Portland General Store has released its latest Tobacco Cologne, a scent created for both men and women. If you’re still regularly spraying Acqua Di Gio, it’s time to step your game up! When applied correctly, a unisex fragrance can go a long way as it has mass appeal.

Portland General Store nailed this fragrance release by delivering a blend of lavender, citrus, warm florals and tobacco in a perfectly blended winter scent. If you’re looking for a cologne that makes you think of expensive cigars and leather bound chairs, Portland General Store has got you covered. The base notes of this fragrance are subtle, yet portray the sophistication of a man that knows exactly what he wants in life.

Top notes include: Tonka beans, (reminiscent of freshly mown hay) bergamot, lavender, leather, and wood. Over time, the lingering aroma on the skin is a soft powdery scent with subtle hints of both tobacco and leather. This chic new fragrance made in Portland, Maine is destined to make a splash this holiday season.

Check out this new cologne at Blackbird for $68.00 USD today!

Portland General Store Tobacco Cologne is a post from: Nicky Papers

I’m the type of guy that usually follows a sequence. A sense of order, you know? Dinner before dessert, cuddles after puddles, etc. (I’m the sensitive type) While on the topic of dessert, let’s talk about my latest creation: Creme Caramel.

Now don’t think I’m getting soft on you with a dessert recipe. This is simply an effort to show diversification of my skill sets. Very simply put, I’m demonstrating how to step your game up, because you can’t snack on E.L. Fudge forever.

For this recipe you will need:

1: Custard Cups – (6)
2: Baking Sheet – (1)
3: Eggs – (8)
4: Sugar – (4 oz.) and another separate portion of (6 oz.) on the side.
5: Salt – (1/4 teaspoon)
6: Vanilla Extract – (1/4 oz.)
7: Water – (1 oz.)
8: Milk – (1 pint)

Let’s start with the caramel sauce. To begin this recipe cook the separate 6 oz. portion of sugar with the 1 oz. of water until it caramelizes in a saucepan. Watch your temperature and time to prevent burning the sugar. A golden brown color is what you want. Next, line the bottom of the custard cups with a thin layer of caramel sauce. The sauce will harden when cooled.

For the custard filling:

Start by warming the milk in a saucepan using a low flame.

Combine the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract into a mixing bowl. Lightly mix until thoroughly blended.

Carefully pour the warm milk into the egg mixture and stir rapidly to prevent the eggs from cooking and forming solid bits. Skim any foam that develops from the top of the mixture.

Pour the egg mixture on top of the hardened caramel in the custard cups. Set the cups on the baking sheet and place in the oven. Pour water into the baking sheet surrounding the custard cups. Don’t pour too much water or you’ll risk burning yourself when removing from the baking sheet from the oven.

Bake at 325 degrees (F) until the mixture sets. (about 20 minutes) Remove the creme caramel from the oven and let cool. If you are not serving immediately, cover the custard cups individually and refrigerate.

Serve this dessert on a plate after turning the custard cup upside down to release the product. The dessert should look like the picture of the creme caramel posted above. Looking to be your own cake boss? Stick with Nicky Papers.

Creme Caramel Recipe is a post from: Nicky Papers

Using alcohol to gain leverage is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Whether you are trying to get into a chick’s pants, entertain a client, or gauge the credibility of a new business partner, cocktails aren’t a bad way to start. C’mon, even my boy T-Pain knows the deal. (Entire Epiphany album. Shawty!)

From my bartending experience, there is nothing more pathetic than a man who is indecisive about his drink order. He’ll say something to the tune of; “So, what do you recommend?” (Ever try a Midori sour with a side of cock, buddy?) For women on the other hand, nothing is sexier than leaving it up to the bartender’s discretion.

I’ve created a cocktail that blends sweet fruit juices, delicious rums, and the curiosity of amaretto. (Put it in your mouth!) The drink is totally unisex, (“Strong enough for a man, but made for a woman.”) so everyone can put a swerve on.

The drink is called “The Bedazzler”. Growing up, I’ve always been fascinated with the clever names behind sexual acts such as: “The Dirty Sanchez”, “The Rusty Trombone”, “The Donkey Punch” and my favorite: “The Houdini”. I’ve combined premium booze, advanced mixology skills, and my 7th grade sense of humor, into a delicious cocktail for all to enjoy.

I’ve defined “The Bedazzler” as the act of taking a females vaginal and anal virginity in the same night. It doesn’t necessarily have to have happen simultaneously, (double plugging) or in any particular order.

The only requirement is that both holes must be penetrated during the same encounter. My virginity taking days are over, so I’m leaving the young bucks a with a raw power move to make.

