Always looking for sunshine, figuratively and lite Always looking for sunshine, figuratively and literally. Sometimes we don’t have to look very far and it finds us. ☀️
It didn’t take much to get me to @mikespastasand It didn’t take much to get me to @mikespastasandwichshoppe when a friend texted me a screenshot of their cheese butter. Up until last week I had never even heard of cheese butter but just two days later, I’m driving an hour round trip to get some. 😂 I was never one to succumb to peer pressure (I didn’t have my first drink until I was 21!), but when it comes to food finds, I am very easily intrigued. After all, that’s how I’ve discovered some of my favorite bites over the years … lardo from @butlerandtheboard, a spicy Italian sausage, and my love of chicharron. If you haven’t visited Mike’s in Nutley, it’s worth a visit. While there, I also got a small tray of meatballs (a bargain at $10!) and a delicious mortadella sandwich that is worth a round trip. ✨
The long, dreary and grey months of the Winter nee The long, dreary and grey months of the Winter need a little bit of color, so here you go. 😍 Love this chest of drawers. Discovered it buried in a local shop and bought it specifically for the green color (one of my favorites). Vintage Coke crate was a $10 score from a garage sale place on Facebook some ten years ago. And the assorted markers in Roy G Biv order (natch) that aren’t used anymore because my kids have sadly left that phase. 🙃
Weekend Photos in Review, old school still photo s Weekend Photos in Review, old school still photo style, hope you had a good one! ✨
A friend was taking a trip to Ireland and asked if A friend was taking a trip to Ireland and asked if I wanted her to bring me back anything. Would you believe me if I told you I asked for salt? I love picking up different varieties, whether we’re traveling or I’m just visiting a new shop. Maddie grabbed me a super cute one from her trip to Paris last year, and the Magic Unicorn Salt I get locally is another favorite. What’s yours?
One of us hops like a bunny down the steps, has a One of us hops like a bunny down the steps, has a serious case of FOMO on the daily, gets hiccups more than anyone we know and has perpetual bed head. She’s quite the unique roommate but may be exactly what our home needed. 💛
I haven’t had a bagel in ages, but when I saw th I haven’t had a bagel in ages, but when I saw that @njdotcom had picked six bagel shops at the “best in the state,” and one was reasonably local, all the sudden I needed one. I was never one to fall prey to peer pressure, but I’m very definitely a marketer’s dream. 😂 Alfa Bagels is on Route 10 in Randolph and has a good assortment of bagels, including all the usual suspects, but with a few others like rainbow, Asiago and French Toast throw in for good measure. Their bagels always seem to have a nice chew, which I appreciate and I love their sesame one. My go-to order lately is a double toasted flagel with lox spread and tomato. Their lox spread is a little ho hum, but the bagel is delish. Check them out next time you’ve got a craving (or get motivated by a local news story 😝). What’s your bagel order?
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Archives for November 2006

Out of the Mouths of Babes

November 30, 2006 · Narrative

“Mama, if you be quiet and stop talking, we can hear Santa’s sleigh bells.”

I was either talking too much for his taste, or he’s really excited about Santa Claus coming. I’d like to believe the latter rather than the former, but he also told me I was a “mean mommy” tonight, so who knows what’s going through his little mind today. Kids – you just gotta love them.

Since he refused to eat the dinner I made tonight, and The Husband isn’t home yet, I’ll have to talk to you guys about it. Seriously, you’re going to love me for finding this recipe. I love recipes with funny names, and Thighs Over Rice definitely is no exception. I used drumsticks though, so aptly renamed it Legs Over Rice. It takes literally 5 minutes to throw together, and after 40 minutes in the oven, you’re rewarded with juicy chicken with extra crispy skin over a bed of very moist rice. Not a company-is-coming dish, for sure, but perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast and easy, and want something that everyone will most likely like.

Until tomorrow…

A year ago today… I *swear* I didn’t know the title of last year’s post until I grabbed the link – too funny.

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ARF/5-A-Day #47

November 29, 2006 · ARF/5-A-Day

If you aren’t sick of turkey yet, have I got the recipe for you. I found this one in the November issue of Domino magazine. It’s Thyme-Roasted Turkey, and cooks in under an hour at a high heat. By cooking the meat at 500, you get a wonderfully crispy skin, but because it’s only in the oven for 50 minutes, the inside stays quite juicy too. I will definitely be making this one again, and you’ll want to as well, when you see how simple the recipe is. And with only two tablespoons of olive oil for 8 servings, it’s pretty healthy to boot!

