New Favorite Places

If you ever find yourself in Chicago and want to avoid the tourist trail, I'd love to give you recommendations. Here are a couple nearly free options to get you started:

Logan Hardware:

"Logan Hardware is a record store and vintage arcade museum located in the Logan Square Neighborhood.  

A collection of historic games that are FREE to play! 

Your patronage of the store helps us keep the Museum free and functioning."

Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities:

"In addition to being the coolest store on the planet, we are also a curiosity cabinet of items resurrected from the past. A motionless zoo & touchable museum, we specialize in antique & vintage: specimens, taxidermy, art, medical doodads, atypical collectibles, unusual objects, & strange whatchamacallits."

Birthday Outfit

Dress: A very rare mall purchase! Divided by H&M, $20

Sweater: "Vintage Brooke", pushing ten years in my wardrobe! At this point, I'm calling it "free"

Necklace:  Statement necklace bought from 1st Class Finds, $4.00

Stockings: Gifted by Jake's mom, who has never seen me wear pants, free

Shoes: Grey pumps, not shown and bought new for a job interview, $15.00

Handsome Fella: Wearing all vintage (except the tasseled loafers, a gift from my mom) and constantly complaining about needing a hair cut, free but lookin' like a million bucks

Approximate Total: $39.00 (Whew! that's pricey in my book!)

As I've mentioned, I had a birthday last week. Among many really special gifts, I received The Boss's first ever piece of art (a lovely abstract, finger paint on canvas) and a couple of pitch-perfect vintage scarves from my boo. 

After a day at work, I was escorted by the handsome man above to play unlimited free pinball at Logan Hardware, have some whiskey at the dive-y Bob Inn, and indulge in amazing tapas at The Girl and the Goat, run by Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard. He sure knows how to treat me well. 

The whole night was sponsored by Templeton Rye, made in Iowa and oh-so delicious.

Pinhole Press

If you ever visit A Cup of Jo, what I'm about to share with you will be no secret.

A lot of my gift-giving this past holiday season was done with the help of a small internet business, Pinhole Press. They offer sleek, contemporary photo gifts that are very high quality for reasonable prices. Their products are LIGHT YEARS ahead of the mugs and mouse pads you find at drugstores.

From all of the photos from my Long Island excursion, I chose my favorite 68 and made a soft cover photo book each for my mom, grandfather, and aunt. Of course, I didn't bother to photograph the books before I sent them to their new homes. Shame! The books made my photos look beautiful and professional. It's easy to pretend you've had your work published into a coffee table book with Pinhole Press.

For Jake, who had decided we should only exchange gifts we'd made (yeah, I cheated!), I chose a larger hardcover book template and filled it with almost 100 of my favorite photos from our six months here in Chicago. For an extra special touch, I wrote notes here and there throughout the book so we could remember the silly little details years down the road.

I can't wait to save my pennies (and photos!) and fill a whole shelf with books from Pinhole Press.

Happy weekend! What are your plans? I'll be...

...hosting my mom! Hopefully doing a little shopping, holiday decorating, and eating.

...working my way through a growler of Chub Step from Half Acre. In case you're worried, the beer is much better than the music it's named after.

...hitting up two different art shows by two different friends, Shape. Shift. Substitute. and another here as part of this.

...trying to make my way through this vegan feast I "accidentally" bought last night:

Hummus with Chickpea Flour (besan)

As a huge fan of hummus, I've tried probably a dozen times to make a good, smooth batch at home. Maybe it's my food processor's fault, but my attempts are always grainy and speckled with chunks of canned chickpeas.

With this dilemma, paired with my distaste for using anything from a tin can, I experimented with hummus made from chickpea flour (besan). Results: delicious, smooth, and creamy.

Besan Hummus

Recipe adapted from this one

2 1/2 cups water

3/4 cup chickpea flour (Garbanzo)

2-5 garlic cloves, to taste

1/2 tsp salt

1 lemon, juice of

1/4 cup tahini

2 TBS olive oil

1/4 tsp cumin, ground*

1/4 tsp cayenne*

*optional

1. Gradually add the water to the chickpea flour in a cold saucepan, whisking until mixed as well as you can (there may be some lumps). It will seem runny and peculiar--that's okay!

2. Bring the flour and water mixture up to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. You'll notice that it begins to thicken.