Additionally, when people ask; “why is it called a Bedazzler?” you now can explain the meaning in confidence or choose to giggle in secrecy.

“The Bedazzler” Cocktail Recipe:

1: Fill a pint glass to the top with ice.
2: Pour 1oz. Bacardi Rum.
3: Pour 1oz. Captain Morgan Rum
4: Pour 1oz. Malibu Rum
5: Pour equal amounts of cranberry and pineapple juice to the top of the glass.
6: Add a rim shot of Amaretto. (Just a splash!)
7: Shake lightly, and pour the contents back into the pint glass.

If made correctly, there should be a froth head at the top of the glass and the alcohol flavor should go undetected. Use this drink to your advantage. Serve and enjoy!

Bedazzler Cocktail Recipe is a post from: Nicky Papers

I don’t have many problems in life. Missing my train and being forced to take the 4:54 AM home to Long Island after a night of boozing tops the list for me. If I could give the gift of an extreme makeover experience; especially during the holiday season, “big-ups” to me. I had a rare and special opportunity to give an older gent named Donnie a shot at youth again.

Bob; a trusted friend and valued business resource, referred me to his client Donnie. Don had done a fair amount of business with Bob’s firm and this evening I was to make sure that he was a happy camper.

Bob explained the details of the driving / transportation gig that required my services. I was expected to “engage the client in light-hearted conversation” and “take charge of him when necessary”.

I kindly accepted the offer; but seriously, what was I getting myself into?

Bob further explained that Donnie hasn’t been on a date since the 1970’s nor has gone to New York City in over 20 years. Bob wanted to do something special for Don over the holidays, so he convinced him to get an extreme makeover in preparation for the big night.

Donnie tried on new outfits and agreed to let a stylist work with him. (Requesting: The “Steven Segal” look.) Getting a commitment from Don to take a female companion was more difficult. Bob’s persistence ensured the potential backseat magic to happen later that night.

Itinerary for the evening included:

Picking up Donnie and a date at his house, driving them to Manhattan for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and then driving them both home.

We anxiously waited for the mystery date to arrive. After 20 minutes of waiting, Leah made her grand entrance barreling her 1989 Chrysler LeBaron down the street and swooping into the driveway like the pizza delivery guy in Home Alone.

I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of Donnie’s date. Leah definitely had the MILF vibe going on. She was a flirtatious bar-maid who made Donnie feel special. She had no problem with him putting an arm around her in the backseat. Of course Don crossed the boundary line a few times, but Christ this was his first date in over thirty years!

They both enjoyed the Christmas Spectacular courtesy of Bob. On the ride home Donald invited Leah back to his place for drinks. He told her he had a bottle of champagne with “her name on it”. She respectfully declined, but I admired him for having the balls to ask.

Donnie had his “mack on” with his arm around her. As the hired chaperon, I still looked in the rear view for any petting over the pants.

Bob’s client was appreciative of my services that evening. I don’t think he realized I ended up getting Leah’s number after he left. What up Ma?

Don is lucky to have Bob (the estate planner) looking out for him, and in this case find him some fresh tail among high-yield and dividend paying investments!

The Extreme Makeover is a post from: Nicky Papers

Respect the knife! A kitchen nightmare last month left me minus a piece of my right index finger. (Just the tip!) While maintaining enrollment in culinary school, I’ve discovered MKS Kitchen Knives.

Since I’ve learned culinary lessons the hard way, I’ve made efforts to stay conscious about cutlery, my hands, and the food I am preparing.

In search of the perfect set of knives that would make other chefs envious, I’ve discovered MKS Knives. These hand crafted knives are precision tuned to offer perfect balance and weight distribution throughout the handle for superb control of cutting surfaces.

The body design offers “best of both worlds” geometry, with Asian and Western influences.

Speaking of Western influences, how about those knife handles? A clever design of style and functionality make this the ultimate throwback from my BMX influenced youth to my food and beverage fueled adulthood. There is a choice of colored traditional handles or the custom BMX grips upon request.

Let’s get down to business! MKS Design highlights include:

1. 10” Chef’s Knife (15oz.)
2. 8” Chef’s Knife (thin blade, 13oz.)
3. 8” Fillet Knife (8oz.)
4. 6.5” Boning Knife
5. Deep Paring Knife (Depth at 1.125”)
6. Mezzaluna (half moon shape, to blade rock)

Designed by Adam Simha, (family butcher-business background, culinary extraordinaire turned welder/knife smith) this is a knife set that will last for years and bring joy in all culinary pursuits.

MKS Kitchen Knives is a post from: Nicky Papers