To cover my ARF/5-A-Day bases, I made a Mexican Rice for the side and Roasted Asparagus (love the stuff!). It ended up being a very simple meal, perfect for a harried weeknight.

I’ll leave you with our ARF/5-A-Day roundup. Until tomorrow…

A year ago today… mmm, mussel chowder.

P.S. Don’t forget to order your Eli/Sweetnicks desktop calendars. $7.00 each, includes shipping, and your money goes towards a very good cause … the rescue of Bernese Mountain Dogs. Drop me a line to place your order.

The Chocolate Lady does radicchio this week, with a nice and simple recipe:

Cooking Debauchery is here, with a glorious looking Roasted Butternut Squash Soup:

Cooking is Medicine gets big bonus points from her brother with her Blueberry Cobbler:

Sarah from Cucina Bella tackles my favorite part of the meal – appetizers! – with her Blue Filet Bites:

Cooking, Stamping and Scrappin ends up with an veggie-loaded dish that’s kid-friendly too with her Ham, Smashed Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts – can’t beat that!

Thyme-Roasted Turkey
Recipe courtesy of Domino magazine
Serves 8

2 boneless turkey breast halves, skin on, 2 1/4 lbs. each
2 turkey drumsticks, about 3/4 lb. each
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. dried thyme
1 tbsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 500°. Place the turkey pieces on a rimmed baking sheet. Rub them with olive oil, then sprinkle on all sides with thyme, salt and pepper. Make sure breasts are skin side up and spread out as much as possible, without touching any of the other pieces. Cook in middle rack of oven for 50 minutes.

Simple Mexican Rice
Recipe courtesy of All Recipes
5 servings

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 cup uncooked short-grain white rice
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup tomato paste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is translucent. Stir in the chili powder and cumin, and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the rice, chicken broth and tomato paste, and bring to a boil. Transfer to a 1 quart casserole dish, and cover with aluminum foil or a lid. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until liquid has been absorbed and rice is tender. Let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

I Heart Crate & Barrel

November 28, 2006 · Narrative

Luckily there isn’t a store near us, but unfortunately their website is just as dangerous, particularly when the holidays are approaching. Everything you need for your kitchen, dining room or bedroom, they’re just as nice as Pottery Barn, but a smidge cheaper.

Last week, I found quite a few must-have things, but the problem when buying kitchen, dining or entertaining type things as gifts for people is that it’s usually one for her, one for me, one for them, one for me. Not that that’s a necessarily a bad thing, but it tends to defeat the whole purpose.

I can’t show you all the stuff I ordered, since some of the recipients pop in here, but I can show you these very cool coasters. I know, you’re probably thinking “Coasters? Big deal.” Ahh, but it is. See I have this quirk with coasters … there are TONS of them available, but most of them are just not right as their surface is flat. See, when you have a drink with ice in it, where does the condensation go? Usually on the table or other surface you’re trying to protect, thereby negating the intent of the coaster. So I’m always on the lookout for coasters that have a bit of a lip to them, to keep the condensation where it belongs … on the coaster. And that’s what these do. And heck, they’re a fun design and you can’t beat the price.

I also picked up a few of these mini footed bowls – how cute are they? Perfect for so many uses … dipping sauces, melted butter, small servings of individual desserts, condiments and more. And again, the price? A wonderful bargain.

If you’re already planning for the next holiday gathering, they have a lot of great table setting ideas,. What I like is that most of them don’t scream “holiday,” so they can be used during the year as well. I’m practical like that.

And before I forget, even though Thanksgiving is over, go on and read my latest article for Cooking Light magazine’s web site. You just may get an idea for your next big feast.

All for now. Until tomorrow, don’t forget, it’s ARF/5-A-Day Tuesday.

A year ago today… a little bit ‘o everything.

P.S. Don’t forget to order your Eli 2007 desktop calendars. A portion of the proceeds will benefit a Bernese Mountain Dog rescue group. Just $7.50 includes shipping and handling … a perfect little stocking stuffer for that animal lover on your list. Drop me a line to place your order.

Weekend Dog Blogging #62

November 27, 2006 · Narrative

Happy Sunday everyone! Hard to believe we’ve had four days off … and they’re over already! Today was all about decorating for Christmas. The Husband and Nicholas got the tree yesterday and spent this morning outside putting up the garland on the fence and lights everywhere. I’ve always been big on lights, and luckily for me, The Husband goes along with it. No matter how many we have, it never seems to be enough, and more lights are already on my shopping list for this week. I’m not a big fan of the colored ones, especially since we put up a lot. I go for the plain white all the time. No Griswald house here. After dinner tonight, Nicholas and I spent some time decorating the tree. As with the outside decorations, I go for the twinkly lights. I’d sooner have a tree with just hundreds and hundreds of lights, and skip the decorations altogether.