3. After 10 or 15 minutes, you should reach a thick pudding consistency. Turn off the heat, let the mixture come to room temperature. Continue to stir ocassionally.

4. Once cooled, add besan mixture to your food processor. Add all other remaining ingredients. Blend well, until you are pleased with the consistency. It may still seem a bit runny, but will continue to get thicker.

5. Transfer to a storage container and allow to cool in the refrigerator for about an hour to fully set and thicken. Serve as you please, with your favorite dippers or sandwich. I prefer to top my with olive oil and sumac, and use pitas to dip. Happy eating!

A few notes about finding ingredients:

Chickpea flour/besan is easily found in any Middle Eastern or Indian grocery, for CHEAP. I purchased my 4lb bag from Sanabel for just $4.00. It seems versatile, and I look forward to using the healthy flour for many new recipes. Buy your tahini and olive oil there, while you're at it.

Middle Eastern groceries--typically family owned-- are a wonderful resource, when on a budget or feeling adventurous. Load up on spices and nuts! While at Sanabel, I also found a 12oz bag of natural, raw almonds for $3.50. That feels a little like stealing, frankly, as I'm familiar with paying twice as much for half as many at grocery and health food stores.

At the Middle Eastern Bakery and Grocery, we purchased these six spices and sauces, two large bags of fresh baked pitas, 1/2 pound of fresh feta, and six fresh baked spinach pies (entree sized) for $35.00. I'm not sure you could buy just the chia seeds and fresh block of feta for $35.00 at Whole Foods.

I can't wait to go back and get some baklava.

(PS I am trying to clean up the look of my blog. I don't get along with Photoshop very well, so my banner has been a challenge...be patient with its appearance!)

Thursday!

By the grace of my new employers--and Jake's unemployers--the two of us have had our first full week in Chicago off to do as we please. We've tried to diligently spend our time wisely. Jake has been job searching while I arrange the house and unload my bottomless boxes of craft supplies. Today we rewarded our hard work at home with an afternoon out in our neighborhood, Lincoln Square (we actually ride the line between Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, and North Center, which is a fantastic line to ride).

Testing out a possible spot for consistent photos in today's adventuring outfit: thrifted skirt and tee with a gifted necklace.

After a responsible errand to the bank to start up my Big City Checking Account, we headed to Merz Apothecary (est. 1875!). The long, slender store is PACKED with everything natural and good smelling. Natural supplements to cure all ailments! Organic beauty products! Jars full of healthy herbal teas! Prices range from the affordable to the extraordinary, and the shop will definitely be my first stop for my next paraben- and aluminum-free deodorant, facial moisturizer, natural toothpaste, and silicon-free conditioner for my upcoming no-poo experiment.

Photo courtesy of Merz Apothecary.

The EL's brown line is conveniently located in the square, so we hopped on for a 10 minute ride to Belmont for a visit to Kickstand, a delicious and bare-bones coffee bar in Boystown. They use a La Marzocco GB5! With a Mazzer Robur! These are the machines of my beloved home coffee shop! Nothing, I am convinced, will ever compare to what comes out of Brewed Awakening's machine, but Kickstand got damn close.

Photo courtesy of Kickstand's website.

After a little wandering up and down Belmont, we snagged the train back to Lincoln and hit up Gene's Sausage Shop. Gene's is a two-story gourmet market and deli, with a counter full of well-priced grass fed beef and lots of local beers. We snagged two sirloin tips, a bottle of local apple pear cider, a jar of horseradish, and a lemon for $15. Daaaang that's cheap! Living in a city where high quality food is expected has its monetary rewards. The higher demand here has definitely cut their costs, where Iowan grocery stores seem to drive prices up to likely cover for unsold products. 

Our day's wares: Onions $2/bundle, sour cherries $5/quart, grass-fed sirloin $5.00/lb, horseradish $1.29, Raw milk cheddar and hand-rolled butter $10 total, lemon 69cents, cilantro plant (not pictured) $1.

And the best part! Just a block away from Gene's is our local farmer's market. It's small but carries anything you'd need: fruit and veggies, homemade breads and pastries, local raw cheese, organic meats, and sauces/granolas/dips. We snagged hand-rolled butter, raw aged cheddar cheese spread, three beautiful knobby onions, a quart of sour Michigan cherries, and a cilantro plant for $18! Next week we'll definitely wait to buy our produce and meats from the market, which begins conveniently when I get off work and is located literally next to my train stop. MmmMmmMmm.

