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

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day {2012}

December 25, 2012 · Narrative

Well hello there! I didn’t plan on taking a break over the last few days, but it ended up being that perfect little thing that was right. What a whirlwind the past few days have been… full of new traditions, old traditions, shouts of glee, kindness for strangers, thoughtfulness, love, and so much, much more.

We are very blessed indeed.

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Santa called! They're on the "nice list!"
Santa called the kids over the weekend, and they were both relieved to find out that they were on the “nice” list. As if there was ever any doubt.

One of our new traditions this year was to go to the 10 pm Christmas Eve mass last night after our big dinner. As I walked into the church, with the adult choir singing before mass even started, we were greeted with smiles from one of the parish priests and the joyful holiday decorations. I felt a giant exhale and knew it was the right place to be at that moment.

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I feel it merits an entire post on its own, but Madeline has become fiercely religious with the start of her new school this past September. Last night, I smiled while watching her try to follow along. And smiled even bigger as she recited the Our Father. I didn’t realize she knew it, and it was just the most adorable thing ever. She caught me looking at her and gave me the biggest grin ever.

And then we had a debate about whether she could or couldn’t get Communion.

I won.

The service ended with Joy to the World, which is my all-time favorite holiday song.

Our Christmas Eve dinner? Regular readers know that we do the Feast of the Seven Fishes (for our Italian background) and thirteen desserts (as is the French tradition). A few days before our meal, I conferred with my mom. I wanted to buck tradition a bit a lot, but only if she agreed. We have done those traditions for as long as I can remember. Well, at least since I’ve been hosting Christmas Eve. Although I love it, I didn’t want to do it if it was a tradition out of a sense of obligation. So this year, we did something different. I made two lasagnas, one more traditional and one that was seafood (recipe coming soon). So a slight nod to our former fish feast, and a huge nod to our Italian background. I made another Zucchini Pie, both because it’s delicious and easy, and because I was determined to replace the picture I originally used in this post. My sister brought an assortment of appetizers, I added garlic bread and my Mom brought dessert (a few, not 13).

And it was perfect.

Because although it’s about the food, it’s also about coming together and being in the moment.

And it so was.

Christmas Day, after the kids opened their presents, we headed to my parents’ house for Round 2. And then from there, Nick and Madeline went to their Dad’s house. Which means that they will be exhausted by the time they get home tonight, poor things.

And even though it’s been four years, I still hate that they have to do that, and we’re not all together.

A few weeks ago, after picking Madeline up from school, she hopped in the car and said, “Mom, did you know that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday?!”

Why yes, yes I did.

And so, one of our new traditions this year was a birthday cake for Jesus. She carefully helped me choose what she wanted me to make, and we scoured many stores to find just the right topping. Of course, by the time it came to have a piece, she ate it as fast as she could to scurry from the table and go play with her cousins.

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But I love that she was so exuberant about this from the get-go.

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One of my favorite things on Christmas Eve is when the fire truck brings Santa around with candy-filled stockings. Of course the kids know that this is Santa’s “helper,” for the real Santa is far too busy.

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When we were at mass, the kids were concerned that Santa wouldn’t deliver presents if they weren’t home. As soon as we got back a little after 11 pm, Nick quickly checked Norad to find out where Santa was. Once he found out he was in Canada, they high-tailed it to bed, willing themselves to fall asleep as fast as possible.

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A super yummy dessert on my Mom’s Christmas table – cannoli chips, with the filling as a dip.

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My Mom’s very gorgeous tree this year.

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Madeline was beyond thrilled to see the Baby Butterscotch Magical Show Pony at her grandparents’ house, which one of the things she wanted most on her list.

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When Madeline opened up a package at home that contained Justin Bieber’s movie, a Bieber backpack, and a poster, her response was “Oh no you didn’t!”

She is too much.

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The kids waiting to be let into the present room at my parents’ house.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: Christmas

Comments

  1. Sarah Caron says

    December 25, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    Merry Christmas! So glad you had such a great one. Looks like the kids really enjoyed themselves.
    Sarah Caron recently posted..Raspberry Walnut Buttermilk Bread

    Reply
  2. Joanne says

    December 26, 2012 at 9:11 am

    I was excited to hear what you ended up making for Christmas Eve! Sounds like it was a great meal. So glad to see you had such a happy Christmas :)
    Joanne recently posted..Recipe: Broccolini with Tofu, Sesame and Coriander

    Reply
  3. patsy says

    December 26, 2012 at 9:45 am

    Looks like everyone had a fabulous Christmas! I can’t wait to see that seafood lasagna recipe!
    patsy recently posted..Are You Ready for 2013?

    Reply
  4. Meg says

    December 27, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    Oh, looks like so much fun — and the kids are too adorable. Also, the cannoli chips?! Heaven help me, I wouldn’t be able to control myself around those! Happy New Year!
    Meg recently posted..write meg!’s 2012 reading honors

    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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