The Husband made dinner tonight, satisfying some craving he’s apparently had for awhile. It’s a Cuban chicken dish, and if he knew how to spell it, I’d tell you what it was. Maybe The Sister-in-Law knows. He hasn’t had it since their grandmother died, and asked someone at work for the recipe, winging it after just getting a list of ingredients. I was impressed. It has potatoes, green olives, sofrito, garlic powder, tomato paste, chicken, adobo… and I think that’s it. Pollo something. ;) Cooks for an hour and a half, and smelled mad good. Any clues? Anyways, it was pretty darn tasty, and gave me a respite from the kitchen. After dinner, I made another batch of that Cranberry Conserve from Thanksgiving. So, so good. I way overbought cranberries this year, and will definitely be freezing some, but in the meantime, what’s your favorite cranberry recipe? I still have 2 bags to use up.

Alright folks, all for tonight. Tomorrow – Crate & Barrel love. Until then, the dog roundup.

A year ago today… more dogs.

First up is Kaji from A Transition to Vegan, getting spoiled with some yummy homemade dog treats:

A newcomer joins us this week – love the adorable mug! This is Spyro from A Real Epicurean:

And last, but not least, our Eli, on a trip to the park this weekend. Don’t forget to order your Eli 2007 desktop calendars. The below picture is just one of 13 in the calendar, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit a Bernese Mountain Dog rescue group. Just $7.50 includes shipping and handling … a perfect little stocking stuffer for that animal lover on your list. Drop me a line to place your order.

Thanksgiving Aftermath

November 26, 2006 · Narrative

If you have leftover mashed potatoes from your Thanksgiving feast, you are in for a real treat. I was doing some recipe filing the other day and came across a recipe for Ham and Potato Patties with Horseradish Sauce from an old issue of Woman’s Day magazine. OMG, these are outrageously good and incredibly simple to make. Everything you like about a stuffed potato, but in a pattie form, oozing with cheesy goodness. Unfortunately, I’m the only one here who will eat mashed potatoes, so I’m hoping you guys will try these out and enjoy them with me.

Yesterday we ended up being out of the house for nearly the whole day, spending most of it tackling Christmas shopping, and a dinner playdate for Nicholas. I am closerthanthis to finishing up my shopping and it feels great. Usually I’m scrambling around the week of Christmas, picking up last minute odds and ends off my list. I’m sure there will be a few emergency scrambles, but I’m in good shape this year.

Now, for that Sweet Onion Tartlet recipe from Thanksgiving. The Neighbor Husband should brace himself. It was a Sandra Lee recipe. Last week, my mom and I happened to catch an episode of Semi-Homemade, mostly because there was nothing else on, and she made these tartlets. They didn’t rely quite as heavily on store-bought items as her other recipes tend to, so I decided to give it a try and include them as a pre-dinner munchie for Thanksgiving. They weren’t bad. They weren’t a wow, and certainly not enough for me to ever praise the ground Sandra Lee walks on, but they were tasty.

I think my biggest problem with her recipes is the word “homemade” being bandied about. I’m sorry, but taking a tub of Cool Whip and mixing it with a jello packet and letting it refrigerate until set is not homemade, even if you made it in your own kitchen. Maybe if she called it what it was, I’d go easier on her. I don’t know. Oh, and the kitchen that matches her outfit all the time? Puhleeze.

OK folks, all for tonight, I’ll leave you with the recipe for the Ham and Potato Patties – do try it. With the scallions in it, it makes a perfect addition for Kalyn’s Weekend Herb Blogging.

Until tomorrow…

A year ago today… Thanksgiving, Date Night and Herb Blogging.

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Thanksgiving Recap

November 25, 2006 · Holidays and More, Narrative

So the Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone and all that’s left is a fridge crammed with leftovers. Another perfect holiday that somehow managed to go off without a hitch, timing wise, which surprises the heck out of me since I didn’t plan it that way. Gotta love those accidental moments when everything just falls into place.

