Mad Men Monday

Photo via AMC via Jordin Althaus

Spoiler Alert: Mad Men, Season 6, Episode 4

Find a full recap here.

Yesterday was busy, so I'm doing a belated Mad Men Monday!

While I got my wish for more Joan, this was a rather slow week on Mad Men. Joan, who is officially a 5% partner at SCDP, confessed to her friend Kate that she's still treated like a secretary. (How sad is it that she had to sleep her way into the partnership in the first place?) But as Kate replied, "I don't care how they make you feel...it's right in front of you for the taking." Thought: Let's change the show to Mad Women. Get rid of scumbags like Don, Roger, and Peter; bring back Peggy; and teach Dawn to copyright. I'm loving the "girl power" direction this season is taking.

Once again, Megan and Don's story got me all heated up this week. After receiving an assignment to act out a love scene (read: kissing) on her show, Megan brought it up to Don. He seemed more annoyed than upset or jealous, giving Megan a passive aggressive congratulations, "I guess if I wasn't your husband, I would be happy for you." On the day of the shoot, Don showed up to watch--his first visit to the set-- making Megan incredibly uncomfortable. After an argument, Don stormed out and landed directly in the bed of his mistress Sylvia. What a hypocrite! Don is definitely losing his luster this season.

Alright, how about some Betty next week?

Mad Men Monday

Photo via AMC

Photo via AMC

Spoiler Alert: Mad Men, Season 6, Episode 3

Find a full recap here.

Even though I missed my girls Betty, Joan, and Sally this week, some serious Mad Men s#%t  hit the fan! Three thoughts on episode three...

Although he claims he "doesn't want to do it anymore," Don is still carrying on an affair with his neighbor's wife, Sylvia. For some reason it feels different now that he's with Megan than it did when he was with Betty. While I've murmured the word "scumbag" through most of Don's affairs, it was somehow more entertaining when he was with Betty. Yes, Betty could be a cold-hearted witch at times and she didn't deserve to be cheated on; Don just seemed more suave, debonair, and daring when he strayed from Betty. Now he comes across guilty, addicted, and depressed. Up until now, Don seemed to hold a respect for Megan that never existed with Betty. His reaction to her confession about the miscarriage was surprisingly subdued. I have a feeling that this will end badly.

Pete Campbell finally got what's been coming to him for years. His uptown affair with a suburban neighbor, Brenda, was revealed after she grew a conscience and told her husband. The severely beaten woman arrived at Pete and Trudy's house screaming for help. Trudy, being the nice person she is, offered to drive the woman to a hotel. Apparently the mistress confessed again because the next morning Trudy announced that Pete's philandering days are over. The moment that shocked me most was when Trudy admitted she had been aware of Pete's promiscuity for a while but expected him to be discreet about it! I think we're about to see a new, fiercer side of Miss Trudy.

Peggy is by far the most interesting and surprising character so far this season. After her unexpected move to CGC and her rise to "leader of the pack," Peggy still seems to be struggling with communication skills. Her awkward attempt at discouraging--while encouraging-- her copywriters was incredibly uncomfortable. Former SCDP co-worker, Stan, told her that Heinz ketchup is shopping for a new agency, a detail that Peggy then accidentally leaked to her new boss Ted, who promptly turned around and asked her to work on a bid. This will not end well for Stan.

While this episode was rather slow compared to most, I feel that a lot of awesome twists and turns are just around the corner. The women seem to be taking on a new independent and controlling role as their men fall like dominoes around them. 

First Harvest

Last month I planted some spinach and lettuce--my first attempt! They're growing like crazy. Last weekend I used my first harvest to make a fresh salad with EVOO, vinegar, garlic, and pepper. I'm very excited to try growing some more veggies now that the frost seems to have passed. What are you growing this season?

Mad Men Monday

Photo via AMC / Frank Ockenfels

Photo via AMC / Frank Ockenfels

Photo via AMC / Frank Ockenfels

Spoiler Alert: Mad Men, Season 6, Episode 1-2

Oh. my. gosh. They're back! My favorite Mad Men (and Women) graced the screen last night for two hours in the season six premier. It was heaven! Last week I re-watched season five and felt caught up and prepared, but I was wrong. Parts of episode one confused, surprised, amused, and even frustrated me. That's what I love about this show--the EMOTION! This season, for Mad Men Mondays, I'm not going to give complete recap of the episode, but plan to touch on certain points that seem significant. Here goes!

Find a full episode recap here.

If "are you alone" was the closing question for the final episode of season five, then "who are you" seems to be the opening theme for Season 6. And wow, who ARE these season six people?

