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

Shutterfly Dinner & Apres Thanksgiving Bloggers Feast {Giveaway}

November 26, 2012 · Ad-Free, Narrative

Shutterfly dinner - me and sarah
(me and Sarah from Sarah’s Cucina Bella)

Last year, I got together with some of my favorite bloggers to celebrate a second Thanksgiving.

I mean, really.

It was an evening filled with a vegetarian-inspired feast and lively conversation.

So you know it was going to become an annual tradition.

Natch.

(Or a twice-annual tradition, since we also do it for Valentine’s Day too.)

But this year, there was a slight twist. The generous folks at Shutterfly sponsored our dinner. Which was pretty perfect because it meant we could concentrate on making dessert, and checking out their new holiday catalogs.

Win.

Win.

Shutterfly dinner - sarah

And dessert? Well, it was bountiful. As all good blogger feasts should be. Sarah made her Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies, Patsy brought a Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake with Creamy Pumpkin Glaze, a recipe she got from Kristen of Dine & Dish, and Joanne brought a Bourbon Pumpkin Bread Pudding. The kids had individual ice cream cups from a local dairy, and everyone was sent home with Jersey Cream cupcakes from a local cupcake place (profits of which are going to restore the shore after Hurricane Sandy had her way with it). Decadence? Yeah, we’ve got that.

Luckily the Shutterfly folks sent some card samples for us to  oooh and aaah over. Which is how I discovered, and subsequently fell in love with, their matte cards. Thicker than the average glossy photo card, these are so very much more. A smooth finish and vibrant color. I was so hooked I ordered my cards the very next day. And since snapping the photo and ordering cards was one of my small goals from last week, I snuck in just under the wire.

Phew.

I happened to get the perfect shot while we were at my sister’s for Thanksgiving. Posed, but full of happy smiles, and lots of color.

Which, next to a candid shot, is my favorite thing.

Although I do keep an eye on our photographs during the year for the perfect picture for our holiday cards, since I take so many, I really aim to use a picture from the last quarter of the year because the kids change so much at this age. I was just looking at a picture of Madeline from August, and she has changed physically since even just then, a mere three months ago.

If you still need ideas on capturing the #CardWorthy shot of your family, check out Shutterfly’s family photo page for all sorts of tips.

My biggest tip? Throw the generally accepted idea of perfection out the window, and go with what’s perfect for you and your family. Sometimes the silliest, craziest pictures are the very best ones, capturing your family’s personality at its finest (and most real).

Candids are, without a doubt, my absolute favorite.

Those unscripted moments.

Love.

And now to help you with your holiday shopping (’tis the season!), Shutterfly is giving a $50 gift code to one of YOU! And with all their awesome sales, fifty bucks goes a LONG way.

PRIZE: One $50 Shutterfly promotional code
TO ENTER: Leave a comment and share your favorite Shutterfly product or photo tip.
FOR MORE ENTRIES: Tweet this post with the hashtag #CardWorthy. Or Pin this post and comment that you’ve done so. Or follow me on Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram, if you don’t already (and come back and tell me you do). Or follow Shutterfly on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram, or their blog. And tell me you’ve done so. That’s a lot of extra entries!
GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Monday, December 3, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST
WINNER ANNOUNCED: In an upcoming post and via Twitter. If winner doesn’t respond with address info within 48 hours, a second winner will be chosen.
NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
FINE PRINT: The winner will be selected using random.org.

Want to win even MORE? Some of my favorite girl bloggers are also giving away $50 Shutterfly gift codes, so you can go enter on their sites as well … Joanne from Eats Well with Others, Sarah at Sarah by the Sea, and Patsy of Fam, Friends, and Food.

Good luck!

Tomorrow? A chili recipe that is waist-friendly.
Wednesday? A restaurant review.
Thursday? Craft time!
Friday? A recipe for Caramel Apple Cheesecake.

*This post and our dinner was sponsored by Shutterfly.

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Posted In: Ad-Free, Narrative · Tagged: bloggers, cardworthy, dessert recipes, holiday card, Shutterfly

Comments

  1. debbie jackson says

    November 26, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    love the calendars and photobook. I just made a photobook djackson1958@hotmail.com

    Reply
  2. debbie jackson says

    November 26, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    fblike them as djackson1958@hotmail.com

    Reply
  3. debbie jackson says

    November 26, 2012 at 11:00 pm

    google them as djackson1958@hotmail.com

    Reply
  4. debbie jackson says

    November 26, 2012 at 11:00 pm

    follow them on tw as jacksondeb djackson1958@hotmail.com

    Reply
  5. debbie jackson says

    November 26, 2012 at 11:00 pm

    follow them on pin as jacksondeb
    djackson1958@hotmail.com

    Reply
  6. Cathy says

    November 27, 2012 at 12:03 am

    I love love love the photo cards – and notebooks :-)

    Reply
  7. Cathy says

    November 27, 2012 at 12:04 am

    I follow you on twitter

    Reply
  8. Cathy says

    November 27, 2012 at 12:05 am

    Followed Shutterfly on twitter

    Reply
  9. Cathy says

    November 27, 2012 at 12:06 am

    I follow you on instagram

    Reply
  10. Cathy says

    November 27, 2012 at 12:07 am

    followed shutterfly on instagram

    Reply
  11. Cathy says

    November 27, 2012 at 12:07 am

    follow shutterfly on facebook

    Reply
  12. Cathy says

    November 27, 2012 at 12:09 am

    following shutterfly on pinterest

    Reply
  13. Joanne says

    November 27, 2012 at 7:30 am

    I lOVE our tradition…definitely one of my favorite days of the year! <3
    Joanne recently posted..Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranates {GIVEAWAY}

    Reply
  14. patsy says

    November 27, 2012 at 10:04 am

    I can’t wait for that cheesecake recipe!! LOVED it!
    patsy recently posted..Blogger Thanksgiving & Shutterfly {giveaway!}

    Reply
  15. Alyson says

    November 27, 2012 at 11:25 am

    Love their calendars! And photobooks! And Christmas cards! I just love Shutterfly!