A view of the market. The "skywalk" pictured in the photo is my train stop. MMM convenience.

Tomorrow I plan to swing by the craft store across the street and stock up on cheap fake flowers to adorn my cruiser in preparation for Saturday's Tour de Fat!

Wassup, B?

Wishful dressing works! The past two days have been over 40 degrees here, and the forecast is due to slowly creep up to 60 by Thursday. Iowa can be brutal, but waiting will inevitably bring you the occasional unseasonal weather. Here I am acting foolish and not wearing a coat in the 35-degree weather:

Enjoying the fact that there is ground space not wet, icy, or snow-covered.

Outfit seemingly inspired by Carissa.

Dress: My favorite and most-complimented dress. So comfortable. Vintage, $5.00

Cardigan: Handed down by my mom after an accidental shrink in the dryer, free

Belt: Thrifted, $.25

Earring: Upcycled from old jewelry, seen here, free

Socks: Target, $1.75

Shoes: Thrifted work (read:filthy) Keds, bought by my boo, free

Sunglasses: Douche-y, but it was legitimately bright. Vintage, purchased at Thrift Mart (my favorite day of the year!), $.25

Approximate Total: $7.25

Rather than gather at one of our usual drinking establishments, we (the crew) collectively decided to leave the success/raucousness of Friday's PROM! be and enjoy a quiet Saturday and Sunday. I spent my Saturday afternoon working with housemate Brandon, who was miserably stuffed up. I offered him some natural tips for relief. Witness:

Ingredients: a quarter tablespoon of "wasabi" paste and a whole lotta gumption.

Results: Major discomfort, but about 30 minutes of intense and immediate relief.

 Saturday evening, Jake and I had our Lincoln's-Birthday-Not-Valentine's-Day Date. If you ever want to take me out on the best! date! ever!*, I recommend you follow suit: Super burgers and cheeseballs at the Starlite Room, an hour of pinball at the local dive bowling alley, at least an hour in the store in quest for the perfect snacks, and way too much candy while watching way too much Party Down in our jammies. Swoon.

A handsome fellow posing in front of the Local Bowler's Hall of Fame. I'm a little concerned about Mr. Bottom Left.

 Can I just brag for a moment and say I earned 22 million points in JUST ONE TURN, and replay was 31 million on the Sopranos pinball game? Sure, I blew it and basically scratched my final two turns...but still! I grew up with a machine in my home and was raised by my dad to be a pinball wizard, touring the area for the best machines. It's one of many fun things my dad and I would do on "father/daughter days," my favorite days.

Do you know of any pinball machines open for public play in the Cedar Rapids area? Hit me up! They're tough to find these days. I'd love to make a database/locator!

*Just kidding, I am kinda-sorta-totally life partners with that guy up there. But I will gladly accept those activities under the (metaphorical) blanket of friendship!

HOT Mess of a Jess

This weekend was exceptionally good to me! I had a day off on Friday, and the sun was shining bright. Nothing motivates me better than a good dose of sunshine. After sleeping in, I tackled chores at a leisurely, day-off pace. Recycling was driven to the local center, I kept the sewing machine busy, tidied up...I find the more responsible and adult I act, the more I enjoy my free time. Doing dishes and vacuuming makes me happy!? That's messed up.

I rewarded myself for a day off well-done with food and friends at my "comfort restaurant," the Tic Toc, way too much candy, and a movie with Jake (who spent 4.5 hours fixing my car's shocks in my mom's garage...I guess having a car savvy boyfriend is a money saving tip...). We watched Easy A, which was significantly better than the average high school romantic comedy while still being a kind-of average high school romantic comedy.

Friday's outfit. Outtake photo face chosen for your pleasure.

Top:  Originally Old Navy (purchased about 4 years ago), appliqued to cover some holes and stains, $7.00

Skirt: Thrifted, cut, and re-hemmed. This was my first-ever experiment with using binding to finish off a hem. $2.00

Belt: Borrowed from a thrifted, gifted dress

Tights: Betsy Johnson, $3.00

Shoes: Not pictured, I wore white leather, high-top Keds, thrifted, $4.38

Approximate Total: $17.00 

Blue and purple placed so daintily in my hair by Kelsey at the Fix Salon here in Cedar Rapids. Kelsey uses Goldwell color (ammonia free and gentle on your hair) and has a real kack for putting in fun colors without making you look too "Hot Topic." I love it!

