Friday Things
1. Has Mother Nature gone crazy this week in your neighborhood, too? The photo above is from last Friday. We got a pretty heavy coating of snow (that I ventured out in twice)… by Wednesday it was 68 degrees and we had thunderstorms… by yesterday morning? Blustery, snowing again and 25 degrees. It’s been weather insanity!
2. I began to first hear rumblings about the Erin Condren life planners last year when Kristen mentioned hers. I’ve seen them in other places since then and had started to look into them, then dropped the ball. Yesterday, I saw Jessica talk about her planner, and my interest was renewed. Here’s the thing. I’ve finally grown accustomed to keeping my calendar online and synced between all of my devices. However, I’m still ALL pen and paper when it comes to note-taking, list-making, brainstorming, etc. Would one of her notebooks be a good option for me? I would love thoughts from those of you that use the planners/notebooks!
3. On a related note, have you seen these daily documenting books (“dailies”) from Paper Coterie? Does anyone have them? I love the look and idea of these!
4. Remember a few weeks ago when I told you I was craving all sorts of things? I’m happy to report that my cravings for Five Guys, bagels and brownies have all been adequately satisfied. Now if only Homeland could hurry up and get back on the air!
5. I love staring at Einstein when he’s sleeping. He looks so peaceful and… innocent. Although, I’m pretty sure he’s dreaming up ways to steal even more food than he already does.
6. I have gone to the first two Penguins home games and they have lost both. I’ll be going to a few more this month, so let’s hope I’m not cursed. On the plus side: soft pretzels and Diet Cokes never get old, even on nights that we lose. I just make sure to go home and eat a cookie or a brownie; that’s how I choose to wallow.
7. You know how much I love burgers, right? Well, I was reminded this week how great the burgers are Red Robin. My Chief Culinary Consultant and I go there every few months and the last handful of times I’ve gotten a chicken wrap. This week, however, I got the bacon cheeseburger. Good decision. Even better burger.
8. What is this Vine app I keep seeing all over the place? Is it just a medium to post videos (like a video version of Instagram)? I’m way behind on this.
9. I watched Top Gun last Sunday from start to finish, for the first time in years. Love that movie. It got me itching to watch A Few Good Men, which I have to watch every time I flip past it on TV. What are your must-stop-and-watch movies?
10. TGIF! Have yourself a little dance :)
I’m a week late in reading/commenting, but I agree about Red Robin. If you haven’t tried the burger with the fried egg on it, I recommend it. I had it for the first time several months ago and I’m still dreaming about it…….alas, our closest Red Robin is about 45 minutes away…
This winter has by far had the craziest winter weather ever!
I’m so intrigued by the life planner idea! It’s been a huge goal of mine this year to finally get organized and try to live more balanced, so I’ve been making lots of lists and calendars and goals. Its kind of “retro” to consider doing this on PAPER though! Let us know if you end up getting one :)
I love the Einstein picture!! Love!
I’m in Pittsburgh too and I can’t over this crazy weather! I’m a Summer girl at heart so I’m trying to grin and bear it until my 90-degree days get here! If you love burgers, I’m wondering if you’ve tried Burgatory yet? Robinson Township just got one a few months ago but I think there is another somewhere around town. AMAZING burgers and unique (spiked!) milkshakes! They bumped Red Robin out of our #1 spot for burgers!
Hi Andrea, Yes, I *LOVE* Burgatory! The other location is Fox Chapel, which is actually closer to my neck of the woods. I still haven’t had one of their milkshakes, though – I need to remedy that!
The weather has been crazy and pretty awful here. I’m more than ready for spring. I don’t know what vine is either and I already spend so much time on social media I’m kind of inclined not to learn. My must watch movies are Love Actually, Sweet Home Alabama, and lately Tower Heist. I can’t get enough of it!
The dailies from Paper Coterie are exactly what I have been looking for! My daughter is 13 months old and I find myself jotting down all the silly things she does every day in a very messy notebook. I have been wanting to find a way to preserve these memories for her (and for myself) and the dailies are perfect! I am so excited about them. Thanks for sharing!
Einstein is such a cutie pie! I have two Labs and I would totally have a Golden as well if I could afford another dog (my two pups are rather high maintenance). And one of them definitely dreams about stealing food, just as you suspect your little guy does. :-)
Have a great weekend!
I guess I’m the only one who seems a little twisted with the “must stop and watch” movie. For me, it’s “The Shining,” and appropriately enough, I usually happen upon it when it’s cold and snowy out. So creepy but I can’t see it enough. In the non-creepy category, “Never Been Kissed” always makes me stop, too. Michael Vartan is just so adorable.
