Apple Pie in the Sky Smoothie

This is probably the most delicious smoothie that I have made so far. Here’s how you do it!

 APPLE PIE IN THE SKY SMOOTHIE

 Gather all the things:
2 freshly juiced apples or 1 cup of apple juice
1 tbsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tbsp. flax seeds
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup walnuts or walnut butter
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
5 ice cubes

Optional: 1 cup vanilla protein powder

 Put it all into a blender until you get the consistency you want. 

HOMEMADE WALNUT BUTTER

If you would like to make my homemade walnut butter to add to your smoothie, here’s how:

 Blend together walnuts, cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg and a few tablespoons of honey until creamy. I recommend a ninja or NutriBullet.

Tis' the Season

Okay guys so this is one of my favorite warm beverages sure to get you more than tipsy if you're not careful! The best part, even if you don't like red wine, you will probably like this so drink up.

Mulled Red Wine

What You Need:
- red wine (I like a Vintner's Red)
- mulling spices
- brown sugar
- water

If you do not not already packaged mulling spices, you can tie them into a tea bag or use a metal tea ball. The bag needs to be able to float so it does not burn on the bottom of the crockpot.

1. Pour 1 bottle of red wine, 1/2 a bottle of water, the spice bag, and brown sugar (to taste) into a crockpot.

2. Simmer slowly, do not boil, for at least an hour. The longer the better.

3. After simmering, pour into a mug. You can garnish with an orange peel or stick a cinnamon stick in to stir with if you're feeling fancy.

Personally, I like to let mine cook for at least 4-5 hours and I check on it every hour or so for the taste and add more brown sugar as needed. This is a delicious treat that you can pair with any of your favorite holiday cookies. Enjoy!

Who Says Gay Men Can't Change Tires?

It is a well-known stereotype that gay men don't know much about many masculine man-things, but that's not true. What I mean is to some, a gay man knowing a lot about cars and car maintenance can be surprising. Well, to some extent this week I had lived up to that stereotype unfortunately. Do you know how to change a flat tire? I didn't, but now I do after this embarrassing experience. Keep reading and you too can be prepared for disaster unlike me and impress your friends when you know to change a flat tire.

On Thursday after class, I come out to my car and begin to drive out of the parking lot of Lot 17. (At least I think it's called Lot 17) I notice my car was sounding and driving funny and for a second I couldn't place my thumb on what it was. Then I realized, my tire was as flat as a pancake.

So I pulled over, called my roommate for help and he came to my aid. First you loosen the bolts on the tire before jacking the car up. After you do that, use a jack and lift it until the tire is just above the ground. Be sure not to lay underneath the vehicle. After taking off the bolts, change the tire out with a spare. If you're driving on a donut, be sure not to drive faster than 50-60 mph and use it for no more than two days. 

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

Did you know, according to Career Builder, that 37 percent of companies use social media to search potential job candidates? Also, in a 2009 study, 45 percent of employers said they use social media to screen candidates during online background checks.

This is why it is more important than ever to periodically Google yourself. Have you done it? Do it now and come back here. Were you surprised? Impressed? Disgusted? Confused? Satisfied? These are things that an employer, or even a potential date could think. Don't act like you have never Facebook stalked your date for Friday night prior to meeting him or her.

In the past couple of months I have kept an eye on my online presence. I have a blog, a Facebook account and a Twitter account that very few friends know about. This way, I can still give 100 percent to my full self-expression and be who I want to be without making waves in the pool. Professors have always said be careful what photos you're tagged in online or what you post. Once it's out there, it's out there. In fact, after pressing 'Delete,' it's never truly deleted.

On the other hand, I do maintain a professional social media presence. If you were to search my name, you may find my LinkedIn, my professional Facebook, and maybe my Twitter account.

When I first started to purge my negative social media accounts from search engines, I found things that I forgot that I even had, and for good reason. I had an Ask.fm account, a Formspring account and Pinterest.

Do yourself a favor and check yourself before you wreck yourself. (Wreck your chances of getting that dream job, that is.)

JaxParks Aquatics Pools

It's not summer, but in case you're wondering where all of the pools are located in Jacksonville, Florida, here is a list of 35.

Gators Perform a Bulldog Beatdown After Three Consecutive Losses

It wasn't only the tailgaters that had a victorious day at Florida Georgia 2014 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Florida gators came back successfully after a three-year losing streak.

In the first quarter, Georgia was up 7-0. In the second quarter, things started to pick up for Florida. Michael McNeely scored the first touchdown for the Florida. Shortly after, Kelvin Taylor scored the second, putting Florida up by one touchdown, 14-7.

 In the third quarter the heat got hotter on Georgia. Fans were starting to feel the pressure and leave Everbank Field. Matt Jones ran 44 yards only to score Florida's third touchdown.

