Friday Things
1. Welcome to the holiday version of Brown Eyed Baker! In case you read the blog primarily through email or an RSS reader, the logo got a little holiday makeover. Head on over to check it out! A great big thank you to the wonderfully talented Nicole Alesi for her fantastic illustrations!
2. I read an article in The Wall Street Journal last week about new gift-buying trends. It mentioned that many people buy themselves a Christmas present when shopping for others. Since I lust after no less than 10 pairs of boots every time I walk through Nordstrom at the mall, I thought this sounded like a fabulous idea. Then, I got my car serviced yesterday and found out that I need four new tires (large, SUV-size tires) before snow and sleet arrives in Pittsburgh. Which essentially means, buy new tires ASAP. Merry Christmas to me. Ugh.
3. Last Christmas, I started teaching Einstein the word “stocking”. By the time we took Christmas decorations down last year, he was pretty sure that “stocking” was something hanging on the fireplace that contained some seriously good treats. This year, when I took his stocking out he was super excited and now when you say, “Where’s your stocking?” he runs to the fireplace, sits underneath it, and looks up at the stocking. I’m obviously easily amused by my dog ;-)
4. I’m addicted to looking at super shiny, massive kitchens on Pinterest. It’s not helping my real-world perspective when it comes to house hunting. I mean, how could you want anything else after seeing something like this?!
5. This week, I made lasagna for dinner. It was the first time EVER that I made a traditional lasagna. I’ve done mushroom lasagna and a spinach pasta lasagna, but the regular noodles, ricotta, red sauce and mozzarella lasagna was a first for me in the kitchen. I have no idea how that’s even possible. I deserve to have my Italian card revoked.
6. I’m not sure how many of you have SiriusXM satellite radio, but it never fails that when I listen to the ’90s alternative/grunge station, Lithium, in the morning, I feel like I’m listening to a soundtrack from my high school years. From Smashing Pumpkins, Offspring and Candlebox to Alice in Chains and more… it’s like I’m transported back to flannel shirts and can’t-miss episodes of My So-Called Life.
7. Earlier this week, I made a chocolate cake. A crazy delicious chocolate cake (don’t worry, I’ll be sharing it with you soon!). I’ve been tempted to eat a piece for breakfast on more than one occasion this week. Each time, I’ve talked myself down from the ledge. Then I remembered Bill Cosby’s famous “Chocolate Cake for Breakfast” bit, and will never again question my cake-for-breakfast desires ;-)
8. Last weekend, we took full advantage of the spring-like weather to do the outdoor Christmas decorations. I went web light-crazy, also threw in lit garland for around the front door, and a pre-lit reindeer (naturally). I blew two fuses in three days. I feel like Clark Griswold.
9. We need to talk TV. First of all, the Boardwalk Empire finale was awesome. I won’t ruin it for anyone who has it DVR’ed, but I rejoiced at the end! Also, how crazy good is Homeland? Now that I’m caught up, I can’t get enough and am totally disappointed when an episode ends. Quite possibly the best show I’ve seen in years. I just heard that The Office is done after this season. I’m not totally surprised since it just hasn’t been the same since Steve Carell left the show. Finally, I can’t believe that American Chopper is actually over! I only got into the show over the last few years, but I’m totally bummed that it’s cancelled. I wanted more! With those shows done, Boardwalk Empire done for the season, only a couple more episodes of Homeland, and still no hockey (fingers crossed) I have no idea what I’ll watch! Maybe I’ll read a good book :)
10. TGIF! Chopping down a Christmas tree this weekend? Here’s your helper! (GAH! The cuteness!)
I’m new to your blog. I stumbled across it when I was having a desperate craving for hot fudge sauce. I googled a recipe & ended up on your site. I just wanted to say I love your style, your recipes & reading this post this morning brought a smile to my face. I’m an American living in Holland so I have some interesting food cravings sometimes! Today I’m going to attempt asiago bagels because we discovered Panera while on vacation last year & now I have dreams about that place lol! Thx for sharing your week with us!
P.S. The fudge sauce turned out wonderful. So much more satisfying than jumping in the car & going to McDonalds.
Hi Caroline, Welcome to the site! :)
Before my girls were born this summer I worked in Granite/Stone/Solid Surface Sales… I can educate you extensively on all natural stone and solid surface counters for your new kitchen. =) When you walk into your new home when you’re home shopping, you’ll probably know that’s it the minute you walk in the door. Giant kitchen or little kitchen. We have the worlds smallest kitchen and I cook and bake constantly.
Oooh I might be calling on you soon! I foresee a kitchen remodel in my future :)
oh boy! i have been listening to pandora’s 90s alternative station and it is SOOO nostalgic for me. it’s more like middle school than high school, but been a blast nonetheless. i love that music is kind of like smells and flavors. the right stuff can almost bring you back in time.
I love my Sirius radio. They always play the music I’m dying to hear. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with myself when Homeland is over for the season. Start watching it from the beginning?
that kitchen is amazing, I don’t mean to brag but we had a addition 15 years ago, ( I’m a little older than you ;^) and my kitchen is 23 feet X 18 feet it practically runs the whole length of the back of the house…get a big kitchen, “THE HEART OF THE HOME” you NEED a Kate Spade bag…it read “Eat Cake For Breakfast” have you seen it? there are a few on e-Bay for sale right now…
Your kitchen sounds amazing!! And thank you for the heads up about that Kate Spade bag, I’m off to look for it!!
