Friday Things
1. Isabelle was 1 month old on Sunday! How has it already been one month? I feel like I was still pregnant just yesterday; time totally flies. We’ve gotten into a little bit of a groove here as a family of five, but she’s still in the throes of eating and sleeping every few hours. I remember after having Joseph and Dominic that it was around the two month mark that things started to settle into a little bit of a routine. Until then, I’m still enjoying all of the sleepy baby snuggles that I can!
2. Joseph’s preschool had a tea party for Mother’s Day this week; all of the moms got to go and have snack time with the kids, which was so much fun. It’s been so wonderful watching Joseph’s transition since he started school back in September; he was so shy and barely talked to other people, and now he’s singing all of the songs, playing with his friends, talking nonstop. And apparently he told all of the kids repeatedly about his baby sister Isabelle (he’s so proud of her!) – so many moms told me their kids came home and told them Joseph said he got a new baby sister named Isabelle :)
3. We’ve been blessed having my mom and in-laws here a few days a week since Isabelle was born, which is wonderful because it gives me some time to rest and gets the boys a lot of one-on-one attention. Joseph has always flocked to whoever wanted to play with him, but my goodness, Dominic is so attached to my father-in-law. It’s adorable; when he comes in, Dominic runs over to him (past whoever else has walked in), and throws his hands in the air so he can be picked up. I love that he has a special bond with him. Also, have I mentioned he is my total goofball of a child? :)
4. My recovery has been going really well; I had a checkup on Monday and was cleared to do stairs and start light walking/exercising. I still can’t lift anything (including the boys) for the full 8 weeks to avoid a potential hernia. Aside from one little issue with my incision (one of my stitches didn’t dissolve), I couldn’t have asked for a better recovery so far.
5. I’ve had these flip flops on my wish list for years and I’m thinking of finally pulling trigger on them since I’m in need of some new shoes; since I was pregnant with Dominic I’ve gone up a 1/2 size and have virtually no summer shoes that fit me!
6. Totally craving the no bake banana split dessert – one of my favorites for summer!
7. We have a front room in our house that is technically a “formal living room” which I think is about the most useless room a house can have, so we’ve converted ours into a playroom for the kids. Except we don’t have storage yet and there are toys everywhere and I’m losing my mind. Then we decided on a storage solution (Kallax shelves with door inserts from IKEA), I went to order it and…. backordered. Of course.
8. Bummed that the Penguins playoff season ended early this year, but I wasn’t realistically expecting three in a row… so difficult to do! I’ll take our back to back wins and cheer wildly for Vegas so I can see Fleury lift the cup again. (And if not Vegas, then Tampa because… Kunitz.)
9. I’ve been craving chocolate chip cookies; I have tons of recipes on the site, but tell me what YOUR favorite recipes is (feel free to leave it in the comments below)!
10. TGIF! I hope you have a fun weekend!
Your daughter is b eautiful. Congrats. And the boys are so prec ious too. Thanks for the update.
Here are my two favorite CC Cookie recipes:
https://everyday-reading.com/recipe/best-chocolate-chip-cookie-recipe/ I’ve made this recipe so many times, and with only one random exception, they have come out perfect every single time. I buy crisco now to have on hand “just in case” I need to make these in an emergency :) Also, mixing the CC in before the flour? So smart!
My other favorite recipe isn’t loading right now, but is from Williams Sonoma’s food blog. Their recipe has 2 1/2 cups of chips and is just so delicious and easy. I was making theirs regularly until I found Everyday Reading’s.
You can never have too many CC Cookie recipes, though!
Here’s the other one. Got the link to work: https://blog.williams-sonoma.com/perfect-chocolate-chip-cookies/
Michelle, please an after pic when you have the shelves and doors assembled for the playroom. Looks like a great idea. Thanks
Hi Deb,
Love your blog!
I’m actually the mother of a blogger, The Kitchen Prep’s Dianna.
My favorite chocolate chip cookies are your “Cashew Chocolate Chip Cookies”. They have become a family favorite. Everyone who tastes them, loves them.
Your children are so cute. I would love to see a picture of your husband though. I feel like we see the children and dogs but never the hubby.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Michele
I really enjoy your Friday things. Your little ones are so cute. I really like the Chocolate Chip Treasure Cookies from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe chencafe.com/chocolate-chip-treasure-cookies/. These have crushed graham crackers, sweetened condensed milk and no eggs so aren’t quite like regular chocolate chips cookies. They are, however, hubby’s favorite. Give them a try if you have someone who can’t eat eggs. Now you make want to go make the Banana Split Dessert. Have a great Mother’s Day.
