At last!

I'm rocking some SERIOUS bangs and guess what -- I LOOOOOOOOOOVE THEM!

My super amazing girls weekend in D.C. included a much-needed trip to my favorite salon -- one80. If you're local, go there and ask for Remi. You won't be sorry!

Trip details to come (including our million viewings of a certain movie - WHICH WE LOVED!).

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Becky's Picks: Bacon-wrapped dough

It's high time we talk about something savory on this blog! How about a bacon pouch to encase your mounds of dough? (Even better if it came pre-packed with the dough!)
My rating: 4/5 stars

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Becky's Picks: The most glorious bacon find, YET!

Behold:

BACON BALM!

I even love the name -- bacon "balm" just sounds so healing and comforting. It's luring me in with the promise of wrapping my lips in a nice warm bacon blanket and feeling the cares of the world fall from my shoulders. Mmmmmmm. Peaceful AND delicious.

Buy yours (and mine!) here.

My rating: 5/5 stars

More bacon here.
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Um, not to sound arrogant, but I TOLD YOU SO!

Remember how Becky's Picks recently awarded Ray's Hell Burgers 6/5 glorious stars?

And remember how I've personally converted (aka consumed burgers with) more than 50 people to it's deliciousness (not to mention the masses who tried the burgers on their own because of my recommendation, er, peer pressuring)?

I think we've uncovered two very famous readers of this blog, who obviously trust my expert opinion:
More on the Presidential luncheon here.

And for all you unbelievers, remember this incident the next time you see Becky's Picks!

Images via here, here and here.

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Becky's Picks: How-to spring break, recession-style

There's nothing worse that popping by your friend's blog to see what their kid ate for dinner only to find a glowing recap of some exotic vacation. It hurts. A lot.

I would NEVER hurt you like that (mostly because I rarely take exotic, blog-worthy vacations). You know when you visit me on the Internet (or in person) you'll probably encounter some delicious bacon-y commentary, a party or two (low-fi is how we do), Misadventures on the Metro ("Divine," according to the author's mom) and possibly (maybe) something about a movie I've watched a couple of times.

(Did I really just publicly admit how boring my blog has become? Don't answer that.)

So this is totally NOT a look-at-how-awesome-my-vacation-was-and-you-weren't-there-neiner-neiner-neiner post. It's not. Consider it more of a how-to:

Becky Wickstrom's Awesome Spring Break HOW-TO (recession-style):

Step 1. Find a content-rich, job-enhancing conference and ask your boss to send you. The sell is important, people. You should probably wear a business suit (you want the boss to know you're SERIOUS about this) and then "coincidentally" bake cookies for the entire office. Make like a short stop and cover your bases.

(Bonus points if one of the speakers is the genius behind Willitblend.com. Yes, the rake blended.)

Step 2. Pick a conference in a travel-worthy location. Be careful on this one -- do you honestly think the boss will send you to New Zealand? For a one-day networking meeting? I mean, you're a valued employee, but Vegas is a bit more reasonable.

Step 3. Make sure said conference is hosted at the nicest hotel in the city. But then check Travelocity for killer airfare/hotel packages at a fraction of the original price. (Note: Travelocity, endorsement check, please!).

Step 4. Bring a fun travel companion, thus achieving the magical combination of business trip/romantic getaway.

(Side tip: Feed travel companion bananas foster (full-throttle) gelato. Trust me. It will make the ride home MUCH more fun! Especially if the travel companion sits next to a squirmy, seat-filling/over-spilling lady on a four-hour flight home. And then she gets up to use the restroom, stumbles, grips the seat in front of her and creates a violent earthquake for the seat's occupant. Who subsequently flails his arms like a shocked octopus. Then, for the remainder of the trip, your travel companion refers to the incident as the "great earthquake/octopus arms incident of '09).

Step 5. Make the most of your evenings. Indulge in killer Mexican food, crepes, shows (but get separate checks so your boss can foot half of the bill). Then spend the second half of your half-day meetings by the pool. In the sun.
**Warning**: Returning to "normal" life after such an adventure is nearly impossible. You'll miss the 500-square-foot bathroom, you'll long for a visit to the incredible spa, you'll pine for another show. And oh those crepes! You'll have dreams swirled with bananas and nutella for weeks! And you'll never again be able to rid your thoughts of that unbelievable houndstooth wallpaper.My rating: 100/5 stars!

