Friday Things
1. Last week, Joseph had his first independent swim lesson (no more mommy-and-me, *sniff*) and he was a little weepy off and on throughout, which the instructor said was totally normal for the first few times when they’re used to having class with mom, and that he actually did a fantastic job for his first solo class. He has another this morning, so I’m hoping he keeps feeling better about it… the upside is that after the class he told me how much fun he had, all the skills he did, and he was really, really excited to be in the “big kids class”.
You probably remember that Dominic’s hair has been crazy since the day he was born and it really has ever only either stood straight up or laid flat down on his forehead. After a bath over the weekend, I was actually able to comb it over a little bit, and he looked like such a little man!
(P.S. If you’re on Instagram, be sure to follow BEB… I’ve been getting better at sharing videos and photos on Insta Stories of the boys, the dogs, and behind the scenes food stuff!)
2. Thanks for all of the love for our new furry addition, Judith! We’ve had a great week getting to know her and have totally fallen in love with her. She and Duke became fast friends, playing and chasing each other around the yard… Joseph is absolutely smitten and talks to her all day long, telling her about school, and asking if she wants a cup of coffee after dinner (HA! He was actually insistent that I make her coffee one night, and I had to tell him that dogs don’t drink coffee.).
Dominic took the longest to warm up; she still has lots of puppy energy and is certainly more “in your face” with the little people than Duke is, however we just kept taking time to get on the floor with both of them so Dominic could stand next to her, pet her, etc while we were next to him. By Wednesday, he was taking her by the collar and walking her around the house, and telling her to “sit”. He’s been totally fine with her since, so I think it’s safe to say he’s reached his comfort zone, too! She’s an incredibly sweet dog, and so good, and we’re so thrilled that she’s part of our family.
3. And can we talk about how I am now less than seven weeks from my due date?! How on earth did that get here so quickly?! And frankly, no, we are not ready in the least, ha! I do have clothes, buuuuuuut that’s about it! The nursery isn’t set up yet because we’re waiting on Joseph’s new big boy bed to arrive (should be another week to 10 days) so we can move his crib into her room and then get everything situated. I feel like with each subsequent pregnancy we’ve taken our good old time getting things in order (including picking a name, ha!). Maybe after the first we realized there really isn’t so much that is absolutely, positively necessary and are more laid back?
4. The weather here has been absolute insanity over the last week… we got two inches of snow last Saturday, then on Tuesday it was 75 degrees and sunny, and now it’s cold and we’re in the midst of a four-day monsoon. I love winter and snow, but I’m ready for 60-degree weather!
5. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join the Brown Eyed Baker Friends group – there are a lot of awesome members who help each other, and it’s a great way for me to see what you’ve been baking and cooking!
6. I’ve been craving a legit Mexican meal; I might have to whip up a batch of the copycat Chipotle chicken one night!
7. So, a Trader Joe’s opened 10 minutes from my house ummmm three years ago, and I have still NEVER been there. I KNOW. But I want to make a run, so please tell me what’s on your list of must-buys when you go!
8. We’ve still been going hard on the Olympics, and I was so thrilled that the U.S. women’s hockey team won gold! When I was little, I was obsessed with hockey (shocking!) and would put on my dad’s stinky hockey equipment and play with a street hockey ball on our porch. I always wanted to play, but at the time, where we lived, there weren’t any programs at all for girls. Such a bummer.
9. We finally caught up on the first two episodes of Homeland and… meh. It just doesn’t grip me the way the first few seasons did… the storyline with Brody was just phenomenal and while the show is still good, it doesn’t knock my socks off anymore.
10. TGIF! These two are getting to be such amazing friends! xo
I love that you share your life with your children and dogs. It brings back memories and is a whole new sweet experience for me. My sons range in age from 22-34. I love all of the milestones and special new skills that they seem to suddenly acquire. So cute. Thanks.
Some of my favorites from Trader Joe’s are:
Bruschetta (in the refrigerated section in a green container)
Caramelized Onion Cheddar Cheese (makes an amazing grilled cheese)
Spicy Chai Tea ( I drink it every morning. I have tried so, so many Chai Teas and this is my favorite)
Chicken Tikki Masala with rice in the refrigerated premade meals section
I just discovered the honey sriacha bacon jerky. It’s amazing
I buy my orchids there because they are really inexpensive.
