geeky recipe and party ideas
Molecular Gastronomy has been responsible for creating some weird dishes: parmesan foam and ketchup caviar comes to mind. This, however, may be one of the most unusual dishes I’ve seen.
This edible helium balloon from Chicago-based Alinea Restaurant is made from apple, and I’m assuming is served as a dessert. It would definitely make for an interesting ending to a date night!
Have you experimented with molecular gastronomy? What were your results?
(Source: The Awesomer)
Mattel announced a new item at the New York Toy Fair that has put the internet in a tizzy: A 1:1 replica of the Hoverboard used in Back To The Future 2 and 3. Mattel’s collector site MattyCollector.com says:
Finally! This totally awesome 1:1 replica of the hover board from the BTTF 2 and BTTF 3 films includes multiple whooshing sounds and will glide over most surfaces (does not actually “hover” – check back in 2015 for that feature). We’ll be taking orders for it March 1 – March 20, 2012, and the final product will be shipped around November/December 2012. Because this is such a high-cost item, there will be a minimum number of orders required to go into production. If we don’t receive the minimum orders, won’t go into production and customers will not be charged. The price will be announced later this month. (Note: Hover board does not work on water.)
I have a feeling they’ll get their minimum orders, and then some.
Will you be buying one of these hoverboards? Or are you holding out until they actually hover?
Forgot about Valentine’s Day? Locked eyes with that cutie across the bus from you, and need to scramble to find a card? Look no further than Paperless Post! Their free Valentine’s Day e-cards are cute, quirky, geeky, and unique. Check out some of my faves below:
You can find these cards and more at Paperless Post— just sign up for free to customize and send!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is tomorrow. If you haven’t yet picked out a gift for your loved one(s), or are looking for a sweet treat for yourself, I’d recommend you check out these “Epic Win Cupcakes.” The cupcakes include a trifecta of ingredients: coffee, whiskey, and bacon. (Not into pork products on your baked goods? Feel free to keep it off.) Between the kick of the whiskey and the caffeine from the coffee, these cupcakes are not for the faint of heart. They’re guaranteed to make an all-night gaming session or movie marathon even better.
Looking for the Wonder Woman underwear I mentioned in the podcast? Try SuperheroStuff.com, Hot Topic, TopShop, and Spencers.
You can find a Golden Snitch locket on Etsy.
Need more gift ideas? Check out my post on Valentine’s Day gifts here!
Above all, remember that Valentine’s Day is just a great excuse to tell people you care about them–that can be done with something homemade, a nice hand-written letter, or even just an earnest phone call. You don’t need to spend any money as long as there’s some thought there.
What are you doing for your Valentine?
The Geeky Hostess is gonna help you get your manners on! Each Monday, we’ll focus on a topic of etiquette. We’ll take a look at the classic rules (using Emily Post as a guide), and then evaluate the rules for our daily lives, creating a guide to “Geek Etiquette.” Have an etiquette question or topic suggestion? Email tara@geekyhostess.com!
Happy Galentine’s Day! To celebrate this day of strong, independent women, I’m going to let one of the strongest, most independent women I know take over this etiquette column: Leslie Knope. Take a look at her guidelines for a great Galentine’s Day and see if you can put something together quickly. I’ll be at brunch with some of my gals, trying to follow her rules!
Find more tips from Leslie here!
Stay tuned for a post later today with gift ideas (and a fun cupcake recipe!) for all the gals and guys in your life.
We’ve all been there. It’s close to dinner time, and you’re staring down a new box of Girl Scout cookies. You’re an adult, why NOT have cookies for dinner? Now you can, and no-one else in your house will even need to know. Coating chicken tenders in shortbread crumbs makes for a very crunchy and slightly sweet crust: the addition of the chili powder complements the sweetness and adds the perfect amount of spice.
This recipe was created for the Girl Scout Cookie Recipe Contest, and features their Trefoil cookies. I’d recommend grabbing a few boxes of other kinds as well, just to have around. You know, just in case. My favorites are the Tagalongs, Samoas, and the new Savannah Smiles. The cookies can be purchased between March 2-18. Use the cookie locator and app to make sure you get your fix.
What’s your favorite Girl Scout Cookie? And admit it–how many boxes have you eaten in one sitting?
Etsy seller B Fiber and Craft Emporium has created some AMAZING ways to incorporate your favorite food into your everyday life. Why eat a slice of pizza when you can sleep in one? Why enjoy a slice of bacon when you can wear it around your neck?
Take a look at some of my favorite items they offer:
Pizza Sleeping Bag
The pizza sleeping bag can be ordered with optional pillow toppings. Seriously. $250.
Baked Potato Bean Bag Chair with Butter Pillow
Starchy and comfortable! $150.
Waffle and Syrup Sheets
Have breakfast in bed every day! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) Optional fruit pillows available. $150.
Bacon Scarf
The men (and pork-product loving ladies) will find me irresistible in this bacon scarf. $40.
Bravo to someone who finally allows me to play with my food. What food item would you like to see next? It comes as a surprise to no-one that I’m holding out for a cupcake beanbag chair.
