Friday Things
1. This is a picture of Einstein with my mom’s dog, Bella, on her back deck almost five years ago. This week, Bella crossed over the rainbow bridge after what two veterinarians referred to as a “significant neurological episode”. Bella was 16 (!!) and lived a really great life… my mom adopted her from a shelter back in 2000 and had her for over 14 years. She was such a sweet, gentle dog and will be missed. I think right now she’s romping free of arthritis and hoarding as many treats as possible!
2. On a happier note, last Saturday was my baby shower, and it was such a nice afternoon! For those in the Pittsburgh area, it was held at the Narcisi Winery in Gibsonia and it was a wonderful location. The food was fantastic, the room was beautiful, and everyone had a great time.
We are now bursting at the seams with baby gear! I’d like to spend some time this weekend going through everything, doing a little bit of organizing, and making a list of all of the things we still need to buy.
3. In related news, I’m now 32 weeks along and had a check-up this week that went great. I have another in two weeks and then I’m down to appointments every week. We’re getting so close!
4. If you live in Buffalo, I hope you’re staying warm and safe! What an insane snow storm!
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5. Have you made your Thanksgiving menu yet? If so, tell me what you’re making! I am in total disbelief that it’s already next week! However, that means that the Christmas tree and decorations are going to be coming out any day now, so… YAY!
6. Speaking of Thanksgiving, have any of you ever ordered something from the website Garnish? They sold take out containers and utensils, but it looks as though the site is now renamed and only sells picnic packs. I was so disappointed! If you have a recommendation for take out containers, please share below! I love having them on hand for holidays so that everyone can package up some leftovers to take home!
7. Have you seen this video of a dog obedience competition where the dogs run through a course of treats and toys (they’re supposed to ignore them) to their owners and are rewarded? Of course the Golden Retriever goes through and stops to eat every single treat and needs to be pulled away as he’s swallowing hot dogs. I couldn’t stop laughing while I watched… this is absolutely, 100% Einstein! He lives for food and treats :)
8. What’s on your Christmas list this year? My mom has been asking for ideas, and my brain is going in a million different directions with baby things that I can’t actually think of anything I want or need.
9. I’ve been craving these white chocolate steamers for a couple of weeks now. They’ve become a tradition at our Christmas Eve celebration; I’ll be making mine sans whipped cream vodka this year!
10. TGIF! Einstein would love for you to build a blanket fort this weekend :)
My condolences to your mom. It is never easy to loose your family member puppy. I want to tell you that every Friday I get very excited to open your email! Fridays Things and my cup of coffee are the way to start the morning!!!
We have 12 in our immediate family, with daughters, son in laws and grandchildren. So we do have our favorites we do every year and then change up the rest. We roast a turkey that we brine with Truffle butter (to die for), cornbread stuffing with sausage and pecans, mashed potatoes with gravy (a given) and our favorite dessert a apple crisp with vanilla icecream. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!
So sorry about Bella..it is so terriably hard to loose a special dog. I lost my childhood dog to a similar fate of neurological problems. There is a wonderful post floating around on facebook called an old dog’s prayer or old dog’s will..about how he leaves his earthy toys, food, home and human to another stray in need. its very touching.
My menu for thanksgiving..well, I am cooking for my husband’s class on the air force base..everything but the Turkey (which he will fry!, its a southern thing) Im making homemade stuffing, mashed taters, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, gravy and I have a corn pudding recipe Id like to try. For dessert Im making an angel food trifle, pumpkin pie and those pecan pie bars!
for the actual day, we get together with two other families..Im bringing my angel food trifle and my pumpkin trifle as our contribution. I wasnt pregnant for the hollidays…those many 14 years ago..but I can imagine its tiring and a pinch stressful! remember to take time to put your feet up!
I’m pregnant, too, and Christmas-planning has gotten away from me this year because my mind is so focused on baby stuff. I came up with a Christmas list for myself, though, finally. I’m asking for a Kitchenaid, gift cards, and any products from Lush (they carry amazing bath stuff).
That dog video is HILARIOUS!! I love golden’s. They always seem so happy.
In my opinion, the best gift your family and friends could give you for Christmas is Time. A new mom can always use a break from the new baby or help cleaning or running errands, etc. Whether it’s for a few minutes or a few hours, it makes a big difference. Hope you have a wonderful holiday.
I buy all my takeout containers at either GFS or down at Schorin’s in the Strip! Schorin’s has a great selection. I’m headed back there tomorrow! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
This would help: http://www.containerstore.com/welcome.htm
Try “The Container Store” just outside of Minneapolis. They have a very nice selection of take-out boxes – even some pretty Holiday themed ones. They are the local “go to” place for any type of container you could imagine! I learned of this store just after moving up here a year ago and it is amazing!!!