Trader Joe’s.
Our nearest TJ’s is 50 minutes away, so I wrote up a special shopping list and printed it to take with so I remember to get everything I made the drive for!
I always have on hand in the freezer the Chocolate Croissants that you let rise (overnight) and bake fresh. They are made in France and are the real thing! I always buy nuts for baking that I keep in the freezer;: walnuts, sliced almonds (I buy both the raw unblanched as well as the lightly toasted blanched ones); the toasted pecans are lightly salted and made a pecan pie extra special. For salads the Roasted Candied Pecans are delicious in a Goat cheese, arugula, and beet salad. (the beets are sold already cooked & peeled.) I also like to pick up a bag of already “riced” cauliflower to make a low-carb “risotto” with mushrooms
Only sold at Christmas time, I always get the real butter Puff Pastry (it’s half the price of DuFour brand!) and the imported prepared Cheese Fondue.
To add to your Trader Joe’s list – liquid Stevia ( the best I have found, no aftertaste), love the peanut butter stuffed pretzels, the tomato and pepper soup, the everything bagel topping is fantastic (I brush home made bread with butter and sprinkle this on before baking – wonderful), the graham crackers, aioli mustard garlic sauce. I’m so glad someone mentioned pumpernickel pretzels – I’m trying those tomorrow!
I’m not as big of a Trader Joe’s fan as a lot of people but their nuts and dried fruit seriously cannot be beat. I also love their organic butter and cottage cheese. I have been buying Horizon but it’s tough to find and expensive – not so at TJ’s. But don’t feel bad, I live across the street from one and don’t go more than once every few months typically.
Your boys are such handsome guys and I love that Duke has a new buddy.
My must have from Trader Joe’s is the frozen garlic. They are in a little tray, frozen as one minced clove in each compartment (20 per tray). Such a time saver when prepping meals! My girls (6 and 3) also love the dried mango (unsulfured and unsweetened). Also a fan of the Pound Plus Chocolate for desserts. Oh yes, and the Haricot Vert from the freezer.
At Trader Joe’s their dark chocolate caramels are really great if they are fresh. They melt in your mouth… taste great … and go right to your waist! My wife likes the pound plus chocolate bars. Their organic sweet corn is very good as is their petite peas.
I always have TJ’s cocoa powder on hand. Actually I usually stop to buy that and leave with things I didn’t need like the chocolate cookie butter bar…
Oh, I LOVE TJ’s!!!! I only get to go every 2-3 months, so for me it’s kind of a splurge/treat place. Here are the things we love: mango gummies, dried mandarin oranges, their version of fig newtons, chocolate covered orange sticks, frozen chocolate croissants, frozen chipwiches, frozen macarons (just thaw and eat – yum!), sometimes there’s a frozen Greek cheese pasty that’s to die for, the world’s puffiest white cheddar corn puffs, their $1 cards, the flower section!, the bamba peanut snacks are amazing (if Joseph’s allergies ever clear up). I think that’s all, but honestly there’s just so much good food at great prices, you’d be hard pressed to go wrong.
I cannot believe you have not gone to Trader Joe’s yet! Go! You will not be disappointed!
Love the dog treats for my fur baby!
Your blog is such a delight! Your boys are adorable, thank you for sharing updates. My boys are now men and watching your little ones takes me back. I lost my 4-legged princess last year and I love seeing photos of your dogs.
Trader Joe’s
* Beef recipe jerky strips are awesome (dog treats)
* Lavender dryer bags – great in the dryer or as a sachet
* Nourish All-in-one facial cleanser (it’s gentle, but really cleans)
Wishing you every blessing as you await your little one.
I love TJs and go bimonthly to stock up on several items, esp coffee- always get so many compliments. As a baker I have to say their chocolate chips are my absolute favorite! I believe they are sourced from a premium chocolate maker. Also they have an alcohol free vanilla that I prefer for non baking, like frosting or ice cream making.
