Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Thirteen school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
Weekend photos in review, old school edition. Cont Weekend photos in review, old school edition.
Context: 1) Lola has zero chill in the car, 2) fulfilling request for Chicken Parm Penne with Vodka Sauce, 3) Sunday vibes 4) my favorite porchetta sandwich 5) from @butlerandtheboard 6) affirmations, 7) the sun was out today
Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what phase you’re in. ✨ Got this one back in September and it’s one of my favorites. I sometimes forget it’s there until I get a random flash of it.
Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Christmas Eve 2009

December 25, 2009 · Narrative

Sadie's First Christmas Eve

There is nothing like seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child.  To witness the magic of it.  The joy of it.  Just nothing like it.  Our day was full.  Full of fun and frivolity.  Even though I worked a half-day today, from the afternoon on, we packed it to the brim with the magic of the holiday.  The kids’ babysitter came by this afternoon and hung out with us, and we exchanged presents.  She is so much more than their babysitter; through the past year, she has become a member of our family, and we’re very lucky to have her.

Santa called Nick this afternoon for his annual chat.  He told Nick that he was on the “good” list.  Did you hear the sigh of relief all the way over there?  But he said he wasn’t on the tippy-top of the list, but was somewhere in the middle.  As Nick went to bed tonight, anxious for Santa’s arrival, he got upset about what Santa said, and worried that if he was still going to come.  Poor thing.  I felt terrible and I reassured him that he is a great kid, and he had absolutely nothing to worry about.  And he is.  Hosting a holiday get-together and taking care of everything on my own is sometimes a bit of a challenge, but he was a huge help, wandering in and asking me many times what he could do to help.  He tidied up the playroom and the living room and set the dinner table for me.  Even though he gets a bit mouthy upon occasion, I couldn’t ask for a better kid.

Tonight, a little before our family was due for dinner, the fire department made their way through the streets of our town, with Santa on board, ready to hand out candy to the kids in the neighborhood.  I love the tradition of hearing the blaring siren and seeing the flashing lights, heralding Santa’s arrival on our street.  Nick knows that it’s not the real Santa, for he’s far too busy tonight, but he still gets just as excited as if it was.  Poor Madeline was napping during this.  Given her hesitant relationship with the big man, it’s just as well.  I don’t want to push my luck.

Dinner went off without a hitch, and was completely stress-free.  I cheated with the lasagna, and probably had way too many pre-dinner munchies, but that’s half the fun of it … feasting on all the delicious leftovers for days after.  No better way to prolong a holiday.

I’ll leave you with a few pictures of our evening.  The kids.  The food.  The fun.  From our home (and kitchen!) to yours … may you have a truly awesome holiday filled with all the magic possible.  Just believe.

We Do

Front Yard Lights

Christmas Tree Herbed Pull-Apart Bread

Table Setting

Simple White

Christmas Wonder

Cheese Delights

Matched Set

One Two Three Juice

Sooo Good

My Princess

Cioppino

Wiggly Giggly Jello

Concentration

Bright Eyes

Cookies for Santa

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Posted In: Narrative

Comments

  1. Jenny says

    December 25, 2009 at 1:29 am

    You WILL be posting the pull apart Christmas Tree bread RIGHT? That looks yummy!

    Reply
  2. so Spiffy says

    December 25, 2009 at 4:23 am

    oooo Is that a real tree.. looks so bright and vibrant.. the look on her face…. priceless.

    Happy Christmas.

    Reply
  3. Joanne says

    December 25, 2009 at 11:49 am

    Merry Christmas Cate! All of your food looks fantastic. I’m glad you hear you guys had a great Christmas Eve!

    Reply
  4. Karen says

    December 25, 2009 at 6:16 pm

    Merry Christmas. What a blessing to share the holiday with kids. It makes the season so much more magical.

    Reply
  5. Casey says

    December 25, 2009 at 11:08 pm

    Merry Christmas! As always, I enjoy your photos and love your blog!

    Reply
  6. patsy says

    December 26, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    Looks like a wonderful Christmas a the sweenticks’ house! Hope you had a Merry Christmas and may the new year be full of everything you wish for!

    Reply
  7. Betsy says

    December 26, 2009 at 9:46 pm

    Great pics — happy to read that you had a great tiem.

    Ooooh, whatever those round pastry thingsies (with tomatoes and cheese perhaps) look so good.

    You certainly put on a great party.

    Reply
  8. Laura says

    December 27, 2009 at 2:05 pm

    Lovely pictures…merry christmas Cate!

    Reply
  9. pamela says

    December 28, 2009 at 9:44 pm

    I agree about that Christmas Tree bread…yum!! Finally catching up on my blog reading. Hope you and the kids had a wonderful Christmas!! All the best to you guys in the New Year!

    Reply
  10. Ramona says

    December 29, 2009 at 2:08 pm

    I can’t get over how much Sophie and Madie look alike.

    Love the pictures, forgot baby’s name. Cute expressions.

    Glad ya’ll had a wonderful XMAS.

    Reply

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Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Thirteen school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
Weekend photos in review, old school edition. Cont Weekend photos in review, old school edition.
Context: 1) Lola has zero chill in the car, 2) fulfilling request for Chicken Parm Penne with Vodka Sauce, 3) Sunday vibes 4) my favorite porchetta sandwich 5) from @butlerandtheboard 6) affirmations, 7) the sun was out today
Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what phase you’re in. ✨ Got this one back in September and it’s one of my favorites. I sometimes forget it’s there until I get a random flash of it.

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Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Thirteen school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
Weekend photos in review, old school edition. Cont Weekend photos in review, old school edition.
Context: 1) Lola has zero chill in the car, 2) fulfilling request for Chicken Parm Penne with Vodka Sauce, 3) Sunday vibes 4) my favorite porchetta sandwich 5) from @butlerandtheboard 6) affirmations, 7) the sun was out today
Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what phase you’re in. ✨ Got this one back in September and it’s one of my favorites. I sometimes forget it’s there until I get a random flash of it.
Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!

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