Setting: New Year's Eve, 1967 (going into 1968)

For Don, old habits die hard...and I'm not talking about smoking. After a romantic and seemingly relaxing Hawaiian vacation/work trip with Megan, Don seemed distracted and not himself, hearing ocean waves while gazing out his office window. Perhaps it was the random run-in with the veteran? The weed smoking? Death was a frequent topic in this episode, beginning when Megan and Don witnessed their doorman collapsing in the lobby (he was resuscitated by a resident doctor). I was surprised, yet not surprised, to find Don in bed with the doctor's wife (Linda Cardellini from Freaks & Geeks) at the end of this episode (sigh, Don!). Prediction: Don and Joan will hook up.

Megan, however, seems in high spirits now that she's landed a role in a TV show. I'm interested to see where her character is headed this season. Will she stay oblivious to Don's promiscuity or put him in his place? Prediction: Megan will outgrow Don.

Peggy. is. awesome. and going strong at CGC. She has no problem keeping her ad men in line, yet,  seems unsure how to lead without being bossy and rude. Working on New Years's Eve Peggy? Really? In usual Peggy fashion she pulled the advertising rabbit out of her hat at the last moment, saving the day. Prediction: Peggy will hook up with her new boss, Ted Chaough.

Roger Sterling is a mess. He seems impenetrable to his therapist and "feels nothing" as he says. He responded to news of his mother's death with nonchalance and threw an embarrassing at tantrum at her funeral. At the end of the episode he broke down, crying uncontrollably after learning that his shoe shiner George passed away and his family left his kit to Roger. Prediction: He will become a father figure to Joan's baby.

And last but not least, Betty. Oh, Betty. Last season we saw too little of her and now I fear there's going to be too much. Her accusation of husband Henry's affection for Sally's friend Sandy quickly turned into a cringeworthy jawdropper as she jokingly suggested (in detail) that he should rape the 15-year-old. After being rejected from Julliard, Sandy runs away in seek of a "beautiful" life in NYC Village squatter slums. Betty, aware of her intentions, sets off to find Sandy and ends up spending time with several runaways. One in particular tells Betty that he cares as little about her life and she does his. Finally, we see Betty turn Brunette at the end of the episode. Prediction: Betty will experiment with "free love" this season.

Random notes: (a) Ginsberg, Abe, and Stan--nice facial hair! (b) Wish I could have still shots of Don lighting his cigarette by the window in his office during the photo shoot and the last shot of him in the snow (gave me chills), and (c) We need more Joan!

Weekend Shots

What a wonderful St. Patty's weekend! I celebrated with an early birthday party from my family since I  won't get to see them on my actual birthday. My Mammol had a super cute and festive St. Patty's set-up! She and my mom painstakingly made me some iced petit-four cake bites and they were delicious. We paired it with Graeters mint choco chip (OMG good) and some lime sherbert. Love spending time with my family!

Next I headed to a local Irish Festival to hang with one of my best buds, Jessica. It was bittersweet as we remembered and celebrated the life of her father, Dave. He truly loved St. Patty's Day and was absolutely there in spirit.

Atlanta Hyatt

The Hyatt Atlanta (est. 1967) is a beautiful and historic hotel I visited last week. Jim Morrison called the elevators "Victorian rocket ships"-- an appropriate and creative description. A recent renovation created an ideal blend of vintage and modern design. Music-inspired photography and artwork decorate lobby walls and range from close-ups of guitar pics and record collections to abstract art inspired by the Allman Brothers. Hotel bar Twenty-Two Storys (the height of the hotel) features dark woods and a make-your-own burger menu (try the falafel!). For breakfast at hotel restaurant Sway, I had a mushroom/goat cheese/spinach omelet, homemade tomatillo salsa, and an amazing cup of grits with cheese. Love this hotel!

Pizza + Beer = Awesome

Last weekend, Mom and I attended the premier pizza and beer pairing event hosted by Pure Pizza. I've raved about this awesome establishment before, but as a reminder, Pure Pizza is housed in the 7th Street Public Market, and makes pizzas with as much local and organic ingredients as possible. As an added plus, they use sprouted grains in the pizza crust, and even offer a gluten free option. Triple C Brewing Company provided the beer for this fabulous event, and I can't say enough good things about both businesses. 

Guests were allowed to choose their own seats; Pure Pizza staff set up some adorable tables with mason jars full of cucumber water and plenty of tasting glasses for the beer. They upcycled old tomato cans (large) and used them as pizza stands (creative!)