Joseph looks like such a little boy now — not a toddler. The weather has been insane here, too, exactly like yours.
Trader Joe’s is one of my favorite places to shop. I go every two weeks if not more often. I don’t often buy any of their prepared/packaged foods. I used to buy the mandarin orange chicken now and then, but the last time I bought it, it tasted awful! It will be a very long time before I try it again. I do have a weak spot for Thai Shrimp (or Vegetable) Gyoza. I usually try whatever they’re offering as samples, but rarely buy it.
Along with others here I get nuts, dried fruits, cheeses, and Almond Croissants.
– frozen fruits and vegetables — especially frozen berries, leeks and artichoke hearts
-nut butters
-heavy cream and half and half
-bell peppers — prices are better than anywhere else
-flowers
-coffee filters — I make coffee using the pour over method and I get twice as many filters for half as much money than I can find anywhere else
-Ode to the Classic Potato Chip — remind me of what we used to get when I was a little girl
-dried herbs and spices — if I use it and they have it I get it there. Great prices
-tubes of polenta
-gnocchi
-pasta
-roasted red peppers
-capers
-canned tuna
-sesame oil
-vanilla eclairs (frozen)
– salsa autenica
-salsa verde
-green or red lentils (dry)
-California Estate Olive Oil or 100% Italian Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (though I usually buy evoo elsewhere
-Cento whole plum tomatoes (better price than anywhere else)
If I use it and Trader Joe’s carries it, I usually get it there. Prices and quality are good, though I may not like something.
Why do you have a pinch collar on your dog especially in the house????Don’t you know that pinch collars are outdated because they are punishing to the dog and can be dangerous. Maybe the concept of positive dog training has not taken hold in your part of the country.
Hi Maureen, I appreciate your concern, but actually prong collars are not outdated, are not used as punishment, and are not dangerous as long as they are fitted and used correctly. They are much safer than choke collars or other more popular types of collars that can squeeze the dog’s throat and larynx when walking or correcting. It doesn’t hurt them and you just need a gentle tug to correct. It replicates the sensation of the mother tugging at their neck to correct them when they’re puppies. It’s the collar that was used during her training, so we’re keeping things consistent for her here, as we work to reinforce all of the training and commands that she had been working on. If you’ve followed my site for any length of time, you’d know that we would never do anything that would be considered cruel to animals.
Hi BEB,
So happy to hear about your new edition and how good you your and family are doing. Can’t believe you haven’t tried TJ’s yet… lol it’s a great store!
List of things to try:
TJ’ s salsa authentica
TJ’s salsa verde
Organic yellow corn tortilla chip rounds
Peanut butter filled pretzels (maybe not with Joseph allergies)
All there stuff is worth trying.
Happy shopping!!!
We are loving Judith! My husband actually asked me last night if you posted any updates about her, & to be sure I show him when you do, lol! I love that they are touching paws!
I can’t believe you haven’t been to Trader Joe’s yet. I have an idea which store is by you- that is the one we go to most, which is 40 minutes from my house! We are actually going tomorrow. Some of our favs:
Frozen mandarin orange chicken- this is so good. I am not big on buying frozen prepared food, but this is a must.
The cheese selection- can’t go wrong making a cheese board from there, way cheaper than GE
Tortilla chips- we have fallen for their round corn ones which come in a 2# bag!!
Almond butter granola
We’ve liked pretty much everything we’ve bought there. The store is small so spend time going through each aisle. There’s plenty of interesting items to see! I work close to Oakmont Bakery & wish the town would get a TJ’s. No grocery store anymore & it could really use one.
Trader Joe’s Roasted Potatoes with Peppers and Onions from the freezer section is a great time saver. They are the best frozen potatoes of any kind that I have ever had. And you put them in the pan and turn on the heat and that is it. No extra oil or anything. Also, their frozen tamales are great. I pop them in the microwave, add salsa and sour cream, maybe some Spanish rice on the side and have a full meal.