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Becky's Picks: REALLY good eats

In spite of my current diet, I've made a practice of saving spare calories for one splurge per week. And since Chris and I discovered Ray's Hell Burger, deciding where to spend those precious calories has been a no-brainer.

(Chris claims he discovered this gem, but pay no attention. I'm the one who addicted him to NPR, where he heard about the heavenly burger shop. So you're welcome, Mr. Wickstrom. Glad I could be of service -- as usual).

Anyway, Ray's is tucked away in a strip mall of sorts...

...with no signage, aside from one printed sheet of paper.

This hole in the wall is where Chef Michael Landrum (owner of Ray's the Steaks) has mastered the ultimate burger. His 10 oz. monsters are grilled to perfection and can be adorned with toppings ranging from Vermont white cheddar and applewood smoked bacon to imported Brie to foi gras and truffle oil (which Chris tried last week). There's also a house-made "heck" sauce.

You won't miss the fries, especially after trying the homemade mac and cheese and perfectly fried balls of cheesy mashed potatoes. Soooooooo good.
Located at 1713 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, you'll see the Wickstroms there on Friday(s), between 7 and 8:15 p.m. Who's joining us?

My (well, our) Rating: 6/5 glorious stars.

Images via here, here, here and here.

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Becky's Picks: Surefire Heart Attack

It's time once again to celebrate the most glorious meat on the planet. This gem came into my inbox via an awesome co-worker, with the headline: "You are a trendsetter."

I thought she was sending a picture of shoes.

Behold:
The "Bacon Explosion" was recently featured in a New York Times article.

Here are the highlights:

"The Bacon Explosion is a massive torpedo-shaped amalgamation [editor's note: I love the word amalgamation] of two pounds of bacon woven through and around two pounds of sausage."

"...containing at least 5,000 calories and 500 grams of fat..."

"A man from Wooster, Ohio, wrote that friends had served it at a bon voyage party before his 10-day trip to Israel, where he expected bacon to be in short supply. 'It wasn’t planned as a send-off for me to Israel, but with all of the pork involved it sure seemed like it,' he wrote."

There are some competing claims as to the origination of this masterpiece. Bacon logs have been done before -- see here and here.

My rating: 5/5 stars, for all of the bacon log/rolls/fatties as well as the article.

Images via.

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The 12 Dates of Christmas -- Chocolate Guffaws

Let's pretend for a second that my hot husband didn't have three gigantic papers due in a week. Let's also pretend my apartment was already decorated to the nines (or 10s? 11s?), fudge and cards were in the mail, and I had wads of cash to spoil my loved ones and acquaintances with everything on their Christmas lists.

But Heidi is right -- "Law school is a jealous mistress." And my apartment looks like a tsunami swept through, leaving Christmas jumbled on every visible surface (not in a good way).

As for the gifts, you know I can't give away Santa's secrets.

But I will divulge my original plan for a meaningful Christmas with hot husband:

The 12 Dates of Christmas

Date 1: Visit Murky Coffee (660 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, or 3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington) for the famous "$5 Hot Chocolate," settle into a cozy corner and read David Sedaris' "Holidays on Ice" aloud.

What you'll love: straight-forward, legendary hot cocoa (only available in 12-ounce servings with NO whipped cream), hip indie ambiance and stories to remind you that you're family could be crazier. Think of all the Christmas flirting you can do while reading, giggling and coyly stirring your hot cocoa.

Cost: $
(All you need is love and about $10.)

Stay tuned for more dates!

Image via.

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Becky's Picks: 2008 Big Birthday Giveaway!

TOP 5 CAN'T-LIVE-WITHOUT ITEMS OF 2008!

*Winner announced at the end of this post.*

The title of my 2008 Big Birthday Giveaway may be a tad deceptive. We all know that if I really gave away THE five things I love the most, I'd be 1) broke, and 2) husband-less. What I'm trying to say is, "NO! You can't have Chris!"

