Friday Things #544
1. The kids had picture day this week!
2. These photos are breathtaking >> 2024 Wildlife Photography of the Year winners
3. Does everyone still use slow cookers for make-ahead meals? Or has everything shifted to the InstantPot? Now that the weather is cooler, I’d like to incorporate more options into cozy (but still quick and easy!) weeknight dinners. What are you making or using?
4. Did you buy anything noteworthy during the Prime sales this week? I bought two of these boxes for gifts, as well as a garage sports equipment organizer (we had been looking around for something like this), these drawer dividers to put at the back of a bookcase we have that’s open in the back and books continually fall into an abyss, and this hot cocoa variety pack.
5. Such a great read about how we typically use all the time available to complete a task or project >> How to Create Urgency in Your Life
6. I haven’t made a pot of my favorite chili yet this season, but I feel like with highs only in the 50’s next week, it’s going to be time!
7. A wonderful nugget from a recent James Clear newsletter:
“Focus on your likes, not your wants.
- You may not want to exercise, but you like how it makes you feel.
- You may not want to write, but you like the feeling of accomplishment.
- You may not want to wake up early, but you like the calm beauty of morning.
Wanting is the desire you feel before doing something. Liking is the satisfaction you feel after doing something. Let your likes guide you.”
8. Hockey is back! We were so excited to sit and watch the season kick off on Wednesday night.
9. We finally finished The Killer last night; I loved the series so, so much! It just kept going and had so many twists and turns; it’s a little dark, but really, really good.
10. TGIF! Duke had a checkup this week and is doing great!
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I still use my Crockpot. I have an Instant Pot and like it, but when I want a 95% hands off dinner I go for the Crockpot.
Hi, love following your blog. Watching your kids growing up. Praying for Dominic and so happy he’s doing well. Use a lot of your recipes too.
You’ve been taking about this show, “The Killer” I’ve looked everywhere for it. What network is it on?
Enjoy your weekend. We are trying to get our lives back to normal after being hit by Hurricane Milton. Had a huge oak tree fall and did a lot of damage on our game room and large storage shed. Lots of tree limbs and debris. What a mess we have. Going to take time but we’ll get back to normal. God was definitely looking after us. Could have been our house.
Thank you and hope to hear back about the show
Hi Sherri, I am so sorry that you sustained damage due to the hurricane; I am glad you are safe! We watched it on Hulu!!
Oh I love my crock pot and own two of them. I love to make pork shoulder roasts in it for pulled pork sandwiches and of course, mac n’ cheese. Don’t own a InstantPot, I have no need for one. My friends who have one either can’t live without out, or the novelty wore off rather quickly and are not used any longer. Go figure!
My instant pot is rarely used . I tried lots of recipes when I first got it . Now, I have 3or 4 recipes I like , but, I much prefer my crockpot . Looking forward to getting one with a programmable timer .
I only have a slow cooker. I like being able to start dinner before the day gets going. Since it’s cooling off here, I’m making chicken enchilada soup in my slow cooker this week.
Your children are cuties!
Am sure those school pics will be great!!
Michelle your children are beautiful. I can still remember back before you had any children. You are making momming look so easy. Prayers for your family and good health! 😊🙏
Handsome Duke! Such a sweet baby ♥
Great pic of the kiddos! I still use crock pot, don’t have an instant pot. Lately I’ve made these crock pot apples. Enjoy it with greek yogurt. https://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/crock-pot-cinnamon-apples-recipe/
Thanks for recommending James Clear – Wow – so helpful!
The wildlife photos were spectacular and I shared them with my son a photographer. I ordered a Milk Street serrated kitchin-tan knife. It has a 5-1/2 inch blade and is great for my small hands. It’s very sharp and was at a big savings on Prime.
Thank you for Friday Things. I always enjoy your family and posts!
We still have a 6 qt crockpot, I couldn’t get that excited about another small appliance (instant pot ) to store. Just made chili a couple of weeks ago and used leftovers on top of baked potatoes, it was really good. Yesterday just used it for lentil soup using a decades old recipe that came with our original, long gone 4 qt crockpot! Planning to make broccoli cheddar soup soon. Even though we’re retired now, I still really like the set it up in the morning and let it go part!
Love those three terrific smiles! As always, I appreciate the reminders from James Clear-spot on.
Since storage space is limited, I only have a large crockpot. Two of our family favorites are BBQ Pulled Chicken from:
The Seasoned Mom Crockpot BBQ Chicken
and Crockpot Pork Chops- a tiktok recipe my husband found:
Lean pork chops, 1 can each cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup, 1 T. Dried Ranch dressing mix, 1 pkg. McCormick AuJus mix.
1 T Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp. each garlic and onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Spray crockpot with cooking spray, add chops, mix soups and seasonings together and pour over chops. Cook on low 5 1/2-6 hours.
Thank you for sharing this, I’m going to try it! Do you use bone-in or boneless pork chops?
I use boneless porkchops, they up less space, but you could use bone-in. Hope your family likes it as much as ours does.😊
I’d say I use both the slow cooker and the pressure cooker, but for different things. Things that do better with a long braise I like in the slow cooker, like pot roast. My pressure cooker is a multicooker, so I like to pressure cook and then use the air fryer to crisp up at the end, like whole chickens, pork loin, roast beef, etc.
I made your chili this week! It makes a lot and we are only 3 people, so I always make a full batch and then freeze half for a quick meal another night. I often reheat it in the oven and put a honey cornbread mixture on top while it’s baking.
Let’s Go Pens! 🖤💛🐧🏒