Same weather for us down here in KY. The warmth always makes me crave spring, even though I do love winter. We were in the upper 70s at the beginning of the week, and then my weather radio had me awake from about 5 am on, I believe on Tuesday morning. We actually had tornado warnings in the region! Thank God, not here, but good grief. Usually we don’t have to worry about that crap until March/April, and I’m not liking it coming now.
Oh–and I’m waiting with you on Homeland, and excited about the final season (but a little sad) of Dexter! For now, my husband and I are filling the time with The Walking Dead…so gross in terms of special effects but definitely interesting.
Oh my goodness, Einstein! I see the nose is starting to get brown, that must mean he’s maturing… a little, Goldies are puppies for life! ;)
I can’t live without my planner! I like keeping my iPhone calendar updated, but I really need to write things down on paper to really remember them! And it’s good to be able to go back as far as you need to…
As far as movies on TV goes, even though I own the DVD- every time I see Practical Magic come on, I HAVE to watch! Gets me everytime! Oh, and Hope Floats. ;)
Such a fan of “A few good men” I used to be able to word 80% of the movie. :-P
I love your blog. I pin almost all your recipes onto your own “Brown Eyed Baker” Pinterest board. (Hope you don’t mind) I am from Buffalo and have been to Pittsburgh many times for my sons’ hockey tournaments and a few sporting events. You would think we would be used to the extreme weather conditions but I can’t. I have been in your area when there was a blizzard one time and we had a hard time driving all those hills! The only consolation is Pittsburgh and Buffalo have THE best summers ever. I am so glad I found this blog. It makes me smile. Keep up the awesome job!
Also, your Cheesy Cheddar Pull Apart Bread will be perfect while we all watch the Niners beat the Ravens in the Super Har-bowl.
As a Californian, I know very little about crazy weather. Everything is pretty normal here in Sonoma County. As for my must-stop-and-watch movies: The Shawshank Redemption and The Fast and the Furious.
Even though I own the dvds, every time they come on, I MUST watch “Serenity,” “Everafter” “Kinky Boots,” “Army of Darkness” or “Flash Gordon.”
Is that Robinson Towne Center in the snowy picture?
Einstein is so lovable, adorable, handsome, . . .well you get the point!
It’s actually Pittsburgh Mills :)
Sleeping Goldens are so insanely cute!!!!! Mine Golden, Derby will be 11 this year. I still can’t get enough of him~
Texas is having different weather. My movie that I never pass is Pretty Woman but like A Few Good Men too.
I’ve always heard great things about Erin Condren calenders but I would encourage you to check out May Books as well! I recently bought one and plan to maybe get a few more soon. They are really slim and well-made – totally customizable too.
Your comment about the “dailies” reminded me of the multi-year diaries my mom used to keep – small 4×5 books with 4-5 lines allocated for each year. I have 4 of them, 2 of which cover my high school years & 4 years after. It is sooo much fun to read down a page about my birthday each year, what the weather was, family stuff, first spring plantings, etc. I just did a random page test on one from 1972 – what a trip to read that I drove home from college, skipping a day of classes to bring her panties (really?) for Mother’s Day! She doesn’t write them anymore at 95, now she enjoys reading them. Those of you in your early years with young families: this can be a wonderful gift you give your family years down the road… your handwriting, your thoughts – nothing too deep now :) – the trips down memory lane. Great stuff. ok. gotta go find a tissue.
I should have said “4-5 line allocated for each DAY in the year” not each year.
I love this! And you’re right – at the time it may not seem like much, but later on in life, such a treasure!
Well, the weather is great here!! Hahaha I am in Los Angeles and I thought it was freezing last night at 60degrees. I have never ever seen snow so I am sure I have no idea what freezing is!! Cheers to friday as I sip on a pina colada and enjoy my 75degree weather! lol… just kidding
Top Gun is one of my favorites! Too bad Val Kilmer got fat and, Anthony Edwards went bald, and Tom Cruise turned into a weirdo. ;)
You’re getting our Michigan weather…just a day later ;)
As for movies, both my husband and I always stop and watch The Parent Trap (version one or two) as well as The Proposal and Top Gun.
I had the Erin Condren planner last year & loved it!!! I thought I would try something cheaper this year but I miss my old planner terribly:( I have thought about purchasing the “dailies” as well so I would be interested in hearing from anyone using one of those as well.
Your dog is adorable!
Sitting here in Kona thinking I’m not missing the cold.