Without further delay:

1. Korres Lip Butter in Guava

How I picked it:
Earlier this year I was strolling through Sephora when I came across a beautifully packaged gift set. I knew nothing about the Korres products I held except that they looked cool! I was sold! Lucky for me, the products inside the beautiful wrappers are every bit as wonderful as they look.

Now I can't live without the body wash (in cedar, guava or fig) or the lip butter. And once a week I indulge in the decadent body butter.

What I love:
I love the earthy scents, the natural ingredients and how soft and supple my lips feel after a smear of the lip butter, which contains shea butter for deep moisturization (this is the best chapped lips-remedy I've ever tried).

Korres Natural Products is a Greek company with roots in Athens' first ever Homeopathic Pharmacy. The company uses only top quality plant extracts and avoids synthetic ingredients like mineral oil and propylene glycol.

What You'll Love:
You'll have the lips of a Greek Goddess!

Buy yours here.

2. Moleskin Cahier Pocket Ruled Journal (set of 3)

How I picked it:

When my mother-in-law visited this spring, she brought housewarming gifts, including this set of Moleskin journals. It didn't take long before the petite journals became one of my can't-live-without-items.

What I love:
As a standard in the design/art world, these notebooks feature a chic, minimal design. I love the size, which is perfect for tossing in your purse or tucking in your back pocket. I use mine to scribble notes on the Metro, draft iPod playlists, sketch, doodle, daydream, write notes-to-self, etc. Chris uses his as a low-fi, homespun PDA.

What you'll love:
You'll love scribbling notes on the fly. You'll also love the first page of your journal, which will have a hand-written note from my journal previewing an upcoming Misadventure on the Metro:

"Even semi-cute girls in purple cotton dresses and gladiator sandals pick their noses."

Buy yours here.

3. Anthropologie accessories:

How I picked it:
Could my favorite things list NOT include Anthropologie? No! These pearl-adorned bobby pins are the perfect balance of vintage glamor, which is totally my style.

What I love:
I love almost everything that comes out of Anthropologie and lately I've been on an accessory-buying kick. Plus, I love pinning back my bangs with bobby pins in what Chris describes as "rocker hair."

What you'll love:
Your mind will start running laps when you think about how many ways you can use these gorgeous bobbles!

Buy yours here. (And while you're at it, buy 100 of the other gorgeous items in the store!)

4. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Lemon Verbena Surface Wipes

Why I picked it:
I am SUPER picky about smells, particularly when it comes to soaps and cleaning products. Plus, I try to use products with as many natural ingredients as possible. Oh, and I love great packaging (what can I say? I'm all about aesthetics).

I tried these surface wipes after using and loving the hand soaps and was instantly hooked!

What I love:
I love the handiness of a wipe, without the chemical odor. I use mine on the kitchen counters, the trash can, the coffee table, even bathroom surfaces when I'm in a pinch. They're great for a once-over.

Mrs. Meyers uses naturally derived ingredients whenever possible (including corn, sugar cane, coconut and palm). Their packaging is biodegradable and they don't test on animals. In addition to lemon verbena, other stand-out fragrances from Mrs. Meyer include lavender (which is a warm, spicy aroma) and geranium (smells just like the flowers).

What you'll love:
You'll adore the bright, clean scent that lingers around your house after you wipe down a surface.

Buy it here.

5. Diorshow Mascara

Why I picked it:
I've been on the hunt for the perfect mascara for YEARS! I've tried almost every variety known to man and usually settled on a combination of two varieties to achieve acceptable results.

Then I read about Diorshow Mascara, which was named a Best of Sephora product for the past couple of years. From the moment it first hit my lashes, I was converted!

What I love:
This silky formula doesn't clump and pumps up the volume on your lashes in only two coats (although I'm more of a 3-coat person). Plus, your lashes feel fancy and important wearing designer (aka Christian Dior) mascara!

What you'll love:
You'll feel like a runway model in less than 10 seconds.

Buy yours here.