Those Pinterest kitchens are horrible – makes me hate my outdated kitchen at least once a day! :)
My dog’s name is Einstein too!!! :-)
And, love Cosby!!!
I just finished catching up on Homeland too. I was dreading it because my boyfriend and I were having so much fun marathon-ing the episodes, and now we have to wait a whole week to tune in!
I noticed your new twitter avatar earlier this week – LOVE the holiday version!
I fully support cake for breakfast. And lunch. And dinner. And … elevensies. ;)
This post really made my day! I loved the Bill Cosby video and the pictures of the beautiful kitchen and the cute puppy! Oh, and I loved that story about your dog and the stocking!
love the Christmas logo! Oh, and I totally understand #4! I am currently house hunting and none of the kitchens match what I’ve found on pintrest and it is just depressing. lol.
So understand the SUV tire deal! But you are safer. Love Einstein!!! Goldens Rule! My kids are out of the house so I am so okay with chocolate cake for breakfast : ) Merry Christmas.
I Love Chocolate Cake Breakfast by Cosby! Einstein is waaay too cute, you are so blessed!
I AM chopping down a tree this weekend, and I would LOVE that little nugget to come with!
LITHIUM IS MY FAVORRRITEEE station on Xm. Lol. I absolutely love it! Do you ever listen to Pandora? I listen to Pandora almost daily, and my favorite station on there is “90’s Alternative”. Exactly the same as Lithium, except I think it’s even better. :)
Hi Erica, I listen to Pandora occasionally, but now I’m going to check out the 90’s Alternative station! Thanks so much for the recommendation!
Love the Christmas logo and such a cute dog pic. Is he in addition to your beloveed Einstein? Aren’t they just amazing. Our yellow lab Roxy waits for the ok to go get her gift under our tree and she goes right to it, wrapped up and buried under othere gifts. They are such smart amimals and bring so much joy. Merry Christmas to you and yours
Hi Gayle, No the little lumberjack is not mine, but I would certainly love a new little Golden puppy!! Dogs are definitely the best :)
Thanks for the great Cosby clip. I needed that good laugh to start the morning!
I covet a big massive kitchen, too! Instead I have a tiny urban condo and I love living in the city and love the vibe, but the kitchen was made for people who don’t cook and order takeout! : )
And I go online ‘shopping’ for my Friday Things posts, and end up buying things that I see. I say go for the Nordstrom shoes :)
Oh my god! I forgot about the Chocolate Cake for Breakfast Skit! thanks so much for sharing! And I love the new Avatar!
So, new boots for the SUV? Always something!
I love teaching things to my dog so I can watch her go nuts. It’s so cute!
What a nice logo. I should start buying myself a gift when I shop for others :)
Love your holiday look and that last picture is too cute!
Loving #3 – Dan started using “Where’s your stocking” yesterday as an added command to Einy for his treat. It never gets old! Love my baby nephew – he’s so smart!
Wow, I;m actually really impressed by your dog :) Too cute! Love that kitchen! I have it pinned too! Pinterest is seriously raising my kitchen expectations for my next house. Have a great weekend, Michelle!
We do record Boardwalk Empire so thank you for not telling! I hope you liked your first traditional lasagna. That’s all I’ve ever made and your other versions sound wonderful. OMG…that photo of the dog…should be your Christmas Card!
OMG that is a cute dog. I have to buy mine the outfit… wait, I live in Texas, are you kidding me??? He’ll never get to wear it unless he’s in the house and I crank down the A/C at 50 degrees…lol
After christmas craziness, I promise I am going to start watching Homeland! I have heard from several people how good it is! I completely agree with the kitchen dreams! Pinterest kitchens make it hard to accept reality!! TGIF:)
The chocolate cake video is so funny. Billy Cosby Live is one of those shows you can watch and laugh until you cry.
Love the dog picture! I get the email, but happy to now get the RSS feed … RSS feeds are great! Now to read it with some coffee from the Keurig
Ha! I got a catalytic converter for Christmas. Totally was NOT on my wish list, but I got it anyway. Ugh indeed. Your logo holiday makeover is the cutest!!
That Bill Cosby skit is one of my all time favorites! He’s so funny! I always think of it when I’ve made a chocolate cake. Off to finally watch the BE finale:)
love the video!!! haha!
I want to be in cartoon form! I love your new picture and dressed up for the holidays us simply adorable!! Girl, I’m like you! I went Christmas shopping twice and came home each time with a pair of boots, one black, one brown. So I got two pretty boots to get me though the winter season! :)
Have a wonderful weekend!!
My favorite Bill Cosby skit is the one about going to the dentist. Happy Holidays!
I also love that Bill Cosby clip. I’ve taught my kids to sing that!
Love the logo also!!! That’s one of the best dog pics I’ve seen!! Thanks for sharing!!
That has just got to be the sweetest dog picture ever!!! Isn’t that Einstein? Merry Christmas to you, Einstein, and your Mistress, Michelle.
Isn’t so freaking adorable?! It’s actually not Einstein, but now I want to get another little Golden puppy :)
Love the logo!