Joseph is looking so grown up. He is going to be a handsome little heartbreaker! Disappointed to hear about Homeland…I haven’t seen the new series yet. I do think it lost a lot without Brodie and I was convinced that somehow he would come back 😉. The relationships continue to be unstable, friends one minute, foes the next…good anti-advertising for being a CIA agent!
Joseph and Dominic are so cute! Love reading about them and seeing them grow!
I’m so happy to see Duke has a new little buddy. Their holding paws is adorable!
I am not a big Trader Joe’s fan. I know people love it, I never go. Oh, well.
Looking forward to meeting the new little girl joining your family! ❤️
More doggie pictures please. So adorable, but then so are the boys! I am not a big Trader Joe’s shopper but really like their Kale Salad. It comes with dried fruit and nuts and it’s own dressing. Sometimes I even add chicken to it
When you visit Trader Joe’s, a must get is the frozen Almond Croissant dough. They come 4 to a box and proof overnight for a delicious and flaky but not-too-sweet pastry. I always egg wash and add additional sliced almonds before baking and dust with powdered sugar after. Probably my favorite thing there available year round. During the months of November/December, they bring in a Turkey Gobbler wrap sandwich. It’s loaded with roasted turkey breast, bread dressing, and cranberry sauce and served up with little cup of this amazing gravy dipping sauce! I’ve tried to recreate the sauce but not quite gotten it yet! Happy shopping!
If you like Indian food, TJ’s frozen Indian dinners are great to have on hand. Especially for right after a baby – nothing like tossing something in the oven directly from the freezer! Also, JoJos are FAR superior to Oreos. And their peanut butter cups are out of this world.
omg to Judith—so heart-warming today to see you brought in a beautiful rescue doggie.
Judith is beautiful, and Duke looks like that missing puzzle piece has arrived. He always looked a bit sad to me, since Einstein passed. He looks to have his “mo-jo” back now, with this addition. sigh…so sweet.
Trader Joe’s–it’s my sisters go to place much of the time–but here are a few things she has suggested and are wonderful: Chocolate Croissants (they are frozen, you proof them and then bake them at home—-amazingly better than most I have tasted from bakeries), Orange Chicken and Terriyaki chicken in the frozen section–also love their body butters at night after a hot shower–they work soooo good and are not over powering in scent as some girlie lotions can be….their prices are so reasonable there…like my sister said “you can feel like a baller there.” lol.
Hi Macy, Yes, Duke definitely seems to have gotten his mojo back… he has a definite pep in his step and has been initiating a lot of play with Judith. Makes me so happy :)
It is go great to see responsible people toward children , animals and family. You are a great woman who can take on so much and fulfill all your dreams. Bless you !!
Aww thank you Cecilia, xo :)
TJ’s is my favorite store. The orange chicken is one of their best sellers and is great for a quick weeknight meal. The chocolate dipped dunkers are delicious. I am a huge fan of the Trader Joe’s brand sourdough bread. They have a great cheese & hummus selection. You really can’t go wrong with anything from this store. It is quality food at a very affordable price. Christmastime is a must visit, they have a lot of delicious and fun Christmas goodies.
Oh Michelle, that last picture of Duke and Judith!!! I love that they are holding paws!!! <3 <3 <3
I know, totally melts my heart!!
One more thing, I was wandering around on Pinterest the other day and as I scrolled, I noticed a post for ” beautiful Italian female baby names”. I was curious so I clicked on the link and gosh, every single name was lovely. Each name had the meanings well… so interesting. I as read through I can across two names of little girls I had taught in my kindergarten class…Caterina and Cathrina.
Anyway, I have no doubt you and you husband have been mulling over lots of names but the Pinterest post might be fun to check out.
I checked that post on Pinterest and there are some lovely names!
How fun, thanks for sharing! My sister’s best friend in high school was Caterina! (very Italian family)
Oh my goodness, the picture of Judith and Duke is priceless. Clearly, she was meant to join your family. Perhaps Einstein had a part is the match… he knew his little brother was lonely and needed a new friend.
Dominic looks so proud with his new hairstyle…so cute.
