‘Target’ Articles at Sweetnicks

People Magazine + Hershey’s

October 21, 2013 · Ad-Free, Narrative

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, PEOPLE Magazine & Hershey’s, but all my opinions are my own. #HersheysPeople #pmedia http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

This past weekend was one of those that struck the magic balance between productivity and relaxation. Something that happens once in a while, and that I’m working on creating more often. If we have a crazybusy weekend, I keep the next one as free and loose as possible. We all need that time to recharge, rest, and honestly, do nothing.

And even though my “do nothing” day still had a few loads of laundry getting done, homemade stuffed shells, a DIY Halloween decoration, cleaning the house, making chocolate covered Oreos, and other odds and ends, it just had this ease about it that made it downright perfect.

And those are exactly the moments when I steal some quiet time and catch up on People magazine. Years ago, I subscribed to over 70 magazines. Over the past few years, I’ve let most of my subscriptions run out, and I pared my list down to five. FIVE. My favorite read at the end of every week? People magazine, which shows up in my mailbox on Fridays like clockwork. It’s the perfect little bit of escapism. Catching up on celebrity gossip, an easy recipe or two, the latest fashion trends, and stories on real life heroes.

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Ten on Thursday {+ Babble + Pinterest + DailyBuzz Moms}

June 7, 2012 · Narrative

Or maybe more than ten. We’ll see how it goes. So I have some randomness to share, some items more noteworthy than others, and instead of doing different posts on each, I’m going to throw it all together and see what sticks. *And I also added a couple random pictures as well.

Last Friday, the folks at Babble released a Top 50 Parents on Pinterest list. And guess who was on it? Me! In the #8 spot! Very chuffed at the honor, but beyond that, it’s a great collection of others who use Pinterest like I do. They wrote a short bio (without input from me) about each person they featured, and they said, “Cate’s Sweetnicks blog reflects her two main passions in life — her children (Nicholas and Madeline) and food. She’s also one crafty mama, selling her adorable hair barrettes on Etsy.” How sweet are they? I love that, and couldn’t have said it better myself. Whether you’re looking for recipe or decorating inspiration, or want to plan your wedding or find motivational quotes, Pinterest is an awesome resource. Not following me yet? I’m right here. Do check out the others on Babble’s list when you get a minute.

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Thank you to those that checked out the new O’Malley’s Pop Up Shop, and those who did some shopping. Seven items already sold and will be shipping out tomorrow. It might seem like something small to you, but to me, it’s big. Very big. New items listed today.

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Remember my recap on our visit to the Thomas Edison Museum? It got included in a recent DailyBuzz Moms Today’s Top 9 feature on kids and museums, so if you’re looking for fun places to visit (either with or without kids), do check it out. And when I went to grab the Daily Buzz Moms link, I noticed that Today’s Top 9 is “Veg Out,” and includes the Smashed Chickpea and Avocado Salad Sandwich I made the other day. Visit the link for more vegetable options to help you take advantage of a new season of produce!

* * *

This morning I came downstairs to find Madeline crouched on the washing machine.

“What are you doing?

Trying to get the lunch boxes down.

“Ok, but I’d rather you just ask instead of climbing onto the washing machine.”

This is how I did it yesterday. I need help getting them, please.

“Ok, here you go.”

And I need helping getting down, please.

She is too much.

And yes, after having Nick watch her, I went to go get my camera. Tuesday, she packed my breakfast and lunch, Nick’s snacks, and her snacks. We are very lucky to be in her world.

She “graduates” from her school in just two weeks. She went to the same school that Nick went to for 2-1/2 years, so this is a final good-bye. Although I’m sad that she’s growing up and is the last baby (I keep telling Mystic I need another one!), she’s ready for a new chapter. She’ll be going to summer camp for a few weeks this summer, and then starting a completely (new to us) school in the Fall. Cue.the.tears.

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Project: Reading Room Map Wall

April 26, 2012 · Narrative

It really all started with that map painting right in the center of the wall.

I bought it from Target years ago, when we were in our old house, and Madeline had just been born.

When we moved back into this house, Jamie, our old babysitter, hung it in the center of this wall. I’ve stared at it every day for nearly three years since.

