Calling all foodies: Strawberry & Fried Goat Cheese Salad

Honesty hour guys, I was going to make tacos tonight. I was so excited and then last night that decision changed because Ruby made the most delicious fried goat cheese topping for a salad and I was IN!

So here is a delicious salad topping great for any salad but tonight it is paired with a strawberry salad!

INGREDIENTS:

You will also need either grapeseed or vegetable oil for the frying of the goat cheese

Directions:

1. Cut the strawberries and wash the mixed greens if needed
2. Begin to heat up the vegetable oil in a small frying pan on med-high heat
3. Roll the goat cheese into small bite-sized balls 
4. Coat the balls of cheese in egg white
5. Then roll in bread crumbs (italian bread crumbs are my favorite)
6. Place in the oil. These suckers cook fast so turn them when a side is golden brown and take out when all sides are crispy
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a dash of salt and pepper for the dressing
8. Combine everything like any other salad
9. Top with the cheese balls and eat up!

Woah. 

Also guys... I have to admit something. The cookie in a cup is... well it's good. BUT BROWNIE IN A CUP OH MY GOSH I HAVE NEVER TASTED SOMETHING SO GOOD THAT WAS MADE IN 3 MINUTES!

So you guys get an EXTRA RECIPE tonight!

1. Melt 2 TBSP of butter
2. Add:
1. 4 TBSP sugar
2. 4 TBSP flour
3. 2 TBSP cocoa powder
4. 2 TBSP water
5. 1/4 tsp vanilla
6. Pinch of salt
3. Mix
4. Microwave for 45-60 seconds!
5. And enjoy more than the cookie (full disclosure: I have eaten probably 5 in the last two days)

Eat up, ladies and gents.

Fiercely Yours,

5/20

Rubes here.

I am a list maker. I'm also a know it all.

I am also a lot of other really great things. I know this to be true, but I do believe that so often we are much harder on ourselves than we have to be. One thing I value about Frankie is her ability to not only see the bad in hard situations, but also the really good. Let's face it, when you're a twenty something you are faced with life altering world burning down situations every single day. Or at least that's what you make it in your mind. So with that in mind, for the next couple weeks I am going to be doing a series of small pieces of life advice from a twenty-something-know-it-all. Life is only as hard as we make it and only as good as we allow it to be. So enjoy, criticize, make fun of any of my pieces of wisdom. These are things I try and live by and stuff I've picked up along the way.

1. set your alarm ten minutes before you have to, to spend some time in bed counting all the things you are thankful for.

This is something that I have been trying to do for the last couple years of my life. Not only do I try and start every morning in prayer, but also in a place of gratitude and humility. We are so blessed. If you're reading this, I can personally count at least five things that you are blessed by and I don't even know you! If this is really hard for you, just start out by being thankful that you're waking up breathing.   

  
2. name the people you are thankful for. now go tell them.

I am beyond thankful for the people that I have in my life. My roommates, my friends, my family, my church. Humans need to know that they are loved and appreciated. Seriously, we do. It's not something I do enough, but it's something I'm trying to do more.

3. find someone you look up to. 

Diana Vreeland changed my life. She is the most creative, powerful, eccentric dreamer I have ever heard of. Find someone of whom you can ask the question, "What would Diana do?"

4. stop asking friends how their day is going. if you really care about them, ask them more intentional questions. 

If you have a second with your friends tomorrow, I challenge you, don't ask them how their day is going. Ask them if anything made them laugh yet today, if anything crappy happened. Hell, ask them to tell you a story. But stop just finishing a conversation at "How was your day?" Your relationships are only as deep or as superficial as you make them.  

5. say yes. no's just hold you back from experience. 

The only thing you should be saying no to is your couch...

 and drugs and scary people.

Fiercely Yours,

Weekend Update!

If only, if only.

Often times, when the weekend is coming to a close, we realize we have a ton of homework to do! This normally is fine, but sometimes we crave some study food (aka chocolate chip cookies) and with said homework, don't have the time to make any. So what do we do? We make a COOKIE IN A CUP, a quick and easy way to get your cookie fix! Enjoy our video tutorial :)

INGREDIENTS:

Fiercely Yours,

Weekend Mixtape

Happy Friday!

