#i imagine while ben is no professional chef

[curespectra]

This actually could kinda work....but I'd like to add this to the table (as a child of divorced parents myself).

Have it, so no matter what, Ben and Kai still divorce. But each time Kenny keeps trying to change things, the straw that breaks the camel's back is different.

One return could be that they divorced because Kai accused Ben of putting hero work over spending time with her and especially Kenny. Missing one too many important events in Kenny's life. (Be it a sporting event or a school play, or even a concert)

While another return has it be the result of Ben feeling like Kai never has his (and Kenny's) back when her side of the family treats him like trash (either insulting is occupation, his personality, his intelligence level, his family, etcetera). Because every time they do so; Kai either acts like it didn't happen or she laughs along with these "good-hearted jabs." He handles it fine at first by not giving them the satisfaction they crave.

..... Until they start hurting Kenny just to get Ben to crack.

Everything he does always leads to Ben and Kai splitting up. Some timelines have Kai getting out of a loveless toxic relationship with Ben. Some have Ben getting out of a loveless toxic relationship with Kai. Many and I mean MANY, have the two simply falling out of (romantic) love and divorce amicably.

Kenny is distraught at first. No matter what he does.... his family is going to fall apart. He starts crying, breaking things like vases or lamps, tearing pillows,and shredding notebooks. Just to get things out of his system. It works a little, but he still feels like a failure. He couldn't save his parent's loving marriage.

That's when a slow clap is heard from behind Kenny after his breakdown. He turns to see Professor Paradox with a small smile on his face. Looking at all the huge mess Kenny made, all he says at first is, "Are you done yet?"

Kenny then gets furious again. Believing that Paradox is here to rub in that he can't fight fate and he has to stop trying to delay the inevitable outcome. And in a way; he is... but this time, Paradox decides to take a different approach. First thing he does is point out that no relationship is constantly perfect, and it's normal people fall out of romantic love. Kenny isn't moved by this, but he's at least listening. Paradox sees this, and then he says something along the lines of:

"Outside of the divorce, what did all of those changes have in common? Well, the answer is quite simple. Your parents still love you, and that will never change."

Kenny then goes back to all of those times that he altered the results and realizes what Paradox says is true. Ben and Kai love him. Lots of timelines involve them one way or another divorcing for his sake. Even the ones where they divorce amicably.

They won't be Husband and Wife anymore, but they'll always be Mom and Dad

With that realization; he decides to stop trying to force the "happy nuclear family" and be happy with the family he currently has.

(Which for my desire for Kenny to have a happy ending of sorts will be an amicable divorce timeline)

He goes home to find his father happily greeting him and asking him what he wants to order for dinner. With that question, he now knows that it's Friday. Which means he's going to see his mom tomorrow and spend the weekend with her. Ben sees that his son seems to be deep in thought and asks him if he's alright. Did his son have a bad day at school? Kenny snaps out of his thoughts and tells him that he's fine. He's just thinking about what kind of plans he should make with his mom.

Ben smiles and asks, "You looking forward to seeing her tomorrow?

Kenny smiles back and answers with, "Yeah, I really am."

Ya know while watching this video, in my head I was thinking why was Spanner (Ken) trying so hard to get Ben and Kai together. And then I came up with this headcanon/theory: Ben 10K and Kai are getting a divorce in the future. They have been bickering and arguing with each other for a long time and have not felt any love for each other since forever, these two felt like their relationship was falling apart and thought it was best to part ways. This can be pretty traumatizing and scary for a kid so that’s why he did everything in his power to make his parents stay together even if it meant going back in time before they got together. He hoped that forcing them to pair up in the past would fix their future.

Ken, well in this case, Spanner brings up their favorite snack and how they share it together maybe because it was something they did in the past before their relationship down hill. I know a child would do anything to keep their parents together (I knew I would). But even so you shouldn’t do something like that, it just might make matters worse. (Plus it felt very forced and unnecessary in the episode and no one liked that. 😬)

Another headcanon I have is that he tried to pair up his parents multiple times until Paradox stopped him, saying stuff like you shouldn’t mess with time like that and you might ripple something. Ken feels frustrated, hopeless, and devastated that his parents will eventually separate and he can’t do anything about it. Anyways thanks for coming to TED talk. 👋🏾

[babbushka]

Zannah’s Kylo Ren x Reader Masterlist

Chaptered Fics

All My Stars - A Medieval!Kylo Ren AU*** [Complete]

Beating of My Heart*** [Complete]

Beautiful Beloved*** - A Titanic AU [Complete]

Each Eye - A Mob Boss!Kylo Ren AU*** [Complete]

Last Straw - A Modern!Kylo Ren Choose Your Own Adventure Story*** [Complete] 

The Shape of You - SL!Kylo Ren; A Shape of Water AU [WIP]

Biting Dust [WIP]

Beyond Reasonable Doubt - Lawyer!Kylo Ren AU [WIP]

Spellbound - Kylo Ren x OC; Hogwarts Professor AU [WIP] 

Oneshots, Headcanons & Imagines under the cut! 

Because I hit the link limit for this masterlist, I’ve split up my fic into various sections. These sections are organized by AU.  

“Canon”/Supreme Leader!Kylo Ren Masterlist 

Modern Kylo Ren AUs Masterlist (Mob!Kylo, Biker!Kylo, Lawyer!Kylo, & Solo-Triplet!Kylo)

Historical Kylo Ren AUs Masterlist (Medieval!Kylo, Titanic!Kylo, Ancient Emperor!Kylo, Bond Villain!Kylo, Archeologist!Kylo, Vampire Solo Triplets AU)

Miscellaneous Writing:

Oneshots that don’t have their own AU section:

Fathoms Below ; Pirate King!Kylo Ren x Mermaid!Reader NSFW

Next Time ; Outlaw!Kylo Ren AU x reader (spoilers for Biting Dust ch3!) NSFW

Highway to Hell - COLLAB! with @safarigirlsp NSFW

Kylo The Malevolent – COLLAB! with @safarigirlsp! NSFW

A New Prometheus - Part 1/2 ; Kylo Ren x Reader

Other writing:

Magician!Kylo Ren AU blurb

Vampire!Kylo Ren AU blurb

Devil!Kylo Ren AU blurb

Hades & Persephone AU blurb

VictorianGardener!Kylo Ren AU blurb

Modern Lawyer!Kylo Ren finger fucking you in his office

Millionare!Kylo AU - Giving him a blowjob while wearing expensive jewelry

General VictorianGardener!Kylo AU HCs

Victorian Gardner!Kylo confessing his love for Maid!Reader

Victorian Magician!Kylo Ren putting on a show with you

Modern!Kylo as a professional chef AU HCs

Modern!Kylo as a CEO HCs

Solo Triplets - Kylo, Matt, and Ben getting into a dumb fight on Thanksgiving

[2-fast-2-curious]

It’s Your Raceway and You Really Can Drive

Pairing: Jamie Benn x Female Reader

Words: 1750

Summary: You’re inexperienced but you really want to gain some experience with Jamie

Warnings: There’s sex

Author’s Notes: I’ve always wanted to write for Jamie Benn but I have no ideas. Luckily for me @savedbybishop  got the request but she doesn’t write smut so this girl took it on.

Hi there! I would like to request a NSFW/smutty fic about reader & Jamie Benn dating for awhile but reader has been hesitant to sleep with him because she hasn't had alot of experience & the guys she has been with haven't been the greatest. When she is ready Jamie takes the time to please her & show her how it feels to be loved. ❤

unfortunately, no box munching, but no oral for Jamie either so it evens out

You watched as Jamie worked the barbeque, watching the way he maneuvered the tongs to flip over the corn. Jamie was skilled with his hands and definitely a catch. He was handsome, successful, and he knew how to cook from the way he was working the grill. You could not have designed a more perfect guy.

You and Jamie had been seeing each other for a while but you had never done more than making out. When he tried to initiate something to take your relationship further, you always made an excuse. Last time he had asked you to stay the night, you told him a fib about how you needed to get up early the next morning. If Jamie was frustrated with you, he didn't show it, he was still as gentlemanly as ever and treated you with kindness.

"Dinner is served." Jamie set a platter of food in front of you. The colors were vibrant and the scent had your mouth watering.

You moaned at the taste of the perfectly seasoned bite, immediately blushing. "Sorry, it's just that it's really good. You're an amazing chef, Jamie."

"I appreciate the compliment, Y/N." Jamie replied with an earnest smile, cutting into his medium-rare steak.

You laughed, nearly spitting out the lemonade as Jamie told you a story about the hijinks that went on during his last road trip. And you told him about the new events in your life. You helped Jamie by putting the leftover food in the fridge and loading the dishwasher while he cleaned the grill.

“Why don’t you pick something on Netflix and I'll shower to get the smell of barbeque off of me.” Jamie suggested, leaving you on the couch as he went into the master bathroom.

Your face flushed, imagining water flowing down his sculpted, tattooed body. You had seen some of them when he had worn his t-shirt and shorts but you wanted to see more. You couldn't believe the only thing that separated you from his naked body was a wall. A very thin wall since you could hear the shower.

You wanted Jamie so badly, to be pressed against him, underneath the warm spray of the water. But you were really worried. You weren't exactly a virgin but your past experiences were lacklustre, to say the least. You were worried that that was just what sex was like, even with a guy as amazing as Jamie. You didn't want to taint your image of Jamie with one night of terrible sex. Besides, maybe it wasn't the guys' fault. Maybe you were the one who was a lousy lay. After all, you were the common denominator in all those experiences. You really did want to move forward with Jamie but you were scared that once he found out about your less than stellar sexual track record, he wouldn’t want to be with you anymore.

"Anything good?" Jamie asked, returning from the shower. It looks like you had been lost in your thoughts longer than you had thought. Jamie was all shiny and clean and you were still stuck on the Netflix home screen, unable to make a selection.

It was hard for you to make a decision, you didn’t want to choose something too romantic or too depressing so you chose a nature documentary, that ought to be a nice neutral choice. Jamie pulled out a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and two spoons from the mini fridge in the corner. Jamie sat next to you on the couch with the ice cream and you started the documentary.

You snuggled into Jamie’s side, he smelled nice, like clean soap mixed with his masculine musk. His hair was still damp and you just wanted to play with it. You spooned ice cream into your mouth with one hand and played with Jamie’s hair using the other. It wasn’t long until the ice cream had been abandoned on the coffee table as you and Jamie exchanged chocolatey kisses while footage of Emperor Penguins played on the screen. Jamie had you in his lap, your arms wrapped around his broad shoulders as his hands gripped your hips, keeping you steady. You moaned softly into his mouth and Jamie’s hands snuck underneath your shirt, touching the bare skin of your back. This was the furthest you had ever gone with Jamie, you reluctantly pulled away from the kiss and Jamie failed at hiding the disappointment on his face.

“Jamie, I don’t want you to think I don’t want this because I do.” You winced at your word choice, wishing you would’ve asked one of your friends for advice on how to phrase this. “It’s just that, you might need to be a little patient with me. I don’t think I’m very good at this.”

