Friday Things
1. Duke will be 10 weeks old tomorrow, and my what a difference a week makes! His face has matured, his legs have grown like weeds and his ears have even gotten longer… all in one week! He’s become much more playful and energetic, which means that our house has turned into a full-time circus when you throw Einstein into the mix.
2. I mentioned last week that I was going to see a hand specialist about my finger issues since I sliced it back in June. Well, the doctor believes there is some scar tissue issues and/or tendon damage and recommended surgery, which would consist of a recovery time of anywhere from one week with stitches to eight weeks in a full forearm splint. Can you say, “ugghhhh”?! I’m going to get a second opinion before I get sliced open, but, ughhh not good news.
3. As you know, I’ve been referring to my now-husband as my Chief Culinary Consultant since we began dating nearly five years ago. Since we’re married now, I thought I would take a little informal reader poll… Would you like me to continue referring to him as my Chief Culinary Consultant, or “my husband”? Feel free to cast a vote in the comments below :)
4. I have become completely enamored with Bobbi Brown makeup. I started buying it here and there a few years ago, and now 99% of my makeup bag consists of Bobbi Brown. Are any of you long-time users? Do you have any favorite product recommendations or suggestions for “looks” to put together?
5. A BEB reader, Lola, created a gluten-free version of the Snickers Cake that I created in April for my dad’s birthday. If you are on the hunt for gluten-free recipes, be sure to check out her modification!
6. The Essie Fall 2013 nail colors are out!
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I picked up three of them last weekend – Twin Sweater Set (#1), The Lace Is On (#2) and After School Boy Blazer (#4). The “boy blazer” color is a rich blue-black color, which is pretty different from what I usually wear, but I decided to step outside my box. Any tips for wearing this color? Is it best with certain clothes of a certain shade?
7. I’ve just recently started reading about cooking bacon in the oven instead of in a skillet. I love skillet bacon, but it makes a huge mess and it takes quite awhile. When I’m lazy, I use the microwave, but that can get equally as greasy. Have any of you made bacon in the oven? Thumbs up? I think I’m going to give it a try this weekend. I’ll be sure to report back :)
8. I am more than ready to do some fall shoe shopping. I’m in desperate need of some nice brown boots, and I have my eye on this pair of Frye boots. I have a hard time getting over the price hurdle, though. If you have Frye boots, are they really long-lasting? If I’m going to spend that much, I want to be able to wear them for more than a couple of seasons!
9. Also on my fall shopping list is a new purse. I’m a big Coach fan, but I’m thinking of checking out some other brands this fall. Who are your favorite purse makers?
10. TGIF! All you need is love… ♥
Hand injuries are a pain…
Hand trouble still… bummer !!!
I cut the tendon of my pinky on my right (main) hand while putting away glasses 2 years ago, had a splint for almost 2 months and I can only say : physical therapy ! My hand was stuck in place, just not moving at all, when I took the splint off but man ! the therapy really helped! It helps you regain strength with movement you would’nt think of doing. Also I had sessions whilst I had the splint on to have the swelling reduced thanks to massages and to stop adhesion of the scar tissue on the tendons…
It is a very French thing maybe, but I guess you can have access to post op services like that this in the US… it might help you without having to go through surgery again !
I vote for CCC! I think it’s unique/quirky :P I guess for people who might be confused who that is, you could say he’s your husband in the FAQ section?
P.S. I’ve been reading your blog since posted Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispies Treats (which are AWESOME by the way) but don’t think I’ve ever commented…anyway, just wanted to say that your blog makes me really happy :)
CCC is a super title for your husband — it took me a little to figure it out but I think it is a fun reference. Love the Duke/Einstein photos. Please just one wedding photo? Definitely get a second opinion on your hand. Good Luck! Your blog makes my day.
That picture of Duke and Einstein sleeping together MELTS. MY. HEART. So cute!
I vote for CCC. Your loyal followers know who he is!