It was plain on that wall all by itself.

And lonely.

And needed more.

I knew that.

It just took me a long time to get ‘er done.

I wanted to create an entire wall around that map.

The kids love going on adventures. That’s a given. Love seeing where things are on the map. Where people we love, live. How far away xyz is.

Why not play that up?

Big time.

And so the idea of a whole map wall was born.

Over the last few months, I went about collecting more maps to fill up the space.

Two were from Amazon.

One was from Target for $5.00.

My parents dug out two super old ones.

And the rest (the top quarter of the wall to the ceiling) were from AAA.

One of the perks to AAA membership is free maps.

Oh yes, please.

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Eat.Live.Be. and Waka Waka Salad

December 28, 2011 · Narrative

When I saw that this week’s Eat.Live.Be. inspiration was to come from the tv, I knew it was the perfect time to revisit Guy Fieri’s Waka Waka Salad, with my modifications.

Guy Fieri is one of the more exuberant and rebellious stars of Food Network, and made this Waka Waka Salad when he was competing on The Next Food Network Star in 2006. He subsequently won that show and has gone on to firmly implant himself onto Food Network’s line-up, with hosting duties for several shows under his big shiny belt buckle. I’ve made this recipe several times before, and was originally drawn to it because of its fun name. Really, who doesn’t like saying Waka Waka Salad? It just makes you smile.

The original salad is largely cabbage-based, and that was a bit of a turn-off to me. I like cabbage, but in small doses, and it’s an even tougher sell for the kids. But by mixing in some greens, it lessens the cabbage impact a bit and everyone is happy. I love the homemade dressing, and the crunch of the noodles and the peanuts. It’s a great salad for when you want to get out of your basic greens and toppings rut and do something a little fresh. No pun intended.

And your quotation inspiration for today? It really is this simple.

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Kid Conversations

October 10, 2011 · Narrative

I love listening in on the conversations Nick and Maddie have in the backseat of the car.

Madeline: “Nick, can I have more cookies?”

Nick: “I gave you one. Here’s one more. That’s it.”

Madeline: “That’s not fair!”

Nick: “Life isn’t fair. Get over it.”

Ouch.

* * * * *

Awhile back, we picked up my Mom and head to Target. She opened the passenger door, put her purse on the floor of the car and started to get in, at which point I started the car.

“Wait, Mommy, Mimi (grandma) needs to get in the car!”

Apparently I seem to have picked up a mistaken reputation for driving off when people are only halfway in the car.

* * * * *

“Peace out, homies.”

I gotta say, I was a little surprised to hear that little gem come out of Madeline’s mouth the first time over a year ago. Not sure where it came from, but it makes still me giggle a little to hear her say it now.

* * * * *

“Nick, can you run these two containers of food over to the neighbors?”

What is it?

“Spinach Cheese Squares and Chocolate Sin Cookies.”

We always have enough food to give to somebody else.

I loved that he said that. And he’s right. In more ways than one.

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Recipe: Old Fashioned Potato Candy

October 6, 2011 · Narrative

Every once in awhile you come across a recipe that is so weird and so I’ll-never-make-that, that you kind of just have to. Make it, that is. You know? And such is the case with this recipe for Old Fashioned Potato Candy. I had a vague recollection of seeing it on Pinterest, and a few weeks ago, when we had leftover mashed potatoes (you know, because my kids won’t touch the stuff), I knew exactly what I was going to make it with. I was curious as to the origin, and a Google search will tell you that it hails from the South. Or the Amish. And even Maine. The origins of the original idea appear almost as endless as the varieties. I saw some recipes with walnuts, or coconut, or even dipped in chocolate.

There is so much sugar in the recipe that I assure you, you won’t even be able to tasted any hint of mashed potato. I gave a piece to a few co-workers and asked for guesses on the secret ingredient, and nobody could name it. The candy is very, very, very sweet, sweeter than fudge, but in the same family, so small pieces are better. Nick loved it and asked when we could make more. I liked it, but was good after a piece or two. Total cavity seeker. Are YOU brave enough to make Potato Candy?

The details:
Original Pinterest pin is here.
The recipe I used is from Wenderly, found here.
Need more Pinterest inspiration? Come follow my boards here.

