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.
Lunch date with one of my favorite people. 😍 We Lunch date with one of my favorite people. 😍 We popped into Cafe Crevier downtown and I finally got to try one of their burgers. It was thick and juicy and cooked to perfection. Love that the lettuce was shredded, and that the bun was toasted and slightly crispy. If you’re local, pop in and give them a try - don’t miss the fries!
I haven’t had a snow pic on my feed all winter b I haven’t had a snow pic on my feed all winter because, well, it’s been a weird one. Despite living in the Northeast, our Winter has had hardly any snow. Not to worry though, we’re going to be having snow in the Spring at this point. 😂 End of the week has a high of 50 degrees, today we lived in a snow globe with awful wind. I don’t even care what freaking season it is, just PICK ONE. And for the love of all things holy, I desperately need sunshine.
Grey days, perpetual rain, delayed opening tomorro Grey days, perpetual rain, delayed opening tomorrow … all the perfect setting for a cozy night at home and #candleoclock.
Weekend Photos in Review, old school. ✨ Weekend Photos in Review, old school. ✨
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Food and Life

Visit: Monster Truck Show {Monster Jam}

February 4, 2013 · Narrative

MJ - red arena-001
Early last year, I saw that the Monster Truck show, Monster Jam, was coming to a stadium near us, and I thought it would be the perfect thing for Nick and Mystic’s two boys to go to. Unfortunately the scheduling didn’t work out and we didn’t end up going, but I filed the idea away for another time.

Flash forward a year later, no more Mystic, but another nearby tour stop for the Monster Jam, and this time the dates worked out perfectly. I’ve never been to a Monster Truck show, but decided it felt like a “bucket list” sort of item. Something that is fun to do, that the kids would get a kick out of, and definitely a different way to spend a Saturday night.

And so it was.

Ticketmaster was running awesome deals on kids seats, and certain sections of the stadium offered $15 kid seats. Which, for this sort of entertainment, was a bargain and a half (and once we got there, I was stoked to find out that the seats were in a pretty awesome location).

MJ - lit arena-001

Because of the level of noise we expected, I bought a set of noise reduction headphones for the kids, taking no chances that they wouldn’t fully enjoy it because it was too loud.

MJ - Nick transfixed-001

MJ - Madeline transfixed-001

MJ - El Toro Loco-001

There were ten trucks at the show, everyone from the Grave Digger (which just celebrated its 30th anniversary) and El Toro Loco (a truck with fun, colorful horns on the top) to Bounty Hunter (Nick’s favorite), and Scarlet Bandit (complete with a female driver, Dawn Creten, who is actually the wife of the Bounty Hunter driver) and Monster Mutt (Madeline’s two favorites). When the Monster Mutt flew in the air during the various competitions, it was cute to see its tail and ears flopping in the breeze.

MJ - puppy ears-001

MJ - Scarlet Bandit-001

The trucks took their turns flattening the cars in the middle of the arena, and then had a donut competition (our favorite) and a freestyle segment. During the donuts, some of the trucks built up so much speed in their turns that it looked like they were flying – El Toro Loco managed to get three wheels off the ground, so he practically was!  Each round was scored by some random scoring system that we couldn’t figure out (by a trio of two adults and a child), and then the trucks would advance to the semi-finals, and then the finals.

During the competition, various plaques were awarded to the drivers, and they would jump out of their trucks to speak with the emcee, and this was the part that I loved the most. Each of the drivers gave their plaques to fans in the stands, climbing a ladder on the side of the arena and venturing high into the bleachers to find a lucky recipient. Two of the drivers even went into the nosebleed sections.

I so loved that they went out of their way to acknowledge and give back to their fans (even mentioning them in their little interviews). And it definitely speaks to why their fans are so devoted.

MJ - videographer at work-001

MJ - Scarlet airborne-001

MJ - Airborne Grave Digger-001

The show started exactly on the dot of 7:30, and lasted about two and a half hours. The only downside to the show is this weird little lag between each set. When the trucks were moving, it was fast-paced and fun, but then there were these weird five minute gaps between everything, though I don’t think the kids noticed. Oh and the smell. The diesel/gas/oil/smoke might get to your head after awhile. The kids didn’t notice or mention it, but friends that went with us left with headaches.

MJ - tiny truck fueled by fire-001

When we left, it was snowing hard and icy, but Nick and Madeline barely noticed. They were so hopped up on the energy of the show and fell over themselves thanking me for such an awesome night.

MJ - cuteness-001

Which is totally what it’s all about. Whether we’re eating dinner in bed watching a favorite tv show or spending a night out at a Monster Truck show, I just want them to be happy.

If the Monster Jam happens to come to your neck of the woods, it makes for a lively night out. For kids, do get a pair of headphones to protect those little ears. There are also vendors selling ear plugs for the grown-ups, which was appreciated as well.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: Bounty Hunter, Dawn Creten, Grave Digger, Monster Jam, Monster Mutt, monster truck show, Scarlet Bandit

Comments

  1. Joanne says

    February 5, 2013 at 7:46 am

    Wow this is crazy! Definitely a bucket list experience kinda thing!
    Joanne recently posted..Recipe: Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Chipotle-Goat Cheese Tomato Sauce

    Reply
  2. patsy says

    February 5, 2013 at 9:21 am

    Wow! I know a couple of boys who would totally enjoy that show! I’ll watch for it next time it comes around our area!
    patsy recently posted..Time to Read: Four of a Kind by Valerie Frankel

    Reply
    • Cate says

      February 5, 2013 at 9:28 am

      Patsy, there is an upcoming motorcross show next month at IZOD that your boys might be interested in as well.

      Reply
  3. Mark says

    November 14, 2013 at 10:51 pm

    I came across this when looking at pictures. It is a great write up about the sport. Also want to say “thanks” for the shout out. Myself, along with my two friends were the scorecard holders. The real judges were in the control room at the top, and then radioed down to us what scores to hold up..

    Hope you come back to another event!!

    Reply

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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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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.
Lunch date with one of my favorite people. 😍 We Lunch date with one of my favorite people. 😍 We popped into Cafe Crevier downtown and I finally got to try one of their burgers. It was thick and juicy and cooked to perfection. Love that the lettuce was shredded, and that the bun was toasted and slightly crispy. If you’re local, pop in and give them a try - don’t miss the fries!
I haven’t had a snow pic on my feed all winter b I haven’t had a snow pic on my feed all winter because, well, it’s been a weird one. Despite living in the Northeast, our Winter has had hardly any snow. Not to worry though, we’re going to be having snow in the Spring at this point. 😂 End of the week has a high of 50 degrees, today we lived in a snow globe with awful wind. I don’t even care what freaking season it is, just PICK ONE. And for the love of all things holy, I desperately need sunshine.
Grey days, perpetual rain, delayed opening tomorro Grey days, perpetual rain, delayed opening tomorrow … all the perfect setting for a cozy night at home and #candleoclock.
Weekend Photos in Review, old school. ✨ Weekend Photos in Review, old school. ✨

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