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… ♥
Oh my gosh could Duke be any darn cuter??
Your pups are so cute! It’s amazing how quickly they grow up, isn’t it?!
I am considering purchasing a pair of Frye boots this fall too – I actually tried them on (the Melissa Button style) and LOVED them, but decided to think about it due to the very steep price tag. But they’re soooooo nice!
Love those nail polish colors too.
I vote for CCC… Duke is the cutest thing in the world! Real sorry about your finger,hope it gets better!
I vote for Culinary Consultant!
Love the picture of Einstein and Duke sleeping together ! Best buds!
We know him as CCC, so that has my vote! More pics of Einstein and Duke please!
I’ve broiled bacon. I tell myself it’s healthier. ;)
I guess I’m in the minority from my perusal, but I like Chief Culinary Consultant myself. Of course, the novelty of calling your significant other “my husband” when you’re a newlywed definitely can’t be understated!
Excuse me–overstated. Ha.
I have purchased handbags from this site for years and they wear like iron. I have given them as gift to my daughters and now my granddaughters too. Not cheap but last forever.
http://www.juliaduren.com/index.html
I’ve recently been using the Bobbi Brown skin care. They have great facial moisturizers and eye creams. A little pricey, but on my 4th month of each jar of the night cream and day moisturizer. So I’d say its worth it.
Hi Michelle,
How fun that you and your husband want to hear our opinions! Thanks for asking :-). My vote goes to HUSBAND! He got promoted in your life to the status of “husband” so he should here too – but then again, I’m traditional, and definitely think marriage does make a difference. (Husband just means SO much more than CCC.)
Or go to SCC: Spousal Culinary Consultant because “spouse” is also more than just a “chief.”
I really enjoy your blog and appreciate that you include a fun mix of cooking, baking, how-to tips, and the personal fun stuff. Many years of continued success in all of it!
Call him husband, he has earned it. Tumi makes great (long-lasting) purses. Have had one for three years. Expensive, but well worth it.
Do see a second opinion for your finger, every Doctor is different. If you can, sought out a Hand Surgeon who specializes only in the hand, ( increase change of a better outcome).
Even though he is your husband, it’s still fine to call him your CCC, its sweeter than I call my hubby the KING! Your pups are so sweet and loving. Have a wonderful weekend! xxoo Warmly, Anna and Liz
I love your dogs so much….makes me miss having a dog! I like CCC for your husband. I have been cooking bacon in my oven for years after I watched an episode of Barefoot Contessa….it turns out perfectly every time…who woulda thunk???
Cooking bacon in the oven is the BOMB! I can cook an entire package at one time, which is great for BLT’s or when were having breakfast for dinner – I can cook bacon and pancakes at the same time.
As an added bonus I don’t have bacon grease splattered all over. It’s a win – win :)
As with a few others, it took me a LONG time to realize that your CCC meant more to you than just an assistant or close friend. Personally, I didn’t catch on to the relationship until the blog post where you decided to purchase a house together. Some may think that your blog should perhaps stay completely professional, but I LOVE the personalized stories about your family (LOVED what your grandmother did with your great-grandmothers recipes) and life. It really connects me to your blog on an emotional level and keeps me committed to reading daily. I don’t know anything about fashion, purses, or boots. Your recipes and brilliant writing have made yours the only blog I follow. I vote towards referring to your CCC husband as your CCC, but maybe with a touch more feeling. CCC can be very dry IMO. No matter what though, u will always follow and reference my catalog of BEB recipes. Thank you so much for your commitment to this, and I wish you the very best in life.
*I will always follow
I like Chief Culinary Consultant. I love the new Essie colors, I ordered mine online can’t wait till they arrive. I love Kate Spade and Michael Kors bags.
I love Essie’s For the twill of it. It changes colors depending upon the light
Chief Culinary Consultant..
Duke is AWESOME! We just got our 2nd Goldendoodle and she is a handful! Love the Retriever/ Poodle mix, they are so smart!
I like that you call your hubby your CCC. Since I started reading your blog a year or two ago, I’ve been wishing that I had a cute nickname for my hubby. Also, I’m a HUGE fan of cooking bacon in the oven. I love crispy bacon, and the oven does that way better than the skillet. Plus it’s great to get nearly a whole package cooked in less than 30 minutes without being splattered by hot grease. BTW, your doggies look so cute together!
When my schnauzer got to be an “old lady” we got a puppy. She sure perked up. It seemed that she got her youth back. As for hubby, Chief Culinary Consultant sounds good to me, but Hubby is a lot less letters.
1) Seeing Duke makes me want to press my hubby more for a family dog.
2) Making brownies and cupcakes from your site this weekend for birthdays
3) Glad you cleared the CCC up because I told my hubby I thought he was your husband. But I like CCC ( 1 vote)
4) I bought the entire Essie collection on Amazon for $31.00 and the colors are great!
5) I’m thinking of getting the Coach Legacy Turnlock. I like kiss-lock purses too.
6) I bought Arturo Chang boots during PiperLime sale. They have good sales.
7) I absolutely love your site! I talk about you like you’re a friend who’s giving me recipes.
Please stick with Chief Culinary Consultant…it’s perfect!
We cook bacon only in the oven now. It’s less messy and soooo easy. We line a baking sheet with tin foil, spray with pam and then lay out the bacon. 350 degrees for about 25 min or so and it’s perfect! It’s flat, not all crumpled up…perfect for BLTs or club sammies. good luck!
I vote for Kate Spade purses! My favorite brand and her lines are so simple and elegant. Also, check out the different brands that Littles in Squirrel Hill carries. Blondo and Ara (sp?) are so good and last forever, even through the salt and snow! Definitely worth the $200+ price tag.
I love CCC – so cute! Would still love to see pics of the wedding! :) Your babies are super cute too – I love that last pic of them together!
Always make bacon in the oven..it cooks more evenly. I still watch it and turn it on the tray, if necessary. Duke has changed and from the looks of it, he and EInstein are becoming buddies. I’m a two thumbs up for calling the husband, CCC.lets not ruin his image
1. Duke is adorable!
2. I like CCC
3. I’ve had my Frye boots – Melissa back zip in brown for 3 years now and they still look great. I buy a lot of my fall clothes based on whether they’ll go with my boots.
Duke is soooo cute!!
I’ll vote for Chief Culinary Consultant. “Husband” is rather generic. I doubt newbies will be confused. I’m a recent reader and I caught on right away.
Oven bacon for the win! I do mine with a broiler pan and it gets super crispy.
My vote: CCC….the only title he needs!! And YES, absolutely try bacon in the oven. I started this over the summer. It is soooo much easier to clean up. The bacon turns out great!
Just putting in my 2 cents in on the bacon. I LOVE cooking it in the oven. Just put foil down (I hate cooking on foil, but hate cleaning a greasy stove more) on a cookie sheet and follow the directions on the package. As long as you don’t overcook it, it is perfect and you don’t even have to flip it! It is the only way I cook it anymore.
Stick with CCC… Bacon in the oven as others say is awesome, follow what they say about foil on baking sheet etc.
I sliced my pinky finger years ago and it will not go straight anymore. It is permanently curved… Doesn’t bother me though. Although still freaks me out when I try to straighten or play with it. Lol
I liked “Chief Culinary Consultant.” I thought it was terribly clever the first time I saw it. It gives just enough of a respectful nod to someone who is not an assistant and not as involved as you are in the kitchen.
Keep up the great blog!!