Friday Things #532

1. Last weekend, we took the kids on a day trip to Ohio to watch Indy cars practice. It’s the third time we’ve gone in the last four years, and it’s always such a fun day. We get passes to go into the paddock area where they keep the cars, and it’s typically everyone’s favorite part. This year, we very randomly stumbled upon an autograph signing session for Joseph’s favorite driver, whose hat he happened to be wearing! So he got the hat signed, the kids all got autographed cards, and a photo; they were so excited!
2. Last week, Dominic had the opportunity to fill in as a goalie every morning during an 8U hockey camp. He was on the ice for two hours each morning with hardly any breaks; he had so much fun and I was so proud of him!

3. I love this perspective shift:
“Productivity is most important for things you don’t want to be doing. Most people want to increase productivity so they can spend less time on the task.
But before you worry about being more productive, think about being more selective. Rather than focusing on increasing productivity, it may be worth asking, “What would I be delighted to spend time on, even if it went slowly?”
Direct your energy toward figuring out how to start what you want to do rather than thinking about how to shorten what you don’t want to do.”
4. Next week is the Amazon Prime Day sale! Do you have anything on your wish list? Other than school supplies, I keep waffling about a dedicated air fryer (our toaster oven, which I LOVE, has a built-in air fryer, but that particular function doesn’t seem to work terribly well) and possibly an Instant Pot – I had one years ago and never used it, so I donated it, but now I’m reconsidering. Tell me your thoughts on both!
5. Oh and on that note… you may remember that I bought this produce bin awhile back and loved it; I discovered that it’s FANTASTIC for storing watermelon! The juice falls to the bottom and the watermelon stays out of the liquid, allowing it stay fresh so much longer.
6. I love this quote >> “Make a mistake? Release the guilt, remember the lesson.”
7. Give me your favorite high-protein lunch ideas! Earlier this week I bought some really good mesquite turkey breast and basically made myself lunchables, which was quick and easy (and delicious).
Save This Recipe
8. This is such a great compilation of books; adding so many to my TBR list! >> The 10 Best Books of the 21st Century
9. We’ve been watching Condor (MGM+), and it’s fantastic (centers around a CIA plot). We finished the first season and just started the second.
10. TGIF! When her lip gets stuck while she’s sleeping 😂




I have to say I hate it when people send me or post links to NYT articles…I do not subscribe and although I have unsubscribed to their emails a million times, I still get them! It would be helpful if the link had NYT in the name…still want to know what the 10 books are tho!!!
Hi Michelle
I totally agree that the Ninja Air fryer is the BEST,dont even bother with the others! On the mention of the turkey you bought, would you please tell me the brands many are awful, really need good turkey slices. Ive been thinkinking of Boars head or Whole Foods,please send suggestions.Thanks so much!
Hi Lisa, It was Boars Head mesquite smoked turkey breast!
Thanks so much!
I have both air fryer and instant pot. If I could only choose one, I’d pick the Ninja air fryer. It’s a great appliance that I use constantly.
We have an air fryer-toaster-toaster oven combo that is large enough for 8 pieces of toast. We use the toaster occasionally but the air fryer is used every day for all sorts of food, everything from French toast to chicken strips.
Your kids are growing so much!!
I just bought the most amazing air fryer Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 from Amazon. This is my third air fryer (first generation threw away, different Ninja used every day for a few years and it wore out). This product is AMAZING. I bought this Instant Pot (to replace an older one that no longer came to pressure) Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker. I like it a lot but use it much less frequently than the Ninja which I love love love.
We have a Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 electric grill with air fryer and love it. It does a wonderful job with chicken thighs and breasts, hamburgers, pork chops and even steak. We also use it to make healthier french fries. It even reheats pizza that tastes nearly as well as it does straight from the box!
I had a 6 qt air fryer that I got for free from KOHLS several years ago in exchange for a review. Because I’m a household of one, it was convenient for cooking things like frozen pot pies & fries, and I modified some baking recipes for smaller pans that I bought (1/2 of a 9″ recipe was perfect for a 7″ pan). A couple of weeks ago the AF died & I debated replacing it. I found one for $68 at Walmart. It’s supposed to be 8 qts. but it’s about the same size as the old one. It’s got digital readouts & I’m enjoying it. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Gourmia-8-Qt-Digital-Window-Air-Fryer-with-12-One-Touch-Presets-GAF824-New/5191868900
I don’t know if you’ll find one big enough for a family of five. If you have to do multiple batches, it defeats the purpose.
What fun at Indy practice! Wonderful memories for all! I purchased the Breville Smart oven air-fryer pro on your recommendation, and loving it! Couldn’t open The NY Times book recommendation site without a subscription ☹️
My new oven has a built in air fryer and I agree that it is just not the same as a dedicated air fryer. I was hoping I could get rid of my standalone version, but definitely not.
I love my air fryer and Instant Pot. I use them so much I feel like I shouldn’t bother with putting them away. Beans, rice and anything that needs a long braise in the IP. Guilt-free fried food in the air fryer. Mine is a Ninja.
Michelle, We love our air fryer. It’s a Ninja & is great for reheating pizza, keeping the bottom crisp.It’s also great for buffalo chicken wings that we buy in sealed 6 packs at Costco. My hubby loves to make french fries, etc. As for the Instant Pot, not so much. I only use it for hard boiled eggs, sorry I bought it. Live and learn
You absolutely need, and will love, an air fryer!!! Get one, you won’t be sorry !!
I have been thinking about getting a combo air fryer. We rarely use a toaster and I hate appliances on the counter – I can tolerate one or two! Was thinking replacing the toaster might get us to use an air fryer more. What is that you don’t like and what should I look out for?
I have found that any frozen items we try to use it for and follow the air fryer instructions on the bag for time and temperature, the food is still cold inside when it’s supposed to be done.
Hi Michelle. I have an air fryer and use it a lot. My teenage son loves bacon and it turns out great in the air fryer! I just made a batch of baked feta bites in it. It’s great for turning out food like nuggets, veggies, pork chops etc with a nice crispy coating without grease. Very easy clean up too. Just make sure u get one large enough for your family.