“What do you mean?” Jamie asked, looking at you with curiosity in his big brown eyes.

“Like sexual stuff.” You admitted. “I don’t think I’m very good.”

“Why do you say that?” Jamie touched the bare skin where your shirt had lifted up from your bottoms, he genuinely wanted to know what had driven you to this conclusion..

“Well, I’ve had sex before but I don’t think I was very good.” Your face was hot, why did you make yourself sound so pathetic in front of your hot professional athlete potential hook up. “I didn’t enjoy it, the guys didn’t seem very into it.”

“Well, I’m very into this, so the only thing, I’m concerned about is how to make sure it’s good for you.” Jamie’s voice was breathy and deep, making your insides melt. “How does that sound?”

“I’d like that.” You replied, slowly kissing Jamie. He gripped you tighter as he lifted you off of the couch.

“We’re not going to have sex for the first time on my couch.” Jamie carried you into this bedroom, placing you in the middle of his very large bed. “Maybe the seventh or eighth time. But not the first.”

His comment made you smile. Your hands reached for him, tracing the ink on his arms and the muscles that rippled underneath. “Can I see more?”

Jamie nodded and pulled his t-shirt over his head, revealing the shirtless body that haunted all your fantasies. You reached to take off your shirt but Jamie’s hand caught yours. “Here, let me.”

You watched as his large fingers swiftly pulled the shirt off your body. He held you close as he kissed you, his mouth on your neck, moving down to your chest and the tops of your breasts. He was so big but so tender when it came to you, you could already tell it was going to be different than the other times. Jamie took off his pants and climbed on the bed to help you take off yours.

Jamie laid you down against the mountain of pillows he had on his bed. He rubbed your nipples through your bra, creating pleasure that went straight to your pussy. He undid your bra and planted kisses all over your breasts, before moving down to press his mouth all over your stomach. You were sure he must be able to smell your arousal considering how close he was to your heat. Jamie pulled your panties down and spread your wetness along your slit.

“You’re so wet.” He pulled his glistening fingers from your folds and you took them into your mouth, swirling your tongue around the digits, arousing him to bite his lip. “How are you feeling, Y/N?”

“This feels so good, you’ve got me so turned on, Jamie.” You told him, Jamie had made you feel much more comfortable than any guy before him. “I’m ready for you to fuck me.”

Jamie grabbed a condom from his bedside table and rolled it on his erection. “Are you okay with being on top? It might help you since you’d get to go as fast or slow as you’d like.”

You had never been with a guy long enough to experiment with different positions but you trusted Jamie and his judgement. Jamie had his back against the pillows and you climbed on top of him. Jamie applied some lube to his member to reduce the friction and help you out. You started to take him inside of you, grabbing his shoulders for leverage. Jamie encouraged you to go slowly, you had most of him sheaved inside you when it felt like you couldn’t take him any further. Your eyes rolled back as you shifted his cock slightly to press against a particularly pleasurable spot inside you.

“Jamie, right there.” You panted, bouncing up and down with enthusiasm, enjoying how to felt when his hard cock brushed against the nerves inside your canal. One of Jamie’s hands were on your back to help you with your balance while the other was rubbing circles on your clit. The guys before definitely didn’t seem to know what to do the way Jamie did. He was playing your body like a fined tune instrument, winding you up in the best way.

“I can’t believe you thought you were bad at sex. You’re amazing.” Jamie just leaned back and watched you as your face twisted in pleasure. “Absolutely amazing.”

“Jamie, Jamie, Jamie!” You yelled as you rode him harder.

“Are you going to cum for me, Y/N?” Jamie increased the pressure on your clit, causing you to arch your back and grind down on Jamie, taking him even deeper. Jamie smiled at your actions. “Yeah, your pretty little pussy is going to cum all over me.”

You had orgasms before so you knew what to expect but those were alone, having Jamie here, watching you with lustful brown eyes, it was not comparable at all. You screamed Jamie’s name as your walls clenched around his member, your body tingling with bliss. You slowed down, your energy was drained now that you were no longer fueled by lust so Jamie helped you by lifting his hips off the bed and fucking into you. Your aftershocks milked Jamie’s cock and emptied into the condom. He helped you roll off of him and left the room to throw out the condom. He came back with a glass of water and a heating pad for you, in case you had any soreness in your body.

“Looks like you were worried about nothing,” Jamie said, kissing your shoulder and tucked you underneath the covers with his arms wrapped around you.

[mermaidsirennikita]

Book Roundup April/May 2019

This spring has been exceptionally difficult and busy for me on both a personal and professional level.  I really haven’t had the time to read as I’d like--so I’m combining April and May.  With that being said, there were some good books within the past couple of months--Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan was DEFINITELY a huge highlight.

Call Me Evie by J.P. Pomare.  2/5.  Kate is held in a remote cabin by Ben--who holds her captive while claiming to protect her from the fallout of something terrible that she did.  The trouble is that Kate can’t remember the night that terrible thing happened.  As she struggles to piece together her memories, what Bill tells her isn’t matching up--and she must reconcile who she is with what she did.  I’m sure that lots of people would love this book, but the pacing was thrown off for me by all of the flashbacks.  It’s not you, it’s me.

Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan.  5/5.  Nadya is a Kalyazi cleric, and as such she can commune with--and draw supernatural power from--a pantheon of gods.  She’s spent her life in a monastery; however, a looming threat finally materializes in the form of Tranavian invaders, heretics that send Nadya on the run.  Falling in with Malachiasz, a Tranavian defector, she sets out to end the war she only way she knows how: by killing the Tranavian king.  Meanwhile, Serefin, the heir to the throne, is summoned home from the front--only to discover that he’s in more danger at home than abroad.  This is a wonderfully atmospheric and delightful novel.  Emily never holds back--you get monsters, you get royal politics, you get alcoholic princes and questions of theology.  And there is a romance that I’m absolutely obsessed with, which is always major for me.  I loved this book to death, and there is one bit at the very end that just got at my soul.  I can’t wait for the next installment!

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.  3/5.  Kya is a young child when her mother walks out on the family; it isn’t long before her brother and father follow suit, leaving Kya as the borderline-feral Marsh Girl.  At first, she’s dependent on the kindness of strangers.  But gradually--with the help of friends and Tate, a boy who will become her first love--she becomes independent, if never truly accepted by the nearby townspeople.  Her way of life is shattered when a young man shows up dead--and she is accused of murder.  On the plus side, this book was very engaging, and some the descriptions were at times beautiful.  If you’re from the South, some things will indeed ring true.  It’s not perfect, but it is engaging, and a fun if predictable read... until the last third or so, when everything kind of collapses and the book’s flaws are emphasized in a big way.  I really, really disliked how much Owens went in on the “untouched wild beauty” thing with Kya.  It felt very fetishistic.  She’s this beautiful poor white girl living feral in the marsh... learning everything she knows from black people, by the way.  And all the men love her and want to have sex with her.  I’m honestly just torn about this one; I feel like I would have given it a lower rating if not for how much I did enjoy the first chunk.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang.  4/5.  Khai is accomplished and handsome; however, he’s never had a girlfriend.  On the autism spectrum, he’s convinced himself that he’s incapable of love.  His mother has other ideas--and while visiting her homeland in Vietnam, she meets Esme.  She offers the single mother a golden opportunity: visit America for the summer and convince Khai to marry her.  If he refuses, she can go home, no strings attached.  It’s too much for Esme to possibly turn down--but making Khai fall in love with her is a much more difficult task than she first imagined.  This wasn’t quite up to par with Hoang’s debut (the delightful Kiss Quotient) but I did really, really like it.  Her trademark humor is there, as is her sensitivity and knack for sweet romance.  Khai and Esme’s story is just kind of lovely.  (And sexy.)  I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed--I wanted more.  But I’d recommend it any day, and can’t wait for Hoang’s next book.

Little Darlings by Melanie Golding.  2/5.  Following the birth of her twins, Morgan and Riley, young mother Lauren is exhausted.  Therefore, few believe her when she says that she saw a woman slip into her hospital room and attempt to replace her babies with strange creatures.  A month later, the boys briefly go missing in the park--and when they’re found, Lauren insists that the things that have been returned to her are not her children.  This may have been a bad fit for me--I love magical realism and changelings, but the overwhelming depressing darkness of this book was just... not even vaguely enjoyable.  And it did help put me off of having children for a looong time, if ever.  I couldn’t focus on the writing quality; it was just so dour.

From Scratch by Tembi Locke.  5/5.  This memoir tracks the first few years following the death of Tembi’s husband, Saro, following a long battle with cancer.  As she visits his Sicilian family each summer with their daughter, she flashes back to the early days of their courtship and marriage--as well as her in-law’s initial struggles over the fact that their Italian chef son married an African-American actress.  “From Scratch” is LOVINGLY written and painfully beautiful.  It made me want to be more open to falling in love, as cheesy as that sounds--what Tembi and Saro shared was clearly worth all of the pain she’d feel after seeing him slowly deteriorate and ultimately losing him... which is saying something.  Locke also has a talent for writing in general, but especially about food.  I appreciated her human examination of the prejudice she faced; it’s really obviously on her to decide whether or not to reconcile with people who treated her with clear racism, but...  She also clearly loves and is loved by her mother-in-law now.  The honest complexity in that relationship is refreshing.  I don’t usually love memoirs, but this one was fantastic.

The Unlikely Adventures of the Chergill Sisters by Balli Kaur Jaswal.  4/5.  Rajni, Jezmeen, and Shirina aren’t estranged, exactly, but they don’t have much in common either.  But after their mother’s death, it’s revealed that she charged them with a journey through their ancestral homeland of India.  With each sister carrying secret struggles, they unite in an attempt to fulfill their mother’s wishes--and come to terms with their relationships with not only her, but each other.  Balli Kaur Jaswal is so good.  And even if I didn’t love this quite as much as Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows, it’s still quite good.  She’s a rare author who can blend genuinely funny moments with high drama (that is often socially aware).  There is one subplot that I didn’t super love due to its implications, but otherwise I really enjoyed the book and the sisters.

Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev.  3/5.  Trisha Raje is a successful surgeon--who is nonetheless alienated by her blue-blooded family due to her history.  When she meets DJ Caine, a high-profile chef in the running to cook for the prestigious fundraisers supporting her brother’s political campaign, it’s dislike at first sight.  He can’t stand her snobbish bossiness; she finds his assumptions about her frustrating and demeaning.  But even if DJ didn’t need the job, they can’t avoid each other--because Trisha is the only person who can save DJ’s terminally ill sister.  So: Dev says that this is very loosely inspired by Pride and Prejudice, but as the title suggests it’s VERY inspired by Pride and Prejudice.  Points for the genders being swapped here--though DJ does stand in part for Darcy, he’s the Lizzie of this story--and Dev does a great job of bringing cultural backgrounds and social issues into the forefront without beating us over the head with it.  But for whatever reason, I never really clicked with Trisha and DJ’s romance, and the Wickham side of this was... not great.  Still, it’s a fun read and it made me very hungry.  Not bad for a day by the pool!

