Mr. Bijoy Writes

So it's been 10 years. I've shared my thoughts on what to give people as gifts, some recipes for your dining pleasure, how i think snaps instead of buttons is stupid on men's shirts, and some other random stuff. For those of you who've been along for the ride, thanks for reading, caring, and/or possibly enjoying! If you're new, welcome! Now go read another post before this one. Yep. I'm gonna get personal and I'm going to ramble. And this might be long. I grew up in St. Louis and the St. Louis metropolitan area. There isn't a big Indian population there, or at least there wasn't in the 90's. Most people in the suburbs, especially on the East side, had never interacted with, much less seen, anyone of South Asian descent. Most adults only knew of the Beatles exploration and subsequent bastardization of Indian culture. You gotta remember, Yoga wasn't prevalent in the Midwest at this point. So there I was, the brown kid on the block. The one

No frills, let's get to it- What ya need: 1/3 cup 1% buttermilk 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce 4 bone-in chicken breasts (about 12 ounces each), boneless is fine, just marinate longer 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs Ok, so:    In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, chives, mustard, and hot sauce. Remove the skin from the chicken breasts, add the chicken to the bowl, and let it soak for 30 minutes (or overnight). Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray Remove the chicken from the marinade and season it with salt and pepper. Place the bread crumbs in a wide, shallow bowl. Dip the chicken into the bread crumbs and toss well to coat. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the chicken with cooking spray and bake until it is just cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes.

Since it went over rather well last year, I've compiled a little gift guide for the guys shopping for that special lady. So here are a few nifty things that the lady in your life may appreciate. I don't claim that any of these are really great gifts for the woman for whom you're shopping, but they're nifty. Ok, so: This little tech kit is great for the woman on the go. Cables and more in a cute little pouch that doesn't suck.   Bling for the lady that likes chunky bling .  Have a fashionista on your hands? Try this elegant coffee table book that elevates a space with beauty and class.  Give her something sweet because you aren't always sweet.  Oh, she's a badass? I got you . I'm not one to tell you to buy your lady lingerie. But pajamas , pajamas are great.  Coziness is everything. This classic throw comes in 11 colors and comes with the promise of warmth and style.  An inexpensive watch that makes a bold fashion statement is a risk

Just like every year, here's the deal: Some people (I'm sure you know at least one) are difficult when it comes to gifting. So to make it easy on you, I find random, nifty things that I think would make cool gifts and I share them with you. Buy one for yourself, buy one for a friend, buy one for a lover, buy none. I don't get any money from sharing these with you, I just think these things are cool and unique. Sound good? Ok, so: My wife got me this a few years ago and it is one my favorite additions to my library. It makes it MY library.   Cotton Candy, FO DAYZZZZZ . Yep, that's it.  Elevate your kitchen towels , or elevate a friend's kitchen towels. Florence Welch, a magical singer, published a gorgeous book of poetry and lyrics this year and I bet you know a music lover that would like to have it.   If you know anyone that fancies themselves a mixologist, but needs some help, check this out.  Have a music lover in your life that loves band poste

By request, I've compiled a little gift guide for the guys shopping for that special lady. So here are a few nifty things that the lady in your life may appreciate. I don't claim that any of these are really great gifts for the woman for whom you're shopping, but they're nifty. Ok, so: Does your lady take her phone's camera to new levels of photographic artistry? Get her this really cool clip-on lens to up her game. It's pretty cool.  Celebs sure wear a lot of fun necklaces, but they're all so expensive. Get the style without the price right here . She might love it.   You got a badass on your hands? This. Ever thought about getting your special woman a bag or a tote but feel like you have no idea what you're doing? Get this one. It's classic, fashionable, and notable. All-day lounging comfort is awesome. So is this ridiculously nice robe . It's on a level of Olaf-likes-warm-hugs stuff.  These may not be the cutest thing out there, bu

So, as in years past, here's the deal- Some people (I'm sure you know at least one) are difficult when it comes to gifting. So to make it easy on you, I find random, nifty things that I think would make cool gifts and I share them with you. Buy one for yourself, buy one for a friend, buy one for a lover, buy none. I don't get any money from sharing these with you, I just think these things are cool and unique. Sound good?  Ok, so: Do you know a guy in your life that needs a quality timepiece without breaking the bank? Hamilton is one of America's heritage brands that has been around since 1912. Try this watch out for casual style that can easily pair with a tuxedo for a black-tie affair.  Have a baseball fan in your life? The New York Times has compiled baseball history books , by team, to make this year's gift giving easy. They're awesome, and they're beautiful. For that wine enthusiast in your life, check out this classic corkscrew that blend