BONUS:

I'm sending you a pack of my favorite gum -- Wrigley's 5. Isn't the package cool? It's sugar free and the flavors are YUMMY! I love the cobalt.

And, you're getting my "Come on Get Happy!" cd. This playlist will make you want to sing, dance and frolic!

According to random.org, the lucky winner of my 2008 Big Birthday Giveaway is:

HEIDI:

"AHHHHHHHHHH! me! oh pick me!
pleasepleaseplease.
and happy birthday-
and a note to seige- my dream for my 30th birthday is a goodbye-to-my-youth-funeral-birthday, complete with a headstone cake, obituary invitations, black balloons, all black clothing, ridiculous floral displays and creepy organ hymns quietly playing. AND FUNERAL POTATOES. try it!
and happy birthday again to becky!"

Congratulations! I love the birthday funeral idea! E-mail me your address (see sidebar).

Thanks to everyone for the fantastic birthday wishes! I think we'll make this a new annual tradition!

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GIVEAWAY!!!!

(This is one of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever received: fabulousbirthdayblog.blogspot.com/. Thank you SO MUCH!)

The only thing more fun than opening birthday presents is sending a hand-selected gift to a deserving friend. You are all deserving friends, but one lucky reader will receive a present of my TOP FIVE CAN'T-LIVE-WITHOUT ITEMS OF 2008! Enter below...
How to enter:

* Leave a comment on this post (it can be anything) by next Thursday, July 17, before 11 p.m. EST. (One comment per person, please.)
* I will randomly pick a winner and send you a fantastic gift.
* Next Friday, I'll post a special "Becky's Picks," revealing my favorite items.
* Good luck!

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Becky's Picks: Bacontastic

It's been a while since I've posted "Becky's Picks" and anything bacon-esque.

How did anyone survive?!

I now present two glorious bacon items to breathe life back into your soul, tantalize your taste buds and tempt your tongue .

With a Web site declaring "There's always room for bacon," (AMEN!) my first pick is a no-brainer. Just think: bacon steak, bacon corn, bacon fries, bacon burgers, bacon tacos, bacon roast, bacon veggies, bacon cornbread, bacon scrambled eggs, bacon shrimp -- all with a few flicks of the wrist.
Buy yours here and don't be surprised if you find a couple (or ten) bottles in your Christmas stocking.

My rating: 5/5 gloriously shiny bacon fat-fried stars

Next, a gem courtesy of the lovely Emily Jackson (famed photographer). Not only is she an artistic moment-capturer, she also has a great eye for bacon.

We can all agree chocolate bacon is not for the weak of stomach. Would you try it? (I'd probably dare Chris to eat a piece! Then giggle because I'm 5.)

My rating: 4/5 novelty stars

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Becky's Picks: a George

Mine goes by George. Just George. And since we bought a new, updated George with removable grill plates, he shall now be known as ILOVEYOUGEORGE!

Oh, and he's not just good with meat. He's a master with summer squash rubbed in olive oil, fresh rosemary, coarse salt and fresh cracked black pepper.

My rating: 5/5 stars

P.S. Michael loves Georges too. We so "get" each other.

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Becky's Picks: U.O. Jewels

Pardon me, gentlemen -- I need to have a word with the ladies.

So, girls, I know you'll be 120% UNsurprised when I tell you I have a new obsession. (I think I have OCD, minus the c and the d). Lately I've been feeling a bit under accessorized. For some reason, I have a tough time finding cool jewelry and an ever tougher time spending tons of money on it.

But then I walk into Urban Outfitters and I have myself an accessory-buying bonanza. Here are a few gems I've picked up lately:
Fashion on a whim that doesn't break the bank? Good in my book.

My rating: 4/5 stars

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Becky's Picks: Paradise Island French Toast

The latest Wickstrom obsession may be a result of watching too many episodes of this. And now I'm craving Paradise Island French Toast every. single. day.

Coconut crusted challah bread with pan-fried bananas, pecans, caramel, raspberry sauce and powdered sugar (drizzled with syrup)

Do yourself a favor -- visit a Silver Diner ASAP and order yourself a plate of heaven. Or buy the ingredients and whip up the miracle in your own kitchen. Then call and invite me for dinner.