[sordidfood]

SortedFood Psychoanalysis

I am by no means a psychiatrist or a psychoanalyst or an student of either, however this thought tripped into my head a few weeks back and I can’t seem to shake it.

After watching so many SortedFood videos, I wanted to delve into the personalities of the Sorted guys, particularly where they are most confident in themselves, where they are most insecure, and what the other guys do to help with that insecurity (because that’s what friends do)

Ben

Ben’s Confidence- His analytical nature. Ben has an intense love of learning and was a star pupil in school. He is incredibly left-brained and uses that to his full advantage, dissecting any topic he has interest in until he has a complete (or semi-complete) understanding of it. Ben could have been a mathematical engineer or a rocket scientist or a medical researcher and would have been at the top of his field. But Ben instead chose a path he had a lot of passion in, culinary arts, and put all that investigative curiosity into discovering all he could about not just cooking, but the science behind it, what advancements could be made in the future of food and how to make better food through understanding it, inside and out.

Ben’s Insecurity- He’s not cool, or at least he doesn’t think that he’s cool. Ben is great at so many of the things he tries, but being on trend with fashion or memes or slang terms is just not one of those. Hell, even his own innuendo seems to fly right past him. He doesn’t have a knack for it, and for a guy who has a knack for SO MUCH, it’s probably disheartening. Obviously, Ben is called a “Super Geek” a lot and in the videos he leans into that title, using it as an avenue to really show off his in-depth knowledge of the topic. However, I suspect that that “lean-in” is his way of pretending that he doesn’t care when he really does. 

How do the guys help him- Despite all the stitching up over him being a Super Geek, the boys continually show their admiration for Ben and his knowledge, remarking that something he made or did was really cool or interesting. They make Ben feel like the coolest guy in their circle of friends all the time. 

Mike

Mike’s confidence- Mike’s confidence lies in his loyalty. There was a comment made in a couple videos and in one of the podcasts that Mike may be perpetually late to things, but he will ALWAYS show up. Mike wants to be there for his friends and will do so in whatever way possible. He’s generous with his time and his words of affection. Mike is happy to make a fool of himself for the sake of other’s happiness or comfort. As long as he’s brightened someone’s day, Mike is up for anything. 

Mike’s insecurity- Oh, where to begin? Mike has a lot of insecurities and the amount of self-deprecation in the videos makes this plainly evident. No one has to drag Mike down, because he’s already pulled himself down and pointed out every flaw in his personality, his mind, his body, etc. whether real or imagined. Mike is the type of guy to see his own quirks and tics in other people and hates them. Rather than taking it out on those around him, though, he internalizes it and tries to make it a joke at his own expense. 

How do the guys help him- Mike seems like the kind of guy who doesn’t take compliments well, but he does react well to teasing. Mike knows that if someone can take the mick out if him and make him laugh (and he can do so in return), they care about him. It’s never wholly serious insults, just lighthearted roasting that shows that someone is paying attention to him, knows him, and likes him for who he is, flaws and all.

Jamie

Jamie’s confidence- Jamie is a pretty confident guy in general. He plays it up in a false-macho way for laughs, but deep down he’s just generally comfortable in himself in a really low-key way. Jamie has BDE and fight me if you disagree. I think if I were to zero in on one aspect of his confidence, though, it’s his ability and willingness to learn. While Jamie may not have the technical mind like Ben, he’s a smart guy and when he doesn’t know something, he’s humble enough to really try and learn. Look at how he’s grown as a cook over the last decade. To see the “Gut Health” challenge video and watch the way he really held his own against a professional chef like James is truly heartwarming.

Jamie’s insecurity- He wants to be taken seriously. Jamie has expressed in the podcasts how he has trouble with balancing the idea of being a marketing professional while also having to explain to sponsors and advertisers that he wasn’t able to respond to that email because he was dancing around like Sia. In spite of his happy-go-lucky persona in the videos, Jamie does take his role in Sorted seriously and wants what’s best for the organization and its persona and he fears that people won’t take Sorted (and by extension, him) seriously if they find videos of him dressed as a cheese grater or Minnie Mouse. These are all internal fears, of course; sponsors and advertisers want Sorted because of who they are. 

How do the guys help him- They put faith in him. Jamie is a one-man show when it comes to negotiating with the sponsors and advertisers that they work with and that is not an easy thing to do. He’s spoken about having to come up with partnerships that don’t come off as cheesy and can lend credibility to Sorted as well as the sponsor (The “Visit US” series is an excellent example of well-blended partnership that is still authentic while executing its goal). Jamie has an incredibly stressful, time-sensitive role in Sorted and the fact that he handles it so well speaks a lot for his ability and the other guys’ trust in him. 

Barry

Barry’s confidence- Barry is always on trend and he takes pride in that. I’m not just talking about fashion sense either (although he is definitely the most fashionable of all the guys), but also about his sense of where trends are heading. Barry understands food trends, trends within media and music, and the best ways to shape Sorted so that it doesn’t get left behind. There was a comment made in one of the podcasts that Barry has this innate ability to not only come up with ideas but also make other people as excited about them as he is. There’s a reason Sorted has lasted for so long, and a lot of it is Barry’s knowledge of media zeitgeist.

Barry’s insecurity- Barry fears being boring. His biggest concern is that someone will see him and think he’s boring, uninteresting, or basic. There are a lot of jokes made about Barry “don’t put me in a box” Taylor, but it’s because in Barry’s mind, being categorized means doing what people expect of you and doing what’s expected is just boring. This is also the reason why in every battle, Barry bends the rules. He sees what the others are doing and zigs rather than zags. Barry never wants people to guess his next move because that would mean he’s predictable and predictable equals boring.

How do the guys help him- While they do make jokes about Barry going for these weird ingredients or recipes in battles, no one stifles Barry. They let him color outside the lines, they listen to his ideas and they don’t shut him down. Barry is allowed to live outside his box and let his creativity flow.

James

James’ confidence- James’ confidence lies in his method. He knows his shit and he KNOWS that he knows his shit. James was taught early on that every action in the kitchen matters and that’s why the method matters. There’s a blog post where James talks about his distaste for shortcuts in the kitchen, how the time and effort that goes into a dish that is supposed to take a lot of time creates a better end product all around. James loves the explicit nature of recipe writing and that why he appreciates Sorted so much. James is very deliberate in all he does and he doesn’t take it for granted.

James’ insecurity- While James has been with Sorted since the beginning, he doesn’t have the personal history like the other guys. This makes him feel like an outsider at times. It’s part of the reason why, after being the development chef on the initial cookbook, James volunteered to take on the role of Social Media Manager; he just wanted to stay a part of Sorted. James has said that Sorted is his dream job and and he clearly has a deep love for it. Part of him feels that, if not for the serendipity of being in the same course as Ben, he might never have had that chance at all.

How do the guys help him- They include him and make him feel as much a part of the group as if they had met him at 11-years-old, as well. James’ role has grown exponentially over the years from occasionally showing up on camera to being a featured member of the group along with the others. Mike has said that he’s James’ biggest fan. Barry admitted that the best meal he ever ate was prepared by James. They make James feel integral to everything SortedFood is because, really, he is.

As I said, I have no real expertise on this field, this is just from observations. I wrote it mostly just to get my thoughts down. Agree? Disagree? let me know.

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Creating Community:  Sylvia Moskovitz Celebrates All We Can Accomplish When We Put Compassion First!

The Farm Sanctuary family is a collective of compassionate people working to facilitate positive change for farm animals. Staff members, interns, volunteers, and supporters alike — together, we all have the power to make a difference when we choose to align our actions with our values and put compassion first.

Perhaps no one understands this more than Sylvia Moskovitz, Farm Sanctuary’s Chief Development and Communications Officer, who takes pride in the organization’s commitment to meeting — and celebrating — individuals where and as they are. And she embodies this sentiment through her work each and every day.

Sylvia bonds with Jennifer goat at Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter. 

Sylvia oversees Farm Sanctuary’s Development and Communications departments. Our Development team raises vital funds to sustain Farm Sanctuary’s lifesaving rescue, education, and advocacy efforts, while our Communications team spreads the word about this work and raises awareness that farm animals are each someone, not something. For Sylvia, Farm Sanctuary life is a true celebration of the power of community — and she is honored to support the Farm Sanctuary family and its members, wherever they are along their personal journeys.

In fact, this sense of community is what attracted Sylvia to Farm Sanctuary in the first place, allowing her to apply her passions and talents in ways that complemented her compassionate values. And this sentiment is something she strives to share with others — to demonstrate how beautiful our lives can become when we live life from the heart.

Sylvia and Maxie share a moment.

Compassion for others has been a through line of Sylvia’s life and work, but her move to Farm Sanctuary in 2014 took her career in a new and incredibly fulfilling direction.

“I was working for Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation at the University of Southern California, and although I was proud of spearheading a project that brought attention to the Armenian Genocide in 1915 and was very proud of the Holocaust Testimony Project that I raised funds for, I was not feeling completely fulfilled,” she recalls. “I began looking at position openings and came across a Director of Development and Communications position for an organization called Farm Sanctuary, and it intrigued me. The idea of thinking about fundraising and communications/marketing together really spoke to me and was something I had done previously. I have found that when the two departments have been separated it often caused a disconnect and major chasm in the organization, so I was very encouraged to see an organization that understood the synergy between the two functions.

“The more I learned about Farm Sanctuary the more I fell in love with the mission. I did a lot of research about Farm Sanctuary — scoured the website; watched videos; and fell in love with Ari, Gus and Roxy, and many of the other residents. 

Gus and Roxy.

“As the reality of my appointment came to fruition and I gave notice to USC, I started amassing photos of Farm Sanctuary residents for my USC colleagues to see. All agreed it was an amazing move, and at my going-away party, I showed the 2014 end-of-year video to explain my decision. I was blessed with a going away party that featured farm animals everywhere. It was a perfect educational moment for my former colleagues!”

Farm Sanctuary’s 2014 end-of-year video. Our rescued residents are a constant source of inspiration for Sylvia.

For many of us, it can be uncomfortable to recognize that the choices we make, from what we eat and wear to the consumer products we purchase, can inadvertently support actions we don’t agree with. Many people, for example, are animal lovers and against cruelty, yet still consume animal products. At Farm Sanctuary, we recognize that everybody starts somewhere — and Sylvia is proud to spearhead initiatives that focus on helping people align their actions with their values to make compassionate choices that are right for them.

And it all starts with you. We each have the power to make a difference, one decision at a time. From sharing compassionate videos to compassionate meals, we can accomplish so much together when we put compassion first.

Sylvia and National Shelter Director Susie Coston with Tracey sheep. 

Sylvia has experienced this firsthand, in both her personal and professional worlds. “I am a much happier person since I started working at Farm Sanctuary,” she explains. “Now that I have gotten to know our residents and have a very personal relationship with many of them, I cannot imagine the atrocities that are done to them in the name of factory farming and am so happy to have made the decision not to eat or wear them. Oversight of Farm Sanctuary’s fundraising and marketing/communications efforts have brought me a peace and fulfillment that I have rarely experienced. I love the work I do, I believe it is bringing about change in the world that is critical, and I feel blessed every day to have been given this opportunity.”

