Friday Things
1. We rang in the new year with a little day field trip on New Year’s Eve – we took the kids to the Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum and the boys LOVED it! Dominic, especially, hasn’t stopped talking about the “choo choo trains” and, bonus, Isabelle hung out like a champ.
We came home and relaxed, then made homemade pizzas for dinner, which the boys really enjoyed. Everyone was asleep well before midnight here!
2. I am still knee-deep in the holiday fog of not having the slightest idea what day it is and being all out of sorts. Joseph went back to school on Wednesday, but his regular activities on Thursday aren’t back yet, so we’re still sort of in routine limbo. I’m sure this coming Monday will have us all back in the groove!
3. Last Saturday, I sat and went through all of my grandma’s old recipes that my mom had brought over MONTHS ago. It was such a treasure trove of old gems – recipes written in her handwriting on the back of stationary from 1958… a booklet from Frigidaire on “The New Thrills of Freezing with your Frigidaire Food Freezer”… mixed in with the recipes were also receipts from my mom’s wedding gown, a bill from the hospital when she had my mom, my great-grandfather’s obituary… it was such a great time going through all of them. I saved a ton of my favorites and am excited to share them with you!
4. I’ve started taking showers in the evening again to try to expedite my mornings, but boy, sometimes if I wait until right before bed to take one, I lose track of time just standing under that hot water and I swear I could just fall asleep standing up, it’s SO relaxing.
5. I got the new iPhone xR a month or so ago, and am so bummed about portrait mode on the camera! It takes brilliant photos if you are in super bright light, but just regular inside-your-house lighting? The photos are SO pixelated. I just assumed I must be doing something wrong, but when I did some research, I found that the camera processing was built so that you could take pictures in lower light and have them exposed well, but that means a higher ISO is necessary, which creates noise/pixelation in the photos. I really, really hope they make an adjustment to the software, gah!
6. I am in the market for a new Dutch oven, and would love to hear your thoughts on Le Creuset vs Staub. When I got my first (and only!) Dutch oven about 12 years ago, Le Creuset was the only brand on my radar; I’ve since found that many people swear by Staub, as well. If you have used both, or Staub, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
7. Who uses Instacart? I wouldn’t use it for our everyday groceries, since our grocery store offers curbside pickup and delivery if we ever need it, but I am SO tempted to use it for Costco! Our Costco is about 15-20 minutes from our house and ALWAYS busy, but is it worth the $8.99 delivery fee?? That seems so high, BUT time is money, right?!
8. This might be totally new to me, but I started buying the “fresh stacks” packages of saltine crackers and graham crackers, where they package smaller amounts of crackers in multiple little stacks inside the box. Ummm… they are a million times better than the regular ones! They almost have more of a toasted/fresh flavor? Totally sold on them.
9. We binged The Innocent Man on Netflix over the last week, and just, wow. I initially wanted to watch it just because I was obsessed with everything John Grisham when I was a young teenager, thinking about wanting to go to law school, but once we got into the first episode, my husband and I were hooked. Such a crazy, insane, and disturbing story.
10. TGIF! This old married couple wishes you a wonderful weekend!
The big question… what color is your new Staub?
Grenadine! :)
Your posts start my Friday off with a light heart and a smile! Your adorable children have grown cuter each week! Thanks!!!
Wishes for tasty dishes, Linda
Get the express membership for Instacart! It’s $99/year, which even if you do twice a month, is still slightly cheaper. However, I used to do pick up and now that i have this express, I do delivery from 2-3 stores each week and no matter what it’s less than $2 per week with that membership. (It’s free delivery unlimited with the membership.) It is a game changer for me! And I didn’t have to haul my Costco stuff myself!
A Happy New Year to you! While looking at the pictures of the boys making their own pizzas, i noticed your fridge has notes on it. Ever since we updated to stainless, I’ve been missing my magnetic fridge notes. How are your memos/notes attached?
Hi Dawn! We bought one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E7XT3AY/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and attached it to the fridge with command strips :)
One of my biggest regrets is not getting my beloved Grandma’s recipes..even a few of them..what was I thinking..or not thinking. Hope u share some of your Grandma’s recipes, can’t wait. On Costco..not sure how that came up but I’m absolutely a Costco girl…love it. I can do almost all of my shopping there w just a few stops at a local grocery store here and there. Loyal costco member for yeeeeeeeears. P.s those decadent Felina leggings on coupon this month..11.99 for a 2 pack…such a bargain and their luxuriously soft and warm…sturdy but not too binding. Go a size smaller they run big.