    Reply
  16. Alyson says

    November 27, 2012 at 11:27 am

    Liked Shutterfly on FB

    Reply
  17. Crystal says

    November 27, 2012 at 12:34 pm

    I love the Shutterfly photo books, I make one every year. It’s our family version of the best of 2012!

    Reply
  18. Staci A says

    November 27, 2012 at 1:39 pm

    I love their photobooks and holiday cards!

    Reply
  19. Staci A says

    November 27, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    I follow you on Twitter @mommastacia

    Reply
  20. Staci A says

    November 27, 2012 at 1:41 pm

    I follow your boards @mommastacia

    Reply
  21. Staci A says

    November 27, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    I follow Shutterfly on Twitter @mommastacia

    Reply
  22. Staci A says

    November 27, 2012 at 1:43 pm

    I liked Shutterfly.

    Reply
  23. Staci A says

    November 27, 2012 at 1:43 pm

    I follow Shutterfly on Pinterest @mommastacia

    Reply
  24. Staci A says

    November 27, 2012 at 1:44 pm

    I follow Shutterfly on google +

    Reply
  25. Meg says

    November 27, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    Adore Shutterfly! In addition to their awesome photo books (just finished another one for my boyfriend’s mom this morning), I love their calendars — and the fact that you can personalize them with your own dates and photos on specific days (like birthdays!). So fun.
    Meg recently posted..Book review: ‘Lunch With Buddha’ by Roland Merullo

    Reply
  26. Meg says

    November 27, 2012 at 3:49 pm

    I follow you on Twitter (@writemeg).
    Meg recently posted..Book review: ‘Lunch With Buddha’ by Roland Merullo

    Reply
  27. Meg says

    November 27, 2012 at 3:49 pm

    I follow you on Instagram (writingmeg).
    Meg recently posted..Book review: ‘Lunch With Buddha’ by Roland Merullo

    Reply
  28. Meg says

    November 27, 2012 at 3:49 pm

    And I follow you on Pinterest (writemeg)!
    Meg recently posted..Book review: ‘Lunch With Buddha’ by Roland Merullo

    Reply
  29. Meg says

    November 27, 2012 at 3:50 pm

    I follow Shutterfly on Twitter . . .
    Meg recently posted..Book review: ‘Lunch With Buddha’ by Roland Merullo

    Reply
  30. Meg says

    November 27, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    And I follow Shutterfly on Instagram . . .
    Meg recently posted..Book review: ‘Lunch With Buddha’ by Roland Merullo

    Reply
  31. Meg says

    November 27, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    And I follow Shutterfly on Facebook . . .
    Meg recently posted..Book review: ‘Lunch With Buddha’ by Roland Merullo

    Reply
  32. Meg says

    November 27, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    And, last but not least, I follow Shutterfly on Pinterest. Thanks, Cate! :)
    Meg recently posted..Book review: ‘Lunch With Buddha’ by Roland Merullo

    Reply
  33. Suzi says

    November 27, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    love the shutterfly idea..last year my friends made a photobook for their parents…best gift that year!

    Reply
  34. Tammy says

    November 28, 2012 at 3:14 am

    My favorite product are the photo books and cards.

    Reply
  35. Tammy says

    November 28, 2012 at 3:17 am

    I follow you on Twitter. @melia57

    Reply
  36. Tammy says

    November 28, 2012 at 3:17 am

    I follow you on Pinterest.

    http://pinterest.com/melia57/

    Reply
  37. Tammy says

    November 28, 2012 at 3:18 am

    I like Shutterfly on Facebook.

    Reply
  38. Tammy says

    November 28, 2012 at 3:18 am

    I follow Shutterfly on Twitter.

    @melia57

    Reply
  39. Tammy says

    November 28, 2012 at 3:19 am

    I follow Shutterfly on Pinterest.

    http://pinterest.com/melia57/

    Reply
  40. nicole w says

    November 28, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    i love the merry little tree card

    Reply
  41. nicole w says

    November 28, 2012 at 6:20 pm

    https://twitter.com/mrsnaweiss/status/273914223241863169

    Reply
  42. nicole w says

    November 28, 2012 at 6:22 pm

    http://pinterest.com/pin/262475484504501129/

    Reply
  43. nicole w says

    November 28, 2012 at 6:24 pm

    following you on twitter as mrsnaweiss

    Reply
  44. nicole w says

    November 28, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    following you on pinterest as nicole weiss

    Reply
  45. nicole w says

    November 28, 2012 at 6:26 pm

    following shutterfly on twitter as mrsnweiss

    Reply
  46. nicole w says

    November 28, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    following shutterfly on fb

    Reply
  47. nicole w says

    November 28, 2012 at 6:28 pm

    following shutterfly on google+ as nicole w

    Reply
  48. nicole w says

    November 28, 2012 at 6:29 pm

    following shutterfly on ointerest as nicole weiss

    Reply
  49. nicole w says

    November 28, 2012 at 6:30 pm

    following shutterflys blog via email mrsnaweiss/at/aol.com

    Reply
  50. Kristen says

    November 29, 2012 at 9:24 pm

    I like the card called Triple Furry Wishes.

    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!

Pinterest

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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