Frankie here! I have the honor of leaving you for the weekend with a piece of me aka some music :)

This week's mixtape is a mixture of some of my recent favorites and some oldies but all are perfect for the windows down in this warm SB weather (or great for a relaxing time for those of you escaping the cold!)

Mixtape #2
Sweet Disposition The Temper Trap
Call Me In The Afternoon Half Moon Run
Resolution Matt Corby
Drop Of Smoke Hudson Taylor
Every Breath You Take The Police
This Fire Ben Rosenbush & The Brighton
Night Bus Lucy Rose
Boardwalks Little May
Family Tree Kings of Leon
You Make My Dreams Come True Daryl Hall & John Oats

Enjoy the link above or find AMOKmixtapes on Spotify and follow :)

Fiercely Yours,

Fashionality: Big Bootie Girls

Hello fans,

We are going to be ending one of our favorite days with a little inside to the genius fashion minds of Frankie & Ruby. I am the self proclaimed reincarnation of Diana Vreeland. For those unfortunate souls who don't know who that is, she is basically the whole reason why a small portion of the world actually cares about fashion. She was the editor in chief for Vogue magazine from 1963-1971. Diana was notorious for her eccentric behavior and extreme opinions.

Alright, enough about the only person eccentric enough to inspire me. In our house, we have probably over 30 pairs of booties, collectively. This last season, these ankle cut boots have caused an epidemic affecting girls everywhere. They're still moving and currently are found in millions of different cuts, heights ect. You get the picture. They're big. Bootie, bootie, booties. If you don't have a pair already, or are looking for a way to spice up your closet, enjoy the following.

One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine

Sources: Swedish Hasbeens, Urban Outfitters, Madewell, Free People, Anthropologie

So this one goes out to all my big Bootie girls & my fans. 

Fiercely yours, 

 

Midweek Funnies

Guys.
It's that time to make you giggle
So sit in you seat and don't you squiggle.
Click on the links we think are funny.
And laugh 'till you get sore in the tummy....

Midweek funnies y'all

This is one of the creepiest yet funniest things we have ever read. Don't miss this one.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mattbellassai/the-creepiest-things-a-child-has-ever-said-to-a-parent

Yes. If you have never seen Bad Lip Reading videos... watch this one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zce-QT7MGSE

We usually hate animal videos (the internet does not think your dog is funny... okay?). But this one... it's quite the exception... although not necessarily funny, but... it's somethin hahahah
http://www.buzzfeed.com/samir/stop-everything-you-are-doing-and-watch-this-dog-dance

Real life. The ratio of "girls" to "dad" enthusiasm is unrivaled. This is where we go to get our inspiration for dance moves. An all-time favorite video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaaG66xGfDg

We love you.
Send us anything you find worthy of posting on Midweek Funnies. We love collaboration!

Fiercely yours,

Calling all Foodies: Mac and Cheese

Yo, yo, yo!

This past weekend was a 3-day break for us so please excuse us for the temporary absence from AMOK! We still love you all!

I am SO excited to share this recipe because if I am being real... Ruby and I eat this at least once a week... usually more. So drool over it, love it, feed your friends with it, and most of all, enjoy it.

FRANKIE'S FAMOUS MAC AND CHEESE

INGREDIENTS:

As far as cheese goes, I always use cheddar (sharp is best) and parmesan.
I usually grate a block of the cheddar and then also add whatever other cheese I have in the fridge.
Some of my other favorites are smoked gouda, peppered Toscana from Trader Joe's,
and really any hard cheese that's not too strong that it will take over the other flavors.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350
2. Put water on to boil
3. Use this time to grate the cheese and slice the onion
4. Add the pasta to the water and cook for the time indicated on the packaging
5. Add the onions to a skillet with oil on medium-high heat
6. Once the onions are soft and translucent, add the tomatoes whole and put a cover on the skillet. Stir occasionally to keep from burning
7. THE SAUCE (this part is not necessarily difficult, it just moves quickly so be sure to read this part before you start!)
1. In a saucepan, melt the butter on medium heat
2. Slowly whisk flour until it is thick and pasty (you don't have to use all of it)
3. Slowly whisk milk until it is smooth then turn up the heat and continue to whisk until it begins to boil (again, you don't have to use all of it)
4. Once the mixture is boiling, turn off the heat and add the cheese (save a little for the top of the mac and cheese)
5. Place back on medium heat and whisk until it is smooth and creamy (if the cheese isn't melting all the way, add a little more milk to thin it out.
8. Pour the onions, tomatoes and cheese sauce on the pasta and stir
9. Pour entire mixture into a pyrex dish or other oven-safe dish
10. Sprinkle the left-over cheese on top to make a crust
1. For extra flavor in the crust, mix Italian bread crumbs with the cheese 
11. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 then switch the oven to broil for 3-5 minutes or until the crust is crunchy and golden brown
12. Take out of the oven and fend off anyone within the vicinity of the scent because they will fight you to eat it.