I love to make and give cupcakes, but sometimes they’re just a bit too boring. These cupcake toppers will add a bit of fun to your cake (and possibly double as a cool favor or piece of jewelry after the cupcake is gone!)
Star Wars Light Saber Cupcake Picks
You can’t get more epic than these. $3.85 for 12.
Harry Potter School Seals Rings
Host your own sorting hat ceremony–with cupcakes! $4.95 for 12.
Transformers Party Cupcake Rings
Transformer faces that are ALSO jeweled rings? I’m thinking these would be perfect for Ladies’ Night. $2.14 for 12.
Pizza Slice Cupcake Picks
These pizza picks would be great at a TMNT-themed party, or for a savory “Pizza cupcake”. Think mini lasagnas in a cupcake pan. Cowabunga! $3.60 for 12.
Twilight Family Crest Cupcake Picks
Whether it’s for a Twilight marathon or just your weekly Vampire and Werewolf gathering, these picks will bring a bit of class to your event. They get bonus points for not being sparkly or saying “Team Edward” on them. $3.05 for 12.
Cozino Card Suit Wood Party Picks
These picks can be used for cupcakes or any other finger food at your next game night! $1.99 for 48.
Any inspiration for future cupcake-making? I’m personally excited to play around with the pizza toppers!
(Special thanks to Thomas for showing me the lightsaber picks and inspiring this post!)
This cardigan is the perfect blend of cute, practical, and geeky. Show everyone you’ve got a lot of life left without alienating your non-geek friends. The cardigans are available in unisex sizing, meaning it’s the perfect thing to wear when you and your sig other want to match in your sickeningly-adorable engagement photos.
Life Cardigan, $44 at Threadless.com.
The Geeky Hostess is gonna help you get your manners on! Each Monday, we’ll focus on a topic of etiquette. We’ll take a look at the classic rules (using Emily Post as a guide), and then evaluate the rules for our daily lives, creating a guide to “Geek Etiquette.” Have an etiquette question or topic suggestion? Email tara@geekyhostess.com!
I’ve been hearing a lot of friends and fellow geeks talk about dating lately. And introduced dating 9 to their single male friends to know out how to flirt with girls appropriately. How do they find someone that shares their interests? Where do they go on a date?
I’ve consulted the smartest, funniest (and might I add, best looking?) people I know: Geeky Hostess readers. Check out their answers to some common geek dating questions, and see if their experiences can help you!
What qualities do you look for in a date/partner?
Although the qualities varied a bit person-to-person, common answers across the board were a sense of humor, honesty, and self-confidence.
Where do you go to look for date?
“Don’t go looking for dates, let them find you. If you do the things you genuinely like to do, you will find like-minded people there and it won’t be artificial and contrived.” –Jessica
“I find that persons of interest can be found anywhere you frequent. (Full disclosure: I met my lady in WoW; that’s where I spent all my time!) But it’s still good to get out of your comfort zone every once in a while and meet new people. You just have to be open, and someone will catch your interest.” –Thomas
Are your daily interests not yielding any returns on the date-front? Try online dating! Shannon has found some decent results at Match.com and POF, and Laura has had the best luck with OKCupid. Emily Post also endorses online dating, and has some tips to get you started!
I’ve spotted a cutie. How do I approach them? What do I say?
“Honest to god, Just. Say. Hi. Compliment my shirt (or shoes, or watch… just break the damn ice) So many people over think this and it’s completely unnecessary. Just say ‘Hi, I hadn’t introduced myself so I thought I’d come over and say hey. By the way I really like your Watch/Necklace/LackofAdamsApple. I’m Blahblahblah'” –Shannon
Any suggestions on great first-date spots?
The consensus seems to be to keep first dates simple. Find an activity that you both may be interested in, do it, and then grab food after to chat about it and get to know each other better. Laura suggests bowling. Dikla says “Beers and Star Trek. Or beers and a board game.” If you’re in the Seattle area, I’d suggest checking out the EMP Museum.
Need some advice on how to act on your date? Check out Emily Post’s “Dating 101“.
Any words of advice for geeks looking for love?
“Don’t feel like you need to be anyone other than who you are. Confidence, and self-awareness (not self-consciousness), is sexy.” –Jessica
“‘Never give up! Never surrender!’ Sorry; I watched Galaxy Quest the other night… But seriously: Don’t give up; keep looking. And don’t fall for the first person to like you back. There are plenty of people out there that you can be happy with.” –Thomas
“Be the best possible version of yourself. Don’t look for someone to love you in spite of your geeky quirks, but because of them. You (and everyone in the whole wide world) deserves someone that loves them for them. Take care of yourself, don’t expect anyone else to do it for you. And for the love of all that is holy, don’t unload all of your trust issues in your online dating profile. It’s not the place. I will assume your baggage isn’t carry-on size and bail faster than a disgruntled flight attendant w/access to a emergency chute.” –Shannon
Moral of the story? Be yourself, do the things you enjoy, and love will find its way in. I’ve found that many of my friends and I didn’t find love until we stopped trying so hard to look for it.
Do you have a great dating story or piece of advice? Share it in the comments!