In the fourth quarter, Jones and Taylor came back again with each another strong touchdown after a 44 and a 65-yard run. By this point Georgia did earn some points but it was nothing to Florida's 38 and Georgia's 20. Essentially the game was over. Tailgaters proceeded back to their tents and trucks to drink their misery away. Here is one of the scenes that day:

Black Sheep in 5 Points

If you're looking for a nice restaurant to take your next date that's impressive and romantic? Try Black Sheep.

 This venue is located in the heart of Riverside in Jacksonville, Florida. Located near the Publix on Riverside Avenue, the restaurant is a part of a triangular shaped building. They are located on the first floor and the roof top of the building. I recommend the rooftop on a night with clear skies.

Nothing is more perfect than a five star meal and some wine under the starry night. Be prepared to dent your wallet. It's not the cheapest place in Jacksonville but the experience and the environment is beautiful and beyond worth it. See their daily specials and menu at http://blacksheep5points.com/

Hawkers Asian Street Fare

Hawkers is a tapas style Asian-fusion themed restaurant that is perfect for small groups and sharing is encouraged. Menu items can range from delicious Roti, Roasted Duck, Steamed Pot Stickers, Curry Mashed Potatoes and Pad Thai. A group of four can share about 7-10 small plates and the bill would be about $20 per person. It's deliciously affordable!

15 Red Flags to Watch for on the Top Social Gay Dating App

Here are 15 red flags to look out for when trying to select your husband-to-be from Grindr.

1. He Looks Like He Came From an Abercrombie Catalog

If his photo looks like it came out of a catalog or a modeling portfolio, it probably did. If he wanted to be even more ratchet, he probably Googled "hot hunky selfies" and picked one. If you want to know if it's really him, ask him to send you a picture with him holding a piece of paper with a special note on it.

2. Friend Zoned

You want to avoid this if you can. Look out for signs such as him talking about getting friend zoned, he talks about other guys friend zoning him, he says he's a nice guy but then says thinks that nice guys finish last, or thinks that attractive guys only date jerks. He pretty much can't handle rejection and you're looking at a potential shit-storm when things go sour.

3. He moves faster than Speedy Gonzalez.

If he is already telling you that you two are soulmates and he declares his undying love for you within 24 hours of the first conversation, ABORT! ABORT! He is probably desperate and desperate for a reason.

4. Icksnay On The Ramadray

If he says that he specifically doesn't like drama and/or tries to avoid it, chances are is that his life is FULL of drama to the point where he feels the need to tell you he avoids it. He probably lacks self-awareness and thinks the drama is everyone's fault but his own.

5. Not Like Other Guys

If he says he isn't like other guys, that's actually a bad thing, believe it or not. They probably have problems to work out before getting into a long-term relationship with you. He is probably more like the rest of the population than he thinks. Do you really wanna date someone that doesn't like other people in general?

6. List of Must-Haves

If you don't think 95% of the guys on Grindr post these lists on their profile, then you should stop reading right here. You damn well know almost every profile says "masc for masc only," "only into fit guys" etc. It's okay to have standards and preferences, but if he has a checklist, back up. He will eventually find your flaws and let you know about them.

7. Sexual Innuendos

We all know Grindr is infamous for hookups and sexting and the like. If you're not on there trying to find the fuck for the night, or the new flavor of the week, then avoid conversations with people that start off with sexual innuendos.

8. Sending Nudes

Just reread number 7. This pretty much applies to pictures. If he asks to exchange pics way too early on in the game, just throw in the towel and keep playing. NEXT!

9. He's A Gray Raincloud

If he is overly negative, avoid him. You don't want a David Downer in your life do you? The answer should be no to that question. If you want positivity, you should already be following me, The Sunshine Gay. But anyway, don't let him bore you with how the world is out to get him ALL the time. He is not going to fun to be around and these people tend to twist every conversation into one that's about them.

10. Negative Space

Is his profile blank? If he doesn't list his height, he's probably short. If he doesn't list his weight, he's probably heavy. If he doesn't list his negative HIV status, he's probably poz. You get the idea. Men should be honest and forthcoming because if you meet up, you're gonna see him and that he's lying. Don't let him waste your time.

11. Vague Messages

If his messages seem short and general, he's sending it to other people and you're just part of the crowd. Also, he probably didn't take five seconds to read your profile if he talks about hooking up or friends with benefits, when your profile clearly states that you're not looking for those.

12. Wants To Meet Today

It's a red flag if he messages you and everything is going well, but then asks if you have any plans for the night because he wants to come over and cuddle. Run away! He probably isn't looking for something long term because he wants a one night stand. I bet that if you say you're busy and then message him back, he won't reply.