I actually didn’t plan the menu until Tuesday night. I had ideas of some things I was doing, but didn’t take pen to paper (or in this case, fingers to keyboard) until that night. As soon as I figured out the menu, I placed an order online for the groceries, to be delivered Wednesday night. I’m sure our delivery man was thrilled with us, his next to last stop, as he lugged case after case of soda up the 30 steps to our front door … in the drizzling rain. Hey, I can’t help it if they had a good sale on beverages, but I promise I tipped him. :)

Wednesday night, Nicholas and I took to the kitchen and made the Sweet Onion Tartlets, Cranberry Conserve and the Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes (two new recipes, one tried and true). As soon as The Husband came home, he got the turkey in the oven, cooking it at 200 all night… mmmm, what a fantastic smell to wake up to on Thanksgiving morning. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thanksgiving morning, I actually didn’t step into the kitchen until 11:30, but went right to work making two more recipes, the Cranberry Broccoli Salad and the Sausage Cheese Puffs (both tried-and-true). We packed up everything and headed off to my parents’ house. Once there, I made quick work of the Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple and Onion Stuffin’ Muffins (both new recipes and both Rachael Ray). Within an hour, we were sitting down to eat.

Perfect, relaxing holiday … only thing that would have put it over the top is if The Sister and Brother-in-Law and The Sister-In-Law were there, but we do have to share. ;)

All the recipes are below. Until tomorrow…

A year ago today… Thanksgiving!

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Thanksgiving 2006: Pictures in Review

November 24, 2006 · Holidays and More, Narrative

I’ll be back tomorrow with all the deets, in the meantime, just the pictures. And hey, sis, I left you plenty of leftovers.

Happy Thanksgiving!









Thanksgiving Eve

November 23, 2006 · Narrative

So far, so good. The Husband worked late tonight, so Nicholas and I got dinner from the chicken and rice man (aka Chinese food) and got right to work preparing a few Thanksgiving dishes. We managed to make Cranberry Conserve, Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes and the Sweet Onion Tarlets. When The Husband came home, he got right to work on his overnight turkey, and I already smell its deliciousness wafting up the stairs. So I have four things to make tomorrow, and I think I’m in pretty good shape.

If you want to take a break from your own Thanksgiving day menu prep, you can check out my latest article on Cooking Light right here.

And speaking of Thanksgiving, check out this wonderful recipe idea from Rachael Ray’s show today. I think we’ll definitely be trying this one over the weekend. It’s a great way to use up your leftovers very easily.

All for now. From the Sweetnicks family to each and every one of you, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving. May your gravy be lump-free, and your homemade potatoes have just a few. May your guests arrive on time, and the turkey be cooked just right. May your kitchen disasters make great stories and may you have time to truly sit down and enjoy the holiday with family and friends, because that’s what it’s all about. Happy Thanksgiving!

Until tomorrow…

A year ago today … more Thanksgiving Day prep!

P.S. Buy our Eli desktop calendars now (a portion of the proceeds will suppport Bernese Mountain Dog rescue groups). Only $7.50 – drop me an e-mail at sweetnicksplace@aol.com to place order.

ARF/5-A-Day #46

November 22, 2006 · ARF/5-A-Day

I finally got a chance to sit down and decide on the menu for Thanksgiving Day and even ordered my groceries, so I’m starting to feel a bit more organized. Phew! Here’s the plan:

Pre-Dinner Munchies
Sweet Onion Tartlets
Sausage Cheese Puffs
Antipasto Platter

Overnight Turkey with Elsa’s Poulet Sauce
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Broccoli Salad
Apple and Onion Stuffin’ Muffins
Cranberry Conserve
Roasted Butternut Squash

Apple Pie
Pumpkin Pie

Tried to keep the menu simple and manageable, particularly because last years’ feast went well and was relaxing – that’s a trend I’d like to continue! Hoping to get 3 or 4 of the recipes done tomorrow night, and then Thursday will be a breeze. Usually we do Thanksgiving here, but Mom isn’t quite ready to make the climb of 30 steps to our front door, so we’ll be bringing the feast to their house instead.

Tonight Nicholas and I made small goodie bags for his classmates, filling them with mini puzzles, super balls, a crazy straw, pencil and playdoh. He had a lot of fun coloring the turkeys on the tags and putting them together with me.

For dinner, I wanted to keep it simple, and went with a new recipe, Ziti with Tomatoes and Gorgonzola. The recipe comes from the Taste of Italia magazine and besides being perfect for the ARF/5-A-Day roundup, it’s fitting for a weeknight meal, hitting the table in just about 20 minutes.

