Friday Things
1. Today would have been my dad’s 60th birthday. The photo above was taken when he was only 43, about two-and-a-half years before he passed away. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him, but he’s especially on my mind today. I love you Dad, and miss you. (Hope you liked your birthday cake! :))
2. Yesterday, my Chief Culinary Consultant and I went down to enjoy the Frozen Four festivities at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh. If your’e not familiar, the Frozen Four is the hockey equivalent to basketball’s Final Four – it’s the NCAA’s championship tournament and Pittsburgh is the host city this year. We got to watch the semifinals yesterday and will be going back tomorrow night for the championship game. I was pretty indifferent about who I was rooting for until I found out a kid from Pittsburgh plays for Yale… since they won yesterday and are heading to the final, I’ll be rooting for them!
3. Last weekend, I decided to significantly cut down on my Diet Coke consumption. I’ve been reading way too many articles recently on the harmful effects of aspartame to ignore them any longer. After the first couple of days, I wasn’t really craving it any longer and I found that I was sleeping a lot better without the caffeine. I’m not saying that I’ll never have it again, but eliminating it from my everyday diet is a huge step.
4. This past week was our first round of spring thunderstorms. While they also delivered some crazy hail, I totally relished the rumbling thunder. I’ve missed spring and summer storms!
5. Have you heard of PieBox? The company crafts pie boxes made of raw pine that are perfect for transporting homemade pies. I love their rustic look! I’m definitely planning on purchasing at least one of these.
Save This Recipe
Enter your email address, and we'll send it straight to your inbox!
6. There are currently three sets of bald eagles that have nested in areas around Pittsburgh. One is only about 10 minutes from where I live; my Chief Culinary Consultant and I tried to scope out the nest in the hopes of seeing some soaring eagles, but unfortunately the eagles were MIA that day. I did snap a photo of their enormous nest with my zoom lens; hopefully on an upcoming sunny day we’ll catch a glimpse!
7. Do any of you ladies use a Clarisonic? I’ve seen them mentioned in so many places and I’m wondering if I should add one to my “beauty” arsenal. Thoughts?
8. My Chief Culinary Consultant and I have given some thought to getting Einstein a baby sibling (a furry sibling) once we’re settled into our house. Two is better than one, right?! We were hoping to maybe get a puppy from the same breeder where I got Einstein, but I found out that they are no longer breeding. If any of you in the Pittsburgh area (or surrounding areas) and have a recommendation, feel free to pass it along!
9. Speaking of Einstein, he’s a big fan of the sunshine we’ve been enjoying this week. He loves his sun spots!
10. TGIF! I hope you get to enjoy some sun this weekend!
On behalf of the Calorie Control Council and with experience as a Registered Dietitian, there is no evidence that the consumption of aspartame cause any negative health concerns. The amino acids that comprise aspartame are abundant in our diets, occurring naturally in fruits and vegetables and their juices. It is important to recognize the value of adding calorie free sweeteners, including aspartame. As obesity continues to rise, the use of aspartame in our food supply may provide more lower calorie beverage and food options. http://bit.ly/XqBLwP
Two furry siblings are definitely better than one! We have two German Shepherds and they are best friends. They keep each other company when we can’t. We purchased both of our dogs from breeders. Knowing what I know now, I wish I would have adopted. Good luck!
Can I just tell you that I love your weekly Friday things post. I come here every week. and PieBox is now on my list as a gluten free baker what a lovely idea!
happy blogging
the gluten free chef
Great job on the Diet Coke! Pop is one of the only foods I never allow myself to have because it’s so bad. Keep up the good work! I do have a Clarisonic and love it. It was one of those things I bought and was afraid it would sit collecting dust but I use it every day and can’t imagine not using it. It easily plows through all my makeup without tons or really any scrubbing. I highly recommend it!
Michelle, my heart goes out to you for the loss and (still) grief that you bear…I lost my mom the week before Thanksgiving, and my grandmother before Christmas… their birthdays, the holidays, and their “home-going” days are still very difficult. Cherish the memories in the midst of your tears, sweet one.
In regards to giving up diet beverages, that’s wonderful, but you need to take it a few steps farther. I was sick for years and on several medications when, in 2009, I found out about the effects of being over-acidic. Soft drinks, sports drinks, smart water, energy drinks…they’re all loaded with such high levels of acidity that our health is suffering, and we aren’t being told why by doctors or mainstream media. I’m off of five daily medications just because I stopped drinking all those things, and changed the water I drink to one that is alkaline and super-hydrating.
I wish you wellness and happiness and sweet memories!
Birthdays for a parent who left too soon are always hard. You have my sympathies and kind thoughts.
The pie box looks swell. I might just have to start baking pies just so I can own one!
As for Einstein and a possible sibling: I would encourage you to look at Golden Rescue organizations in your area. We have had 6 Goldens in a span of a 25 year marriage. They all came from rescue organizations or situations. Many dogs are given up for lots of reasons other than ‘behaviour problems’. Divorce, economic problems, new baby allergies, death in the family, etc. Rescue organizations usually know the personalities of their particular dogs quite well–they are usually in foster care so they are acclimated. Goldens are such sweet, sweet spirits. There is a reason they make such good therapy dogs! You wouldn’t regret getting a dog this way, believe me. We have two at the moment and got both when they were less than a year old from a Golden rescue here in Colorado. Two Goldens are always better than one!
I gave up Diet Coke for Lent in the hopes that would help me kick the habit. Maybe one every once in a while but not everyday. I had one with lunch today for the first time since before Lent and have to admit, it didn’t do much for me – it just didn’t taste nearly as good as it used to. Hoping I’ve finally gotten myself off the stuff!