13. Instant Facebook Friend Request

It's okay that we all stalk everyone on Facebook before meeting them. It's a great way to perform a self background check to make sure that they are who they say they are. That said, don't accept a friend request for someone who you haven't met yet. You might as well give them your birthday, mother's maiden name, and social security number. Be safe and meet them first so they can't track you down or worse.

14. Vague Messages

It's understandable that some people prefer to remain discreet on Grindr. But if they still won't send you pictures after you have been talking, there's probably something going on there. Everyone has selfies and most have decent camera phones these days. There is no excuse. Go re-read number one then come back here.

15. Looks Too Creepy

This is where momma told you to avoid stranger danger applies. If a guy's photos look creepy, then he probably is. Trust your gut. Think of a criminal on the news, criminals generally look creepy right? It doesn't make you a bad person, it makes you cautious and it can save your life. Better safe than sorry.

Apples to Apples

It's without question that cider beers have been growing in popularity over the past several months. Even I have been warming up to brands such as Woodchuck, Angry Orchard and Strongbow. Soon to air on TV, Strongbow hopes to keep up with the increasing cider trend. The brand is introducing a new campaign called, "Cider at it's Bestest." I don't think it's a clever tagline but who am I to judge? I just like the taste of the beer.

Ciders though, I think, are great for people who aren't typically beer drinkers but want to socially fit in with the crowd. Strongbow seems to think it's TV ad will keep itself in the running with its competiton. According to an article on Ad Age, Strongbow ranked fifth in the cider category. Angry Orchard comes in at number one.

I can't help but think that the ad is priming it's customers to the association with the Budweiser Clydesdales. The ad is centered around a horse galloping in slow motion which instantly reminded me of a Budweiser ad. Maybe it's a spin-off of the competitor brand? Who knows. View the ad for yourself and share your thoughts.

Mashed Carrots or Cauliflower

By Kander (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Have you been trying to find ways to slim down your waistline and get back that girlish figure? I recently have discovered some new and interesting ways to enjoy carrots and cauliflower. I am a big potato lover. I love sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes, french fries and potato chips. They're all bad for you. Sweet potatoes can arguably be a healthy alternative, which they are. What if I could tell you something even better and healthier than that? 

Mashed carrots made just right can fool just about anyone. Especially if you have children that hate vegetables. This mashed carrot recipe is simple, cheap, and tastes just like mashed sweet potatoes. Here is what you need:

• Carrots
• I Can't Believe It's Not Butter
• Pancake Syrup or Maple Syrup
• Salt
• Pepper
• Ground Cinnamon

1. Chop up the carrots into chucks and throw them into a pot of boiling water. Boil them until soft.

2. Strain the water and add the boiled carrots into a food processor, such as a Ninja blender.

3. Add 1-2 dollops of butter.

4. Add a dash of salt and pepper.

5. Sprinkle the top with cinnamon.

6. Add 1 tbsp. of syrup

7, Blend until creamy and enjoy.

You can also do the same with cauliflower. It's a great alternative for mashed potatoes. Here is what you need:

• Cauliflower
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• I Can't Believe It's Not Butter
• Salt
• Pepper

Boil the cauliflower and blend the ingredients in a blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

99 Problems and 34 Bottles is 1 of Them

Have you ever wanted to have a weekend bender? This isn't like that at all. It was a great day when I got a call from an old roommate who wants to rid his wine rack of 34 bottles of wine. I told him that's way too much to drink for me. My mind quickly changed when he said they were $2 per bottle. Needless to say I drove over with cash in hand the next day.

My roommates and I were set for the next month or two for casual weekend evenings, dinner parties and the like. Too bad this lasted us a week and a half. They were fantastic.

My favorite was the 2010 Forest Glen white merlot. It can be found at Total Wine and Liquor. If you like sweet red wines, then this is the red wine for you. The great thing about it is that it can easily be found for under $15 per bottle.


I Have a Problem by Andreas Parker Jr. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Dove Evolution, The Ugly Truth

This week I revisited one of my favorite videos and ads of all time. This ad is the reason that I switched to using Dove products, specifically the Dove men's body wash. Since then I have switched to a different, more masculine brand, but who cares about that anyway.

In this video, you will see a seemingly average woman go from a four to a ten on her appearance with the help of makeup artists, hair stylists and digital image retouching experts. The aim of Dove in this video, is to expose the truth of advertising beauty products to women in print media. Their simple message is that beauty is in everyone. It's a powerful message built on self-esteem.

I visited Dove's website and was very pleased with the brand's vision statement: "Dove has a vision of a world where beauty is a source of confidence, and not anxiety. Join the conversation to support positive self-esteem."

Dove partners with other organizations such as The Boys and Girls Club, Girls Inc., and the Girl Scouts in their social initiatives. 

If you like what you see, shop online at www.dove.us. If you happen to be a man reading a gay man's blog, good for you. You may want to visit www.dovemencare.com,