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

New Years’ Eve 2009

December 31, 2009 · Narrative

Nick and Twenty Ten Glasses

So here we are on the last day of 2009.  While just like a birthday, the new year is nothing more than a different page on the calendar.  But is it?  Isn’t it more?  To me, just like a new school year, it signals a fresh start.  A clean slate.  A promise of something.  Anything.  Everything.  And nothing.  You can shed the mistakes of 2009.  You can set goals for the new year.  Or not.  An opportunity for a new beginning.  A refreshed outlook.  A reflective look back on the past.  A chance for magic.  Or to believe in it.

Looking back on our own 2009, it’s been a wild ride.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think The Husband and I would split up.  We started the year with a vacation, and ended it apart.  I didn’t foresee selling our house.  Or moving back to our old one.  Such are the twists and turns of life.  This year saw Nick finish first grade and enter second.  It saw a year for him filled with Boy Scouts, summer camp, soccer and karate.  A year with 102 scores on tests and four missing teeth, two of which he even pulled out himself.  Blech.  There are days when I am literally amazed by his maturity, particularly as he took on a slightly different role in the house with The Husband gone, but then there are days that I’m instantly reminded that he’s still just seven.  My little man.  This year brought us a fun little personality in Madeline.  Never a day goes by that Nick or I don’t crack up at something she says or does.   A little pistol that now shushes us if we are telling her something she doesn’t like.  An almost two year old that, although she wants zero help in using a fork or spoon, still ends up wearing a lot of it.  So much food is on her face that I can’t even Photoshop it out.  Unfortunately spilling food is a trait amongst the women in our family … I swear not a family meal goes by without me, my mom or my sister dropping some sort of food on our clothes.  Madeline is in good company.  My mom took one for the team during Christmas Day dinner.

Yes?

This year saw my first niece, Sophie, turn two, and my newest niece, Sadie was born.  And I became her Godmother.  I love that. It is so fun to see the three girls play together and I love that we live close enough that hopefully they will be close to each other growing up.  And poor Nick, outnumbered by them, and sometimes bossed around by them, but certainly loving every minute of it.  Almost every minute anyway.

From the kitchen, this year saw things like the Rainbow Cake, those divine Cranberry Almond Bars, a new go-to Chinese dinner, perfect kid-friendly macaroni and cheese (and an adult version to boot!),  and oh these glazed apple bars, easy vegetable pancakes, the babysitter’s favorite cookie to date, strawberry cupcakes for a sixth birthday, to-die for fudge that is making another appearance this weekend, a yummy spread to start your day, crazy simple chips, and these appetizers that I completely forgot about, OMG fried calamari, and many more creations.  Another OMG dish was just added tonight as part of our traditional New Years’ Eve feast.  Thought the guest list changes, the tradition remains the same.  A seafood feast on New Years’ Eve, something begun some thirteen years ago.  Although some traditions have changed or been altered, this one is here to stay.  (More on the OMG dish next week, promise).

And so with a new year brings resolutions.  Promises.  Goals.  Attempts.  Do you make resolutions?  I have a short list.  Some personal.  Some professional.  Some with the kids.  Some for me and me alone.  One of the resolutions that the kids and I made together, actually a few months ago … is that we will take a trip a month.  It can be a day trip, an overnight trip or something as simple as finding cows for Madeline.  An adventure a month, if you will.  We actually started in October when we went to Hershey, and Nick and I talked about it on the way home.  I don’t want to miss out on anything, especially with the kids, just because The Husband and I are separated.  One of the vows I made to myself early on was that I wasn’t going to let that stop me from doing something.  True, some things are definitely more of a challenge… have you tried to stop for a bathroom break?  On the Garden State Parkway?  With two kids?  And a dog?  In the dead heat of the summer?  Like, what do I do with the dog?  He can’t stay in the car.  I can’t tie him up outside.  And Madeline?  Who tries to crawl out from underneath the bathroom stall?  And Nick who is at the age where he shouldn’t be hanging out in the women’s room.  Such are the challenges of being a single mom, but I don’t want that to get in the way of us exploring, adventuring, being.  I just figure out a way to make it work.  So in October it was a trip to Hershey with The Neighbors.  November it was our quest to find cows for Madeline.  December a trip back to Hershey for their Sweet Lights tour and more Chocolate World fun.  As for future monthly excursions?  They involve penguins.  Amish people.  The shore.  A certain White House.  An indoor ferris wheel.  A dairy.  And down time.   Time to chill.  To garden.  To listen to quiet.  To just be.