Before I forget, I have put together and had printed a small desktop calendar (2007) that is now available for sale. Featuring 13 pictures of our lovable Eli, they are $7.50 (includes shipping). A portion of the profit will go towards a Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Group. If you’d like to order one (or more), just drop me a line. Perfect for holiday gift giving!

OK folks, all for tonight. On with the ARF/5-A-Day roundup. Just a few participants this week; no doubt everyone is getting started on their Thanksgiving menu cooking.

Until tomorrow…

P.S. Now it’s your turn … what’s on YOUR Thanksgiving menu?

The Chocolate Lady from New York City gets in the spirit with Pumpkin Pie and mini pies:

A Transition to Vegan picks up the Thanksgiving theme with her Cranberry Sauce:

From Up A Creek Without a PatL, we have Honeyed Walnuts:

Cucina Bella is back, this time with her Olive Pesto Hummus Dip:

Mixed Salad Annie joins in the fun with
Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower dish:

Newcomer A Foodie in Lowcountry joins us with a hearty tummy-warming Chicken Soup:

And lastly, Cooking is Medicine from Mississippi shares her Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers:

Ziti with Tomatoes and Gorgonzola
Ziti con Pomodori e Gorgonzola
Serves 4

1/2 pound ziti
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons pine nuts
4 garlic cloves, chopped
4 Roma tomatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup basil leaves, packed

Cook ziti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, combine olive oil, pine nuts and garlic; cook for 5 minutes on medium low. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes with olive oil mixture, stirring to mix well (I skipped this step and added tomatoes to skillet instead, to soften them a bit). When pasta is done, drain and add to bowl. Add cheese, salt and pepper, stirring to coat well. Add basil leaves and serve.

Breakfast Traditions

November 21, 2006 · Narrative

Yesterday, Nicholas was invited to a breakfast play date at a friend’s house. He’s got quite the social life … I don’t think I’ve ever had a breakfast date! The family is from Argentina, and as she laid out the breakfast offerings, she said that a traditional breakfast in Argentina is very simple, usually just toast and other breads. Remembering breakfasts at our cousins house in France, it’s much of the same thing … croissants, butter and assorted jams and jellies. It’s really Americans that do the whole eggs, bacon and sausage thing.

Along with the toast, she had a bowl of assorted nuts, fresh strawberries, a basket of crackers and pancakes for the kids, a recipe that she’s only made a few times. Fresh plum jam was an added treat, with plums fresh from her sister’s farm in Spain. Doesn’t get much better than that.

So, confess. What are YOUR breakfast traditions?

A year ago today… Bachelor Bob and other shenanigans.

P.S. Yes, there will be an ARF/5-A-Day roundup tomorrow.

Weekend Dog Blogging #61

November 20, 2006 · Narrative

The Husband has been a total doll, taking the reins in the kitchen this weekend, knowing I have been feeling crappy. Last night, he made steak with rice and black beans. Tonight, it was a huge roast pork and rice with red beans and tomatoes.

As much as he shakes his head and laughs at some of my food quirks, he still goes along with them. With meat that doesn’t have a gravy or sauce or that’s not heavily flavored, I tend to make a little sauce of ketchup and mayo to dip it in. Nicholas, much to The Husband’s chagrin, has picked up on this habit too. When The Husband fixed me a plate for dinner tonight, he even included a small bowl with my special sauce. Gotta love him.

Keeping it short tonight, because I want to finish planning the menu for Thanksgiving, and the meals leading up to it. But before I sign off, I’m going to leave you with something fun. Costco members know that around the holidays, they give out a great Costco cookbook for free. They’ve been doing it for 4 years now. This year, their free cookbook will be given out this week, from 11/24-26, while supplies last. They usually are gone by the end of the first day, so if you’re a member, make sure to head down and grab a copy. But now for the really good news … member or not, you can download and print copies of their cookbooks from the past 4 years right here (scroll down, they’re on the bottom left). Cool, huh?

For the very first time since we started SIXTY-ONE WEEKS ago, there is only other dog participating in Weekend Dog Blogging this weekend with Eli. Everyone else must be already getting started on holiday preparations. Eli was almost on his own until Ziggy came along. Until tomorrow…

A year ago today … the inability to resist temptation.

Ziggy pops in for a visit from Soul Fusion Kitchen in Los Angeles.

This Could Be My Undoing…

November 19, 2006 · Narrative

Rmember I mentioned Dale and Thomas popcorn a few weeks ago? When I discovered them, I thought it was just mailorder … then I found out they have retail locations … and recently, The Neighbor told me that Target carries their popcorn. Checked last week, and yup, she’s right. Now it’s going to be even harder to resist the temptation of the Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Drizzle popcorn. If you haven’t tried the popcorn yet, now you have no excuses. Until tomorrow…

A year ago today … home from Bermuda.

