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

Ten on Tuesday

November 30, 2010 · Narrative

Mason Jar Frappuccino

It’s been awhile since we’ve done one of these, so I figure we’re due.   Or overdue if you’re a freak for consistency.

1.  We got our first Christmas card in the mail yesterday.  Somebody is clearly an overachiever.  Especially since it came from California, which means she had to have mailed it before Thanksgiving.  Way to make the rest of us look bad, eh?

2.  Our Christmas cards are NOT, I repeat, NOT, in the mail yet.  Don’t look for them in the next week or two either.  Shooting for mid-December.  We (and by we, I mean Nick and one of his friends) did manage to get up the kitchen Christmas tree.  Surely that must count for something?  And the stockings.  And the lights outside.

3.  When I was married, decorating outside was a small battle.  Half of the decorations would go up maybe the second week in December.  And the rest the week of Christmas.  And then they would stay up until about mid-February.  I was not responsible for outside decorating.  Merely the nagging to get said outside decorations done.  Clearly there are some positive aspects to being divorced.  Who knew?  (tongue firmly in cheek)  Both last year and this year, our decorating started the weekend after Thanksgiving and was completed within a week.  More time to enjoy it and all.  Sometimes it’s better to be responsible for everything. Mentally exhausting as all get-out, but at least things get done.

4.  Madeline is feeling a bit better today.  Today she didn’t tell me that she was sick at all.  We did manage to get an Icee, mostly because I’m convinced it’s a good way to soothe the aching throat of my littlest little.

5.   Did you know that I still sell Tupperware?  Just in case it happens to be the perfect gift for someone on your holiday list (it is, isn’t it?!), you can check out all their newest products at that little linky link and order right from that comfy chair you’re sitting in.

6.  Last week, when I saw Nick’s teacher, I told her that one of my goals is to get off her speed dial list.  Because surely there is another parent that needs a regular phone call, yes?  This week, my goal was to go the whole week without a phone call.  As of yesterday afternoon, this week’s goal was already shot to heck.  Now I must focus on next week.  They’re not all bad phone calls, per se, just interesting challenges, questions and situations that keep popping up.  I’m just CERTAIN that it’s someone else’s turn.  It’s got to be!

7.  I have yet, knock wood, to get one phone call this school year about Madeline, my little firecracker.  I realize the year is still young and I may have just jinxed myself, but go ahead, bring it.

8.  The kids and I watched the Ramona and Beezus movie on Saturday night.  Loved it.  All of us did.  The quietest I’ve ever seen my kids for a two hour stint.  The Ramona series was a favorite of mine growing up.  Even though I’m the older sister, I, unfortunately, probably acted more like Ramona.  And my daughter?  Yeah, that’d be her too.  With a little Dennis the Menace throw in for good measure.  Good thing she’s so darn cute.

9.   Last week, it was 23 degrees here in the Garden State.  Tomorrow?  It’s supposed to be 60.  No need to wonder why we’re nursing head colds and coughs in the O’Malley household.

10.   And lastly, the recipe I promised you from yesterday.  I don’t drink coffee.  Or tea.  A near Hot Drink Aversion straight across the board.  I don’t mind the taste of coffee though and am mildly hooked on Frappuccinos and their familiar cousins.  I found this Mason Jar Frappuccino on the Tasty Kitchen website awhile back, and it definitely does the trick.  Sometimes I add extra ice and mix it up in the blender for a frostier version.  And then, of course, a small drizzle of chocolate syrup on the top to finish it off.

Project 365
November 30, 2010, Photo #236 and #237

Icee Makes It Better

Our own Icee Elixir, good for what ails you.

So Tired

For my Mom superstitious readers, I promise she did not open the umbrella in the house. Apparently, though, it is the perfect accessory for an afternoon nap on the couch.  Who knew?

