Friday Things #494
1. Dominic turned 7 this week!! This boy is such a joy, he wakes up every morning with a smile, lets things roll off his shoulders, is always up for an adventure, and truly lives in the moment. I’m so proud to be his mom and had the best time celebrating him 💙
2. Isabelle went to a friend’s birthday party last weekend and had such a blast 🩷
3. Joseph plowed through the first set of Hardy Boys books (currently 50% off) that my husband got him over the summer, and now he’s working his way through the set of books #11-20. Highly recommend if you’re looking for book gifts for an elementary-age child! (For reference, Joseph is eight years old, in 3rd grade, and I would consider him an advanced reader.)
4. Don’t forget that next week on Tuesday and Wednesday Amazon is having another massive two-day sale, which is kind of like the Prime Day sale they had in July. So if there’s anything you’ve been wanting or need some gifts, it would be a great time to shop. Are there any recommendations you need or want? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll share! I’ll also work to round up my favorites in one spot so you have them next week!
5. Have you tried any of these chocolate chip cookies? >> Chocolate Chip Cookie Throwdown… my favorites are still the thick and chewy chocolate chip cookies when I don’t want to wait for butter to soften or dough to chill, and my adaptation of the NYT chocolate chip cookies when I have time to chill the dough!
6. For his birthday dessert, Dominic requested a mint chocolate chip ice cream cake with sprinkles on top. I adapted my homemade DQ ice cream cake and put it in a 9×13-inch pan to make it easier to serve a crowd. It was a huge hit!
7. During the summer, we usually keep blinds down in the bedrooms to help them stay cool, but there is nothing I love more than when the cooler weather hits (or a rainy day), and I throw those blinds up in the morning! It’s been warm here this week, but I think today marks the start of permanent fall weather.
8. This snippet from a recent James Clear newsletter is so thought-provoking:
“Imagine you are at the end of your life and you are granted the ability to repeat one day. Which period of your life do you choose to repeat? Which phase of life would you want to go back to? Does that tell you anything about how you should be spending your time today?”
9. We’ve been watching new episodes of Unforgotten (watching on PBS Masterpiece) and gosh, what a fantastic show. Highly recommend!
10. TGIF! We had another birthday in the house this week… Judith ALSO turned 7 (the day before Dominic, they have a special connection)!! Duke was thrilled to help her celebrate 😄
Hello! Happy Birhday to Dominic! What a special boy. I have been reading your blog for many years and always take notice of your beautiful hammered kitchen table. Can you please share where you got this?
Thank you!
RE: Chocolate chip cookie throw down…. No need for me to try these recipes from the kitchn…. I will ALWAYS choose your adaptation of the NYT chocolate chip cookie! My all time favorite. Your thick & chewy is delish too. Having both recipes in my baking arsenal is all I need!
(But experimentation is usually fun and rarely frowned upon by me! So thanks for sharing the throw down link!)
Happy Birthday to Dominic & Judith! Continued good wishes for your family.
Happy 7 th Birthday Dominic !!! I’m sure it was a wonderful day and a memorable one !!! So happy for you ! It looks like Judith had a nice birthday cake also to share with Duke 🎂🎊🎈🎉. Love you Harry & Judy
Love your family! 🙏💗Thanks for the links and the very thought provoking quote!
Happy Birthday to Dominic and Judith!!!❤💐🐶🐾
Happy Birthday Dominic & Judith!!!!
🎂 Happy 7th Birthday Dominic!
You’re inspirational!
Happy Birthday, Dominic and Judith!
Happy Birthday to Dominic & Judith! I remember both of their “homecomings” like it was yesterday. Where does the time go?
Glad you mentioned Unforgotten – really a wonderful series. I think this is the fifth year – I have not missed one episode.
Happy Birthday to Dominic and Judith!
Happy birthday sweet Dominic🥳❤🎂
Happy Birthday Dominic & Judith!!! Many more wonderful days ahead of you both!!
Happy Birthday!!! And Happy fall to all of you!
I BET DUKE MADE THAT PRETTY CAKE FOR JUDITH… RIGHT???
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITLE DOGGIE-PRINCESS…!
WHAT BLESSING TO SEE THIS LITTLE HERO SMILE…
BLESS YOU SWEET LITTLE ANGEL WITH MANY HEALTH AND HAPPINESS-FILLED BIRTHDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday to Domenic and Judith! I love your two goldens..I have one. Would you recommend two? And how much vacuuming do you do! lol
I have lots of Amazon favourites but this is my most essential tool. It so easily breaks up ground meat (beef, pork, chicken etc) when you’re frying it!
https://www.amazon.com/GoodCook-High-Temp-5-Blade-Hamburger-Choppers/dp/B00CGS63A0/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3T04BYHUXGN8Y&keywords=ground%2Bbeef%2Bchopper%2Btool&qid=1696599948&sprefix=ground%2Bbeef%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-5&th=1
Happy 7th Birthday Dominic and Judith! I hope all your wishes came true!
Happy birthday Dominic, and of course a pat for Judith as well!
Michelle, I wonder if you’ve tried the Nutella-Stuffed Choc
Chip Cookies I saw on the JustATaste.com site?
Happy Birthday Dominic! 🎈
Hope all your wishes come true!
(What a yummy looking cake )
Happy weekend to all….
Domenic is 7!! My gracious he’s getting to be a big boy like Joseph. Happy Birthday.
Michelle,
I loved seeing your latest picture of Dominic. He is the picture of health, ready to take on the world. I am very thankful God has answered our prayers.