The beer was served generously throughout the event--pitcher style. We started light and worked our way up to the darks. My absolute favorite is Triple C's Smoked Amber. The menu went like this: (appetizer) thin and crispy garlic breadsticks with marinara and Golden Boy Ale, (salad) local arugula with parmesan and hot peppers, (pizza #1) chicken, hummus, roasted red peppers, onion, and tzaziki sauce and Light Rail Pale Ale -- Note: Pure Pizza was very hospitable and made me a vegetarian version of both pizzas, (pizza #2) steak, potatoes, rosemary, onion, and alfredo sauce with Smoked Amber -- Note: OMG this was good, (dessert) chocolate panna cotta with mint and raspberry and Up All Night Breakfast Porter. Needless to say, we left feeling completely stuffed! This event was so fun, and the company was even better. Peter Reinhart, chef, pizza connesiuer, and co-owner of Pure Pizza, made an appearance to introduce the food. Cheers!

Fresh Starts

List-making keeps me organized and sane. If I tried to remember all the bits and pieces running around my head I'd go crazy! I always keep a small notebook in my purse and this week I started a new one. There's something so satisfying about a fresh notebook. I fancied up the cover and filled the first page up with the week's to dos.

Weekend Nostalgia

My weekend was brightened by the arrival of Abby, a best friend from college. We ate, laughed, gabbed, gossiped, and watched the entire first season of Girls. It was much needed girly time!

Brewskies at Triple C! Smoked Amber is my favorite.

Sweet treats at Amelie's French Bakery. I had a cinnamon macaroon with chocolate filling and a chocolate raspberry petit four. Amazing!

Stopped by the Rat's Nest, a quirky thrift shop. This giant doll disturbs me...

Valentine Flashback

Valentine's Day brought visiting friends en route to NYC. We had a big group dinner and some delicious eclair and macaroons from Amelie's. They were perfectly sweet, buttery, and creamy with killer ganache (on the eclair). 

Lunch was at Berrybrook Farm, the first natural foods store in Charlotte. They have a completely vegetarian menu and juice bar...my dream menu! It's a walk-up counter with to-go food only, so a friend and I had lunch outside on a porch swing. The veggie chili was spicy and warm, perfect for a sunny yet chili winter picnic. I paired it with a grilled cheese on sprouted grain bread. The store has so many interesting natural products, I hope to spend more time exploring during my next visit. 

My thoughtful husband surprised me with a bouquet of blue-tipped hydrangeas (my wedding flower) and roses! Hydrangeas are so delicate and dreamy. Saturday was snowy--a big fluffy beautiful surprise. Alas, it was farmer's market weekend, so we bundled up and braved the cold for some fresh veggies and homemade-that-morning melt in your mouth donuts. A bunch of farmer's market kale inspired me to try a recipe I've been eyeing, the Raw Tuscan Kale Salad, from 101 Cookbooks. Fresh kale tossed with olive oil, cheese, garlic, salt and pepper, and breadcrumbs (made from farmer's market bread by the way); this salad is simple, yet filling, and paired wonderfully with baked maple salmon. 

What a delicious weekend! 

Back to Cali: The Food (Part 2)

Well, it happened. I hit another winner in my eternal quest for the most delicious pizza on the planet. Michael's Pizzeria in Long Beach will now join the ranks of Serious Pie (Seattle), Domenica (New Orleans), and Cibo (Phoenix). According to their website, Michael's is ranked the #1 pizza in Los Angeles. Owner Michael Dene opened Michel's on Naples (fine dining, Italian) several years ago. In 2010, He got tired of having disappointing pizza, and decided to open his own pizzeria! Michael's is a small restaurant with BIG flavor. They bake Naples-style pizza in a wood fired oven and offer homemade sauce, cheese, and sausage among other toppings. The pizza is served with a fork and knife--the way they do it in Naples--with slicing by request. Bite by bite I savored my exquisite margherita pizza topped with arugula, paired with Mama's Little Yellow Pils (yum), and drifted off into a pizza trance. I would go back to Long Beach solely to visit Michael's Pizzeria. 

They make their own gelato and serve it in a chilled goblet...chocolate, yum!

Back to Cali: The Food (Part 1)

Overall, the food in our vicinity of Long Beach was nothing spectacular. It wasn't BAD, it just didn't blow my taste buds out of the water like I prefer. Since my trip to New Orleans last summer, nothing seems to compare food-wise. However, there were some definite diamonds in the rough...