Sylvia tours our New York Shelter with Susie and a few of the amazing members of Farm Sanctuary’s Friends of Hilda Club — named in honor of Hilda sheep, our very first rescued resident.

This inspiring work keeps Sylvia quite busy. “A very typical day involves conference calls from 8 or 9 a.m. until well into the afternoon,” she says. “Overseeing two important Farm Sanctuary departments with 23 direct/indirect staff in locations throughout the United States is often heavily reliant on technology — phone and computer! Farm Sanctuary does an amazing job with a fairly lean staff and I have never worked, despite a 30-year career in non-profit causes, with colleagues who are more dedicated or committed to a cause.”

Sylvia feels privileged to connect with these special “humanimals,” and the incredible animal ambassadors they work on behalf of. Together, this compassionate network is changing hearts and minds about how society views and treats farm animals.

“The days when I wake up and hear that we have rescued one or group of animals are the best!” Sylvia exclaims. “Although I know we are only able to save a handful compared to those who are slaughtered, when we are able to bring these beautiful individuals to safety and sanctuary it absolutely makes my spirit soar.

“I am blessed to live fairly close to the Acton sanctuary and I love nothing more than the occasional reconnection with our residents in Southern California, who are extraordinary. I especially enjoy the individuals who have come within the last two to three years that I have been able to watch come to trust us, survive, and thrive!

Sylvia enjoys a fun day at our Southern California Shelter with her family during the Celebration for the Turkeys, demonstrating that a compassionate life is a happy life! 

“I [also] love my time in Watkins Glen — the expanse of pasture and the number of animals makes my heart sing,” she adds. “It truly shows me what heaven on earth would be like. I adore the work we do as an organization and I am so very proud of the work I do to bring attention to this issue and to these amazing individuals!”

Sylvia and Freckles sheep spend some quality time together at our New York Shelter. 

These visits have also become a beloved family tradition, as Sylvia enjoys nothing more than sharing the power of compassion with her children and grandchildren. 

Sylvia and her daughter Jessica bond with Tracey and Francis sheep. 

“My family and I are very close!” she beams. “I have two amazing millennial kids and I have three gorgeous and enchanting granddaughters (who love Grammy’s farm). My daughter went vegetarian after she attended the 2015 Gala and visited the sanctuary in Watkins Glen. She is a trained chef and we love nothing more than finding new vegan restaurants and cooking vegan together. It has definitely drawn us together.”

Living compassionately is a family affair! Sylvia’s daughter Jessica bonds with Tracey’s daughter Louise.

But as Sylvia has also learned, togetherness can also be found through our differences as we find common ground. While we may not always see eye to eye with one another, we can respect the unique views and beliefs that we all contribute. And in this way, we may foster compassionate conversations and actions to support a kinder world.

“It can be difficult for many of us who still live in ‘blended’ families to deal with the diet issue on a regular basis,” Sylvia says. “I have a son who is still an omnivore and we often engage in discourse around these issues. My granddaughters often sleep over at Grammy’s house — although they eat meat at home, at my house they eat Gardein chicken tenders, drink almond milk, and eat lots of fruits and vegetables — they even get Ben & Jerry’s dairy-free ice cream as a treat!”

Sylvia’s granddaughter Olivia bonds with Li Mu Bai rooster.

Sylvia’s granddaughter Addison pets Maria goat.

Addison and Prince goat share a sweet moment.

In Sylvia’s experience, we are all valuable members of a compassionate community. And we can all strive to make the best choices we can each day — for ourselves and for those around us.

In getting to know our rescued residents, Sylvia has been able to witness firsthand that each and every farm animal is an individual with a unique personality. And when we get to know and value them for who they are, our own lives may be enriched in ways we never thought possible.  

Andy turkey.

“Believe it or not, one of my favorite animals is Andy turkey in Acton, who can be a bit of a curmudgeon,” Sylvia laughs. “The first time I met him, he bit me on the wrist and on my behind. What Andy taught me is that animals are individuals, just like people — some are nice and some aren’t. The bottom line is that they have individual personalities and exhibit individual behaviors and emotions. 

Sylvia bonds with Tracey sheep. 

“I love the sheep and can see the soul in their eyes,” Sylvia adds, on a lighter note. “There is nothing more calming and soothing than sitting among them in the sheep barn at Watkins Glen. 

Ari was born at an auction for so-called “spent” dairy cows and never got the chance to know his mother, but he lives happily with his adoptive family, including best pal Nik, at our New York Shelter.

“Perhaps my favorites are the dairy boys — Ari in Watkins Glen and Safran in Acton, who are the gentle giants whose beautiful soulful eyes are a window to the depth of their being. I love walking among the herd in Watkins Glen, feeling their spirt and strength, and experiencing their emotions and playful nature. The key in all of this is that every animal I have met is unique with likes and dislikes, family and friend connections, and emotional highs and lows — that has made me realize how important it is to see them as the individuals they really are.” 

Safran, like Ari, was rescued as a newborn. In the dairy industry, males are seen as having very little worth — and treated as such. But at Farm Sanctuary, Safran is loving life and seen as the special individual he is!

In truth, Sylvia’s position is all about synergy — not only among departments, but in facilitating and sustaining compassionate communities both within and outside of Farm Sanctuary at large. And in all of these areas, she offers a powerful demonstration of how to support one another along our own journeys and celebrate our collective power to make a difference. 

“I count my blessings every day that I have been given the opportunity to work for an organization that is making a profound difference in the lives of these remarkable animals,” Sylvia says. And we are so thankful for her strong, dedicated, and compassionate leadership as we work together to build a kinder world.

Sylvia and the late Thunder steer — a gentle giant and incredible ambassador for his species.

[jesseneufeld]

Why We Should All Be Eating Organ Meats

Today we welcome a post by guest author Ashleigh VanHouten, health and nutrition journalist, public speaker, certified health coach, and host of the Muscle Maven Radio podcast. Here, she explains why we’re missing out if we’re only eating boring boneless cuts of meat from the grocery store, and makes the case for eating nose-to-tail, for both our health and for our enjoyment. Her new cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available for preorder and hits the shelves in late October.

“It’s good for you and for the planet – and it’s easier and tastier than you think!” – Ashleigh VanHouten

Modified excerpt from It Takes Guts, shared with publisher permission.

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, “I just can’t get my head around eating [insert type of organ meat here] because I didn’t grow up eating it,” I could retire now and live out the rest of my days eating animal hearts on a beach somewhere — but I have a secret for you. I didn’t grow up eating organ meat, either; I grew up eating cereal and bread and chicken breast, and while I always gravitated toward animal products, I certainly wasn’t eating liver or sweetbreads.

But as someone who has dedicated their career to researching, studying, and experimenting with nutrition, I believe strongly that one bite of something new won’t hurt you, and it just might open up a whole new world of pleasure and health. It’s a fact that organs are generally the most nutrient-dense parts of an animal, so if we can find fun and creative and even subtle ways to enjoy them, we’re winning. And by eating the whole animal, we’re also honoring and respecting the beings who sacrificed for our dinner plates by ensuring none of it is wasted.

I wrote my nose-to-tail cookbook It Takes Guts because I am passionate about honoring the animals we’re eating, and enjoying the full bounty of delicious and healthy options available to us. As the saying goes, the way you do anything is the way you do everything, and I believe we should all be approaching our plates, and our lives, with a sense of adventure and enthusiasm.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the reasons why eating organ meats is a good idea:

It’s Sustainable

It would be wasteful to buy a huge house and use only one or two rooms, right? Adopting a whole-animal approach reduces waste, and buying from local farms and butchers helps decrease the carbon footprint created when meat is brought to you from far-flung places. In the process of breaking down an animal, less than half of it will usually end up as boneless cuts, or the type of meat you normally pick up at a grocery store. Much of the rest is bone, hide, blood, and organs – the latter being the most nutrient-dense part of the animal, which we are essentially giving away to then eat the less nutrient-dense muscle meat!

If you’re reading this, you probably eat animals, and if you’ve accepted that eating animals is a natural part of living, the best way forward is to ensure that the animals you’re eating lived a healthy, natural life and were slaughtered humanely, and that we honor the animal’s sacrifice by not wasting any of it over arbitrary (and misguided) beliefs that some part of the animal are acceptable to eat and others aren’t.

It’s Healthy

It’s a fact: organ meats like liver, heart, and kidney are nutritional powerhouses, not just for their individual nutrients but for the synergistic effect of consuming these nutrients together. Nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, and magnesium work together with other food-based compounds. That’s why taking many of these nutrients on their own (in pill form, for example) doesn’t have as much of a positive effect on your body.

And to debunk a big myth about these cuts, it is untrue that organ meats like liver and kidney store and contain toxins. Organs like the liver filter toxins, usually moving them to the kidneys, from which they are eventually expelled through the urine. Toxins are removed from a healthy, well-functioning animal’s body via these miraculous organs just like they are in ours; eating fresh, healthy organs is the same as eating fresh, healthy muscle meat. If toxins do linger in the body, they are generally stored in fat cells (this goes for us too), which is why it’s crucial to source high-quality animal protein that is raised without pesticides or antibiotics, because that’s where they’ll end up: in your delicious, fatty rib-eye.

Organ meats are so nutrient-dense that you can eat very small amounts and get more benefit than you would from nearly any other food on the planet. A few ounces of beef liver contains your daily needs for many nutrients, including iron, copper, zinc, folate, choline, and vitamins A and B12. So even if I can’t convince you to love the taste of organ meats, I hope I can help you understand that these are superfoods that can dramatically improve your health.

It Saves You Money

Often, organ meats are less expensive than muscle meats simply because they aren’t in high demand. Imagine the nutrient-dense parts being sold for scraps while the basic protein is sold at a premium! Unlike prime cuts of grass-fed beef, grass-fed beef liver and heart are pretty cheap. A beef tongue can feed a party of six for about ten bucks; chicken hearts are often sold for a few bucks a pound; and you can buy a bag of tasty, protein packed chicken gizzards that will serve a whole family for less than you’d pay for a fancy salad at your local fast-casual restaurant.

If you want to get the best nutritional bang for your buck with protein, your best bet is to throw some offal in there. Make friends with your local butcher, too, so you learn about and source the best stuff!

It’s Fun (and Ancestral!)

If you can reframe your perceptions of organ meat being “gross” or extreme and see it for what it really is—just a different part of the animal you’re already eating, and a much more nutritious part at that—you can start having fun with different recipes and preparations.

Nose-to-tail eating is also a celebration of culture and history, honoring the traditional foods off different countries; a time when people were less swayed by grocery store marketing and more driven by instinct; when we gave more respect to the time, skill, and labor of providing meals for our families, and when nourishment mattered more than hyperpalatability.

It’s Tasty (Really!)

Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it—that’s what I’m always telling my skeptics. While certain organ meats have stronger flavors and unique textures and may never appeal to some people, the same can be said for less controversial foods (don’t even get me started on broccoli—now that’s an acquired taste!) I know I’ll never win everyone over, but if you’re willing to at least try,

I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how delicious, delicate, and decadent offal can be. If you’d like to learn more about the health, history, and deliciousness of organ meats, including my personal journey and more than 75 offal-based recipes created by myself and a range of other fantastic chefs, you can pre-order my book, It Takes Guts, now!

Ashleigh VanHouten is a health and nutrition journalist, public speaker, certified health coach, and self-proclaimed muscle nerd. She has written for Paleo Magazine for more than eight years, along with a number of other health publications. She hosts the Muscle Maven Radio podcast, which has been downloaded more than 1.5 million times, where she’s interviewed some of the biggest names in health and wellness, including Mark Sisson, Dave Asprey, and Steph Gaudreau. She’s also worked with other top-rated health-related podcasts, such as Barbell Shrugged, Muscle Intelligence, and Paleo Magazine Radio. Combining her formal education and professional experience in marketing and communications with her passion for healthy eating, exercise, and learning, Ashleigh works in a consulting role for a number of professionals in the health and wellness world, working alongside individuals like Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, Ben Pakulski, and Elle Russ. Find out more at ashleighvanhouten.com.

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[lauramalchowblog]

Why We Should All Be Eating Organ Meats

Today we welcome a post by guest author Ashleigh VanHouten, health and nutrition journalist, public speaker, certified health coach, and host of the Muscle Maven Radio podcast. Here, she explains why we’re missing out if we’re only eating boring boneless cuts of meat from the grocery store, and makes the case for eating nose-to-tail, for both our health and for our enjoyment. Her new cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available for preorder and hits the shelves in late October.

“It’s good for you and for the planet – and it’s easier and tastier than you think!” – Ashleigh VanHouten

Modified excerpt from It Takes Guts, shared with publisher permission.

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, “I just can’t get my head around eating [insert type of organ meat here] because I didn’t grow up eating it,” I could retire now and live out the rest of my days eating animal hearts on a beach somewhere — but I have a secret for you. I didn’t grow up eating organ meat, either; I grew up eating cereal and bread and chicken breast, and while I always gravitated toward animal products, I certainly wasn’t eating liver or sweetbreads.

But as someone who has dedicated their career to researching, studying, and experimenting with nutrition, I believe strongly that one bite of something new won’t hurt you, and it just might open up a whole new world of pleasure and health. It’s a fact that organs are generally the most nutrient-dense parts of an animal, so if we can find fun and creative and even subtle ways to enjoy them, we’re winning. And by eating the whole animal, we’re also honoring and respecting the beings who sacrificed for our dinner plates by ensuring none of it is wasted.

I wrote my nose-to-tail cookbook It Takes Guts because I am passionate about honoring the animals we’re eating, and enjoying the full bounty of delicious and healthy options available to us. As the saying goes, the way you do anything is the way you do everything, and I believe we should all be approaching our plates, and our lives, with a sense of adventure and enthusiasm.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the reasons why eating organ meats is a good idea:

It’s Sustainable

It would be wasteful to buy a huge house and use only one or two rooms, right? Adopting a whole-animal approach reduces waste, and buying from local farms and butchers helps decrease the carbon footprint created when meat is brought to you from far-flung places. In the process of breaking down an animal, less than half of it will usually end up as boneless cuts, or the type of meat you normally pick up at a grocery store. Much of the rest is bone, hide, blood, and organs – the latter being the most nutrient-dense part of the animal, which we are essentially giving away to then eat the less nutrient-dense muscle meat!

If you’re reading this, you probably eat animals, and if you’ve accepted that eating animals is a natural part of living, the best way forward is to ensure that the animals you’re eating lived a healthy, natural life and were slaughtered humanely, and that we honor the animal’s sacrifice by not wasting any of it over arbitrary (and misguided) beliefs that some part of the animal are acceptable to eat and others aren’t.

It’s Healthy

It’s a fact: organ meats like liver, heart, and kidney are nutritional powerhouses, not just for their individual nutrients but for the synergistic effect of consuming these nutrients together. Nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, and magnesium work together with other food-based compounds. That’s why taking many of these nutrients on their own (in pill form, for example) doesn’t have as much of a positive effect on your body.

And to debunk a big myth about these cuts, it is untrue that organ meats like liver and kidney store and contain toxins. Organs like the liver filter toxins, usually moving them to the kidneys, from which they are eventually expelled through the urine. Toxins are removed from a healthy, well-functioning animal’s body via these miraculous organs just like they are in ours; eating fresh, healthy organs is the same as eating fresh, healthy muscle meat. If toxins do linger in the body, they are generally stored in fat cells (this goes for us too), which is why it’s crucial to source high-quality animal protein that is raised without pesticides or antibiotics, because that’s where they’ll end up: in your delicious, fatty rib-eye.

Organ meats are so nutrient-dense that you can eat very small amounts and get more benefit than you would from nearly any other food on the planet. A few ounces of beef liver contains your daily needs for many nutrients, including iron, copper, zinc, folate, choline, and vitamins A and B12. So even if I can’t convince you to love the taste of organ meats, I hope I can help you understand that these are superfoods that can dramatically improve your health.

It Saves You Money

Often, organ meats are less expensive than muscle meats simply because they aren’t in high demand. Imagine the nutrient-dense parts being sold for scraps while the basic protein is sold at a premium! Unlike prime cuts of grass-fed beef, grass-fed beef liver and heart are pretty cheap. A beef tongue can feed a party of six for about ten bucks; chicken hearts are often sold for a few bucks a pound; and you can buy a bag of tasty, protein packed chicken gizzards that will serve a whole family for less than you’d pay for a fancy salad at your local fast-casual restaurant.

If you want to get the best nutritional bang for your buck with protein, your best bet is to throw some offal in there. Make friends with your local butcher, too, so you learn about and source the best stuff!

It’s Fun (and Ancestral!)

If you can reframe your perceptions of organ meat being “gross” or extreme and see it for what it really is—just a different part of the animal you’re already eating, and a much more nutritious part at that—you can start having fun with different recipes and preparations.

Nose-to-tail eating is also a celebration of culture and history, honoring the traditional foods off different countries; a time when people were less swayed by grocery store marketing and more driven by instinct; when we gave more respect to the time, skill, and labor of providing meals for our families, and when nourishment mattered more than hyperpalatability.

It’s Tasty (Really!)

Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it—that’s what I’m always telling my skeptics. While certain organ meats have stronger flavors and unique textures and may never appeal to some people, the same can be said for less controversial foods (don’t even get me started on broccoli—now that’s an acquired taste!) I know I’ll never win everyone over, but if you’re willing to at least try,

I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how delicious, delicate, and decadent offal can be. If you’d like to learn more about the health, history, and deliciousness of organ meats, including my personal journey and more than 75 offal-based recipes created by myself and a range of other fantastic chefs, you can pre-order my book, It Takes Guts, now!

Ashleigh VanHouten is a health and nutrition journalist, public speaker, certified health coach, and self-proclaimed muscle nerd. She has written for Paleo Magazine for more than eight years, along with a number of other health publications. She hosts the Muscle Maven Radio podcast, which has been downloaded more than 1.5 million times, where she’s interviewed some of the biggest names in health and wellness, including Mark Sisson, Dave Asprey, and Steph Gaudreau. She’s also worked with other top-rated health-related podcasts, such as Barbell Shrugged, Muscle Intelligence, and Paleo Magazine Radio. Combining her formal education and professional experience in marketing and communications with her passion for healthy eating, exercise, and learning, Ashleigh works in a consulting role for a number of professionals in the health and wellness world, working alongside individuals like Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, Ben Pakulski, and Elle Russ. Find out more at ashleighvanhouten.com.

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[scarriercontribution]

January 2019 To March 2019 Amazon Reviews Online Amazon Reviews Updated Thursday January 17 2019 Part Two

January 2019 To March 2019 Amazon Reviews Online Amazon Reviews Updated Thursday January 17 2019 Part Two

January 2019 To March 2019 Amazon Reviews Online Amazon Reviews Updated Thursday January 17 2019 Part Two Reviews Initiated on Wednesday January 16 2019 and Posted by Thursday January 17 2019 Reviews started sometime after 7 pm and completed by 1059 pm Wednesday January 16 2019 before doing slight grammar andor spelling fixes/updates/word updates etc.

A Kindlebook For People of Various Backgrounds/Walks of LifeI admit that one of the reasons for my interest in this kindlebook that is titled Making The Most of Your Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Benefits ; An Active Duty Service Member and Veterans Guide To Home Ownership by David E Nelson Jr.  is because of my intent to do what I legally can to be eligible to purchase a home with my husband by the year 2025 andor sooner that we both can reside in/live in for the rest of our current earth lifetimes. Fortunately both he and I have yet to use our VA loans and this kindlebook helped give some ideas on how the VA loan works in regards to particular home buying plans. This kindlebook is also good for a potential home buyers of various backgrounds, occupations,  and ages even if you have yet to be near a military base because various issues on home buying are addressed that could appeal to many people buying homes regardless of their background that include;  short sales and info on working with real estate agents/realtors in regards to checking how long they expect to work with you, why you want to doublecheck with ideally the same loan officer on certain matters even when working with multiple real estate agents in the way addressed in the kindlebook, the author’s explanation on why you want to ideally still at least google search for a realtor even when there is temptation to rely on online real estate listings, Veteran’s Affairs Home Loan Buyer’s checklist and more.  This kindlebook was well worth the purchase for me to better inform myself and share some of the details with my husband for both present and future reference.

Heartwarming

This kindlebook that is The Team; A Mother’s Wisdom From The Other Side Book 1 by Teddy and Frances Key and Oscar Senn as the illustrator has heartfelt information. Areas that are touched on include forgiveness, a person’s spiritual team, eureka moments that appear out of the blue and much more. I also came away with more insight with the way the writings on the power of thought and visualizations are much more powerful in a person than they may realize regardless of who they are, their level of self confidence etc. I feel blessed in both my personal and professional life with a loving and open minded husband who is understanding of my unconventional spiritual beliefs. However, I admit that the deaths of both my adoptive parents even though they occurred 15 years apart has me sometimes unintentionally wondering/thinking about how they are doing even though I have faith that both of them went to a world/worlds of whatever they consider their version of heaven. This kindlebook helps remind me that is more than normal and understandable to wonder about one’s late family members from time to time  (regardless of how long ago they passed)with the way the matriarch of the family is discussed in this kindlebook who passed away around the age of 86.

Multiple Chefs/Places ReferencedThis book that is Chef’s Night Out; From Four-Star Restaurants To Neighborhood Favorites; 100 Top Chefs Tell You Where (And How) To Enjoy America’s Best by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page has a mix of various types of restaurants that use to be open or are still open this year that include; El Bulli in Spain (mentioned on pages 18 to 19 online Wikipedia listed them open from 1964 to 2017), a chef who was referenced in connection with the Inn At Little Washington in Virginia (on page 41), a section of various restaurants affiliated with Los Angeles California that starts on page 112 that also reference Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles across multiple locations on page 113, pages 149 to 208 reference places and chefs pertaining to New York,  Washington DC Area restaurants and chefs are referenced from pages 279 to 293, and more.