I am still using a Le Creuset casserole I got as a wedding present 39 years ago. No complaints! Have bought more since but it is my standby for baked chili!
I have had a Lodge Dutch over for almost a decade and I love it. It gets used all the time.
I love my Staub. I have several pieces and love the way the bumpy lids make the steam gather and drop down on the food. The colors are beautiful. The inside dark color is great because it does not discolor with the use of tomato sauces or stirring.
I use InstaCart at work all…ALL…the time!! If I have some things I need for work…I plug in an order, and it’s there within two hours. Need some stuff to make dinner tonight; bingo! I have a disability and can’t walk a lot, so this service is GREAT for me, to not have to wade through crowds and wait in line, with my back and knees killing me. I also use Walmart’s PickUp Service, for the same reasons, as well as several food delivery services. Yes, it can be pricy, but I’d rather pay in dollars than in days “down” from overdoing my back and other parts that hurt. It’s a personal thing, but for me, it is SO worth it.
Love, love, love your ‘Friday Things’ posts/emails!
The boys look like they enjoyed the train field trip. If you are ever road tripping on Route 78 (near LehighValley) you should consider stopping at Roadside America which is a large miniature village and train display. At certain times it goes from day to night in the display which is really cool to see the village lit up for night.
I’ve have my LeCreuset Dutch oven for 20 years. I love it. If something ever happened to it , I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one. ( I really want to buy another one just to have 2) I just finished The Haunting of Hill House and Bird Box. I think I’ll start watching innocent man on Netflix this weekend.
Regarding Dutch ovens…I had a cheapie ceramic one from Aldi and it worked perfectly! Having moved back to Canada I was in the market for a new one and instead of the brands you mentioned, I bought Lagostina. I’ve only made lamb shanks in it but they turned out well. I got it on sale at Canadian Tire. Sometimes it isn’t necessary to spend a lot on cookware in my experience.
I still have a drawerful of old photos, letters, etc from when my mom died. I had a brief look and found a letter from the then King of England to my mom expressing condolences when her brother died in WW2. I plan to donate it to a war museum. Not sure what else is in there but I’m sure it will be interesting.
I am putting The Innocent Man on my watching list on your recommendation. Sometimes I find it hard to find something to watch even with Netflix, Crave, the Movie Channels, etc. Love seeing the kids participate in cooking…hopefully this will instill a lifelong interest in it. Happy New Year!
Oh my goodness, what a treasure you found in your mom’s things, and how wonderful of you to want to donate it! And I totally feel you – we are often left with nothing good to watch even though there are literally hundreds of channels and streaming services! Crazy!
Hi,
I use staub. I like how they are designed. I have two oval one’s and a few other pieces from them in stoneware and cast iron.
My husband and I are both blind, so use instacart regularly to get our groceries delivered. I’ve been meaning to try them with Cost Co delivery, since it isn’t always possible to get a ride to the store. We could use uber or lyft, but sometimes it’s easier for us to get things delivered.
Happy New Year! I love, love my Le Creuset pots! Mine are all about 10-12 years old and still in beautiful condition. I also have ones that are Made in France. I only say that because apparently Creuset’s are being made outside of France now? I’m not an expert but that’s what I have been told by some. I have been dying to try Staub only because I just love gadgets and tools, etc! Good luck, keep up your awesomeness!
Your grandma’s recipes sound like such a treasure! I’m excited to see them (make sure to post pictures of the recipes!).
And have you considered an non enameled Dutch oven? I have a Lodge, and the clean up is a breeze once it’s properly seasoned.
I’ve thought about Lodge, will have to give it more consideration, thanks!
I’ve had a Lodge enameled dutch oven for 8+ years, and I love it. I’ve never had a Le Creuset or Staub, so I can’t compare, but the Lodge has held up very well (and I use it for everything from braises to bread).
If your boys like trains like my one son likes trains, then a trip to the Titusville Railroad and Caboose Motel should be in your future! The Motel is actually cabooses that have been transformed into individual rooms.