Here's that sauce:

I'm sorry.... what? Do you see that cheese...? Yah. That's real life.

Okay... WHAT? It's insane. Try it.

Don't be afraid to experiment with this one! Use all white cheeses and add a touch of truffle oil and mushrooms instead of tomatoes for a delicious alternative. Or add lots of different veggies or even try sausage.. and with this particular version, I must say, bacon is a GREAT addition.

Feel free to comment with questions or success stories! You can comment with failures too... I've had my fair share of epic food failures.

Anywho... ENJOY!

Fiercely yours,

Weekend Mixtape

First of all, thanks for going through our experimental week with us. We are only in our second week of school and trying to juggle school, work, and AMOK has been quite the adventure so far!

Music is a huge part of our lives. We wake up to music, we make food to music, we do everything with music. Back in the early 90s, my dad was a DJ in the underground rave world of Washington DC (shout out to DJ Robbie Clark). So I was pretty much born a music connoisseur. Growing up with Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Jimmy Eat World, and some pretty underground rap just gives you the right ear.

We have made the big decision to gift you with a "Mixtape" every Friday to help kick start your weekend.  

Mixtape #1
1. Paul Revere Beastie Boys
2. The Captain And The Hourglass Laura Marling 
3. Milk Carton Kid Milk Carton Kids
4. I Should Live in Salt The National
5. She Lit A Fire Lord Huron 
6. Postcards From Italy Beirut
7. Wake Up Arcade Fire 
8. Mrs. Robinson Simon & Garfunkel 
9. Rhiannon Fleetwood Mac
10. California Dreamin' The Mamas & The Papas 

Enjoy the link or look up AMOKmixtapes on Spotify and follow Mixtape #1.

Fiercely Yours,

Midweek Funnies

Yay for our first midweek funnies post! Because this is our first week and we are still working out the kinks of the blog the video took a bit longer than expected to upload (sorry about that)! Every Wednesday, we will be posting funny things that happened to us or if we have time, we will make a video because we tend to be better storytellers than story writers! ALSO! If you come across something funny throughout the week (a link, a story, a video, a photo of your parents from the 80 that you feel needs internet exposure) feel free to email us!

 

Little shout-out to our recent obsession, Lucy Rose (look her up on Spotify)
and to the band Frankie is in... Frankie and the Giants! 

Visit out band Facebook page if you liked what Mike and Ruby were singing along to!

If you did't find us funny... here are some links for compensation for your time that others seem to deem funny (although... come on... we're hilarious.... right?)

This one is... well it's really something, but the comments underneath the photos make the post so don't skip out on them

http://www.buzzfeed.com/ariannarebolini/truly-upsetting-vintage-recipes

I hope a lot of you have seen this. Really hit the funny bone. We definitely want to be their friends.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2537747/Couple-mock-cheesy-engagement-shots-switching-typical-gender-poses.html

This one is not funny, but dance videos will frequent AMOK and this one rocks. Straight mesmerizing. WE LOVE DANCE VIDEOS.
http://elitedaily.com/humor/this-elderly-couples-dance-routine-to-bob-marleys-is-this-love-is-absolutely-incredible-video/

Nothing funnier than kid humor. Our favorites: 5,16,20,30
http://distractify.com/fun/fails/the-30-funniest-notes-from-kids-struggling-to-express-their-emotions/

Fiercely Yours,

Cole Erickson

Dear Cole,

Thank you, a million times. Your commitment, patience, and spontaneity on Saturday really made the beginning of AMOK something very special. You are a true genius behind, and in front of the lens...

