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!
Weekend photos in review, old school style. Contex Weekend photos in review, old school style. Context: 1) saying goodbye until Easter, 2) sending him back with good bagels, 3) sunlight charging station, 4) the sun was out all day yesterday and it was glorious, 5) hitting the farmers market for my favorite garlic butter, 6) make a wish, 7) sun patterns, and 8) my sous chef
I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I’m going to make it count. Doo Wop Eats opened a few months ago in downtown Denville and their fries are LEGIT. They are hand cut and taste the way fries should … like potatoes! I add a sprinkle of salt and dunk them in a side of their special sauce and they are pure perfection. You can order a small bucket or a large one (better for sharing!), or as a side item with one of their other delicious menu items like their cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches or cheesesteak. I do believe they’re the best fries in town. I said what I said. Doo Wop’s menu celebrates all your favorite Jersey shore boardwalk treats, including Fried Oreos, clam strips and milk shakes and has a fun vibe for kids and families. 😍
The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that takes all of your favorite ingredients from a grinder (or sub) sandwich and makes it into a delicious chopped salad. It’s as easy as putting everything in a bowl and chopping it up. Perfect for busy days and lazy nights, light meals and warm weather choices. Ingredient list below. Enjoy!

One bag or arugula
One container of cherry tomatoes 
Quarter pound of hard salami
8 Oz of fresh mozzarella
One small red onion
1/3 cup banana peppers 
Handful of fresh basil
Half cup Italian salad dressing
3 T Kewpie mayo
2 T red wine vinegar 
Sea salt and black pepper

Chop it all up, add a half box of ditalini pasta, cooked. Mix to combine.

Recipe from GrilledCheeseSocial.
We had a fun little board party this week and the We had a fun little board party this week and the delicious whipped Brie I shared earlier was front and center. If you haven’t heard of board parties, it’s when every guest makes a different type of food board and brings it - so much fun noshing ensues! With toasted baguette slices, cornichons and local honey, this was mostly a French-inspired board. So simple to pull together and totally my kind of meal.
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

A Date with My Favorite Four-Year-Old

July 10, 2012 · Narrative

Blurry but Happy
I knew I wanted to be a mother from the very beginning.  It was never a question.  The only real questions were when?  and how many?   As for the how many, the answer, since my early 20s, has always been six.

Being a mom is one of the hardest things that I do.  And one of the most rewarding.  At the end of a long day, after ushering them through camp and swimming lessons (and a full day of work), we go through the bath, dinner, story, bed routine.  I fall into bed shortly after.

Completely spent.

I referee.  I administer band-aids.  And hugs.  And listen.  And steer.  And love.  And laugh.  Console.  Advise.  And beat my head against the wall.  Not all necessarily in that order.

It’s a tough gig.  As my fellow moms can attest.  I want them to feel loved.  And safe.  And happy.  Always and forever.  And sometimes, through all that, it never seems enough.

I try to carve out one-on-one time with the kids on a monthly basis.  I think they need that.  A connection with me that doesn’t have to be shared.  No interrupting.  No talking over their siblings.  No competing.  Complete and unadulterated attention.

Madeline and I planned a date for this past weekend.  Mystic’s daughter watched Nick (making this chicken parm), while Madeline and I escaped to dinner and a movie.  She’s had a trying time with Nick the past week.  She is patient to the nth degree, but had had enough.  She had quietly voiced her opinions about it to both Mystic and I separately.  My heart breaking as I listened to her words.

We both needed our Mom-and-me date.

She had asked if we could see Katy Perry’s new movie, Part of Me.  I was a fan of hers before we saw the movie, and now even more so (equal parts heartbreaking, heartwarming, and inspiring).  As we entered the theater, I scanned the seats – lots of moms and daughters out that night, too sweet.

Saturday Night at the Movies

Madeline chattered while we waited for the previews to start.  Decided what she wanted to eat (we were at AMC’s Dine In Cinema).  Asked if she could have Sprite.  I don’t let the kids have soda often, but this was a special night.  I wish I had captured her face when I said yes.

The littlest things make her soar.

If I could bottle her personality and spirit, I would market it mass wide.

Because it’s that awesome.

My Saturday Night Date

Chicken fingers.  Apple slices.  Sprite.  Shared popcorn with Mom.  3-D glasses.

