Friday Things #390
1. It was a really, really big week for Joseph… he “graduated” from his peanut oral immunotherapy program! We did a final challenge that confirmed he can now free eat peanuts, peanut butter, etc. That means he will be required to eat a minimum amount each day but can have more if he wants and will have blood work done every 6 months to check IgE levels. He is still considered allergic, but desensitized; his doctor said it can take 2 to 5 years for the numbers to come down completely and pass a skin test. He has also reached cross-contamination safety with cashews and pistachios, which opens up basically an entire world of possibilities in terms of eating. It just feels so surreal that we’ve reached this point; we’re still always nervous, but we have so much more peace of mind.
2. Isabelle is squeezing in every last drop of warm, sunshine-y bubble-blowing weather that she can. Also, why is my two-year-old 6 feet tall?!
3. Dominic loved his school easel painting project we did over the weekend, and he has started asking for school worksheets or homework when Joseph sits down to do his ❤️️
4. We’ve been doing tons of walking this summer and my old shoes are totally worn out, so I’m shopping for new ones. I’m not a runner, I just walk, either outside or on the treadmill… I’d love to hear some shoe recommendations if you are a walker, not runner! I had my eye on the Adidas Ultraboosts (I saw they were listed as a good walking shoe), but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
5. The comments on this post are guaranteed to brighten your day (and maybe give you some ideas on how to brighten someone else’s!) 💗
6. If you haven’t made them yet, be sure to put my Danish butter cookies on your baking list this year! They are popular year-round, but especially close to the holidays.
7. Since we’re heading into the cool weather season, I’d love to hear your favorite slow meals! Share them below in the comments, email me, whatever… looking for new ideas!
8. I started reading Atomic Habits and am not very far into it, but I am in LOVE with it so far! It talks about the notion of systems vs goals, which has basically blown my mind. Highly recommend; you can apply it to both work and personal improvement!
9. We finished watching Victoria, which seemed to end rather abruptly? Like they are planning another season? I couldn’t find a definitive answer when I did some searching. We’ve moved on to Upstairs, Downstairs (Hulu), which has a Downton Abbey vibe.
10. TGIF! Einstein used to sleep like this and I’d call it his “Superman” ❤️️
I love my New Balance – Foam!
I swear by BROOKS sneakers. They are the best! I even have starting symptoms of arthritis in my feet and Brooks are the best to soothe my feet. Sometimes I can’t wait to wake up and put them on!
As a former runner and now only a walker after 2 foot surgeries, I swear by Brooks! There are several different ones that I have tried and they are all great! I would go to a running shoe store and get fitted, they will assess you arch/if your feet are flat and what not and put in a pair that I am sure you will love!
I hope you’re enjoying Upstairs Downstairs. It was hands down my favorite series for years and I have watched a few episodes recently after watching Downton Abbey. It holds up well – none of the lush country estate backdrop but that wasn’t requisite back when Upstairs Downstairs was filmed. If you like the period English pieces, there are so many wonderful movies. Gosford Park is a favorite – takes a few viewings to be sure you’ve caught the multiple plot lines.
Haven’t made full meals in crockpot yet, but have used it to cook bulk pkgs of chicken breast to use in other recipes. Also makes awesome broth to freeze or use right away. Great news for Joseph! I used to buy Etonics to wear for walking and work. After I couldn’t find them I tried many different brands and have settled on New Balance. They are cushy and have great support. Victoria as far as I know is on hold. I read some people weren’t sure about coming back and some wanted more money. Then came Covid.
I definitely hear what you’re saying about the Victoria show. I watched all the episodes but now am just confused: is there another season to come or not? I was convinced that it wasn’t over yet and they had more they were going to explore and resolve. I’m still waiting . . . It’s a great show!
Hi, I enjoy your blog all the time. I am a walker and Monday – Friday, I walk 6.5 miles each and every day. I swear by Skecher’s De-Lites; each pair lasts me about 3 months: they are affordable, comfortable and my feet are happy. They are the perfect walking shoe in my humble opinion. So happy for Joseph and I know how relieved you must feel now that he has “graduated” into this stage.
I love the Sketchers Go-Walks shoes for walking. I have two pairs. These shoes are so comfortable and very lightweight. The Go-Walks have memory foam inside the shoe and make your feet feel great!
I love my Brooks adrenaline GTS. I only walk , every day. I’m older with feet and knee problems . They are the best.