Ten on Tuesday

May 4, 2010 · Narrative, Ten on Tuesday

  1. I like ketchup with my eggs.  Not all the time, but most of the time.
  2. Michael Buble songs usually make me cry.  But that doesn’t stop me from listening to him.
  3. Nick makes his First Communion this Saturday.  Finding a suit for a 7-1/2 year old that was not pinstripes or black (too adult for my taste) was harder than it sounds.
  4. Madeline had her dress weeks ago.
  5. I’m not terribly good at accepting compliments.  Got a few this weekend and I could hear a friend in the back of my mind saying “just say thank you.”
  6. Up until last April, I wore a cross necklace around my neck that The Ex gave me for Easter before we got married.  It had been around my neck nearly exclusively for 12 years.  After we separated last Spring, I switched to something new.  A silver necklace with four small silver circle medallions.  Two have each of the kids’ names on them, and two have their birthdates.  It also has two small birthstone charms, one for each of them.
  7. I finally finished painting the master bedroom last weekend (pictures coming soon).  I could not possibly love it more.  It’s amazing the change a twenty dollar can of paint can make.
  8. I have two really good friends that love in California.  I am terrible at calling them.  The time difference totally screws me up.
  9. I convinced The Neighbor Wife to come to the Zumba fundraiser with me this past weekend.  She sent out an email to her husband and I on Friday that started “Just in case I die…”  She survived.  And got bitten by the Zumba bug.  Yay – another convert!
  10. I now weigh less than when I got pregnant with Nicholas.  Double yay!

Project 365
May 4, 2010, Photo #88

Target to the Rescue

I am really glad that Target understands that sometimes our silverware drawer might be lacking in a certain utensil, and we don’t necessarily need a whole new set. I have no idea what happens to our small spoons, but Target? They totally understand. They’re there for me.

Ten on Tuesday

April 20, 2010 · Narrative, Ten on Tuesday

MS Medal

  1. Some days I really am not friends with our dog, Eli.  Today was one of those days.  To the point that when Nick left the house for school this morning, he asked if Eli would still be here when he came home.  “But if he’s not, can we get another dog?”  Sorry, Eli, the kid sold you out in less than three minutes flat.
  2. When Nick was three, if we ate a piece of gum, candy or Tic Tac, we’d be really quiet when opening the wrapper so he wouldn’t hear and ask for a piece.  Madeline, on the other hand, has her own way of finding out what you’re eating.  “Mommy, ahhhh!  MOMMY, AHHHH!”  Demanding that I open my mouth and show her.  “Jelly beans?”  No, Madeline, I have nothing in my mouth.  I swear.  She must ask me five times a day if she asks me once, and I just got grilled before she went to bed tonight.  “Jelly beans, Mommy?”  No, Madeline.  “Gum?”  Nothing, Madeline, there is nothing in my mouth.
  3. If you ever have to call Emirates Air for any reason, allow yourself a good day and a half to get through.  Between busy signals, random disconnects and down computer systems, that’s about how long you’ll need.  And if you finally get through and that’s the exact moment your two-year-old proceeds to head towards full-on wail, the bathroom is a good place to hide out and finish your call.  Just sayin’.
  4. If you find that it’s the third week of April and you’ve only made three new recipes this month, you can fix things by making Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes.  Now to make another 20 recipes in the next week and a half to catch up.
  5. The National MS Society is extremely disorganized when it comes to running their 5Ks.  Sorry, guys, they need to be called out.  For a professional, national organization that regularly runs a multitude of annual 5Ks and assorted other fundraisers, their gaffes this past Sunday just weren’t cool.
  6. National MS Society gaffes aside, I am unbelievably proud of my medal.  Even though they ran out of them halfway through because they were busy giving them to everyone who quit the race on the first lap.  If you don’t plan properly and order enough for everyone who registered, then they should be saved for those that actually finish the 5K.  Not the three hundred or so that bailed after two miles.  While in line to grab lunch, we happened to see a volunteer with a few on her arm and made a beeline for her.  Just moments before, I had talked with another person who did the 5K.  She was diagnosed a month ago with MS, and as soon as she found out, she gathered a team together to do the walk with her.  Only to do it and find out that they ran out of the medals.  Once we found the few extra ones, we hunted her down in the crowd to give her one.  Her eyes welling up with tears said it all….

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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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