My Babies

And the kitchen?  It will be buzzing as usual.  I am going to try to get back into menu planning.  Base case, it makes me much more organized.  And it’s easy to answer the daily “what’s for dinner” question (even from me!) when I have a plan.  I might not be successful.  Maybe sometimes.  Maybe all the time.  But I’m going to try.  I will also be listing, at the end of the month, all the new recipes I tried.  I used to do that, and I think it’s fun to go back and see what we’ve tried out.

The Spring will find us in the garden.  Planting.  Sowing.  Watering.  Last year we had a successful herb garden and Nick has been asking for a vegetable garden that he and his sister can work on together.  We will try.  I promised him that much. My green thumb isn’t always green, but I know someone I can rope into helping me.

For all the bumps along the 2009 road, there were many blessings to be had.  Two of them are snoring right now and I am thankful every day for them.  Sometimes even for the snoring.  Every day with them is a new adventure, and they definitely keep it interesting.  I am going, going, going from the moment we wake up until they are in bed at night.  And then I’m right behind them, falling into bed exhausted, but happy, earning every second of a sound sleep.

I am looking forward to closing the door that is 2009 and opening wide the one to the new year.  A fresh start.  A new beginning.  A year full of possibilities.  And promise.  And maybe just a touch of magic.  It’s all there for us if you just believe.  And I do.  A belief in the fact that anything is possible.  And knowing that, who knows what new adventures await us?

Happy New Year from the Sweetnicks’ home to yours.  May the new year bring about whatever it is you’re looking for.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: New Years' resolutions

Comments

  1. Sarah Caron says

    December 31, 2009 at 11:48 pm

    I love, love, love the idea of a trip a month! What a great plan. The kids and I took quite a few trips in the fall and loved it. I might have to borrow this one from you!

    And vegetable gardening? So much fun. I hope you guys do that! It was way easier than I expected.

    Happy New Year!

    Reply
  2. mandy says

    January 1, 2010 at 12:55 am

    “A fresh start. A new beginning. A year full of possibilities. And promise. And maybe just a touch of magic. ”

    For me this is what the new year is all about. Happy 2010!

    Reply
  3. Mellisa W. says

    January 1, 2010 at 4:25 am

    Thank you for sharing your life. I enjoy it and am inspired by it. Happy New Year!

    Reply
  4. Joanne says

    January 1, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    Happy new Year to you too Cate! This was an excellent post. you have been through so much this year but have accomplished so much as well. Here’s to another great one!

    Reply
  5. Kris #40 says

    January 1, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    Happy New Year!

    Reply
  6. pamela says

    January 1, 2010 at 10:52 pm

    What a wonderful post, Cate! You have many fans cheering you on! Thanks for letting us be a part of it! Happy New Year!

    Reply
  7. Rebekah Williams says

    January 2, 2010 at 1:23 am

    DARLING photos! Love the “glasses”!

    Sorry to hear about you and “The Husband”. Bet you’re glad to step away from 09 into a brand new future. I wish you the best.

    And I have my own little shusher in this house. Miss Lilly.
    Nathan asked, “Where did she learn that, honey?” I swear I don’t know. I’m innocent. I never shoo my kids away. Ever. wink wink.

    Reply
  8. Cynthia says

    January 2, 2010 at 12:16 pm

    Happy New Year!

    Reply
  9. Jen says

    January 2, 2010 at 12:29 pm

    Adorable pictures! Wishing you the best in 2010! I enjoyed reading your post. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Jen says

    January 3, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    wishing you all the best, happy new year!

    Reply
  11. Magda says

    January 3, 2010 at 11:57 pm

    Happy New Year! Maybe you could throw in a trip to California…?

    Reply
  12. Laura says

    January 4, 2010 at 9:31 am

    This was such a inspiring post Cate….I wish the best for you in the coming year!

    Reply
  13. Ramona says

    January 4, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    Happy New Year! I think you are a very strong woman and you can do whatever you set your mind too. You have 2 great kids and I love the way you are raising them.

    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.

Pinterest

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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