Please tell your Mom how sorry I am about Bella. Wow, 16 years is great but doesn’t make it any easier. I love the cake with it’s saying. The obedience video is funny. I can see 2 out 3 of our dogs doing the same thing. Have a wonderful weekend organizing the baby gear!
i love your Friday postings and look forwards to pictures of your fur babies, I have 2 golden girls myself. Yes WNY (Buffalo). Has already receive more than a little snow, its the city of good neighbors who help each other and in the end know how to play in the snow. Loved that dog video too!
Your shower cake is darling! Thanksgiving will be turkey/stuffing/roasted sweet potatoes/baked vegies/pies!! Somethings you might consider for Christmas are easy access (button/zip of the front) shirts for when you’re nursing, gift certificates for take-out and Mani/Pedi’s so you can get a little pampering after the baby comes.
the story of Bella touched my heart, when my Dad died at 83, my brother gave her a shelter dog, Cleo a black English Labrador, my moms whole like changed the dog went everywhere with her until Cleo died at 14 in her arms, and she worried the dog would outlive her, she is now living alone at 95. Cleo was always at her side.
Your cake looks amazing! What a cute idea with jungle animals. What flavor was your cake?
So sorry to hear of Bella’s passing. It is so hard to see a beloved family member pass.
Best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Hi Sharon, Thank you! It matches the crib bedding we picked out for the nursery – Noah’s Ark :) The cake was half chocolate with fudge filling and half yellow with pastry cream filling. Amazing!
I too was admiring how beautiful and different your baby shower cake looks, but now after reading that it matches the crib bedding you picked out makes it even more special. What an awesome idea! I love it!
Cash N Carry has great takeout containers, don’t know if they are West coast only.
So sorry to hear about Bella.
This was one of your best Friday Things yet. So sorry for Bella’s loss but she got the golden ring when she was adopted by your mom and she enriched your family’s life for a long time. The cake was adorable, your time now is on a fast track with the holidays and a baby on the way. Have fun and hang on. I know I love the pictures of the dogs, they are beautiful and photogenic. As for take out containers, we buy lots of items thru webstaurant website also. Have a great weekend and a fun family week.
Love your baby shower pics especially that adorable cake. Your cranberry sauce and orange cranberry bread will be gracing our table as well as the usual fare. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and thanks for being a part of every Holiday through your wonderful blog.
So sorry to hear about sweet Bella. I love the elderly black dog white snout. One of my dad’s dogs is a black lab mix and at age 7. she is already developing her old age snout. I saw that Golden video online and immediately thought of your dogs. It was too funny, especially at the end when his/her owner was just trying to get off the course. Have a fun weekendsorting and organizing your loot.
TomKat Studio has great containers for leftovers: http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/thanksgiving-packaging-kits/
Oh that video is fanastic. I just cried laughing so hard. So my golden too!
The container store has take out stuff I believe!
So sorry to hear about Bella. Glad she had someone good to take care of her! Einstein looks happy and handsome as always! Thanks for all the tips, recipes, videos, etc. Maybe your baby will be born on Dec. 29, my son’s birthday! Whenever it is, I hope all goes well and wish you the best! Also, the shower cake is really neat! Love it! Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Costco has really nice plastic containers. They don’t have sections or anything but they are a nice size and rectangular. They are also reusable. I use them for my mine and my daughters lunches and for left overs. Plus they aren’t very expensive. $7.99 for 12, I think.
Your cake was gorgeous. As an ex cake decorator I am really critical of cake decorating and this was just beautiful.
I used to live in Buffalo. I have seen so many great pictures friends have been sharing on Facebook and actually made me miss the heavy snowfalls. However now people are trapped and roofs are collapsing. It’s just bad. I hope everything settles soon for them.
That dog video is sooooooooo funny!
Have a great Thanksgiving, Michelle!
Sam’s Club has takeout containers. I am not familiar with the site Garnish, but The ones from Sam’s Club have always come in handy for us!
I meant *BABY shower!* haha
What a cute cake for your birthday shower! It looks like you had a wonderful time! I live in the city of Buffalo and fortunately, we don’t have a lot of snow. People just 5 miles southeast of me have almost 8 feet. It’s incredible. Have a great weekend!
I order containets from http://www.webstaurantstore.com. They are a company outside of Lancaster.
Congrats on the baby!! You definately are glowing. If you have a GFS by you they have all kinds of take out containers. Hubby and I love the Golden Video since we have 3 Goldens who would never win that type of competition…lol Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Looks like you had a wonderful baby shower. The set up looks so beautiful and the cake is really cute! Your life is about to change in a couple of weeks and i wish you everything of the BEST!
So sorry to hear about Bella. She had a wonderfully long life though! I love your shower cake- so cute. Thanksgiving will be wild rice stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, roasted carrots and sweet potato casserole with turkey and salmon. Good luck planning!
I love Narcisi Winery, even though I’m not a huge wine drinker. Their peach and blueberry wines are my favorite to make summery sangrias. Glad to have the winery right down the road!
I get my favorite take out containers at Costco. You get like 25 for $9. You can freeze and microwave them and they’re dishwasher safe. They are made by Snap Pack.