Bear in the City's Profile

While I am not lucky enough to own a home, I know 2 families that have purchased IKEA cabinets. Both have commented that the cabinets are fine, but the installation was awful. Since IKEA contracts local companies to do the actual installation, I would first find out if your local company is reputable. If not, hiring someone you trust is also an option. It makes it more expensive, but will be worth it in the end.

You can also drop your used pods off to the Nespresso store. They will remove the grinds and recycle them for you.

I was given the 8th edition when I graduated college. Of my 20+ cookbooks, it is probably the only one I consult on a regular basis. There is no kitchen crisis Joy can't explain, instruct or solve with a substitution.

Wearing an eye mask helps me. When I'm asleep it's pitch black. But when the alarm goes off across the room, I have to take off the mask, see the light and walk across the room... there is no chance of sleep after that, so I might as well jump in the shower and get the day started.

Normally I knit people things for the holidays, but this year I'm baking (will save so much time). I'm probably going to do a mix of hazelnut biscotti, toffee & meatball cookies (meatball in shape, not in flavor) all of which are easy to make in large batches.

I'm a whiskey & soda or craft beer kind of guy. But for the holidays I like to do something special: Old Fashion or Dark & Stormy. They both complement the flavors of thanksgiving well.

Sandy- It sounds like you are already a pretty courteous person, as you are taking into consideration the feelings of your neighbors. So good for you! As a former smoker (and city dweller) I can honestly say, most smokers are very considerate of others. Be it walking away from a crowd or not smoking before getting into a friend's car. So please ignore the ignorant comments from the "anti-smokers".

You have every right to smoke on your balcony. And it is unlikely any carcinogens are making their way into your neighbor's house. Probably just the smell. Plus your neighbors are obviously being childish by not approaching you directly.... That being said, would you rather take no action and create bad blood or keep the peace and use a fan/candle/smokeless ashtray, etc? If it escalates after that, at least you tried... and then you have every right to ignore their feelings and smoke away.

I’m a big craft brew drinker. I encourage everyone to support your local breweries, and try the local beers when traveling... that being said, here is my list of go-to brews you can find in the average grocery store during the holiday season.

Blue Moon- Full Moon (now called Winter Abby Ale… silly name change)
Blue Moon- Harvest Moon
Cisco- Pumpel Drumkin
Magic Hat- Hexx
Magic Hat- Howl
Sam Adams- Brick Red
Shipyard- Pumpkin Head (this one turned me into a beer drinker)
UFO (Harpoon)- White
UFO (Harpoon)- Pumpkin

And for dessert, I always love a good Brooklyn- Chocolate Stout... mmmm YUM

NO gifts! My apt is too small, and I’m VERY picky. To make matters worse, I’m not good at faking my thoughts … so if I hate it, you will know… and that’s always awkward.

Food is no different. Unless I ask you to bring a specific dish... I generally don't want you to bring food. Not because your food sucks (although…), but because it might not mesh well with my theme (theme is everything people!). Plus you might take away my end of night, food coma induced praise… and that’s my life essence!!! Do you want to kill me?

But as InezD points out, homemade food that can be stored is awesome!!! It’s something only you can give me AND it saves me a grocery trip  SCORE!

High ABV beers are a double-edged sword. One the one hand, I'm happy we are slowly moving away from the boring pee flavored beers. On the other, they can sometimes be overwhelming. Take Harpoon's Leviathan series for example, which hovers around 12% ABV. Some of them are delish... while others are so syrupy it's like drinking cough medicine.

As a home brewer, I appreciate the creativity and take inspiration from these high ABV beers... though I'm not sure my waistline feels the same.