You should really find a running store. Even though you aren’t a runner, they can find a shoe to work for your walking program. That being said, try on HOKA! And if the women’s doesn’t fit quite right, try the men’s!
Brooks adrenaline are my favorites! They are pricey but are awesome!
Slow cooker meals- we have recently been hooked on a chicken chili recipe, also love Fiesta Chicken
Love the Blog!!
Try the HokaOneOne Bondi 6 or Elevon. Both are in the plush category from Hoka and are so comfortable. I started wearing Hoka after I broke my ankle and my orthopedic surgeon recommended them. So comfortable.
I walk about 5 miles each day. I have flat, very narrow feet and have had one episode of plantar fasciitis. I wanted to try the ultraboost but couldn’t make myself do it. I found the adidas senseboost running shoe on sale for 70ish dollars so I bought in and haven’t looked back. Bought another pair recently and they are so comfortable and supportive!
I have tried new balance and they are good, but the senseboost has been great for me.
P.s. I’ve also found that adding a support in the running she was a game changer. I got some “better quality” ones from Costco online called Orthera brand. They were a little pricier than the usual ones you find but not nearly as pricey as the custom ones. And they were worth every penny. It takes a week or so to get used to the extra cushiony feeling in your shoe but ever since I had a year of plantar fasciitis I make sure I use that extra support.
Yay for Joseph on the peanut butter. I think it’s do great that they can work on their allergy to build up tolerance. What is life without a Reese’s peanut butter cup or a pb&j lol😊
I’m with the other bloggers on the shoes. I definitely go with a more “expensive” athletic shoe even if I’m just walking in them at gym. I’ve not tried Adidas but am up for it. Can’t wait to hear what you get. I’ve found Saucony to be a very good shoe, Brooks, Asics, and New Balance have been fine. Around the $100 mark before a sale is my target price I have found. Anything much lower in price it seems there is a huuuuuge difference in quality. I’ve also found it’s big time important to buy a new pair pretty regularly (I shoot for a new pair every 6-8 months) in the rotation to do what they are supposed to do properly. Otherwise I can feel a worn out shoe in my knees, back etc. One of the gifts of getting older I suppose😊
Beautiful pic of Isabelle and love Dominic’s art work. And wow to that flexible pooch! So love that you let them be a part of your family on the couch. You’re awesome!
I am a walker and used to buy less expensive shoes, but then my feet screamed at me. I love my Brooks Running shoes even though I no longer run, but do walk a lot and use them for the treadmill and for HIIT videos. I would recommend them.
The Adidas Ultraboost hands down are the best sneakers I have ever purchased. I wear them for walking my dog everyday. Worth every penny. Jessica of How Sweet Eats wears them as well. She has mentioned them in some of her blog posts.
I walk a minimum of 3-4 miles a day and LOVE my Brooks Adrenaline GTS.
Hi Michelle! Love your blog, but especially Friday Things. Thanks for bein awesome-possum.
I rarely comment, but I had to mention the shoes I love and wear constantly for walking and life! The Saucony Guide shoes have tons of support and feel great. They are technically running shoes, but why on earth would I do something like that?! They last a long time in Disneyland, too, with no achy feet. I have three pairs of Saucony that I rotate through every three days (thanks, Plantar Fasciitis, for making my shoe selection so lovely). I have the Saucony Hurricane, too, but love the Guide best. With how I wear them, they last me over a year a pair!
I also highly recommend Brooks and Aasics for walking!
I’ve been wanting to try Skechers Arch Fit but can’t find them ANYWHERE in my size!
Have loved you blog for some time now but finally getting around to letting you. I appreciate the pictures of your children (furry included!🐶), your family news and recipes.
Thank you so much!!🥰
Have a great weekend!!
Congratulations Joseph !!! I love peanut butter ! So happy to hear you can eat it now !!! It’s amazing what can be done in the medical field now 😊. Dominics a little artist ! Love the colors in your picture Dominic 😊. Isabelle is tall for her age she must be in the 90 th percentile! & her hair is getting so long & beautiful! Love the ponytail ❤️ I hope I get some free time this weekend to try making your grandmas biscottis! Let you know how they turn out !
Take a look at Ryka. Shoes are made for women. They have a great line for different activities and are reasonably priced. I’ve been wearing their aqua and walking shoes for years.
