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Kitchen Capers

Something weird happened to me today.

I had some time to kill while waiting for Chloe to finish her spa treatment (a.k.a. grooming). I avoided the bookstore at all costs and decided to walk around a kitchen store instead. I figured I’d be safe here. I’m not a big cook. I am easily intimidated by small appliances I don’t know how to operate. I couldn’t tell you the difference between a grater and a zester. I have no baking skills whatsoever. And yet, I have a fully stocked drawer of measuring spoons and cups, a wide variety of peelers, strainers, and slotted spoons, and a plethora of dishtowels, pot holders, coasters, and trivets.

Basically, I went in to browse with no guilt, no culinary needs, and no clue. So, it surprised me to find so many COOL THINGS  in that store!

OMG! Where do I begin??!! I saw the prettiest multi-taco holders and a Taco Carousel with a matching set of spoons for Taco Tuesdays. Who knew there was a dedicated carousel for tacos? My mind was blown. I was drawn to the mortar and pestle bowls for the next time I make guacamole. Side note: I’ve never made guacamole in my life! But, now I want to so badly.

I found special glasses that promise only “tears of joy” while chopping onions Only $24.95. I passed, but they looked like the real deal.

And who knew there were six different kinds of peppermills?!

I considered buying a delicious whiskey peach marinade, but I decided to stick with my Lawry’s Sesame Ginger sauce instead.

Everything I saw looked so nice, and I wanted to start a registry for myself. Is there such a thing as one for empty nesters? There should be!

I walked over to the cookbook section, and started to recognize those warm feelings I have when I get to the bookstore. That’s when I realized it was time to get the hell out of there.

What sorts of stores do you get those warm feelings? How do you stop yourself from a little retail therapy?  

XO,
Elisa

P.S. Okay, I admit it, I bought a cookbook.  🤦

For My Kids

Dear Jenna,
Thanks for making me a mom. Because of you, I’ve been a dance mom, a room mom, a cookie mom, occasionally an overprotective mom—cue the Jewish mom—and, so you tell me, a cool mom.

Dear Andrew,
Thanks for making me a boy mom. Because of you, I’ve been a scout mom, a swim mom, a water polo mom, a one-time stage mom, a working mom (to pay for all of your activities 😉 ), and, of course, a proud mom.

P.S. Thanks to both of you for giving me the gift of motherhood and endless content for my blog. (#bloggermom) You are the gifts that keep on giving. And you are such good sports! 😀

Dear Chloe,
Thanks for making me a dog mom, something I never thought I would be. Because of you, I’m the dog mom who stands out in the rain and snow waiting as long as it takes for you to pee, who worries about your little cough at night, and who has an “I love poodles” bumper sticker on my car.

XO,

Elisa (Mom)

Florida Feelings

Me, Scott, and Mickey Mouse.A few months ago, I reached out to an old friend to catch up and ask her a few business-related questions. In the initial text message, I invited her for coffee, thinking she still lived a few towns over. But I was surprised to learn that she and her husband had moved to Florida.

This is not the first of my friends to move there permanently or on a semi-perm basis. I have friends whose parents moved to Florida, but the parents are in their 70s and 80s. I once heard a comedian joke that it’s in the Torah to move to Florida after a certain age. So, I understood why they made aliyah.

(For those who don’t know, the phrase making aliyah refers to moving to Israel, not Florida. 😉 )

Anyway, today, a friend and I discussed how many of our mutual friends have made this move. She asked me what my feelings were about moving to Florida. So, here are my thoughts.

Pro: I’m a Disney adult and love to visit the parks for the rides, restaurants, and various concerts and festivals.
Con: I’d spend all my hard-earned money there and never vacation anywhere else.

Pro: The Phillies are in Clearwater, Florida, for spring training for a glorious six weeks out of the year. I went to spring training with Andrew one year and had the best time.
Con: The money I don’t spend in the Disney Parks would be spent on baseball games.

Pro: I love getting away from here and sitting in the Florida sunshine for a while. Let’s face it. It’s nice to wear shorts in the wintertime. I also love the palm trees!
Con: I get grumpy in the sweltering heat. I don’t think I could take it year-round.

More Cons:

  • I’m not a fan of alligators or bugs.
  • I would be too far away from my family and friends unless they came with me.
  • I don’t want to live in or near a tourist trap—even if we are near Mickey Mouse.

The bottom line is that Florida is a great place to visit. We always enjoy our time there, but I don’t think I’d like to live there full-time. For my friends who have made it their permanent home state, I miss you. And I am still 100% jealous of how close you are to the parks and the beaches and the fun. When I see your Facebook posts, I so wish I was having dinner at EPCOT with you or sitting outside without my heavy coat.

I promise that I’m not throwing you any shade—unless you need to get out of the Florida heat.

XO,

Elisa

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