As for Trader Joe’s , where do I begin? I can’t believe you have one so close and have never checked it out. They constantly have new items…some seasonal… so I try to visit every couple of weeks…my TJ’s is only a couple of miles from my house. You really need to go and take time to explore If your TJ’s carried liquor, I recommend the Charles Shaw line of wines…often referred to as”Two Buck Chuck”. Honestly, they are basic but pretty good and actually make great inexpensive cooking wines.
I love the ! pound blocks of chocolate. Seriously , they are $5 and are really good quality. I break them up into 5 square packets…each packet is 2 ounces…and freeze them for use in baking.
I also like the TJ’s chocolate chips and chocolate chunks, the dry spices, all types of cooking sprays, the yummy mini peanut butter cups (and the decadent dark chocolate peanut putter cups), lite coconut milk, whole wheat pastas, goat cheese logs rolled in fruit( blueberry or cranberry or fig), edamame hummus, lite guacamole, baked multi grain pita chips, pumpkin butter and or fig butter, any of the nut butters, and so much more.
Bridget over on Bake at 350 has a whole bunch of TJ item product reviews posted on her site…not TJ sponsored but just for fun.
Love Trader Joes – explore the cheese section! Love the unexpected cheddar, also the bread section – olive focaccia.
Hummus, the salsas (pineapple yum!), artichoke cheese dip, chocolate covered almonds, dried mango. The frozen food section is worth checking out too!
I specifically go out of my way to Trader Joe’s for a few things. I love their frozen packets of basmati rice and brown rice-such a time saver! Comes in a box of three in the frozen section. For a quick meal your boys would like the frozen mac and cheese. My newest find is their presliced French Brioche bread—it makes the best French toast! Have a great weekend!
Get yourself to Trader Joe’s now! First off… Hold The Cone. Soooo good!!! Little mini chocolate covered ice cream cones. Perfect for little hands and a good way to keep the treats small, but yummy. They have a great assortment of dried fruit and nuts. I keep an assortment of nuts in the freezer – especially the sliced honey roasted almonds. I love to sprinkle them over cottage cheese and fruit for breakfast. And a friend just gave me some of their vanilla body butter for my birthday (same day as your hubby’s!) and it is awesome. My hubby loves it too! Not greasy at all, absorbs quickly without leaving you feeling gooey.
You MUST get churro marshmallows from Trader Joe’s!
Triple Ginger cookies from Trader Joe’s are unbeatable!
Love your site. I download something almost everyday into my Paprika app. Sometimes it’s trial and error finding someone whose tastes align with yours. Well-we’re a match. I know when I use one of your recipes it’s going to be a success. I don’t know if you follow Thrifty Decor Chick on Instagram, but the other day she did a video on her favorite Trader Joe buys. There is not one close to me so I can’t give recommendations based on personal experience. Stay healthy and enjoy each and every change your growing family brings.
So awesome to hear you’ve loved the recipes, Barbara!
If you’re going to Trader Joe’s, you have to try their enchilada sauce. It comes in a bottle and is the best!
Oh, man…Trader Joe’s has it all! I love the Everything but the Bagel seasoning (it’s great on vegetables, eggs, and so much more), nutritional yeast (so delicious on popcorn), all of the cheeses (especially the Unexpected Cheddar), and the seasonal snacks. And the pizza sauce, and salsa, and olive oil–clearly, there’s not much I don’t like from TJ’s. I have had mixed results buying produce from their, but the return policy is great–no questions asked.
I love the soy chorizo in the refrigerated section. You get the flavor with much less grease. Their cheeses are also good and well priced.
Get to Trader Joe’s! These pretzels go soo well with your Reuben dip.
PUMPERNICKEL Pretzels.
Oooh those sound delish!
Oh those two holding paws!! I am smitten and convinced my Golden girl needs a buddy. This weather has been crazy! Tuesday was sheer joy. My daffodils even popped through the ground which is just too early for that to happen. The boys will seem SO much bigger when the baby arrives . . . I remembering that happening with each of my children when the next one arrived . . . . As you’re getting closer to delivery, I’m wanting more & more to turn the clock back to when mine were babies. I enjoyed those early years so much!
Have a great weekend! Go Pens!