Thanks for this gem, Cole. 

You truly know how to capture the beauty of a woman... 

Like, this one.

And this one...

You were really aware of our good sides.

The perfect moment.

Very...How do you say...Candid?

Oh, especially here.

 

Sarcasm aside, ladies and gentleman, Cole Erickson is a great photographer. Most likely, you will see a lot of his photos if you continue to keep up with AMOK! If... he can put up with us for that long. We are thankful, thankful, thankful for these truly awesome pictures!
Thank you Cole!

Check out his website at http://coleerickson.tumblr.com/
Or get in contact with this kid at cerickson@westmont.edu 


Fiercely Yours,

Calling all Foodies: Lemon Garlic Pasta

If you like food (cooking it, consuming it, looking at it, drooling over it, etc.)... you are going to like Tuesdays on AMOK. I am the resident (and self-proclaimed) Foodie around here so expect some yummy recipes, restaurant recommendations, and fun kitchen tips/facts. This being said, if you have requests/recommendations feel free to ask me to try out a recipe. I am always up for experimentation. As well as if you have any questions regarding food, ASK!

This week’s recipe is SO simple and delicious and happens to be one of my favorites because you tend to have most of these things in your kitchen. ENJOY!

LEMON GARLIC PASTA

INGREDIENTS

4 oz dry spaghetti (you can use any type of pasta, but a spaghetti or fettuccini type of pasta works best)

¼ cup grated parmesan

2 tsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, chopped (I love buying the pre-chopped jar so my hands don’t smell)

1-2 lemons

5-6 basil leaves, chiffonaded (fancy word for cut into strips)

Chicken (optional, but great if you are looking for some protein. You can grill it, cook it in a pan, or quite honestly just buy a pre-cooked one from the store!)

DIRECTIONS

1.    Boil the water
2.    Once the water is boiling add the pasta, but meanwhile, cook the garlic in the olive oil over medium-high heat until the edges are slightly browned then immediately remove from the heat and if you are adding chicken, stir that in so it can soak in some of that yum (a good way to know when to take the garlic off because burnt garlic tastes funky is to pay attention to the smell. When you begin to smell the garlic you know it is ready!)
3.    Cut up your basil and if you are using fresh parmesan (RECOMMENDED!!!) grate that now
4.    Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the cooked garlic pan
5.    Squeeze on lemon to your preference (I love it very lemon-y so I usually add 2 lemons, but some people just like the hint of lemon), stir in the Parmesan and top with basil
6.    ENJOY!!!

Cook the pasta

Keep your eye on the garlic! It cooks fast

Stir in the pasta, lemon, Parmesan, and basil

In the words of the poet, Fergie, "ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-tasty, tasty."

Fiercely yours,

Welcome Home

[the lion's den]

Enter Ruby and Frankie sitting on their living room couch. It is approximately 1am on January 13, 2014. Instead of going to sleep, they begin what any other enthusiastic, ambitious and looking-for-a-quality-distraction duo would do. They begin their first lifestyle blog.

R- Here we are. Sitting on the couch. Audibly typing out our first blog post together.

F- (while correcting Ruby's spelling) This is so confusing.  

R- (mocking) “This is so confusing” ….

(Frankie endlessly giggling in the background of my typing)

F- I’m trying to hold it back now so you don’t feel good about yourself.

R- I always feel good about myself.

F- I know that’s the problem… okay here we go

We are Siamese if you please…okay ready here we go were going to say something and that’s what our first post is going to be about. Count to three and say something. Ready? One… Two………… Wait! I gotta think of one.

F&R- All I can think about is

F- boobs

R- peen

F- ok.

R- This is too much okay.

F- Welcome to the blog.

R- No that’s stupid you didn’t even say three.

F- Okay fine three

F- boobs

R- cats

F- Wait no write something else for me so I don’t sound so obsessed with lady genetalia.

 True reaction to real scenario. 

Don't let all the professional photos fool you. This is what we look like on a day to day basis. 

F- Okay lets just leave them with that.