I confess that I finally had the chance to catch up with watching the remaining episodes of Season 5 Last Ship this week. The finale of the Last Ship Season 5 did wrap up creatively and with much emotion and suspense. The ending especially the remaining 15 to 20 minutes definitely also took me by surprise in a wow way especially because it touches on spiritual/afterlife themes in a creative fiction way (I must leave it at that for those who still have yet to see season 5 of the Last Ship), I still stand by my sentiment that I hope that a movie is eventually released of the Last Ship with as much of the original actors actresses that can feature in the film as possible (I say as possible) only because I understand it would be too much of a stretch to feature all due to what occurred with a multiple number of the characters.  I definitely intend to order the complete Last Ship dvd set sometime this year and I am glad to have originally been introduced to the Last Ship tv series from an advertisement that I had seen in an Entertainment Weekly magazine issue sometime around June 2014. The following is my Last Ship Season 5 Review from September 19, 2018 a person could still be a novice to this show and enjoy The Last Ship. However I would still recommend at least watching Season 4 if possible time andor moneywise before viewing Season 5 to further understand the workings behind a multiple number of the actors and actresses who feature in Last Ship Season 5. I have to admit that I found it a very novel idea on how one of the characters on the villain side was written to have had a connection with Disney.

A Phenomenal Season Start

September 19, 2018

Already with the Last Ship Season 5 there are a multiple number of heartstring tugging and keep the viewer in suspenseful type of scenes that definitely have me looking forward to more episodes in this season. I am fortunate to have been introduced to the Last Ship television series back in June 2014 via an advertisement in Entertainment Weekly magazine. While still being considerate to those novices/new to the Last Ship tv series I feel compelled to share that multiple locations of military bases are featured even though the USS Nathan James is based in Norfolk Virginia. These listed locations obviously become essential andor vital in some way to being part of the puzzle piece of the season 5 Last Ship beginning 2 episodes. I do feel that it was definitely worth purchasing the whole season from my pocket yet I do wonder out of curiosity if more details can be featured why this season’s antagonist feels so strongly about America. As an American born woman who was adopted by 2 of my late adoptive parents who were also American even I understand some of the reasons why a person from other areas outside of the U.S. would be far from patriotic. I prefer to avoid harping further about culture out of respect for many people in my personal andor professional/career/employment life who I have interacted with that are from other countries outside of the U.S. However, I wonder and am curious if by episode 5 more is going to be revealed on why the main antagonist feels the way they do about America. Of course, the addition/feature of other actors/actresses for this season; Eric Dane, Adam Baldwin, Charles Parnell, Kevin Michael Martin, Bridget Regan, Jocko Sims, Bren Foster, Jodie Smith, Christina Elmore, Marissa Neitling, Travis Van Winkle, Ben Cho, Michael Dorsano, Maximiliano Hernandez, Fay Masterson, Adam Irigoyen, and more. Of course, I was a little surprised how the conclusion of each of the two episodes unfolded and I am eager to see the rest of the Last Ship season 5.

Abundance Profiles

I’m intuitively and logically aware how blessed I am in both my personal and working life and what also helps is that my husband is ultra supportive of my career, spiritual and money goals. I admit from a place of curiosity of striving to understand what creates an abundance mindset influenced my purchase of this kindlebook that is titled Instant Millionaires The Secret of Overnight Success by Max Gunther. The real life accounts in this kindlebook include; an advertising employee who hit a goldmine through candy, a family man who became rich through a boardgame, a  woman who unexpectedly came into great prosperity from using the outlet of her fiction writing as a hobby/something to do, a stock market millionaire, a cereal millionaire, a woman who became a millionaire through her dressmaking, and more. I am fortunate to have purchased this Akashic Who’s Who of Psychic Mediums Healers and More by Victoria Lynn Weston via Amazon on December 14 2014 and to have reviewed it on January 9 2015. I’m intuitively and logically aware that it is important to learn to use and consistently strengthen my own logical,intuitive and imaginative/creative faculties/talents and to be wise and reasonable on how often I consult in a psychic. I admit that the last time I got a psychic reading was in 2017 though I do intend to eventually have another reading again by the end of this year andor sooner. I feel fortunate to know about the existence of certain books to help me understand andor get an idea on how various psychics live and believe. I now realize that I am responsible for creating my reality both the challenging and pleasant parts of my life. However, even with me being logically and intuitively aware of how I may be perceived, the researcher and investigator in me wants to keep track of how I have wrote and thought from both the past and present in order for me to better understand my true and braver self for both present and future reference. Detailed Glossary of Multiple Psychics/Spiritual LightworkersJanuary 9, 2015I have to properly credit psychic elizabeth joyce for finding out about this book that is titled akashic who’s who of psychics, mediums, and healers by Victoria lynn Weston. This is because I was researching if the book psychic attack are you a victim by Elizabeth joyce was right for me. I felt a strong psychic impression when she referenced this book and now I understand why I felt intuitively guided to get Akashic who’s who of psychics, mediums, healers, and more by Victoria lynn Weston. The difference between a psychic and a medium (starts on page 113), each person is asked their take on what they see may happen in the year 2020 and any books that they recommend such as on pages 34-35 and 196-197. There are also some resources listed in the back of the book and information on the author (pages 331-337). The positive takeaway that I got from akashic whos who of psychics, mediums, and healers by Victoria lynn Weston is how it is important to consistently have faith and ask for heaven’s help in a more skilled way in channeling inner power that will grow and reinforce that belief that life is going to turn out for the brighter and more charmed (filled with the fruits of good luck/good fortune/good karma) regardless of what others may say and/or current external circumstances. Descendants movie review-fortunately I originally got the chance to review the first Descendants film on January 10 2016 sometime after watching the film and I noticed that I obviously reviewed over the first review sometime in 2017 or 2018

Perfect Film To Watch If You Enjoy the Ever After High or Cartoon Book Series

Original amazon review written on January 10 2016-archived from my stellacarrier googleplus blog via the stellacarrier googleplus online blog section of Stella Carrier online reviews and purchases for creative analysis Fantasy Movie Good For Either Those Who Simply Want to Just Watch the Film and/or Aspiring WritersJanuary 10 2016The Disney Descendants Movie centers around the characters who are torn between following what they want or following the legacy of their parents. I immediately recognized Kristin Chenoweth in the Descendants movie (due to being previously familiar with her work portraying a public relations specialist in 12 Men of Christmas). There are also other actresses and actors in this film that also contribute heavily to the film and the viewer gets introduced to both the parents as well as the kids that are grappling with whether to follow their parents. The kids also deal with themes of fitting in. Due to the fantasy genre slant, this Descendants film is also good for those who like the Ever After High cartoon series. Revised and edited review in either 2017 or 2018January 10 2016I admit that I got the idea to watch the first Disney Descendants film after unexpectedly catching the tail end of the Descendants 2 film less than 4 hours ago and deciding by one of the dragon scenes of this film to check out the first Descendants.Additionally, curiosity influenced me enough to watch it as both an aspiring writer for plot ideas on connecting this series to Ever After High and simply just to watch it as a fantasy type film with a happy ending. The Descendants film involves a plot where Ben (Mitchell Hope) successfully convinces his parents who are now queen and king of the land of Auradon Belle (Keegan Connor Tracy) and Beast (Dan Payne) to allow the following children into Auradon Prep School;Mal (Dove Cameron) daughter of Malificent (Kristin Chenoweth has featured in such films as 12 Men of Christmas, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure), Evie (Sofia Carson) daughter of the Evil Queen (Kathy Najimy),Carlos (Cameron Boyce) son of Cruella de Vil (Wendy Raquel Robinson), and Jay (Booboo Stewart) son of Jaffar (Maz Jobrani). Of course, there are multiple actors and actresses who also play crucial roles into the plot. From what I see, the Descendants film sends a healthy and positive (maybe even spiritual message) that it is possible for a person to create their own happy reality that is different from what may be expected of them depending on their parental andor family background. Obviously, this lesson could still be inclusive depending on whether what type of background a person came from. The children of the villains do adjust to life really well at Auradon Prep school and even enjoy themselves. This Descendants film is also good if you enjoy musical movies as there are song performances in the film. I may be in the minority saying this, yet I do feel that the writers of the Ever After High Series and the Descendants films could maybe get together and collaborate (as there are creative parallels in a beneficial way with some of the plot points while each of the series maintains its own originality). I also know for sure that I intend to eventually purchase both Disney Descendants films. Might Appeal To Some Ever After High Fans andor Animated TV Show FansThe animated cartoon tv series that is Descendants Wicked World has plot and cartoon elements that touch upon friendship, magic, and enjoying life. The messages and the unique plot elements and colorful sequences might interest some viewers of the Ever After High Series because that series also touches on themes of friendship and adventures in storybook type of worlds.

A Good Continuation From the First Descendants FilmThis film that is Descendants 2 definitely has a strong flow of continuation of events from the first Disney Descendants film. There is great contrast shown with the first Descendants film  where some of the characters that came from another place were treated better and shown a warmer welcome a sense of belonging compared to the first film. I would prefer to say to pay attention to the theme of a certain kind of book referenced in the second film as this is important to a significant part of the plot development. I admit that I had seen the first Descendants film in early 2016 by January 2016 and I am glad to have finally seen the second Descendants film because a multiple number of the actors and actresses gave much energy and animated emotion to their parts (on both the good guy and villain sides). This film is definitely worth a try to watch if you enjoyed the first film and you might like this film as a novice if you are an eclectic Disney movie viewer.

Prolific Restaurant Features

I admit that I unexpected spotted this magazine that is From The Food Critics of US Weekly; 100 Best Restaurants in America (listed for a recommendation to display until 3/1/19) from a CVS store less than 3 miles from where my husband and I currently live. Some of the following places/names referenced in this magazine; Restaurant Guy Savoy in Las Vegas Nevada (page 16), La Super Rica Taqueria in Santa Barbara California on page 17, Uchi in Austin Texas on page 27, The Inn at Little Washington and Maydan referenced on pages 45 to 46 for Washington DC,ABC Cocina in New York New York on page 52, Arethusa al Tavolo in Bantam Connecticut on page 53, Anthony Bourdain’s Top 20 starts on pages 68 to 69, a listing of the 150 under $25 The Best Cheap Eats in Your State on page 69, a section on 25 Recipes from Top Chefs pages 70 to 95, and more.

Distinctive Live Music Sets

This music mix that is Live At Knebworth 1990 is a music collection of elements of live rock mixed with blues for some songs by a variety of artists that include; Sussudio by Phil Collins, Sunshine of Your Love by Eric Clapton, Think I Love You Too Much by Dire Straits, Saturday Nights All Right by Elton John, Hey Jude by Paul McCartney, Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd, Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears For Fears, Whatever You Want by Status Quo, On The Beach by Cliff Richard & the Shadows, Tall Cool One by Robert Plant, a music medley by Genesis, and more.