Saturday evening was devoted to Jessica, whose birthday falls right in the middle of the birth-dense month of January. Jessica has been a friend of mine for a couple years now, and an especially good friend recently. She is someone who grows more admirable every day, realizing and chasing her potential with serious momentum. Jess has her fingers deep in some of my favorite issues: the locavore movement, feminism, and general compassion for our people, our world, and all of its living things. Published and on a lecture circuit one day, I can't wait to be the friend giggling in the audience because I know why she army crawled that one time or how she makes use of the sports mode on her camera. Still, I will buy 100 copies of her book and make her sign every single one...and I won't even sell them on ebay. 

What a gal. Let's add the fact that she is one of the most classically beautiful people I've ever met, can sing like a diva, and has next to no shame. She's a keeper!

The birthday girl wearing her gift from Ramona to one of our favorite karaoke bars.

My own romper, worn in Jess' honor.

Romper: Vintage dress altered into a one-piece that fits my torso, $4.00

Belt: Thrifted, $1.00

Tights: Betsy Johnson, $3.00

Shoes: Black cowboy boots, free dollars

Earring: Single gold chain with heart, made from upcycled materials, $.50

Approximate Outfit Total: $8.50

I made this earring out of two old necklaces and a earring hook. I wanted an earring that dangled longer than my hair. I love it!

Mona wore this "expensive" thrifted gem ($7.00 in Canada) to her Roller Derby Black & Blue Ball, then met up with us. This girl looks better in stretch velvet than should be legal.

 Jessica began a new tradition this year of making a birthday speech addressed to each of her friends individually, detailing her feelings for us and making us generally emotional. If you plan on getting married, I suggest you rent Jessica to be your maid of honor--the girl was built for giving sappy speeches. She'll look great in your photos, too.

I have to say, though, there was one thing (and just one thing!) lacking from Jessica's speech addressed to me. Fortunately a neighbor strolling by as I unloaded groceries today picked up her slack.

"Girl, you have an ass that shows the sunshine!" And then he bid me a good day and went along his merry way, happy just to share a compliment with a stranger.

It was a really good weekend.

Smudging the Awkwards

"Even though you got part of it at Urban Outfitters, your outfit was ROCKIN'! -B (the other one)" Note left on my apartment door by my co-worker, house-mate, and buddy Brandon. He is oh-so-sweet and terribly handsome, ladies! I cannot for the life of me get this to publish the right way...so I'll have to try again later.

I cleaned the eff out of my kitchen tonight. Tackled the avoided recycling pile, moved things and scrubbed off the who-knows-what-it-was sludge underneath them, and soaked my stove grates in All Natural Borax. 

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm trying to beat those winter doldrums--the doldrums that manifest as a serious case of the awkwards. Completing tasks that show immediate results is my number one combatant against a bad case of bummers. Next time you feel down, I challenge you to clean or organize something. Pick a small, easily accomplished task like a load of dishes or scrubbing your tub. Organize the pile that's on top of your coffee table. Don't bite off more than you can chew for the time you have, nor choose something that will discourage you halfway through (some cleaning projects seem to get worse before they get better, like organizing a closet). SEE? Doesn't that feel better?

Frolicking/acting a fool in my freshly cleaned kitchen. That weird bump on my hip is from the pocket.

Top: Urban Outfitters, bought in San Francisco when I was 16, $12.00

Skirt: Grey corduroy, thrifted and rehemmed and shaped, $2.00

Belt: Borrowed from another dress

Tights: Betsy Johnson, $3.00

Socks: Christmas gift from the boy's momma

Necklace: Gift from Carissa of Luxe Debris

Shoes: Justin's, $4.38

Approximate Total: $22.00

I've got a lot to say about the place I bought this shirt ten years ago. This isn't the place to say it (if for no reason than to avoid libel). What I will say is that since I was 16, I have obviously realized the necessity to avoid being a consumer of the mass-produced, and spending my money outside of the community. Still, if I were to throw the shirt out on principle, that money would have been spent in vain. It's too late to do anything about it, so I may as well get every last cent's worth. If you ever want to have a chat with me about Urban Outfitters, I'll bring the coffee if you bring the snacks.

