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

Year in Review 2013

January 3, 2014 · Narrative

Man, after taking a blogging break over the holidays, writing up a Year in Review post like this sure makes up for it. I swear it took me forever. There are many perks to keeping an online journal of some of our daily adventures, and one of my favorites is that it becomes a wonderful diary of things we have done, places we’ve visited, food we’ve loved, and the many memories we’ve created along the way. Because without it, we definitely would have forgotten some of what 2013 was.

2013 was a pretty awesome year. The below are just some highlights I pulled from 300+ posts, but there were a million and one things that I didn’t mention below or that I didn’t even blog about. Big things, little things, important things, nonsensical things. We laughed. We cried. We laughed till we cried. We had quiet times and loud crazy times, and our first real vacation in four years. We took a few road trips, and I met up with one of my favorite bloggers in Florida. Milestones and silliness were shared, and we relished in family and friends. We made new friendships, and strengthened old ones. We entertained large parties, small parties, and parties of just the three of us. We dove head first into animal rescue, and fostered, transported, and worked adoption events like it was our job. We helped save animals, and gave away pieces of our heart.

With a brand new year ahead of us, and a ridiculously clean slate in the offing, I hope for much more of the same. We focused on little things that were big things, and that has made all the difference. Like our holiday break. I hoarded vacation days like it was my job, so I could take off for most of the kids’ break from school. And we had no plans. Sure we had little adventures during our ten days together, but it was also filled with no schedule, no alarm, no commitments, just being together. And it was awesome.

This year, I plan to continue to simplify, continue to focus, and spend most of my time with laughter and love. Cheers to 2014.

And now a few highlights from 2013…

January
My creation
The start of the year brought about one of our favorite go-to recipes for giant chocolate chip cookies, a visit to meet Jack Hanna, a delicious black-eyed pea recipe (and that’s saying alot), and lessons from the heart on parenting with purpose.

February
My creation
I read Donald Miller’s book (among 30 others) and loved the underlying theme of saying yes more, fell in love with this super simple, super delicious Lemon Garlic Flounder recipe, visited a new-to-us children’s museum in Paramus, celebrated Madeline turning five with a birthday party at an animal shelter, discovered a new frozen yogurt place in Morristown, had some delicious Baked Chicken Buffalo Bites, enjoyed Valentine’s Day, created a scrumptious recipe for Bleu Cheese Stuffed Crust Buffalo Chicken Pizza, and went to our first Monster Truck show.

March
My creation
We celebrated Easter and my youngest niece’s baptism, checked out a new kebab restaurant, made string art at a Girls Night In, celebrated Nick’s D.A.R.E. graduation, had the best chocolate pudding ever, tried Millie’s Old World Pizza & Meatballs (oh how I miss carbs!), had more lessons from the heart, fell in love with a new sushi restaurant and a new recipe for healthy and delicious Thai Turkey Burgers, and we kicked off Spring Break.

April
My creation
We made cereal necklaces (perfect for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday!), recapped our visit to the Atlantis Aquarium in the Bahamas, read a book by Brandi Glanville (of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fame), enjoyed a delicious recipe for Turkey Salsa Salad, talked about some of my favorite photo apps, visited a 9/11 Memorial Park, and shared our visit to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

May
My creation
I surprised the kids with a weekend trip to DisneyWorld and I reviewed our visit to Disney’s Kona Cafe and SeaWorld, enjoyed delicious Zucchini Pasta, saw Nick really come into his own, did a 5K for MS, made Gwyneth Paltrow’s Turkey Meatballs, snuck mushrooms into my kids’ bellies, celebrated Mother’s Day and family time, enjoyed Stuffed Zucchini, had first kiss discussions, created a recipe for the folks at Foods from Chile, and recapped our Spring Break cruise.

June
My creation
Madeline graduated pre-school and Nick graduated fifth grade, we visited the World’s Largest Frying Pan, a 34 foot tall statue of Mary, and the Baltimore Zoo (where we fed giraffes, rode elephants, and brushed goats), devoured Portobello Cap Pizzas (ok, well I did), found new ways to enjoy asparagus (yep, just me again), talked about hitting the pause button, and reviewed one of my favorite books from 2013.

July
My creation
I celebrated 43, found a new Buffalo Chicken recipe that we loved, watched Nick get through a week of the Junior Police Academy, made a simple craft with the kids, devoured S’mores Nutella Pizza and Seared Scallops, did the Color Me Rad 5K, checked out a new fun froyo place and a new burger joint, got addicted to Mock Shrimp Risotto, checked out the world’s largest tooth and the tallest Buddha, got some circus lessons and horseback riding pointers, had our Rainbow Cake party and Fourth of July festivities.

August
My creation
We shared about our snowball experience in Baltimore, recapped our Ripley’s visit, and discovered Cauliflower Pizza Crust. I took the kids to their first air show and Madeline shows me she knows what’s what. We had some Greek Turkey Burgers, tried a new recipe from a new cookbook, checked out a new burger place, made marinated olives, celebrated Nick’s 11th birthday, and my weight loss (which is now up to 53 pounds!).

September
My creation
We made an epic pancake cake, enjoyed a quiet and perfect beach day, and celebrated my Dad’s birthday with an awesome two layer fudgy cake. We checked out a train exhibit, created a healthy recipe broccomole, and visited the Stickley Museum. We went to Dorney Park and the Lost River Caverns, started the school year in new schools, visited a fish hatchery and, unfortunately said goodbye to our dog, Rosie.

October
My creation
We celebrated Halloween (and thankfully without a snowstorm or hurricane), had fun boo’ing our friends, enjoyed chocolate covered Oreos,  Cinnamon Crescent Rolls, and our new favorite Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies. I got my first tattoo (blog post coming one of these days), we survived a corn maze and recapped a new-to-us farm visit.

November
My creation
We celebrated Thanksgiving, cooked with Captain Morgan rum, ate comfort food via mashed potato patties, talked about the Tooth Fairy, attended a Bacon Festival, and made Bacon Crackers as part of an All Things Bacon party.

December
My creation
Christmas, of course, more baking with Captain Morgan, our third Annual Thanksgiving Bloggers Feast, and the most delicious Baked Buffalo Chicken Salad that ever was. We visited Santa, discovered a new favorite recipe for bacon, a new favorite way to serve broccoli, and new ways to enjoy melted Brie.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: Year in Review

Comments

  1. Joanne says

    January 3, 2014 at 7:51 am

    2013 was definitely an awesome, event-filled year for you guys! Here’s to more in 2014!!
    Joanne recently posted..Italian Shortbread Jam Tart {#giveaway}

    Reply
  2. debbie says

    January 3, 2014 at 8:22 am

    What a nice of recap of the year! Happy new year to you and your family!

    Reply
  3. Meg says

    January 3, 2014 at 10:09 am

    Looks like you had a brilliant year, and I’m sure 2014 has great things in store for you! I love the idea of fostering pets, though our tiny apartment isn’t compatible with that right now. Down the road, I could absolutely see us doing that.
    Meg recently posted..In support of the resolutioners

    Reply
  4. Sarah Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says

    January 3, 2014 at 10:26 pm

    Awww — that was the sweetest reference. Thanks! This is such an awesome recap. What a year!
    Sarah Caron (Sarah’s Cucina Bella) recently posted..The Best of Sarah’s Cucina Bella: 2013 Edition

    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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