Have you seen the buzzfeed animal video High Scientific Anatomy of A Golden Retriever? So cute!
https://www.buzzfeed.com/kaelintully/bobby-flay-to-save-the-day?utm_term=.slbbJoN6PV#.ydKOJeV3Z9
https://picky-palate.com/how-to-make-perfect-m-and-m-cookies/
These are my favorite go-to chocolate chip cookies! I make others when I have more time that involve chilling, melted butter, different flours, etc…but these are my favorite to whip up in a flash!
Your family is beautiful! Thanks for sharing the pictures, time sure does fly. I would highly recommend the chocolate chip cookies called Tried and True by A bountiful Kitchen. They are hands-down my favorite and I’ve tried a lot of recipes. I also liked the recipe that floating on Pinterest where you slam the pan a few times in the oven by Vanilla Bean Baking. These are very different as they are thin and spread but they are so good as well. Enjoy your Mother’s Day.
I love reading your Friday things. I do especially love the NY Times choc chip cookies or the Neiman Marcus.
Happy Mother’s day in advance!
M
My parents built a new house when I was 11 where we moved with my four siblings. We too had a “formal living room” that had velvet chairs & the piano, and we girls were only allowed in there if we had dresses on – this was 1962. That lasted only a year or so. There were never any toys in there, but we entertained our boyfriends there. Sometimes you’ve got to be practical. Your playroom sounds great!
Glad you’re recuperaing well. Isabelle is precious! Your banana split dessert is one of my faves. Have a Happy Mother’s Day!!!
Beautiful babys! Toll House all the way. Except I like the comment about adding espresso powder to the recipe. Going to try that next time. Take care!
I’m with Belinda — my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe is the Toll House recipe from the back of the Nestles Chocolate Chip bag. I’ve been baking those for 50+ years and never been tempted by another. I’ve tasted others but never thought any were better. There’s something about those “back of the bag/box/can” recipes.
I thought my $65 flip flops were pricey!
I can tell Duke and Judith apart when they’re together, but not separately. Maybe you should put a hair bow on Judith!
Hi Sally! That’s Judith in the picture! Haha good idea!
Joseph is the perfect big brother! He seems so kind and loving to his siblings. I love the picture of you an Joseph – you look GREAT, my dear!
I bet your father-in-law loves that little Dominic thinks he’s special, too! My oldest was the one who really made over my parents – and until they day they died, he was still the special one! I love the picture of him with his fork – what a silly nut!
Thank you again for sharing your sweet family with us!
Bummed about our Pens too, and I’m not really wanting to find out what Rutherford has in mind for the off season. Last off season’s demolition of our defense was horrible. However, YES to the VGK and watching Fleury. If TB would win the cup this year that would mean 5 rings for Kunitz who would definitely go down as the Pens most under rated player ever. We’re missing him this year too . . . .
Is that Duke or Judith? I can’t distinguish one from the other any more. Have a great Mother’s Day with the kiddos!
My favorite choc chip cookie recipe is the “Soft and Chewy” recipe you posted a while back. My daughter is not a cake, or cupcake fan so for her birthday she requested chocolate chip cookies. They were a huge hit! Thanks!
YOUR New York Times Chocolate Chip cookies are my hands down favorite. The search ended when I discovered those. I get asked for those all the time & someone always asks for the recipe when I take them somewhere. Maybe it’t the salt, but there is just something about those that are SO good!
I just want you to know I totally have backyard envy! That pic with your son and all those trees! I live in Los Angeles, I would give a lot for a view like that! Just without spiders and other bugs lol.
Happy Mother’s Day, Michelle! Enjoy your day with all your cutie patooties!
Joseph’s looks have changed so much. He is (always was) such a handsome (growing up) boy.
Isabelle?? I think today (!?) she resembles Dominic…..so sweet….
I love your Friday posts. Just wanted to mention that i just purchased a pair of Sketchers go Walk canvas boat shoes. They are so comfortable. You can order them online at Kohls and use Mom30 for the 30 % and also use their $10 coupon for Mother’s Day. I was able to get them for around $40.
Happy Friday! Love the little updates on your family. Time does go so quickly. They sure don’t stay little for long, so enjoy every moment! I say buy the shoes! They are classics, and I’m sure you’ll love them. Also, try your local Craigslist for the Kallax. In my area, they are often listed there. That’s where I got mine! I also bought the Trofast system off of Craigslist. We put ours in my son’s room as it definitely looks like kid furniture. At least with the Kallax, you can buy the doors or pretty baskets and hide kid stuff so the area looks a bit more put together.
Have a great weekend!
such a beautiful baby girl—such a beautiful family –kind of hard for me to tell which doggie is Duke and which doggie is Judith now—-who is in this pic on Friday things today? Is that Duke or Judith?
Aww thank you Sophie! That’s actually Judith!
So those sandals are super cute! I have a thing for Rainbow leather flip flops. Honestly the most comfortable functional flops ever. Not the cutest, but I live in them.
My favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe is hands down Joy the Baker. It gets absolute rave reviews from everyone.
http://joythebaker.com/2014/05/the-best-brown-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies/
I also love the Levain copycat chocolate chip cookie: but it isn’t well received by the typical chocolate cookie lovers (at least mine).
Love your Friday posts. Have a great weekend!
Second vote for the brown butter CCC. Brown butter takes them to another level. The pecans are optional but add a nice depth of flavor. Add a little sea salt on top and you have the perfect cookie, imho. I have baked them for two groups and people raved about them!
So be sure to tell us next week how the dogs are doing with another family member, especially Judith. So many changes for her.
Such a beautiful photo of little Isabelle…those eyes!
When I was teaching kindergarten, we celebrated the sibling births in our classroom by asking for a photo of the baby with the student. We then sat with the student and he/she wrote a few thoughts about the new baby. We then posted the picture and the thought just outside the door of our classroom with a celebratory heading. Celebrating the birth with classmates and familes was so special for our classroom and families.
I just made the chocolate chip cookie recipe from Joanna Gaines new cookbook, Magnolia Table. I really loved it because there was no chilling required and the cookies came out perfectly with crispy sides and soft, chewy centers. Also, they have a TON of chocolate chips…almost too many, if that is possible.
Have a wonderful Mother’s Day, Michelle…with lots of snuggles.
Happy 1 Month Bday to Isabelle!
I wanted to give you a heads up on those ikea Kallax shelves in case you haven’t seen them in person. The plain shelves without the door inserts are fabulous but once the doors go in, the hinges take up so much room, it reduces usable shelf size by almost 1/3. We ended up skipping the doors and using an assortment of baskets and lidded boxes made to fix the shelves instead. Hope this helps!
Beautiful children! Chocolate chip cookies…love any soft ones. And those sandals….well, I’ve got them in several colors…love them. Be aware they run a full size smaller.
Hands down, my current favourite chocolate chip cookie recipe is this one from Joy the Baker:
http://joythebaker.com/2014/05/the-best-brown-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies/
The browned butter makes them so rich and nutty it’s a wonder any of the dough actually makes it into the oven! Seriously delicious and garners rave reviews.
My favorite Chocolate Chip cookie recipe is the Toll House one on the back of the Nestle Chips bag. Those flip flops are WOW. I just broke down and got a pair of Tieks by Gavrieli. They are so comfortable. Your children are precious.
You have beautiful family, Michelle! I so enjoy the photos of your children and dog…..as well as your recipes! God bless you all.
The only chocolate chip cookie recipe I use is the one on the back of the Nestle TollHouse Chocolate Chips package. I usually back them a little less time so they’re soft and chewy and add a bit of sea salt to give them an extra kick of sweet and salty! They’re always a hit.
Plus, I can’t help but laugh at the Friends reference (Nest-lay Tollooze) every time I make them : )
I’ve been cyber stalking those Miller shoes for a few months now! Time to pull the trigger…..I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews. Happy Mother’s Day!
Love reading about your little family…
About the flip-flops: they are cute but the sole are apparently in patent leather…it’s weird! Won’t it make you perspire?
I had to say it before you bought 198$ shoes!!!
Whatever chocolate chip cookie recipe I use, I always add 1 T instant espresso powder and a teaspoon of cinnamon.
You have to try Big jumbo chewy chocolate chip cookies from craftycookingmama.com! So easy to make and my absolute favorite. I mix them in my KitchenAid with no issues but she does caution the dough is thick. They’re just perfect.
$198 flip flops ?????
Hi April,
I was also surprised at the price of the flip flops. Hopefully they are comfortable.
Happy Mother’s Day Michelle💐
Go Jets Go!!!!!!🇨🇦
That picture of Dominic totally made my morning!! Yes us middle kids are a fun bunch.
Love Isabelle’s hair bow. Not sure if you follow Lizzy of the Your Cup of Cake blog but she is selling handmade hair bow sets that are super cute – her IG story has details.
Totally agree about the Pens. At least the stress level in our lives has reduced significantly! Not sad that the Preds are too. Go Golden Knights!
Have a very Happy Mother’s Day with your lovely family.
*Oops – meant Preds are out too
It is hard to believe Isabelle is az month old! She seems to be doing really well. Joseph is such a sweetheart – good picture of the two of you. Dominic makes me laugh and it’s great to hear he’s bonding so well with his grandpa:). The sandals are really cute!
https://www.marthastewart.com/1520237/caramel-stuffed-chocolate-chip-cookies
The directions are kind of wonky and as you can see in the comments, the math is off, but if you follow the proportions, 1.5 caramels per cookie, these are some wonderful cookies. I normally make a whole batch and just leave them frozen and bake as needed (needed!!!!)
Oh my gosh I laughed so hard seeing that picture of Dominic!!! He looks like a pirate with a fork eyepatch! This will be a great picture to show future girlfriends when he is older! Your family is amazing! Glad you are recovering well!