This is a smudge stick, just dried sage bundled together to be burned like incense. I got mine for cheap ($3.50) at The Wishing Realm.

I smudged my space for the first time tonight. A bundle of sage and a brain full of empowering thoughts and positive goals to cleanse and renew. Surely there are various ways to do this, but my process was to slowly follow the perimeter of my apartment while blowing on the sage and focusing deeply only on the smoke and my thoughts. This is the time in my life that I make good on the promises I make to myself. Negative feelings are only motivation to try harder. My energy will be devoted to being a better person, a better friend, a better family member, and a better member of my community. Say all you want about the hippie-dippie, crystal-humping stigma behind a practice like this, it is never a bad idea to take five minutes to focus on your priorities and goals. 

Besides, what can it hurt? 

And it smells good.

Buying new

Last week, I did something I rarely do. Something I am feeling oh so guilty about. While on a run to Target for various sundries*, I caved and bought the black jeans I wore today. They were on clearance! And they're (embarrassingly) the first pair of black jeans I have owned since I was probably 14. Why do I feel so much guilt? I try my hardest to keep my wardrobe as close to 100% second-hand as possible. This reduces supply, demand, and waste while encouraging clothing creativity. The thrift exceptions are undergarments and--apparently--jeans. My odd shape (smaller waist, extra hip, minimal leg) makes it nearly impossible to find thrifted pants. 95% is still making a pretty big dent in my little chunk of Iowa, I hope.

Skirts and dresses are my defaults in the morning. They're comfortable, simple, and quick. It's a cop-out to dressing cute, really. Grab a pair of tights and a dress, and the hardest decision is what belt to wear. BAM! Lookin' cute. Good shirts are a tough find for me, my torso is freakishly long and creates belly-baring issues for a girl who is in no position to be belly-baring for multiple reasons. Most notably unprofessionalism and jiggly-ism. As a thrifter, it's difficult to find shirts long enough to meet my pant waistlines, but easy to find high-waisted skirts to compromise. Thus, a heart-on for skirts, and a disdain for pants. Today I put the effort into a jeans outfit, and the result is an ensemble significantly more expensive than usual.

Why didn't I wear a loosened tie or scarf with this!?

Top: Home-sewn bicycle knit tunic, thrifted $1.00
Jacket: A button-up shirt from Old Navy that I've had for probably 5 years, $8-ish 
Belt: Sash borrowed from a vintage summer dress
Necklace: Owl face with blue rhinestone eyes, a gift from Carissa (notice a theme? She's probably the most generous and thoughtful lady I know!)
Jeans: Target, $13.00
Shoes: Saddle shoes from Payless, bought 3 years ago when the only places selling adult sizes were Payless and ebay (for $80!). This was years before Urban Outfitters started carrying them. $13.00
Approximate Outfit Cost: $35

Shirt detail: These different bike scenes are actually knit into the fabric for a charm that rarely exists in new clothing.

*Please note that I favor shopping locally 100%! Unfortunately, Cedar Rapids lacks a small business general store to find sundries and the like. If you open one, I'll totally buy my conditioner from your shop!

Everlasting Birthday

Man, I have really perfected the art of the two-week birthday. Tonight was my final celebration, a delicious dinner at Cibo Fusion with my lovely Momma and boy. The most interesting thing I learned about my childhood tonight: Today, Cibo is in the old Denny's building. My mother and tiny tot Broke would frequently lunch at the Denny's to practice manners.  Napkins on the lap, "please," "thank you," and elbows off the table. I'm proud to report that Momma claims that, "apparently it worked." I'm polite! Excellent!

Can I tell you that their mushroom risotto was definitely the best rice to ever meet my mouth? Oh, man. And their whole menu is covered in my favorite flavors: olives, feta, cucumbers, hummus....MMMediterranean! I definitely practiced my manners tonight, but it is certainly no longer a Denny's.

Should'a worn my saddle shoes, for extra German Boarding School Student effect.

