them immensely during a girls night at my sister Kimberly's Brooklyn apartment. Of course, I already gave these little guys a glowing review, and yes, they're still just as delish the second time around.

So what do you think? What did you thoroughly enjoy over the last month? Any new found favorites? Share 'em in comments!

Psst...Missed last month's favorites? Check out my January Faves here.