My Rating: 5/5 stars

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Becky's Picks: bacon x pork x bacon = awesome

Ever since I saw these gems at Not Martha, bacon-y thoughts have been swirling around my head, but I kept them secret because I felt dirty and didn't want anyone to find out.

Now I'm announcing my bacon obsessing and I don't care who knows!

Hey World! I LOVE BACON.

And I'm planning to embrace my bacon love.

First I'll make several hundred of these.

Then I'll throw one of these.

Then I'll experiment with these.

Then curl up with my remote and giggle about this.

And because I'm feeling adventurous (er, suicidal?), I'll whip up a batch of these.

My rating for embracing bacon love: 5/5 stars

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Becky's Picks: Homemade Girl Scout Cookies

'Tis the season for Girl Scout Cookies and I'll be honest, I crave the fudgy mintiness of Thin Mints all year long. (Or somoas. If you're feeling suicidal, reading the calorie content on the box = instant cardiac arrest -- just sayin').

This year I found something even more wonderful than Girl Scout cookies.

HOMEMADE GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!
Chris (begrudgingly) helped me whip up Samoas and Tagalongs on Monday night. If you want to win friends and influence people, these recipes are your best bets.

My rating: 5/5 stars

Recipes here and here.

(Bookmark the Web site, it's a fantastic one-stop-shop for baking ideas, inspiration and recipes.)

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Becky's Picks: A failure pile in a sadness bowl

We picked one of D.C.'s coldest weekends of the year for a quick trip to Disneyworld with the parents (Us = 1 point; Weather = 0).

While I'm gone, check out my pick for the week:

Comedian Patton Oswalt reviews Kentucky Fried Chicken's most popular menu item, which he deems "a failure pile in a sadness bowl." I have actually sampled the item in review and can vouch for Oswalt's assessment.

"KFC calls it their version of the shepherd's pie. Shepherds in Kentucky must be full of rage and slathered in confusion. They must hang their fat, skin, and muscles from bones carved with runes of surrender."

Read more here.

My rating: 6/5 stars
(The bowl itself earns negative 100 stars/5).
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Becky's Picks: Richard Cheese

Did Santa skip your neighborhood? Did he miss a few CAPITALIZED and bolded items on your Christmas list? Dry those watery eyes and pull out your wallet! It's time to give yourself a Happy January present.

Over the holidays the mastermind behind this company and this magazine introduced me to a new favorite (and if he likes it, you know it's awesome).

Imagine your favorite songs of all time revisited by a loungy nightclub singer with a saucy jazz ensemble. Ta da - RICHARD CHEESE.

Hear for yourself:

My rating: 4/5 stars

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Becky's Picks: White Stripes/Beck Collaboration

I can't think of a more wonderful/awesome/exciting/meant-to-be/perfect/GENIUS musical collision than Beck and the White Stripes. They teamed up to produce B sides for the Stripes' "Conquest."

According to Pitchfork,

"The Stripes recently recorded a mess of B-sides with Mr. Beck Hansen in his living room, which they'll splay over a trio of 7" "Conquest" discs and an all-encompassing U.S.-only digital download. In addition to co-producing the sessions, Beck contributed vocals and piano to "It's My Fault for Being Famous" and played a little slide guitar on "Honey, We Can't Afford to Look Cheap". One black, one red, and one white 7" will be issued, each with "Conquest" on the front and a different B-side on the back, due in the U.S. December 18 from Third Man/Warner Bros."

My rating: 5/5 stars

What are you waiting for?! GO download the masterpiece from iTunes. You can thank me later.


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Becky's Picks: Candy Cane Joe Joe's

If you are fortunate enough to have a Trader Joe's in your neighborhood, NEVER MOVE. A purveyor of interesting and original gourmet fare, Trader Joe's is also the creator of Candy Cane Joe Joe's. Let's just say I was planning to eat one for breakfast and realized I ATE THE ENTIRE BOX (with Chris' help) in two days.

Candy Cane Joe Joe's = Way better Oreos with peppermint candy in the filling.

My rating: 5/5 stars
Image via.

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