Calming and Peaceful

This music collection that is Late Night Tales Groove Armada by Groove Armada has a vast selection of chillout and lounge music from various artists that include; Free Will by Electric,Enjoy the Silence by Depeche Mode,You’re All I Need To Get By by Marvin Gaye feat. Tammi Terrell, Friday’s Child (Andy Cato mix) by Will Young, Are Friends Electric by Groove Armada,Close To Me by The Cure, Even After All by Finley Quaye, Josephine (La version francaise)by Chris Rhea, Late Night Tales by Groove Armada (Continuous Mix), and more.

Daring and Bold

This music collection that is R&B Date Night is good for eclectic music listeners andor music listeners who enjoy a mix of 90s R&B and 2000s era music because of the feature of songs that include; Cupid by 112, Baby by Brandy, So Into You by Tamia, I Swear by All-4-One, At Your Best You Are Love by Aaliyah, Swv, Total, Tyrese, Charlie Wilson, Neyo, and more. Unique BlendI confess that I have yet to research online who Golic and Wingo are though I intend to sometime tonight. However, this Amazon music playlist that is Golic and Wingo’s Favorite Songs attracted my interest as an eclectic music listener because of the fascinating mix of music songs from the country, dance, pop, and rock music genres within this playlist that include; Counting Stars by One Republic, Happy by Pharrell Williams, Wouldn’t It Be Nice by the Beach Boys, Beautiful Day by U2, I Can See Clearly Now by Jimmy Cliff, Take it Easy by the Eagles, The Joker by The Steve Miller Band,Here Comes The Sun by the Eagles, Brandy You’re A Fine Girl by Looking Glass, Walking On Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves,  Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake, American Pie by Don Mclean, Against the Wind by Bob Seger, Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield, Rosalita Come Out Tonight by Bruce Springsteen, The Devil Went Down to Georgia by the Charlie Daniels Band, etc.

Spectacular Rock Playlist

I admit that this Amazon music playlist that is Sexy Classic Rock caught my interest because I enjoy romantic, racy, andor love type songs across various genres and I’m fortunate that my husband is open-minded about my varied music interests. What I also like about the playlist is the diverse type of songs on this collection that feature; Rod Stewart, Patti Smith Group, Foreigner,Paul McCartney, The Beatles, Heart, Lita Ford, Aerosmith, Cream, T Rex,The Rollingstones, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, Eurythmics, Van Morrison, and many more musicians/music groups. I am very happy to have unexpectedly come across this Amazon music playlist that is Sexy Classic Rock.

Summertime Strawberry Vibe

This 8 ounce Bath & Body Works brand of lotion that is Sweet Escape Strawberry Picnic (24 hour Ultra Shea Body Cream) has a good mix of the summery strawberry scent that is also very moisturizing to my skin.  I admit that I got this lotion from an annual Bath & Body works sale in Northern Virginia. Right Blend of Apple and Honey ScentsThis Bath & Body Works brand of 8 ounces Champagne Apple & Honey Lotion (24 hour Ultra Shea Body Cream) has a terrific blend of the fruity scent of the apple balancing the honey fragrance in a lotion that is soothing to my skin. I got this lotion from a Bath and Body Works location in Virginia that was having an annual sale on a number of their products.

Classic

This Bath & Body Works brand of  8 ounces lotion that is Japanese Cherry Blossom (24 hour Ultra Shea Body Cream) has a pleasant flowery scent. I am fortunate to have known about this fragrance since around 2006/2007 when my husband and I noticed the Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom lotion and body sprays being sold at a Bath & Body Works location in Florida where my husband and I lived at the time. Bought For

This one pound 4 ounce (20 ounces)bag of  double stuff oreos definitely has a fair mix of the classic chocolate cookie flavor paired with the smooth filling. The Nabisco Oreo brand has been one of my husband’s favorite cookies for a while, and I admit to my husband being a significant influence on why I purchased these cookies.  

[twoguystrybbq-blog]

Smokehouse Barbecue

Ben:

We’re starting to branch out a little, and I don’t hate it one bit. To be certain, we still have some barbecue in KCMO left to try and a handful of places in KCK we’ll visit, but we’re beginning to exhaust all of our very local barbecue options. And for me, this will be one of the best aspects of this project moving forward: getting into new parts of the KC Metro area, visiting suburbs I didn’t know existed, all while sampling the best barbecue in the world.

With that said, we visited Smokehouse Barbecue in Gladstone on a Sunday. If I recall correctly, we had tentatively planned to grab barbecue on Saturday, but we unexpectedly over-served ourselves on Friday night, which spiraled into a full day of needed recovery. It seems the reality that my hangovers are never getting any better is finally sinking in. I can’t prepare for these bad boys any more. It doesn’t matter how much water I drink on Friday night, or even how little alcohol I drink on Friday night (seriously, just three drinks does the trick for me), I’m donezo on Saturday.

So, knowing that barbecue deserves our full, not hungover attention, we postponed the feast on Saturday and re-scheduled for Sunday. After combing through our comprehensive list of all barbecue in Kansas City, I settled on Smokehouse, which has three locations in the metro area. The location in Gladstone was about a twenty minute drive, but still the closest of all three. We met at Smokehouse in that sweet spot of barbecue feasting: mid afternoon. After the lunch rush, but before they’ve run out of any important items (tell a man “we’re out of burnt ends” and I’ll show you a man in despair).

I first drove right past Smokehouse, but when I circled back, I’m not entirely sure how I ever missed it. It’s a huge restaurant with -- as you may guess -- beautiful barbecuing smoke billowing out the roof.

I met Leo inside; he had already been seated and ordered an appetizer of burnt ends. I’m totally fine with burnt ends as an appetizer. Or an entree. Or, hell, toss some extra charred burnt ends on some vanilla ice cream and have them for dessert. We don’t discriminate.

As we caught up on how brutal our hangovers were, I took note of Smokehouse’s huge interior. This place is no hole-in-the wall, it’s a big restaurant made to accommodate large groups. I imagine graduation parties, company lunches, and family reunions eat here all the time. Indeed, if you’re visiting Kansas City with a large group of people and want to check out some quality barbecue, I’d probably send you to Smokehouse.

Our burnt end appetizer arrived and we ordered our main courses; I went with more burnt ends (don’t judge), sausage, baked beans, and cheesy corn.

The burnt ends at Smokehouse are fantastic -- certainly more on the meaty side than the fatty side, and still with plenty of char in each and every bite. These aren’t the type of burnt ends that just fall apart in your mouth because they’re all fat; these are the burnt ends that deliver all the flavor you need between the char and the sauce, but come in a hearty chunk of meat. The burnt ends here are substantial.

Our appetizer, as well as our entrees, came pre-sauced -- something both Leo and I have decided we don’t have a problem with. For starters, pre-sauced meat almost always come with hot (temperature, not flavor) sauce. Rather than drizzling some room temperature sauce on your ‘cue, the sauce goes straight from a warmer in the kitchen to melting into your meat. It feels… fancy? Maybe. And what’s more, pre-sauced meat allows us, as eaters, to just sit back and trust the choices of the cooks and pit master. Instead of guessing which sauce mixes best with which meat, we’re letting the professionals handle that business.

In short order, our main courses arrived. The burnt ends, I should note, were still fantastic. Smokehouse also offers pork burnt ends -- something I’ve never tried -- but I was more than happy with the traditional beef/brisket burnt ends.

The sausage was a traditional dinner-style sausage, with finely ground filling and a smooth exterior. Smokehouse’s sausage is on the mild side in terms how strength of flavor, but for me that really means I can pair it with other items and sauce without the sausage over-powering anything.

The sides at Smokehouse are what I would confidently describe as… strong. The cheesy corn was a first for me, and did not disappoint. It’s rich and creamy -- like mac and cheese. But instead of pasta, you have packets of sweetness with the corn. And while it may look a bit like that creamed corn they fed you in elementary school, this is a quality side dish that’s been prepared fresh and with care. The same can be said of the beans, which were thick, smokey, and tasted like they had been prepared low and slow for the past few days.

Even though I came into Smokehouse hungry as ever, I found myself slowing down at the end of this meal. Was I losing my fastball? Was I struggling to put away truly disturbing amounts of barbecue in one sitting? We’ll find out, I suppose. In any event, it’s safe to say that Smokehouse delivered in the portions department; I’m not easily stuffed on barbecue.

If you live in the city, make the short trip to Smokehouse Barbecue, particularly if you don’t feel like waiting in line and you’re jonesing to be waited on. The barbecue -- as you should expect -- delivers.

Leo:

A big plate of delicious food!

This experience starts on Friday night.  A legal organization that I am in had an anniversary party from 4pm to 7pm.  There was a buffet and an open bar, both of which I visited.  Around 7pm I called Ben who was just about to go to a movie on the Plaza.  “Well, don’t do that,” I said.  “Well, what should we do instead?”  Ben asked.  “Let’s meet up at O’Dowd’s on the Plaza, have a drink or two, and decide.”  

So, about thirty minutes later, we were at the bar at O’Dowd’s.  After a couple of tasty beers, we headed upstairs to the balcony because it was a semi-nice night.  Oh, and throughout all this, I’m still in my lawyer get-up: nice pants, nice jacket, and suspenders.  We are sitting up on the patio and Ben and I get to talking about other cool spots in Kansas City that we had not been to.  I mean, we’ve frequented Westport a lot, but we’d never been to the Crossroads.  So, let’s go to the Crossroads, we decided!  There’s no time like the present, right?

We Ubered to a bar called “Ruins Pub” and what is awesome about this pub is that it has a serve your own beer station.  You get a card from the bartender that keeps track of how much you spend and then you can sample from over different beers.  Ben and I ran into a group of friends celebrating a birthday and shared a Lunchbox shot, which may be responsible for how we felt the next day!  In celebrating, I remembered seeing on Facebook that one of my friends had a birthday, so I texted her.  Turns out that she was out and about at Dave’s Stagecoach Inn in Westport.  So, to Westport we went!

This all ended with me explaining to a group of my friend’s friends all about this blog and handing out our business cards (yes, we have business cards, have I mentioned that before?).  I figured I would give them a shout out in case they read this article.  So, if you see Ben and me out and about and as us, you too could be featured in our blog!!  After having some amazing street tacos, Ben got me an Uber home.

We had planned to get barbeque on Saturday, but we were both…recovering.  We would not have been in a good position to have a barbeque experience, so we postponed going to get bbq until Sunday.

Getting barbeque on a Sunday is difficult because many barbeque restaurants are closed on Sunday.  One that was open was Smokehouse Barbeque, another Kansas City barbeque restaurant that I had not yet heard of.  It is a bit of a drive for Ben and me, but hopefully we have or will have some readers in Gladstone who will appreciate our going to a restaurant outside of the city.  So, still feeling it a little from Friday night, I headed up to Smokehouse BBQ in Gladstone.

I was the first to arrive.  When I entered, I was a bit confused (imagine that).  On my right was an ordering station and in front of me was a counter that looked a lot like other barbeque joints’ ordering counter.  “Was there not dine-in seating?” I thought.  I was apparently next in line and I had no idea what I wanted to order!  The pressure was really mounting up!  I think the hostess noticed my “distress” and asked me if I’d like to be seated.  “That would be great,” I said.  She led me around a corner into the dine-in area that was quite expansive, you just can’t see it immediately from the door.  I did notice as she sat me at a booth that a group was celebrating a birthday (must have been the theme of the weekend) and we sang happy birthday to an older gentleman.