Love following your page. I too live in Western PA, north of Pittsburgh; and, I own a small bakery. Would love a visit if you’re ever up this way!
Ooooh thank you for the recommendation, will definitely check that out! What is your bakery?!
Katy’s – Homestyle Bakery & More in Ellwood City! Just a hop, skip & jump from Pittsburgh!
Reading your blog/posts remind me so much of my family. I use a lot of my Grams recipes.
There is also a transportation museum in Harlansburg that has train cars. Not sure if you can go through them, but I’m sure there is info online.
Oh, and I love my Lodge cast iron Dutch oven.
America’s Test Kitchen and Serious Eats both rate LeCreuset as the best.
I have 2 Staub dutch ovens and I love them. I also have a Le Creuset that I got a deal on a few years after I bought my Staubs. I love both brands.
I made you recipe for Royal Dansk cookies for Xmas. They were DIVINE!! Looked just like the original but I thought the taste was better. A keeper recipe for sure
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the cookies!!
Happy Healthy New Year Michelle and family! The pics of your kids are so cute! I love the pic of Isabelle that you captured, ready to play with her toys and stopped and smiled at you!😀
I had a Le Creuset that I did love, then put spices in it to let it simmer all day and it ruined it! 😢
Now I have a Staub and I love it!
I have to get a new phone or at least a new carrier…terrible!
It must of been a real treasure trove looking thru your grandmother’s things! As always …love your goldens!
That is so priceless to have all of those mementos from your grandma! Did you know that on Etsy you can get an old handwritten recipe printed onto a plate? I’ve seen them on there and they look so cool! Love your blog, your kiddos are precious, and your dogs are adorable! :)
I have seen that! My sister has one of my grandma’s recipes framed in her kitchen :)
I have both the Le Creuset and Staub cookware and feel the Staub is far superior to Le Creuset. It cooks more evenly and it much easier during clean-up.
I am super excited to see when you post some of the old recipes you found! I LOVE finding old cookbooks (like the great Betty Crocker ones from the 50’s & 60’s!) and seeing their great ideas — bringing back some of those would be so much fun! Very excited for this!!
I bought a Staub about a month ago with the dark interior. I only have 1 of each so my experiment is limited. My Le Creuset is a 5 qt and the Staub is a 4 qt but with slanted sides.
The Staub is slightly textured and I prefer the smoothness of the Le Creuset
For some reason even with the hottest of water and ultra dawn the lid of the Staub smears and I can’t figure out why.
It might be habit but I prefer the “feel” of the Le Creuset when moving it around.
I cook on a gas stove and as far as cooking the Staub does not seem to release as well for me. I think they both heat about evenly although the Le Creuset might heat a little slower.
I’ll be interested to hear comments from others on what they prefer!
Happy New Year!
I highly recommend “Lion” on Netflix! Based on a true story and is so good!
I’ve had a LeCreuset for years, and used it for stews, roasts, soups. Use it both on the stove & in the oven. I’ve never used a Staub, but I love
my LeCreuset. It’s a real workhorse!
Christmas and New Year’s Day being on Tuesdays has really messed me up too. My days are really off. Hopefully next week, being back to a regular week, will set me straight. Love seeing Duke and Judith together . . . makes me think I need to – MUST – get another Golden before my Golden girl gets too old.
Have you considered an All-Clad Dutch oven? I have one and LOVE it. The moisture retention is great. Clean up is easy. Stove top and oven friendly. I use it for so many things, from roasting meats to making 10 lbs of mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving. Durability is tops. I haven’t found anything that I do not like about it and I’ve had mine for 5 years (at least).
Have a great weekend! Let’s Go Pens! Ready for an 8-game win streak tonight!
Totally looking into the All-Clad Dutch oven, thanks for the recommendation!
I love fresh stacks! I bought the saltine one because I can eat a whole sleeve of saltines if they’re there. And I love having fresh crackers whenever.
I am so jealous that your kids eat pizza! My kids refuse and I would love to do make your own pizza with them!
