#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Oh Pickles!

April 24, 2007 · Friends and Family

That’s what Nicholas says when something is wrong … “Oh Pickles!” I think it’s incredibly cute, and certainly fitting for our vacation. Although a short one (we just got back today), it was not without its excitement. The Husband had to come home early on Saturday (his dad ended up in the hospital), and Nicholas sprained his arm (also on Saturday), so it definitely had its low points. On the bright side, I’m fairly certain the kids still had a great time, and that’s what it is really all about, isn’t it?

We managed to squeeze an awful lot into 3-1/2 days … two visits to the Magic Kingdom, a short jaunt to Epcot, fireworks, Disney Marketplace, the light parade and many, many character meals, which is what, I think, was the highlight for them. Nicholas fell in love … hard … for Cinderella. On Friday, we had lunch in Cinderella’s castle with her, the Fairy Godmother, Jasmine, Belle, and Snow White, and then last night, managed to squeeze in another meal with Cinderella, this time dinner, and Prince Charming, the Fairy Godmother and the two mice. He was beyond thrilled, which was only capped off by getting to walk through her castle last night. He is over the moon, and it really is quite cute. I’m glad he had plenty of highlights, because I feel terrible about his arm, but this too shall pass.

Food was a particular highlight this trip as well. When we arrived Thursday night, we started with dinner at Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. A bustling, noisy, energetic place, it was a nice start to kickoff our trip. A good array of African food, my only complaint is that I think the food tags need to have definitions explaining what the items were. I might have been more inclined to taste Fufu, for example, had I known what the heck it was. Our favorites, hands down, was their trio of hummus … Sun Dried Tomato, White Bean and Black Olive, along with a Watercress Salad with Coriander Dressing, all of which we requested recipes for.

Friday morning, we had a character meal at Ohana (which means “family” for the educational part of this post), and everyone loved it. Lilo and Stitch were there, along with Mickey, Pluto and Goofy. The food is served family style, all brought to your table, and all you can eat. Certainly a perfect set-up with young kids, and considering the simple fare it was (sausages, eggs, pineapple bread, fresh fruit, potatoes, Mickey waffles of course, and bacon), it was really good. The kids loved their special Lilo & Stitch Punch and we will definitely be recreating it at home.

Friday lunch was at Cinderella’s Royal Table, and a highlight with both kids. The food, honestly, was not that exciting, so it’s definitely a go-for-the-experience type of place. The kids were tickled with table visits from the characters, chocolate crowns on their sundaes and the magic wands and swords they received. It was not the first or last time we received pleas of “no more pictures!”

Dinner was back at Ohana, for what I think we would all agree was another big highlight food-wise for the grown-ups. Again served family-style at the table and all you can eat, it featured meat served rodizio-style (on hot skewers until you tell them to stop bringing it), and had a scalloped potato casserole, stir-fried veggies, Sweet and Sour Shrimp, and fried wonton chips with a trio of dipping sauces (peanut satay, roasted red pepper and I can’t for the life of me remember the third), to round out the meal. We all ooohed and aaahed over the Peanut Dipping Sauce and the Scalloped Potatoes, and got the recipes for both, along with the to-die-for Bread Pudding with Bananas Foster sauce. The entertainment was a live Hawaiian singer, the limbo, hula lessons and a parade through the restaurant, loved by all.

Saturday we hit Chef Mickeys to get in a meal with Mickey and Minnie, Donald Duck, Pluto, and Goofy. A light, bright, all-you-can-eat buffet in the Contemporary resort, the kids had a great time, and it was a fun way to start the day. For lunch, we just grabbed something quick at Mexico in Epcot, and for dinner, we stayed close and had a meal at one of hotel’s restaurants, the Grand Floridian Cafe. Very much comfort food, I had a delicious roast chicken with a reduction sauce, red bliss mashed potatoes and The Neighbors loved a Spinach Artichoke Dip that they are deeming the best ever … and we got the recipe for that one too. The kids got drinks with light-up Captain Hooks, and really … what more do you need after that?

Sunday, we did breakfast at the hotel and just chilled. We spent some time at the Disney Marketplace and bought a few must-haves, and then relaxed in the room a bit. For dinner, we stayed in the hotel again, managing to snag a last-minute reservation at 1900 Park Fare for another character meal. This one’s a buffet and had a great selection of food for adults and kids alike … prime rib, shrimp cocktail, pastas, fish, the requisite PB&J and much more. The kids were enthralled with the characters visiting them and their Cinderella and Prince Charming drinks, this time with light-up ice cubes.

All in all, a good whirlwind trip. A few downers, but nothing that we can’t recover from. It’s always nice to get away, but it’s always nice to come home too. Tomorrow, it’s back to the ARF/5-A-Day roundup. C’mon and join in the fun. Wednesday, The Neighbor Wife takes over Sweetnicks, and Thursday, vacation pictures. Until then …

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Posted In: Friends and Family

Comments

  1. Claire says

    April 24, 2007 at 3:01 am

    Sounds like you had a good time in spite of the husband having to leave (hope his dad is okay!) and Nicholas spaining his arm, I’m sure he’ll bounce back quickly! Looking forward to the hummus recipes. I still need to try my hand and that…AND that panzanella salad!!! :-) I’m going to hold you to that deal.

    Reply
  2. ~Nan says

    April 24, 2007 at 6:37 am

    Glad it was a good vacation, even with the mishaps. Just found you and I’ll be sure to visit again.

    Reply
  3. Kristen says

    April 24, 2007 at 12:51 pm

    You were one busy lady!
    I hope your hubby’s dad is OK.

    Nothing like a little excitement to make a vacation memorable.

    Reply
  4. The Mommy Chef says

    April 24, 2007 at 7:35 pm

    We were at Disney this weekend too! We ate somuch great food.We were sans kids though,so we went to a comedy club and romantic dinners.Next time we will take the boys.Glad you and yours had a great time!

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    April 25, 2007 at 1:19 am

    Looks like a great trip, despite the problems. I hope your FIL is okay. When you’ve recovered from the trip, any chance you might post that spinach dip recipe? :)

    Kari (the other one from the CLBB!)

    Reply
  6. Cate says

    April 25, 2007 at 2:05 am

    Claire – I’m ready when you are. :)

    Nan – Thanks for dropping by!

    Kristen – Oh yeah, we’re never short of a little of of excitement. I, for one, would settle for a little normalcy once in awhile.

    The Mommy Chef – small world, huh? Where did you guys eat?

    Kari – absolutely. We’re going to make it this weekend, so stay tuned.

    Reply

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#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛

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#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨

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