I’ve always liked the ring of “Chief Culinary Consultant”! I suppose you could throw in a ‘husband’ from time to time, such as, “My husband, the CCC,” etc. I refer to my fellow as the Culinary Enthusiast on my blog, and occasionally call him by his first name. Whatever feels natural!
I vote Chief Culinary Consultant stay, it’s cute and fun and anyone can have a husband, but yours is something more special than just that. But I know it is fun to be able to call him husband, so whatever you think is best for you is what you should go with.
As for Bobbi Brown, I adore her lip products especially. For eye shadows, I am a complete MAC devotee. Their colors are spectacular and the stay on for a long time. For mascara, the best is L’Oreal voluminous false fiber lashes. I swear my eyelashes are longer and fuller since I started using it, it’s amazing. Goes on easy, no clumping, my lashes look natural. Adore.
For purses, I was always a Coach girl too, but then got tired of everyone else having their bags too. I love my Kate Spade purses that I own, you can usually get pretty good deals at either an outlet or sign up for their newsletter. They often have really good sales for newsletter subscribers or facebook followers. The purses are fun, functional and well made.
Check out Roots for bags. I have the Venetian Village Tribe bag and love all of the compartments. It keeps me organized.
http://usa.roots.com/leather/handbags-purses-hobos-shoulder-bags/leatherViewAllWomensBags,default,sc.html?pageSize=1000
My daughter-in-law referred me to your site for the chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting recipe. I made a double batch last night to bring to work for my birthday TODAY and they are FABULOUS!!!
We have a nearly 3 yr old Golden names Riley. He has been the best possible gift my husband and I could have ever given ourselves. I look forward to following your posts about your beautiful Goldens!
I’d say stick with CCC – and I recommend Michael Kors bags!
I cook bacon in the oven all the time! I line my baking sheets with foil so it’s less of a mess. Also, if I don’t want to have the bacon cooking in all the fat, I lay the bacon across cookie cooling racks that I sit in the baking sheet. Then you can just throw the baking racks in the dishwasher and throw the foil away.
Your dogs are so cute together!
I am a relatively new reader, and I assumed, until you started posting about your wedding, that Chief Culinary Consultant was your husband. I thought that it was a very clever name with the right hint of endearment. If you don’t believe that other readers will put the two together and figure out that he is you husband, then call him your husband. Otherwise, keep the clever name that makes his role in your kitchen/blog so noteworthy and unique! On the Frye boots, I have a short pair of brown ones that I got at the Zappos outlet south of Louisville, KY. I got them at a deep discount; I had been eyeing them for months and really wanted them. They are very comfortable and sturdy and worth at least what I paid for them. I say that if you cannot take your eye off of them until you try a pair, then you should go for it. If you don’t feel that strongly and just want some comfortable and long lasting boots, then I would suugest that you go online to Country Outfitter. I recently discovered them, and they have the cutest, reliable brand name boots. They have Fryes, but they also have boots that look a lot like Fryes for a lot less. Hope this helped!
Frye boots are amazing. I’ve had a pair of Melissa tall lace up boots that have lasted me 5 years and look even better now than they did when I first got them. Not to mention they’re so comfortable- I hiked the grand canyon in them! Totally worth the price.
Duke is adorable! And Chief Culinary Consultant is more fun and cute sounding. :)
I love your new puppy Duke he is adorable! Makes me want to get a puppy. I vote with CCC as well. My daughter and I are fans of Essie nail polish. My favoritebpurse brand is Louis Vuitton, but beware they are very expensive.
ohmygoshYES to husband! It seems I’m in the minority though.
Good luck with your hand/finger. Surgery with a long recovery seems a little excessive. I hope it all turns out well!
Love that navy nail color. At least if one finger is out of commission for a bit, the other nine will look pretty!
For the boots check out justfab.com, below is the link. Good quality for only
$39.95 or you can pay a tad bit more ($50-60) for the Lux Line ;)
http://www.justfab.com/invite/BeStunning/
I like CCC, however you should maybe elevate that even further. Just a thought.
Puppies sure grow fast, specially golden retrievers! It’s almost like you need to take a daily picture so you don’t miss a thing!