I’ve had a Clarisonic for several years and use it everyday. It’s one of the best things I’ve spent money on.
Happy Birthday to your Dad! He sound like an awesome guy!
I have never heard of a pie box, but seriously! WOW, how cool. I want one!
My Dog Shoeburt loves his sun spots too! He must have an internal clock..every day around 11:00am he will sit by the door and bark. You think he wants to go out side…NOOO he wants that door open because there will be a HUGE sun spot…can you say spoiled!!! Shoeburt is a shitzu/yorkie mix!
The best beauty budget money I’ve ever spent was on my clarisonic… UN-BE-LIEV-ABLE!!! My skin has never been in better shape as it has since using it. I keep mine in the shower and use it several times a week… only have to charge it every couple of months. Word to the wise, though… take the head off and rinse it well after EVERY use!
Wow, first peanut butter for Lent and now soda! You are brave!! One of my good friends is trying to kick her Diet Dr. Pepper habit for similar reasons. I’m a Diet Pepsi girl…I just don’t see giving it up at this point though.
A kid from our town plays hockey for St. Cloud State (http://www.scsuhuskies.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=96), so you probably saw him play! My hubby works with his dad.
Love my Clarisonic!! I have a Mia2 and it has completely changed my skin. It’s definitely not perfect, but it is brighter, pores are noticeably smaller, less dry patches, & fewer random blemishes. Also, my face just feels so much better. I pair mine with Philosophy’s Purity, and I can’t recommend it enough!
I have the Clarisonic MIA and it’s a godsend! Great little tool for your beauty arsenal. Another furry friend for Einstein sounds like a great idea! I have to jump on the wagon of folks against breeders though. We got the most loving, smart, sweet pup from a shelter last summer and it was a great feeling to help an animal in need. Just give it some thought! ;)
You got to watch my alma mater play in their first ever Frozen Four – jealous! I went to college at St. Cloud State and it’s where I learned about hockey. Sadly they lost, but it’s awesome they made it that far!
I’ve been thinking about getting a Clarisonic for awhile now too. I just can’t seem to make up my mind! I’m nervous about my sensitive skin and they’re not super cheap, but I’ve read so many great comments I might have to go get one now!
You should definitely try it… even with sensitive skin. Just be sure to use the “Sensitive” head and start slow. Start with a minute once a week and work up from there. If it doesn’t work for you, return it. Love money back guarantees!
New commenter here — I couldn’t help but comment after seeing all of your Pittsburgh references in this post :) I run along the riverfront trail with the eagle nests and have still yet to see them… I’m on the lookout too! My husband and I moved to Pittsburgh a year ago with our golden furbaby — I’ve been casually dreaming of getting another golden pup recently as well… perhaps when we actually have a lawn/backyard! One 85-pound bundle of (crazy shedding) love is enough for an apartment, me thinks :)
Get the cheaper clarisonic “mia”. I love mine and have had it for a couple of years. i
I love my Mia 2 – highly recommend it. I started out with the Olay ProX scrubber first (which worked great) then upgraded to the Mia 2 after a few months. You can get some pretty good deals on Mia 1 and 2 on Amazon.
We rescued a second, younger, dog after having our first rescue for a few years. She bonded more with our first dog than with us at first, but after a few weeks she warmed up to us as well. Both are females and we’ve never had any issues. The younger dog totally defers to the older one and they both get along great. Even now that they are 11 and 14 years old. I highly recommend a second but take your time and make sure Einstein is fully involved in the adoption/rescue process :)
Good luck!
Hi! Love the blog and Happy Birthday to your Dad! I hope today is filled with happy memories of the times you spent together.
I second everyone else’s opinion on where to get the dog if you do choose to get another one but before getting one I would strongly consider the reasons you want one and how Einstein will feel about it. As a dog walker, I’ve seen a lot of situations where for whatever reason people choose to add a second dog to their already well-established one dog household and it doesn’t go over all that well. It can really change the dynamic in the relationship you and the existing dog have. I’m sure you wouldn’t be considering it if you thought Einstein would hate it but I would just urge you to really take time to think it through and consider what you want out of a second dog that you couldn’t get from the one you already have. Some two dog situations work out great, I’d just say to think it through first from all angles.
Two dogs are definitely better than one. We debated about getting a second dog for several months, but now we are so glad we did! However, please check your local shelters first! Yes, sometimes shelter dogs can be a bit more difficult, but it’s so worth it! Einstein will get a friend, a sweet, deserving pup will get a forever home, and you’ll be saving a life!
I stopped drinking diet soda two years ago. I do still have 1 a week or so. But that’s way better than the 3 or 4 a day I was used to. Now when I have one it tastes really good at first but after a few sips I don’t enjoy it as much. I feel better too. I used to get heartburn a lot. I don’t get it as often now.
I bought a Clarisonic in January after looking at them for over a year. I was really worried about the price. What if I spent all that money and didn’t like it. I have seen a difference. I think it’s a slow process though. But if I miss a night I notice it the next day. So I do think it was worth getting. I do think they are overpriced though.
I love seeing Einstein. He is so sweet. I’ve never had more than one dog but I think it would be great. Can’t wait to see the new puppy.
I lost my own dad at 55, it was far too soon for both yours and mine, and yours was a doll! My sympathies, no matter how long ago, it’s still your dad and still a terrible loss!
I cut out Diet Coke (and Diet Cherry Coke, which I loved) almost five years ago… it was hard at first but I don’t miss them at all today, and feel I’ve been better off for doing so. I still enjoy a drink of something when “out” but only rarely.
I’m all for shelter dogs, we’ve had five!
Please adopt a shelter dog. All they want and need is a loving, forever home.