#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Weekend Photos in Review

August 25, 2013 · Narrative

Apologies for my absence. Explanation below. :)

A little Winston Churchill. A little Alfred Hitchcock. No matter the historical reference, love this shot of my youngest niece, Eloise, thoroughly enjoying her Sonic slush.
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Went down to visit with my nieces for a few hours, and as any good aunt would do, I brought a bag of tricks (along with slushes and mini cupcakes):
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I think they might have enjoyed it. ;)

We also spent a little time watching videos of some of their (and my) favorite songs, including Miley’s Party in the USA, Taylor Swift, and Blurred Lines from Robin Thicke. It cracks me up when kids their age (and Madeline’s) know all the words to these songs. I don’t remember mainstream pop being such an attraction when I was their age! And just a programming note, if you google for Robin Thicke’s video, be sure to use this version with Jimmy Fallon and Roots, which is my absolute favorite, instead of the, um, explicit one. It’s quite possible the girls got an eyeful before I realized just how explicit it really was.
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Spent a few hours with a friend at a vendor show, and when I saw this empty half of the building, I immediately thought how much fun the kids would have there … all that flat empty space is perfect for bike riding and skateboarding.
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On Friday night, a friend and I did a double feature at the movies, beginning with Jobs (starring Ashton Kutcher) and then Lee Daniels The Butler. Unfortunately there was a fire alarm during Jobs, and we are short the last thirty minutes of the movie. That being said, there were huge gaps in the bulk of what we did see. I blame the writer. There are certain parts of the storyline that are a must, and you know how much time you have to fit it all into. When there are several huge, noticeable gaps, it’s a problem. I still want to see the last half hour though. The Butler was awesome. Stirring, poignant, and a great cast. Very worth seeing.
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New stuffed burger recipe coming this week.

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2.25 miles with this girl this morning.

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And now a minute to end on a somber note. Last week, we found out that Rosie, a dog that has been living with us since March, had cancer. In a major way. And if you following me in a few other places, Instagram for example, you no doubt saw how hard that hit us. And why I took a few days off from this space last week. Unfortunately the diagnosis came out of nowhere and we had to put her down on Thursday. A gut-wrenching decision, because in the short time that she was with us, she wiggled her happy little 11-year-old self into our hearts in a major way. Although it was hard, one of the hardest things I’ve done, and the energy in the house is completely different, I know I made the right decision. That being said, it never gets easier.

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This was right before a friend and I took Rosie to the vet to see what was wrong with her (at the time, she couldn’t walk). My friend suggested we stop and get a quick picture before we left, and Madeline immediately said “In case Rosie dies.” My friend, of course, didn’t say that, but Madeline is a pretty smart cookie. Rosie did come home for one more day, and we spoiled her rotten until the very last second.

And then this happened.

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And man, let me tell you, I have the very best group of family and friends I could possibly have. It honestly tears me up just thinking about how their Friday morning went. Having a lemonade stand has been on our Summer Bucket List since the beginning. And if I’m being honest, it’s on the kids’ list every year. The week before everything came up with Rosie, we had decided to do it this past Friday. And then we put her down on Thursday, but still ended up going through with our plans. And it was the very best distraction the kids could have had. Absolutely perfect timing.

We decided to add baked goods to it (and I have a very nice double burn mark on my forearm to prove it), and Nick also sold his rainbow loom bracelets, and we also decided to donate half the proceeds to the rescue group that we volunteer with, and, more importantly, the one that brought us Rosie.

Before the lemonade/bake stand was even open, one friend had asked for two cupcakes to be set aside, and my mom bought six cupcakes and a dozen cookies.

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We had decided on two hours for the stand, and I posted the details on facebook. And then a friend posted it on her facebook feed. And the babysitter put it on facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And from there it went. Neighbors and friends went out of their way to stop by. Text me pictures (I was at work). And just fill up Nick and Maddie’s hearts to the brim.

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It was so good for them. To see how much everyone loved them and supported them.

And I could not be more thankful.

And they raised over $150!! Friends, family, strangers, completely generous and gave above and beyond.

A truly happy end to a truly terrible week.

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Posted In: Narrative

Comments

  1. Sarah W. Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says

    August 25, 2013 at 11:06 pm

    Thinking of you …
    Sarah W. Caron (Sarah’s Cucina Bella) recently posted..Creating a Kid-Friendly Breakfast Nook

    Reply
  2. Joanne says

    August 26, 2013 at 6:23 am

    Ugh I’m so sorry about that awful end to your week. Sending you and the kids so many hugs!!
    Joanne recently posted..Vanilla Creme Cookie Sandwiches

    Reply
  3. Joanie from CLBB says

    August 26, 2013 at 5:36 pm

    Hugs to you and the kidlinks from NC. My heart breaks for y’all losing another doggie, Rosie looks like a sweetie. So glad the lemonade stand got squeaked in under the wire, whew! Love to come here and check your recipes and journey, Ms. Cate, thank you. Work hard and have fun at school, Nick and Maddie!

    Reply
  4. Kris #40 says

    August 28, 2013 at 10:28 am

    Awesome lemonade stand! Katie proclaimed the cupcakes “Awe-some” and the bracelet she bought scared her in the middle of the night – she didn’t know it glowed! LOL!

    Reply

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#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛

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#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨

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