Oh my gosh, do not be too jealous, this is the ONLY way they’ve eaten pizza! And they didn’t go hog-wild or anything. Anytime my husband and I get pizza, they refuse to eat it and request sunbutter & jelly sandwiches… we constantly tell them they are the only kids in the world who don’t want to eat pizza. I guess they’re not alone! But maybe they would eat it if they made it? I think that’s really what it was for Joseph and Dominic, they were totally into making them, so they were excited to see how they came out, and then eat them.
If your kids love trains, a great experience is getting to actually ride on Thomas the Train!
They do it twice a year—in PA too. Google “A Day out with Thomas the Train PA.” We took the kids to the one in PA & they loved it. It’s usually around June, in Lancaster. Lots of activities to do as well, at the event.
When we went, we made a mini weekend of it. You can get a combo ticket for that, & then take the kids to Dutch Wonderland. Not sure if you heard of it, but it’s known as “The Kingdom for Kids.” Sooo much fun, & it’s all geared for kids 8 and under. Well run, clean, & the lines for the rides are never long! Great shows to take a break as well.
Thank you for the recommendation, that might be fun for the summer!
I’ve used Instacart since April from Krogers for $11.95.
But I’ve only paid that a couple of times because if you buy certain items from companies like Kraft, Campbell, etc they give you free delivery.
I’m using a walker now and could never carry my groceries into my apartment.
(I’m tired after walking through the store, then carrying groceries, and then putting them away).
Think about how much gas and time it takes to do the grocery shopping and taking the kids out in the cold, rain, or even really hot days.
It’s been a life saver for me.
Here’s my thoughts about Costco – even though it’s crowded, don’t you kind of enjoy the experience? I joined our Costco (same one as you) when it opened and I was buying food for my son’s 1st birthday party. I continued the membership, justifying the expense thinking that if I could pay for my daughter to do gymnastics, I could certainly afford this type of membership (and entertainment) for myself. I would drop her off at gymnastics and head to Costco with my son to kill time, save money on bulk items, try the samples while wondering the store finding all the cool things sold there. There are lots of impulse items, but truly some interesting things you only find by shopping there. Plus, your kids probably enjoy going with you. Now my son is a senior in high school and one rainy weekend day this fall I told him if he came to Costco there would be tons of yummy samples and he could pick something for dinner. He hadn’t been to Costco in years. It was a very odd day for samples so I had to buy him food from the food court there since there were NO good samples! Ha! He was miserable since he didn’t want to go anyway! Anyway, I’d say save the delivery fee and keep going to Costco!
I enjoy reading your blog, seeing your kids grow, and seeing photos of your goldens! :)
So, I totally do NOT enjoy the experience, haha! I am not really a shopper (in any sense, my mom couldn’t get me to go to the mall just to shop when I was a teenager!), I prefer to just get what I need and get out, lol. But when I told my husband about potential Costco deliveries, he said, “but it’s sort of fun to go to Costco!” so he does enjoy the experience ;-)
I don’t have a Le Creuset or a Staub, but I do have a Tramontina round Dutch oven. So far, I’ve only used it for bread baking, but I’m in love! I think I have the 6.5-quart one, which cost about $55 on Amazon (it was my husband’s anniversary gift to me–six years of marriage is apparently “iron,” so he went with a cast iron dutch oven lol).
https://www.surlatable.com/category/TCA-257731/Dutch+Ovens+%26+Braisers?cleanSession=true&pCat=CAT-257066
I have the Sur La Table Dutch oven and use it all the time. I do prefer the ones with the black interior because they seem to hold up better. They have other brands also and they are on sale right now. Good luck
Costco has their own two day delivery with no fee with a $75 order. Same day delivery is supposed to be coming to Pgh area soon. There is a note by an item if the delivery price may not be the same as in the warehouse.
Did not know that! Thank you! :)
I live a good 40 minutes from Costco, I would happily pay $9.00 for delivery. Too far to drive, crazy parking lot (not to mention that my car was severely damaged one day-of course no note on my windshield!), crowds, long lines-$9.00 is nothing!
Happy New Year! We have started watching “Innocent Man”. Check out the “Dogs” series on Netflix. It is only 6 episodes, I think, but it’s good.
If you order Costco delivery by Instacart through Costco.com (scroll all the way down in the menu)there isn’t a delivery fee, but the prices are slightly inflated (at least in our area).