And yes, you’re right … where the heck is MY picture of potato candy? It just wasn’t up to snuff. Can I distract you with something else?

Ziploc has this new line of sandwich bags called Evolve. Better for the environment, green, and all that. I don’t use disposable stuff much, but found a box clearanced at Target awhile back and bought it just as back-up. This is the fourth bag that I have used from the box that has torn. Tonight it was when I was trying to stuff cupcakes before my parents came over. The other times? When I’ve put a sandwich in them, which is crazy. Not very green if I have to go through twice as many. Not impressed, Ziploc, not impressed.

With that, my friends, I’m signing off for the weekend. We have a full weekend of nothingness planned, which is absolutely, positively what we need right now. Hope you get exactly what YOU need. See you Sunday!

Tuesday Photo Purge

September 13, 2011 · Narrative

My lovelies, can we pretend that today is Wednesday? As in Wordless Wednesday? Pretty please? See, here’s the thing. I had a bunch of photos from today that I was going to post tomorrow. And tonight I was going to tell you about some amazing, homemade, stupid simple, can’t do without, crab cakes. But yesterday afternoon I wrenched my neck somehow. Aleve last night didn’t help. And today it’s much of the same. As I told Mystic, as long as I don’t have to turn my head left or right, I’m golden. So in deference to an IcyHot patch, another dose of Aleve and getting one with my bed, I’m going to switch up the plans. Tonight, a dump from today’s memory card. And tomorrow? The crab cakes. Swear.

And before I forget. Apparently I can’t count. Luckily Sarah can. I only drew four names for the Luna Bar giveaway yesterday, instead of five, so I have since added one more. Go back and check yesterday’s post. It might have been you. And there are still a few of you to e-mail me your details — need it by Friday or your prize pack is going, going, gone. Sorry, folks, have a deadline to get the information into the corporate peeps.

And here we go…

This is how our morning started today. Discovering that Mocha ate Nick’s homework. Yes, folks, the dog ate his homework. I quickly printed out a picture of her, scribbled out a note to Nick’s teacher and hoped she’d understand. Nick reported that she did, saw that he completed the assignment, and asked him all sorts of questions about her. Phew! A ten month old dog definitely still has more than a hint of puppy in her. Patience, Cate, patience.

For now, it’s a good thing she’s so cute.

When I got to work this morning, I spied a little reminder from home. Brightened up the morning immensely.

Afternoon nap. She sleeps in the weirdest can’t-believe-it’s-comfortable positions.

Ran to Target before dinner to pick up a few things and the sun was gorgeously setting behind the building. But after I saw this shot on the computer, all I could think about was Mystic. Whenever he sees my camera out, he takes it and cleans all the lenses and mirrors and glass. Can you imagine why? He’s so good to me. After looking at this spotty reflection, you can see he has his work cut out for him.

Ever so slightly better….

Crocs, Post-Its and Back-to-School Mania

August 8, 2011 · Narrative

Random picture for tomorrow’s post. Mostly ’cause I hate to start a post without a cool pic.

“Can you believe the back-to-school stuff is in Target already?” I texted Mystic.

Yes, especially if people are buying it. Are they? came the reply.

“Um, if by ‘people,’ you mean me, then yes.”

That was three weeks ago. Even in the world of crazy retail sale schedules, I thought it a bit early for back-to-school sales, but of course I looked. And picked up a few bargains. The best sales are yet to come.

I have no problem admitting I’m a sucker for a new stash of school supplies. For we use the stuff year ’round with crafting, journaling and general all ’round creative pursuits.

I love a fresh clean notebook, just waiting for the first stroke of pen.

Crayola crayons perfectly sharpened bearing that familiar crayon smell.

Bic medium blue ballpoint pens.

Glue sticks.

And Post-Its.

Man, does the O’Malley household love the Post-It line.

The folks at Post-It sent me some of their fun supplies, including this handy holder that goes on your refrigerator. Methinks it’s far easier to have sticky notepaper stuck to the side of the fridge than rummaging around an overly full junk drawer for a scrap of paper. Assuming, of course, that YOUR junk drawer looks like OUR junk drawer. And I’m kinda hoping it does.