Our waiter told me that Smokehouse served sweet tea and I knew that this was going to be a great experience!  I don’t know many places that offer sweet tea, but I am always elated when I go to a restaurant that does.  The waiter came back with my sweet tea and I ordered a burnt ends appetizer.  As Ben arrived, the appetizer came out and we dug in.  The burnt ends were “fresh-out-of-the smoker” hot and steaming.  The sauce was unique in a great way: I’d say it was more vinegary/tangy, but still thick and definitely with a little bit of a kick (oh, and just an fyi, Smokehouse does not have sauce on the table, so if you are a big sauce lover, be sure to ask for extra!).  And the burnt ends were terrific little chunks of goodness.

As we finished up the burnt ends, our waiter came back to take our orders.  I got the Chef’s Special: pork spare ribs, baby back ribs, bone-in chicken and burnt ends with French fries and potato salad.  For some reason, this did not register as a lot of food, but when it came out, I was overwhelmed by the amount of food that I had gotten.  Again, you could tell that all of the meat was fresh out of the cooker and it was all slathered with a generous helping of sauce.  

I dug into the pork spare ribs first.  They were huge!  And they were so delicious.  These ribs had a perfect coating of char/burntness from the smoker that gave way to some of the most tender meat that I’ve yet to experience.  And the meat had a distinctive sweetness from the smoker that complimented the tang of the sauce very well.  

Next I turned to the chicken and I remarked to Ben my realization that I had not yet gotten bone-in barbeque chicken from a barbeque restaurant!  It was great!  The skin was a perfect firmness to hold the tenderized chicken together.  Again, the meat had that sweet, sweet flavor from the smoker; not overwhelming, but just a hint, to leave you wanting more.  

It was at this point that the realization that I’d gotten too much food hit me.  For the first time in a long time (I’m a big guy), I had to get a takeout box.  But the ribs and burnt ends I saved were a splendid dinner!

So, if you are in Gladstone, or anywhere in Kansas City for that matter, I highly recommend Smokehouse BBQ.  I hope you’re hungry and I hope that you go try some new barbeque today!!!

[signaturekitchen]

Fresh Ideas – The Elemental Kitchen from DeVOL, Charlie Smallbone and The Caulfield Company

We’re in love with this new kitchen collaboration which was unveiled at the Chelsea Flower Show, combining an array of materials, finishes and looks.

This spectacular project generated a lot of interest at the iconic show. The glass conservatory structure is by The Caulfield Company, the kitchen furniture and cabinetry is the result of a collaboration between the team at deVOL and Charlie Smallbone. Neither of whose names need any introduction at all!

The kitchen features copper door panels with Verdigris patterning. Aged brass pivot hinges are welded into minimal brass door frames. The elemental kitchen is naturally bespoke, combining wood, metal and stone to create a unique look and feel for each individual installation. The conservatory itself is by Caulfield & Company.

The design team members are Charlie Smallbone and Sue Smallbone, and from deVOL; Paul O’Leary, Robin McLellan, Helen Parker, Ben Creed, Huw Janes and Stephanie O’Leary. A price guide for a kitchen is from £50,000. For more details, visit Charlie Smallbone; deVOL; and Caulfield & Company.

This bold colour choice is for a simple Shaker kitchen, from The Shaker Kitchen Company. Branches include Cirencester, Godalming, Winchester and Fulham, and the concept is to supply affordable, handmade kitchens in simple, timeless Shaker designs. Prices are from around £10,000. Visit the website here.

My next choice for this month is the gorgeous Proline kitchen from Pronorm, in Bronze and Stratus Grey matt lacquered finish. This particular finish has the look of aged leather, with a velvety feel. This would be a clever colour choice for anyone who might want to change their colour scheme in the future, we can imagine silver grey, golds and copper accents in this room. See the rest of the Pronorm collection here.

And final kitchen inspiration for June … the gorgeous Lastra Fjord and Grey Grained Oak kitchen by LochAnna Kitchens. This combination provides a perfect, relaxed and laid-back Nordic look, which won’t date and will always look fresh and clean. This particular layout is a good example of a ‘broken plan’ layout, which is different from the much-used ‘open plan’. Basically, a broken plan layout means that the space has been broken down into particular zones. See the rest of the LochAnna collection here.

However sleek and stylish your kitchen cabinets are, it’s difficult to resist a change of pace for the lighting and accessories; we’re still seeing the successful combination of industrial, reclamation and distressed styles with smooth and sophisticated cabinetry. The Brooklyn Step Pendant in Brass (above) is a great choice, available from Industville.

Continue the industrial theme with more practical choices; here is the Globe Cluster Shade Chandelier – this would suit a hall, landing or other stairwell and would become a fabulous talking point. And for matching bar stools look at the Turner wood and metal adjustable bar stools; all from Industville again; see the whole collection here. The prices are appealing too …

Ok, so you may have chosen a tasteful pale grey or light wood kitchen. Which will, of course, look elegant and fabulous forever! But why not go out on a limb with the colour for the cooker and appliances? We love the new Professional Series range cooker PROF366GASROT by Bertazonni, awarded a Red Dot Award for 2018. It’s a 36” wide six burner gas oven with two fans, and a triple-glazed door that maximises useable space. Visit the website here to see the other high spec designs available.

Two more worthwhile additions to your kitchen kit … a selection of Sistema storage boxes will keep fruit, herbs and vegetables fresher for longer. Honestly. The FreshWorks produce savers have a built-in FreshVent filter which means foods will last at least a few days longer than if stored in a filter-less container. It’s worked with strawberries, coriander and raspberries so far. (Not all at the same time!) From £4.99 to £9.99, worth splashing out if you regularly throw away a lot of fresh food that hasn’t kept well. I haven’t looked at knives for a while, but fully intend to further investigate the Forest & Forge Santoku knifes by Dexam; see the extensive range here; there’s definitely something for all levels of skill and dexterity. Made in Sheffield style using English wood and British steel. Paring, bread, utility and chef’s knives also available from the same range.

And finally … three fabulous shopping suggestions.

I need to replace some of my pristine plain white crockery … I thought it looked terribly sophisticated (thank you, Sainsbury’s) but I’ve managed to chip a fair few pieces. So I may take a trip across town to Dunelm to investigate the lovely jungly green animal and patterned crockery. This Zebra plate is £10. Meanwhile, the temptation to buy bright zingy orange accessories never recedes; at the moment I’m contemplating a modest investment (£45) in this Zodiac Paper Lampshade in Goldfish Orange. Different folded paper shapes are also available in French Blue, Swedish Green and English Mustard, all from Cuckooland. Anyone who knows me will verify that I don’t iron. Well maybe once or twice a year if I have to go to a posh event. But, things have been transformed by this little hand-held steamer by Swan. Just fill it up, plug it in and steam away! (My only mild criticism is that the lead could be longer, or could we have a cordless/rechargeable version please?) Works best with items that are hanging up. And it also works well on curtains and Roman blinds too. Although, (professional tip alert) don’t be too enthusiastic when steaming embroidered silk, the structural difference between the silk embroidery thread and silk fabric means that steaming can sometimes distort the fabric.

The post Fresh Ideas – The Elemental Kitchen from DeVOL, Charlie Smallbone and The Caulfield Company appeared first on The Kitchen Think.

Via Linda Parker http://www.thekitchenthink.co.uk

[keepgod1stinc]

HUH?! WHAT YOU SAY??

originally posted Sep 3, 2015

Clichés. There are so many sayings/ clichés passed down within the church, out of tradition more than out of truth. I must say, I have caught myself unintentionally saying rhythmic statements, that temporarily cause relief and solace in times of need. BUT, there is a lot of danger in mis-quoting the scriptures- or straight out making up statements. If the tongue has the power of life and death, then we must be mindful of what we say. (Proverbs 18:21 NKJ) In addition, can you imagine a chef showing up to compete on food network in front of a panel of highly respected culinary artists and peers, without their personal knife set? Or better yet, they show up with a set of butter knives and a gardening kit. That would be unheard of!!!! Now imagine, we have appeared in the battle of life, angels are surrounded about us observing as we show up, but we come unprepared. We stand there looking sharp and crisp but without the correct professional weaponry (The Word). Instead, we have half of the set, or stand to fight with empty hands. That would be dangerous. With that, let's conclude that Clichés are like the plastic knife set. Looks and sounds authentic, but have no real results.

This month, lets settle the score and play TRUTH or DARE. Below are just a few common sayings. Let's determine if they are true or not. If they are fact. Then, I propose to you a "dare". A challenge to take a closer look at the things you have learned/say and see what do they REALLY mean.

Today we will focus on 3:

1. God won't give you more than you can handle.- FALSE This saying may be one of the most used sayings around. While there is some base for this, it is NOT in the bible. OK, so it does resemble 1 Corinthians 10:13 but it is important to look at the whole "picture". If you back up and read verses 1-14, you will see that it is referencing temptation. In verse 1-5, we see that every Christian that has ever lived, all lived eating, drinking, and following the teachings of Christ. Yet God was not pleased with them, because with all of their spiritual nature, they lived a life where their bodies were "scattered" in the wilderness. We are then taught to use our ancestors as an example. To make sure that we "do not lust after evil things" (v6) as they did. So when we read vs 13, "no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man", we can clearly see that we are being taught to stay strong and avoid the traps that we have seen other succumb too. He is telling us that there is no temptation out there that is so strong, it should make us fold!!

2. With great power comes great responsibility- TRUE Yes this is a famous quote taken from just about every spider man movie that tells of his beginnings and his Uncle Ben. But, did you know that it is biblically based? I know- I was pleasantly surprised to see that myself. The second half of Luke 12:48 "...For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has has been committed, of him they will ask the more."

All things work together for good- TRUE (but with specific conditions)Yes, the bible does say this. BUT this is one of those sayings that was based on just a piece of scripture taken out of context. Not knowing the rest of the surrounding pieces of the sentence, is like trying to play solitaire without all of the deck of cards. It will lead to a waste of energy. When viewing Romans 8:28 in full lens, we see that all things do work together for good, but not for everyone. This is a promise that is specific on what our part is. We can count on the promise of everything working together for good, but that is only 1.) "...to those who love God,..."  and 2.) "to those who are the called according to HIS purpose". If we are not seeing the fruits of the promise, then we must inspect our lives to ensure # 1 and 2 are happening. And that is why we must study everything in context. If we don't, we will definitely miss vital information/instructions.

Prayerfully you are now curious about a few other phrases heard. I commend you. Now continue! Continue to think about what you or hear. Seek to understand. More importantly seek the scriptures to see what the Word says about it.

Here's a few more to get you started:

Everything happens for a reasonIf God brought you to it. He'll see you through itGod knows my heartIm blessed and highly favoredIf one door closes it's because God is opening a windowWe must do things decently and in order

Blessings,

B. Loved