Jumper: Reconstructed long-pant overalls, $1.00 from Salvation Army...I'm going to shorten it another couple inches so it's more flattering

Tee: Target, $2.00 on clearance rack

Necklace: Gift from Carissa, made from a found key from Jake and other wonderful trinkets

Tights: A thousand years old, stained and ripped

Socks: Target, $2.00

Boots: Second-hand, FREE

Bangs: Perfectly, purposefully asymmetrical (trimmed myself yesterday)

Total Outfit Cost: Approximately $5.00

Don't you always want to feel like Stevie feels here?

Carissa helped extend my birthday by adding to my wooden placard collection. She handed it to me with a, "I don't even know if you like Stevie Wonder, but I thought it seemed like you should have it." Girrrl, I love Stevie Wonder! Life is so so good when your friends "get" you.  The confetti border reminds me an awful lot of the amazing Photoshopping Carissa did in this post. (Side note: she also challenges me to a Best of Maid Rite duel!)

Bathroom collection, dedicated to kittens, unicorns, and Jesus. And Wal-Mart family photos.

Today ended at craft night in the loveliest Liz's apartment. Her place is adorable, with tons of thrifted and found objects, lots of books, thick cats, and beautiful crafty women. I worked on some crochet necklaces-- Carissa-style--that all either turned out like tiny hammocks or hemp necklaces minus the wooden beads. Oh well. Let me know if you need a hammock for your next Miller High Life 40oz.

Carissa, crochet necklacing.

Oh, pretty ladiiiiiiies! Liz worked on a meticulously ribbed cowl, and Jessica worked on math homework (the most impressive craft of the evening!)

Deuce, one of the "thick cats," playing hide & go seek.

Weekending

I got hit with a double anti-blogging whammy the past few days. Feeling crummy and losing our internet connection. Psh.

I've been...

Eating delicious gnocchi handmade by Jake, paired with marinara I made this summer with my CSA veggies

Doing my body a favor and avoiding fried things and red meat after a two-week Birthday Food Extravaganza

Drinking a couple of whiskeys with my buddies at the Irish Democrat, and eating the lettuce off a friend's burger to avoid eating their AMAZING cheese wontons...I still ate two...which is better than 3 or 4 or 6...

Making my share of coffee, espresso, and awkward moments (sometimes simultaneously)

Tap dancing, running in place, doing sit-ups, and stretching in my living room to work up a sweat...I hear you calling, spring skirts!

Wearing these cat socks made of bamboo, a birthday gift from my dad. I love how the eyes peek out from the tops of my Justins!

Playing with glowsticks to "Sandstorm" for longer than is probably acceptable for not being on hallucinogens.

Wriggling around in all that foam with all those fools. In someone's dining room.

Wearing a thrifted summer cover-up tank, and doing some foam-inspired dance moves, The birthday boy made his own foam machine out of a trash can and shop vac!

Just hangin' out with Jake and Sushi Cat

Practicing (busted) keytar

The Tornado, an Introduction

Non sequitur: a wallet-sized photo we found beneath the glass at the Maid Rite last night. You gotta wonder: Are these people serious? Or hilarious?

Back in college, my buddies had a nickname for me. The Tornado.

Admittedly, it's pretty appropriate. As an only child, I've learned to live quietly within my own mind and am pretty disconnected with my surroundings. I don't notice slippery puddles or that giant thing in my way until it is too late and I am bruised or something is broken.

Oh well.

Workin' today, dressin' cute: blue v-neck, green vintage skirt that I restructured and appliqued (an aztec printed pocket), some tights and my Justins. WHOOPS, the Tornado was loose and I spilled an entire 16 ounces of steamed soy milk onto the skirt and boots.

Luckily boyfriend swooped in and brought me a pair of jeans and dry socks. This, THIS! is why white and fancy shoes are not allowed!

So instead of an outfit post, I'll share with you the earrings I wore today. These are leather, handcrafted by one of those Tornado-era college buddies. I love them so much I bought two pairs, and get at least 3 compliments every time I wear them. A round of applause for Emily at Rusty La Rue! You can find them for yourself at White Rabbit in Iowa City.



Dinner tonight was a belated birthday celebration with my dad at a classic-style supper club outside of Cedar Rapids, The Ced-Rel. Check out their website to see their old-timey motel aesthetics. I had mussels, tons of red wine, and a steak...boy, am I full'a meat! Time to cut back on the beef and wind down with a little Rack-O with the guy, a generous birthday gift from my amazing dad.