When it first arrived, I tore open the package and stuck the dispenser right on the fridge.

It promptly fell off.

I tried again, this time applying more force.

Down to the floor it went.

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Summer 2011: Sidewalk Chalk Art

July 18, 2011 · Narrative

One of our Summer Bucket List 2011 items was coloring outside with sidewalk chalk. Consider that crossed off the list. I love that a dollar tub of chalk can give my littles so much enjoyment. So much so that I went back and got a few more tubs before they disappear from the Target Dollar Spot. And because the kids tend to forget and sometimes leave them outside in the rain. So I’m hiding the new tubs. Go grab some of your own before they’re gone. It’s a great opportunity to discover your little budding Picassos and Rembrandts.

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Review: Red Mango

July 14, 2011 · Narrative

Today is my Mom’s birthday.

She was born in Paris.

On Bastille Day (the French version of Independence Day).

So every year on her birthday, they set off fireworks.

Pretty cool, right?

Happy Birthday, Mom!

After I picked up Madeline from camp, we headed down to join my Mom for lunch and a frozen yogurt. One of my co-workers, Jaclyn, has been raving about this new place that opened up near my parents, Red Mango. I remember seeing the “coming soon” signs, but never having been to a Red Mango before, it didn’t really mean much to me.

Apparently I was about to be schooled.

Jaclyn had gone to them a bunch of times in the city, and in the past week has driven 25 minutes one way just to go to this new (and much closer) location. They’re that good, she said.

All self-serve. All natural. All non-fat.

When you walk in, you go to the back of the store and choose your container. The sizes are big and very big. A slick marketing ploy to get you to really load up, if you ask me. You know, since they charge by the pound on your finished concoction.

They had some 7 or 8 different flavors. I immediately knew I was going for: Light. Refreshing. Tropical.

The fact that I spied coconut frozen yogurt, along with pineapple, certainly helped steer that choice.

Then you pony up to the toppings bar, and that’s where the fun begins. And where you can go really wrong, making something seemingly healthy into a gluttonous mess. Everything from M&Ms and gummy bears to chocolate chips, fresh fruit and nuts. All their fruit is fresh, never frozen.

I went with raspberries and pineapples, and then added their granola mix.

Madeline went with dulce de leche and strawberry frozen yogurt, topped with sprinkles, M&Ms and gummy bears.

My mom went the chocolate and heath bar route….

Recipe: Marshmallow Frosting

July 7, 2011 · Narrative

When I was planning the desserts for our recent End-of-School Year Rainbow Cake party, I added cupcakes to the list because, truth be told, the rainbow cake is not the easiest thing to cut, and I would need at least two or three of them if everyone had a slice, so cupcakes are a perfect additional dessert. Last June, I made rainbow cupcakes, and loved them. The problem? They were just a little too labor intensive this go ’round since I had a long list of other things to make for the party as well.

What to do?

I remember seeing a picture somewhere of cupcakes that had a rainbow on top of them, using the Airheads candy as the rainbow. Brilliant! And super easy. Bonus? That I found packages of the Airheads in Target’s Dollar Spot the week before our party. Two packages were enough (with leftovers) for 36 cupcakes.

My cousin, Alexandra, was staying with us the party weekend, so I set her and Nick to work on making the frosting and putting together the cupcakes.

If you make these cupcakes, I have two notes for you. One, be careful if you’re using the frosting in warm weather because it gets real soft real quick. And two, the Airheads tend to be a little floppy. Originally we snipped the size we needed and inserted the ends into the frosting. Once I saw how floppy they were, for the remaining cupcakes, I made a small slit in the top of the cake and slid the end of the Airheads in for a little more stability. You may discover an even better way.

Beyond that, have at it! This frosting is super simple to make and perfect for fluffy white clouds on your rainbow cupcakes. Or any other cupcake or cake, for that matter. Enjoy!

July 7, 2011 – Bonus Photo

Spied a little glitter on my co-workers’ nails this morning – love this trend!

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Wordless Wednesday

July 6, 2011 · Narrative

A few pieces of chalk from Target’s Dollar Spot. The setting sun. My littles with a few of their favorite things. Perfect opportunity for a mini photo shoot to commemorate this moment in time.

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