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Always looking for sunshine, figuratively and lite Always looking for sunshine, figuratively and literally. Sometimes we don’t have to look very far and it finds us. ☀️
It didn’t take much to get me to @mikespastasand It didn’t take much to get me to @mikespastasandwichshoppe when a friend texted me a screenshot of their cheese butter. Up until last week I had never even heard of cheese butter but just two days later, I’m driving an hour round trip to get some. 😂 I was never one to succumb to peer pressure (I didn’t have my first drink until I was 21!), but when it comes to food finds, I am very easily intrigued. After all, that’s how I’ve discovered some of my favorite bites over the years … lardo from @butlerandtheboard, a spicy Italian sausage, and my love of chicharron. If you haven’t visited Mike’s in Nutley, it’s worth a visit. While there, I also got a small tray of meatballs (a bargain at $10!) and a delicious mortadella sandwich that is worth a round trip. ✨
The long, dreary and grey months of the Winter nee The long, dreary and grey months of the Winter need a little bit of color, so here you go. 😍 Love this chest of drawers. Discovered it buried in a local shop and bought it specifically for the green color (one of my favorites). Vintage Coke crate was a $10 score from a garage sale place on Facebook some ten years ago. And the assorted markers in Roy G Biv order (natch) that aren’t used anymore because my kids have sadly left that phase. 🙃
Weekend Photos in Review, old school still photo s Weekend Photos in Review, old school still photo style, hope you had a good one! ✨

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Always looking for sunshine, figuratively and lite Always looking for sunshine, figuratively and literally. Sometimes we don’t have to look very far and it finds us. ☀️
It didn’t take much to get me to @mikespastasand It didn’t take much to get me to @mikespastasandwichshoppe when a friend texted me a screenshot of their cheese butter. Up until last week I had never even heard of cheese butter but just two days later, I’m driving an hour round trip to get some. 😂 I was never one to succumb to peer pressure (I didn’t have my first drink until I was 21!), but when it comes to food finds, I am very easily intrigued. After all, that’s how I’ve discovered some of my favorite bites over the years … lardo from @butlerandtheboard, a spicy Italian sausage, and my love of chicharron. If you haven’t visited Mike’s in Nutley, it’s worth a visit. While there, I also got a small tray of meatballs (a bargain at $10!) and a delicious mortadella sandwich that is worth a round trip. ✨
The long, dreary and grey months of the Winter nee The long, dreary and grey months of the Winter need a little bit of color, so here you go. 😍 Love this chest of drawers. Discovered it buried in a local shop and bought it specifically for the green color (one of my favorites). Vintage Coke crate was a $10 score from a garage sale place on Facebook some ten years ago. And the assorted markers in Roy G Biv order (natch) that aren’t used anymore because my kids have sadly left that phase. 🙃
Weekend Photos in Review, old school still photo s Weekend Photos in Review, old school still photo style, hope you had a good one! ✨
A friend was taking a trip to Ireland and asked if A friend was taking a trip to Ireland and asked if I wanted her to bring me back anything. Would you believe me if I told you I asked for salt? I love picking up different varieties, whether we’re traveling or I’m just visiting a new shop. Maddie grabbed me a super cute one from her trip to Paris last year, and the Magic Unicorn Salt I get locally is another favorite. What’s yours?
One of us hops like a bunny down the steps, has a One of us hops like a bunny down the steps, has a serious case of FOMO on the daily, gets hiccups more than anyone we know and has perpetual bed head. She’s quite the unique roommate but may be exactly what our home needed. 💛
I haven’t had a bagel in ages, but when I saw th I haven’t had a bagel in ages, but when I saw that @njdotcom had picked six bagel shops at the “best in the state,” and one was reasonably local, all the sudden I needed one. I was never one to fall prey to peer pressure, but I’m very definitely a marketer’s dream. 😂 Alfa Bagels is on Route 10 in Randolph and has a good assortment of bagels, including all the usual suspects, but with a few others like rainbow, Asiago and French Toast throw in for good measure. Their bagels always seem to have a nice chew, which I appreciate and I love their sesame one. My go-to order lately is a double toasted flagel with lox spread and tomato. Their lox spread is a little ho hum, but the bagel is delish. Check them out next time you’ve got a craving (or get motivated by a local news story 😝). What’s your bagel order?
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