If you’re looking for a great walking shoe, I would recommend Saucony brand. I was a runner until I blew out my L4/5 disc, so now all I can do is walk. I had worn out my old running shoes and was looking for a new walking shoe. I went with the Saucony Cohesion 13. The price isn’t all that bad and I LOVE THEM!!! Plan to go up a 1/2 size for fit.
I really love my Teva walking shoes. They are really a leather trainer, but light to wear with great soles and support. I cannot post a link to them because I have had them for years, but other than a bit of scuffing, they are like new. And I wear them all the time, for dog walks, for chores, for gardening. And for hikes in Scotland. Thoroughly recommended.
You might like Hoka shoes, my husband and I walk a lot and this shoe takes the pressure off of your legs and hips
Brooks Ghost 12 are my favorite and only walking shoe I can wear. I have to use Blue Superfeet in them as well and back lace them as well. But, I have worn them for years and truely the only shoe that gives me all day support and comfort.
Hi Michelle,
Regarding running/walking shoes. I used to do a lot of running, but after two knee surgeries from running, had to quit. Now I do fast walking, but cycling is my main sport. I wear Altra Paradigm for walking, and they’re the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn!
I only walk but am on my 10th pair of New Balance 880s running shoe. Recommended because of past ankle and back issues. Lots if cushion and support.
So glad for Joseph! I remember you talking about his allergy & the doctor visits, so I’m sure it’s a huge relief!
For walking shoes- my mother has had major foot problems & even surgeries, at the bottom of both feet, over the years. Her doctors at Johns Hopkins have told her the best walking shoes are New Balance.
I have found, having tried a ton of walking shoes as well, that New Balance, really are the best. My husband too.
I would love to see a good red, turkey chili recipe for fall.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Two things: since you asked about good walking shoes, I’m following, as I too am looking for good walking shoes.
Secondly, that picture of Judith (I think . . . . or is it Duke?) sleeping cracks me up — it must be a Golden thing. My Benelli and Kimber sleep in that very same position. And my Ruger would sleep in that same position. All of them Goldens.
I have foot problems and SAS shoes have eliminated the need for surgery. They are not inexpensive but well worth the price. I wear the Active Comfort Shoe and have worn the comfort walking sneakers. Most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I will never wear any other shoe.
Good luck with your search for good shoes.
From Amazon:
SAS
Women’s Tour lace up Active Comfort Shoe
4.6 out of 5 stars 66
SAS
Women’s Tour Mesh Comfort Walking Sneakers
4.6 out of 5 stars 131
I’ve found RYKA sneakers to be the most comfortable for walking for me. They are supportive, yet light and fit great. I’ve used a few different model #s over the years.
Michelle – the post about kind words brought me to tears. So many beautiful comments. I hope we can use them as examples to be a little kinder and give each other a little more grace during these turbulent times. One of my favorite Mr. Rogers’ quotes, “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” Have a wonderful weekend.
Hello Michele,
I’ve been reading your Friday Things with great pleasure as always.
My favourite slow winter meal is the Carbonade flamande. It’s a dish from north of France and Belgium. It’s a beef stew with beer, but it’s not bitter at all, it’s actually quite sweet due to the addition of brown sugar (vergeoise) and gingerbread (pain d’épices), bacon, oignons… I know it sounds totally crazy but it’s delicious!
I was very interested to read about the Atomic Habit book. I have the bad habit of taking a sweet snack in late afternoon. I can’t seem to be reasonable : I could have an apple and a few almonds but of course I go for a box of cookies! I lost a lot of weight 2 years ago with a low glycemic index diet but I gained it all back due to this bad habit. So I’m really interested in trying to find a solution to break this habit, because most of the times I’m not even hungry I just eat because ‘it’s the time”. So I have ordered the book and hope it will help.
Bonne journée,
Audrey
Sketchers for walking. Most comfortable I have ever found.
My favorite Fall meal is Beef Bourguignon with a crusty loaf of bread!
Thank you for sharing your family and life with us. My children are grown and I’m soon to be a grandmother. Your Friday and Saturday posts are some of my favorites and I look forward to them each week. They always make me smile.
While we’ve never met, I can tell you’re a great mom and a wonderful person. I consider you my friend.
Congrats on graduation! My daughter has been in maintenance for peanuts for 4 years now and it is truly life changing! She has multiple allergies and her numbers for her other allergens are coming down as well, to the point where her allergist thinks she may no longer be allergic to them with a little bit more time. It’s amazing!