She definitely considered it a date, grabbing my hand halfway through and holding it for the rest of the movie.  She climbed on my lap in the last few minutes, giving me a kiss on my cheek.

“Thank you for my date, Mommy.  I love you to the sky and back.”

As we left the theater that night, she held my hand.  Batteries recharged.  Replenished.  Fully.

When we got home, Nick was sleeping, so Madeline headed out to a neighboring town to catch some carnival fireworks with Mystic’s daughter.

A perfect night.  For the most perfect four-year-old.

One-on-one time is a challenge to carve out sometimes, but I will move mountains to make sure the kids get it.  They need it.  I need it.

And right then, that very Saturday night, there was nothing more important.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: AMC Dine In Cinema, Katy Perry, parenting, Part of Me

Comments

  1. patsy says

    July 10, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    sounds like an absolutely perfect mommy-and-me date night! so, glad you were able to make it happen!
    patsy recently posted..Simple Bruschetta for a Summer Evening (Recipe)

    Reply
  2. Joanne says

    July 11, 2012 at 6:47 am

    SO SWEET. I wish my mom had done that for me when I was a kid…it seems so necessary.
    Joanne recently posted..Recipe: Pesto Potato Salad with Green Beans

    Reply
  3. Ramona says

    July 11, 2012 at 9:54 am

    what a great date for you 2

    you are a special Mom

    Reply
  4. Alexandra says

    July 11, 2012 at 10:32 am

    So sweet. And so right, I didn’t have much quality time with my parents, I had a brother very similar in age so we all did stuff together. It’s so important to feel special when you’re a kid and to be treated like an individual. Good on you !

    p.s. my child number used to be 10 and it’s gone down to 4 now. Sometimes I consider just sticking to the one ! haha.

    http://myfroley.blogspot.com

    Reply
  5. Kris #40 says

    July 11, 2012 at 10:34 am

    What a great date night!

    Love Mommy/Daughter outings.

    Reply
  6. Sister in-law says

    July 12, 2012 at 6:52 am

    Aw that is so sweet!

    SIL

    Reply
  7. Shannon says

    July 13, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    oh my gosh, this is awesome. i can’t believe she is four years old?! where did time go? ha ;) traditions like this are worth keeping <3
    Shannon recently posted..Strawberry Ice Cream

    Reply

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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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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!
Weekend photos in review, old school style. Contex Weekend photos in review, old school style. Context: 1) saying goodbye until Easter, 2) sending him back with good bagels, 3) sunlight charging station, 4) the sun was out all day yesterday and it was glorious, 5) hitting the farmers market for my favorite garlic butter, 6) make a wish, 7) sun patterns, and 8) my sous chef
I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I’m going to make it count. Doo Wop Eats opened a few months ago in downtown Denville and their fries are LEGIT. They are hand cut and taste the way fries should … like potatoes! I add a sprinkle of salt and dunk them in a side of their special sauce and they are pure perfection. You can order a small bucket or a large one (better for sharing!), or as a side item with one of their other delicious menu items like their cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches or cheesesteak. I do believe they’re the best fries in town. I said what I said. Doo Wop’s menu celebrates all your favorite Jersey shore boardwalk treats, including Fried Oreos, clam strips and milk shakes and has a fun vibe for kids and families. 😍
The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that takes all of your favorite ingredients from a grinder (or sub) sandwich and makes it into a delicious chopped salad. It’s as easy as putting everything in a bowl and chopping it up. Perfect for busy days and lazy nights, light meals and warm weather choices. Ingredient list below. Enjoy!

One bag or arugula
One container of cherry tomatoes 
Quarter pound of hard salami
8 Oz of fresh mozzarella
One small red onion
1/3 cup banana peppers 
Handful of fresh basil
Half cup Italian salad dressing
3 T Kewpie mayo
2 T red wine vinegar 
Sea salt and black pepper

Chop it all up, add a half box of ditalini pasta, cooked. Mix to combine.

Recipe from GrilledCheeseSocial.
We had a fun little board party this week and the We had a fun little board party this week and the delicious whipped Brie I shared earlier was front and center. If you haven’t heard of board parties, it’s when every guest makes a different type of food board and brings it - so much fun noshing ensues! With toasted baguette slices, cornichons and local honey, this was mostly a French-inspired board. So simple to pull together and totally my kind of meal.

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