Our weather in Ohio has been just like Pittsburgh’s! Gosh I miss Pittsburgh but I love reading your blog because it makes me smile when you talk about the Pens or other tidbits about the ‘burgh. Have you ever seen Pittsburgh Dad on youtube? If you haven’t you must check it out, you’ll totally relate! I love planners and used one all the time in college but don’t so much anymore, I still make lists with pen and paper though! I love making to-do lists! Stay warm this weekend!
HI Michelle, what’s on your menu for Super Bowl Sunday? For starters, we are making your Hot Black Bean Dip. You have so many great recipes, that we are having a hard time deciding. Wish the Steelers were playing….P.S. We need a Penguin win tomorrow….
Hi Mary Lynn, I’m actually not sure yet, although I can guarantee that at least 1 dip will be involved! Definitely hoping for a couple of Pens wins this weekend, although the shut out last night was a great start!
thank you for the erincondren.com love! enjoy!
You’re welcome! I’m excited to try it out!
First off Enisten is so darn cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The weather on the East Coast has been crazy weird this year and here in CA it’s just been cold! I can not wait for Spring!
Enjoy your weekend!
I hear you. Pens defense is lacking, the Ravens are in the Super Bowl !!!!! And it is 14 degrees outside. I think I need chocolate. Also you have to try the burgers at Burghers in Harmony (zelienople area). They are amazing, they have all kinds of speciality burgers named after areas of Pittsburgh. You won’t be disappointed.
Oh Yay – I think you would love an Erin Condren planner! I don’t use mine as a family calendar (we have a shared calendar online) but I use it for my own stuff…deadlines, note taking, blog related / freelance stuff. I love love love it!
However, off to check out that nifty paper coterie thing!
My “must watch” movies also include “A Few Good Men,” plus “As Good as It Gets,” “Shawshank Redemption,” “You’ve Got Mail,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “Turner and Hooch” (can ya tell I’m a big Tom Hanks fan?).
P.S. I’m in love with Einstein. What a sweetie pie!
Your posts and this picture make me feel so nostalgic. I was born in Pgh and lived there for 28 years. I live in Atlanta now so its funny that the snow on the road picture inspires nostalgia instead of the terror it would inspire here!
weather in boston is crazy as well. It was SOOOO windy yesterday morning that part of our fence blew down. It went from 30’s to 60’s to 20’s today and it should snow on sunday. cray.
If you like the idea of documenting daily life you should look into project life. There are tons of resources but I can always help you pick an easy direction to go in if you are ever interested.
Virginia weather has been the same—- CRAZY… what in the world, last weekend we were sledding; this Wednesday we were wearing short sleeves… needless to say we are all sick from the constant weather change. I actually think we have a chance for flurries this evening! The good things that come with the crazy weather that turn us all into hermits are cooking and movies for sure! I made your ‘Homemade’ snickers bars (AMAZING doesn’t begin to describe how delicious they are) and I also made your broccoli cheese soup… comforting to the soul and tummy :) My 3 year old actually enjoyed the goodies as well!
Yes! Our weather in Upstate NY has been crazy…the barometric pressure going up and down is wreaking havoc on my head! It is blustery, snowy and cold today. I too love watching my kitty sleep…she is a Maine Coon so there is just this little head in all the fur! I just had a week of eating out constantly so I have satisfied my cravings and am on a liquid diet! Believe it or not, my must stop and watch movie is Wizard of Oz!
Uh, it’s MINUS 11 degrees here at the moment and I’m quite sure the windchill is much worse, don’t know, don’t want to know :(. We had over 30 degrees last week which was a “heat wave” here in MN. I.hate.winter!
Mama Mia and Grease are my gotta stop and watch movies :)
You’ve Got Mail…..without a doubt my favorite. Love love love the ending!!
Oh yes, that is another one of my “must stop and watch” movies! LOVE it!
I’m a pen and paper kinda girl myself. It’s like making bread. You can do it with a machine, but it’s not quite the same.
Yay, an Einstein picture !!!
Our weather here has been almost exactly like yours. Last week, wet, cold and rainy with lows in the single digits. Then up to almost 70 and then within a 24 hour period down to the 20’s and right now it is snowing like crazy outside. Typical Kentucky Winter lol
Can’t pass movies would be The Notebook and The Bodyguard. If they are on, even half over, my husband and I MUST sit down and cuddle to watch them
You MUST get a life planner! This year I’m starting on my second planner and I would be lost without it. There are so many neat features that are unique to the planners. My favorite things is the weekly layout with Morning, Day and Night. I use the morning section for my calendar type “stuff”, the day for my to-do list for the day, and the night section for my menu planning and exercise log. I do everything online, but I can’t let go of my paper planner. You won’t be disappointed with Erin Condren! Oh I could just go on and on…..