Guilty's going Green and it's long overdue. .

There is not enough Crown Royal Maple to dull the pain of working 140 days straight.

There is not enough Don Julio tequila in my shot glass to quench my thirst for fun.

Perhaps a change in my vacation plans is afoot. I am actively searching the web for opulent accommodations and cheap airfare.  That dicey combo is always a fantastic search criteria.  We have had enough of drudgery of winter. The recent cold snap has empowered us to fight back against the extreme weather with a Guilty vengeance. We considered several options like a 3 day trip to Vegas or a Manhattan getaway weekend that includes a shopping spree at Brooklyn's Smorgasburg.  That weekly open air market is a Guilty Pleasure sanctuary.

Both of options sounded good, but we need mountaintops.  Guilty and Thin Mint are planning a winter getaway to Snow Basin.  It's one of the Guilty's favorite hideouts, Removing yourself from the paralyzing process of work and skiing where the Eagles glide, is the key to my relaxational recovery. Skiing in Utah with a stopover in Colorado in late March is a Guilty Dream.

Guilty's going green and it's long overdue.

No Mas No Mas

I feel like Roberto Duran.  NO MAS  NO MAS!!!   I've had more than enough of this deep freeze challenge. Nobody wants to play a round of Survivor without the tropics. Certainly not me. However, regardless of the temperature in Philadelphia, Guilty must carry on. That's because even on the worst days of the year, Guilty and the Guilty Pooch need to be walked.  We're inseparable on the sidewalk.

I am now back inside from an Artic blast that is almost indescribable. Let's just say it's six degrees outside and my eye lids were frozen shut?  TOTALLY SHUT. OMG Now ten minutes removed from the bitter elements and my teeth are still chattering. This weather is surreal and most unwelcome. I'm just happy to be inside, thawing out and enjoying the greatest Guilty Pleasure of them all, a HEATED HOME.

Others aren't so fortunate to be at home.  Have you noticed the hoards of people stranded at airports across the country because of the cold or Homeland Security concerns.  It's insane. Traveling this winter has been treacherous. There are so many travelers impacted by these frigid temperatures it's difficult to even comprehend.  I want no part of that nightmare.  Thankfully, I am attached to a massive shaggy dog with a cold nose and huge appetite.  Loving your pet is definitely a pleasure, guilty or not.

Cold Day, Hot spicy soup. We will survive

Wow!!!  The weather is really extreme.  It was almost tropical this morning and the downpour was like a Monsoon.  However, no one cares.  That's because everyone is waiting for the thermometer drop 50 degrees this afternoon when we get hit by a Polar Vortex.  We are preparing for the Ice Age.  Break out the hand and foot warmers, it's Artic Monday in GuiltyTown.  

Our winter weather this year  has been horrible.  Shivering in the cold makes a grown man crumble. Thankfully we have a Guilty skill set to combat the elements. Someday's we look to the kitchen for nourishment and someday's pleasure.  Today we seek warmth and escape.  Let the daydreaming begin.  I am Jonesing for a change in the weather.  While no vacation is possible,  we need some Guilty relief to melt away the ice.

The chefs are in this morning at 7 am for full production and relief is on the horizon.  I have put a spicy Pork Ginger soup with mustard greens and Asian noodles on the top of the production list.  I need that fire from within.

Snowed in and working wonders

The entire Northeast is being whipped by a major winter storm.  When did we become Manitoba?  Worse than the blanket of icy snow, the frigid temperatures and killer winds are life threatening.  Businesses are closed and we are hunkered down for a long weekend.  Of course, I am well-prepared for a Guilty Pleasure or three.  

However, I am getting a little antsy from a business prospective.  It's just too much down time for me. The idleness of the holidays must end.  I want to get back to work. January is always an important month for business development and filling up our event calendar. Snow days do not help our regional economy. Yet somehow we are working wonders and meeting with six brides this weekend at the beautiful Lochwood Estate.

Lochwood is a new to market venue and prime wedding dates are starting to fill up. The estate is one of the former locations of American Bandstand.  This venue features a classically refurbished barn with a funky balcony and Hemingwayesque built-in bar.  With four rolling acres. Lochwood is the perfect location for a rustic Guilty Pleasures Wedding, Company Picnic or Family Reunion.  Breakout the smoker, share a micro brew and dance round the firepit.  Let's have some country fun.  Think outside the box.  There's a great Guilty time waiting for you in Skippack, PA.  Give us a call.  610-539-8330.

Food as an aphrodisiac. Guilty Pleasure facts and fantasy....

Many of our club members have encouraged us to discuss food as an aphrodisiac. Of course you get extra credit for creating Sexy Food.  Thin Mint and myself eagerly accepted the challenge of exploring the history, the myths, the secrets and the truth about the connection between food and increased sexual enjoyment. For example, melted Chocolats Valrhona has many life enriching qualities.

Since winter is the perfect to time to rev up your romance, the experts on Guilty Street will be sampling secret love potions, fresh fruit fantasies, spicy concoctions and sexy souffles. Over the next few weeks we will focus on the history of aphrodisiacs, the myths, the facts and the wishful thinking.

We invite personal reflections, creative suggestions and fiery stories. When it comes to researching the mysteries of Amore, who says trial and error is a bad thing.

Winter Chills and Hot Chocolate Dreams

Without much warning, winter has arrived in Philadelphia with a bad attitude.  BAM!! Breakout the Kashmir sweater and fur lined slippers because the bitter cold has made itself quite comfy in our daily forecast. As we mature nothing gets old quicker than the piercing cold weather. The nose runs, the legs ache, and the shivering persist. Nothing becomes more of a Guilty Pleasure than steaming hot cocoa in my favorite holiday mug... but don't forget the marshmallows!  Chef Ameerah makes our own.  There is no better way to combat the chattering teeth, numb toes, and frost bitten fingers than a comforting mug of Thin Mint's hot cocoa.  She is a hot beverage Aficionado who knows that hot loves hot.    

Why not go beyond the powder and packets this year.  Living Well in Winter means savoring homemade hot cocoa and marshmallows.  It's always an awe inspiring Guilty Pleasure moment.