I’d say your “CCC” title is very original, I have not seen anyone else use it, so I’d vote for you to keep it. ;)
The picture of Duke and Einstein is so cute, it just made my heart melt! Now I’d like for my dog to have a brother! Happy Friday!
First, sorry to hear about your hand. I would get a second and third opinion before a surgery decision…there are never any guarentees…stuff can happen… so you want to be as informed as possible.
I love the Duke/Einstein updates. I think you should post a new picture of Duke each Friday next to the one from the prior week so we can all follow his growth progress…just a selfish suggestion as I have severe puppy envy.
Your puppies are adorable! I love how you now have a buddy for Einstein . As for your hand, most definitely get a second and maybe a third opinion . Check with friends for recommendations. There are too many doctors eager too cut. Just saying, better safe than sorry.
I vote for husband. He has earned that title, it’s shorter and less confusing. When I first started reading your blog I though the CCC was your assistant, than I thought there was a little but “more” than that, then I thought you were having a fling with your kitchen assistant and were a lesbian (not that there;s anything worng with that). Just feel husband would be less confusing to newbies to your blog…..
“I thought you were having a fling with your kitchen assistant and were a lesbian”
WTF.
I vote to call him your hubs! Duke is such a cutie – love those golden retrievers! I cook bacon in the oven more often than not – I place the bacon on a cooling rack that’s placed on top of a cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Comes out nice and crispy!
I love oven bacon! If you love bacon at buffets or brunches, you will love oven bacon as many restaurants lay bacon out on sheet pans and bake it. And when it’s done you can lay it out on paper towels and then easily drain the grease from the pan. PS – Your dogs are gorgeous!
Your puppy is so….cute! I make bacon in the oven all the time! Parchment paper lined baking pan and its easy cleanup whether you save the grease or toss it! Cooks evenly, no turning and a lot quicker than in a skillet. I am impatient when I smell bacon cooking so quick is awesome!
Definitely Chief Culinary Consultant. Just like I call my husband, who takes care of so much of our cooking, cleaning and other chores, my Domestic Engineer! ;)
1. Oh those pups are adorable!
2. My vote is to continue the CCC title!
3. Bacon in the oven is the only way to go for me, but I love the idea of twisting them first. Thanks to whoever posted that tip!
4. I’m in a Coach purse rut and am liking all the suggestions.
I like Chief Culinary Consultant, or CCC. Gives him bit of prestige!
I cook my bacon in the oven all the time. I do several pounds at a time in batches. I line 2 of my large cookie sheets with parchment paper and bake both sheets at once on the 2 racks in my oven. I turn on the timer for 25 minutes and then switch the trays on the racks for another 20-25 mins. I reuse the greasy parchment lined sheets, which allows each additional batch to cook in the previous batches grease which speeds up the process for each batch, so you’ll have to check on them more often. Once cooked and cooled, I reline my cleaned cookie sheets with clean parchment and lay the cooked bacon on them in layers (parchment between layers) and stick it in the freezer. Once frozen, I bag the bacon in Ziploc bags and can easily grab as many pieces as I need, ie: 3 for a toasted bacon and tomato sandwich. Just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds on a paper towel lined plate and voila! This works great for camping too! No fuss, no muss!
I think bacon in the oven is the way to go! I usually use a Pampered Chef stone to cook it. I think we have grown to like chief culinary consultant! I hope you have a speedy recovery if you have to have surgery!!
I like cooking bacon in the oven. I do the whole package and freeze what I do not need to use right away. I just take out what I need and microwave for about a minute. Helps since I am cooking just for myself and only smell up the house once.
I purchased a pair of Frye Jane boots a few years back in an antique brown and I love them! They take awhile to break in, so be prepared for that, but long lasting they are! I lotion mine about once a year and then polish them too (all with Frye products!). Good luck in your quest. They can be hefty on the pocketbook, but are SO worth it. I haven’t had to purchase another pair of boots in years.
And that Duke is adorable! I’m glad to hear he and Einstein are getting along nicely. That’s great!
Enjoy the weekend!