Berlin Coffeehouse is very hip and welcoming. Warm woods decorate the modern industrial interior along with quirky accessories like succulents planted in upcycled dishes. Bonus points, it's attached to Fingerprints Music, an AWESOME store with tons of rare music finds on CD and vinyl, interesting books, and fun cards and toys. Since I was up at the crack of dawn (body was still on East coast time) I headed to Berlin about 7:30 am for breakfast. My veggie bagel (hummus, avocado, cheese, sprouts, tomato, and onion) was delicious and tasted magnificently fresh. Paired with a well-brewed iced coffee/soy milk, it was by far my favorite breakfast on the trip.

Second favorite breakfast? Fresh fruit! The great thing about California is that so many foods are local and fresh. Each morning our attendees were greeted by a full continental breakfast. The pineapple and watermelon were perfectly juicy and sweet; I treated myself to a big stack of fruity goodness each morning.

Each afternoon, during that 3 pm lull time when everyone is hanging on by a thread, we surprised our attendees with some sort of snack. This make-your-own trail mix bar received by far the most complements of anything we've ever done! Choices included: walnuts, pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts, white and dark chocolate mini chips, M&Ms, raisins, dried cherries, apricots, papaya, and pineapple. Everyone had so much fun making their own mix! This would be a great idea for a party.

After a long day at work there's nothing like an ice cold schooner of Bud Light to calm the nerves. And waterside nonetheless! We enjoyed beer and tacos during happy hour at local restaurant Tequila Jack's. Their homemade salsas, corn pudding, and veggie tacos were delicious!

One afternoon we ventured out to the Belmont Shore neighborhood. It's so adorable! The streets are bustling with people and pups; cute shops and creative restaurants dot the street. I absolutely loved this sweet flower shop. While we were walking around I spotted an orange tree in someone's yard! Oh how I wanted to sneak up and pick one! It would be amazing to have an orange, lemon, and avocado tree in the yard. Sadly, I couldn't get a decent photo, but we saw bright green parakeets (or some type of birds of paradise) fluttering among the tops of tall palm trees along the street.

Lunch at Simmzy's was delicious and one of my favorite meals in Long Beach. Simmzy's Pub has some serious personality and boasts a huge variety of craft beers. The beautiful woods and industrial design reminded me of Berlin Coffeehouse. The place was packed, but we were lucky to squeeze in a bar along the back wall...in front of a kitchen window! Excuse my language, but it was absolute food porn for me. I was almost drooling and wanted everything that came out of the kitchen! Watching the chefs and expediters was a treat and it was seriously impressive how organized the tiny kitchen is. For lunch I had the vegetarian Whole Grain Jane burger, a blend of quinoa/farro/tofu with apple slaw, avocado puree, and cheddar on a ciabatta roll. It was delicious and tangy, but a little messy. I turned it into a fork and knife sandwich! On the side we shared shoestring fries served with homemade blue cheese, ketchup, and a special fry aioli. I paired it with a Mad River Brewing Company - Jamaican Red Ale (yum) and stuffed myself with goodness. After lunch we strolled along the beach walkway for 3.5 miles back to the hotel. I was still full. 

Back to Cali: The Setting

Remember my trip to Long Beach, CA last October? Last week I went back to manage the conference I was planning. Flying away from chilly 30-degree East coast weather to sunny 70-degree breezy California sunshine was a major mood booster! Long Beach definitely isn't the type of beach I'm used to; it's a big bustling city right by the sea, oil rigs dot the horizon off the shores, and a big shipping dock (with giant giraffe-like cranes) looms directly beside the shoreline. The water is cold, but beautiful, and has almost no waves due to a break wall built in 1949 to thwart submarines and torpedoes during WWII (random fact). A sidewalk stretches for miles along the beach, giving way to roller bladers, walkers, runners, bikers, and all sorts of interesting beach transportation. I was brave and took my Canon 60D with me (eek); I'm always afraid of something happening to it, but always regret not having it! First up, some shots of the beautiful scenery. Next Cali post covers my favorite subject...food!

Got the hubs to take a shot of me at the marina...ahh sunshine!

This Week

I've been obsessed with these beet hummus collard wraps this week. They are so flavorful and delicious! My favorite combo is: collard leaf + hummus + avocado + sprouts + a bit of Bubbies sauerkraut. It was my first attempt at hummus and I was surprised at how easy it is! Recipe from Food Babe.

LOVING this cabbage bouquet I got at the farmer's market last weekend!

The frigid air lately is just too cold for Murphy in the mornings. I've been warming the car up and also warming a towel in the drier to wrap him in. Yes, I'm nuts! Happy weekend!