My husband and I keep saying we wish they would just stay the age they are now. They’re so sweet, and they love us so much… one day we won’t be their whole world, and we’re definitely going to miss it, for sure. Trying to soak up these days! And yes, Go Pens! What a game, and what a trade! Will miss Ian Cole, though.
I love your photos of boys and dogs! You’re right about being more relaxed awaiting the arrival of each subsequent baby after your first. Babies have done just fine for centuries as long as they’re fed, warm, safe & dry. It is fun to decorate a nursery though. :)
Love Trader Joe’s but don’t get there very often so when I do I tend to stock up. My favorites items are:
*Greeting cards. Really cute, and each one is $1.00
*Flowers. Nice variety with good prices
*YES to nuts & dried berries. Unsweetened coconut flakes too.
*Tortillas & sourdough sliced bread. I bake my own loaves most of the time, and have made tortillas too but is handy to have TJ’s versions on hand. Both freeze well.
*Full fat organic yogurt. Comes in a red carton.
*Hash brown patties. I try not to have a lot of processed food in the house but these patties are the best I’ve tried. So convenient.
*Large TJ chocolate bars. Good to keep in pantry in case of need for chunk chocolate in a pinch for baking.
*Chocolate covered almonds with sea salt.
*Frozen pearl onions.
*Frozen leeks.
*Sour gummy worms. I find these by the cash registers.
In addition to the adult sized grocery carts, TJ has a few teeny carts for the wee ones to “help” with the shopping.
Let your readers know what you think!
Your boys are so cute! You’ll be ready by the time the littlest one comes. =)
TJ’s – Unfortunately the closest one to me is about 30 minutes away, so I don’t get there regularly. I love their coffee and always get some. Other recommendations – chocolate, triple ginger cookies, dried fruit, tomato soup, pesto, hand cream. I always try to find something new to try there when I go. Last time I got a bag of mini-ravioli to try, but I haven’t fixed it yet. Oh, somewhere I read a recommendation of their “Everything but the Bagel Seasoning.” Have not tried it yet myself. Have fun exploring.
Good morning Michelle. Joseph is a little lady killer and Dominic a little lady killer in the making. They are so precious and handsome. Duke and Judith are a match made in heaven. Touching paw-to-paw made my heart melt. God blessed you and your husband with a wonderful family.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Elaine xo
I love, love, love Trader Joe!! And I’ve never been disappointed in their products. Their Coconut body rub is phenomenal — I’m never without it and use it after my shower every time. And their flowers. You’ve got to get their flowers. I bought a dianthus bouquet two weeks ago and they look as fresh as a daisy. Be sure to change the water periodically and each time cut a bit of the stem. Also, use that bouquet powder you get in the water. I run out of it but Kroger floral dept. is nice enough to give you extra even though you don’t buy flowers there. I’ll go through several packets. I’d take a photo of the flowers and put it on your Facebook group but I know it’s for recipes. They have great pastas and their veggies are fresh. Hey, Trader Joes should pay me for all this promotion. 🤣 Let us know what you buy. Have a great weekend
I know I’m in the minority, but Trader Joe’s has just never impressed me that much. Ours is pretty small, but I’ve been to others and never seen one that was much bigger. Everyone is different, just thought I’d mention in case you end up feeling the same and wonder what you missed. I will say that the staff has always been great.
TJs — Definitely stock up on nuts (always fresh, and relatively inexpensive) and dried fruits (they have EVERYTHING!). I also really like their frozen veggies. And I hate to say it, but their cookies (and mini-cookies, which they sell by the tub) are really, really good. They have many different kinds, and I have yet to find one I don’t like. The filled maple-leaf ones are probably my favorite, but (thankfully) those tend to be seasonal.
Cookie butter is a must at Trader Joe’s! It comes in a jar like peanut butter. Seriously the best on apples or just straight out of the jar!
I’ve heard so much about this! I wonder how it compares to Biscoff?
It taste just like it!
Your boys are soooo adorable! They both look so much more mature in the past few months.
Thank you Arli, and I agree! They’ve both seemed so much older lately!