What's Up Wednesday: January 2023

It's the last Wednesday of the month and that means it's time for What's Up Wednesday with Sheaffer and Shay.  Can you believe it's already the end of January?  I feel like this month just flew right by. 

What We're Eating This Week: 

Sunday we had take out pizza with salad and Alec made us all a strawberry cheesecake with chocolate ganache topping.





Monday I made New England baked pollock (chicken tenderloins for the boys) with baked potatoes, asparagus, and salad. 


Tuesday we had burgers and hot dogs (boca burger for me) with fries (squash fries for me) and salad.



Tonight we're having chicken soup with some Little Caesar's breadsticks (we got a kit from a selling project at Alec's school).



Thursday we're planning on some pumpkin mac and cheese with green beans and salad



Friday I plan to make some homemade chicken fingers in the air fryer with rice (cauliflower rice for me) and corn.  

Saturday my husband is cooking up steaks on the grill and we'll make roasted potatoes and broccoli to go with it. 

What I'm Reminiscing About: This guy turned 17... gosh the time flies by so quickly!

Notice the whisk and bowl? LOL How appropriate for our baker! 





What I'm Loving: I got these new spatulas for free from a giveaway through one of the blogs I read (and for the life of me cannot remember which blog! Sorry)... BUT I love them and have to keep an eye on them as my baker keeps trying to steal them.  I already have plans to order him his own set for his Christmas stocking next year. They come in a rainbow of colors and they are so well made with a nice heft to them. 
 
Thermoworks spatula and spoonula



What We've Been Up To: Oh the usual... hiking, reading, crafting, celebrating a birthday, going to see Cirque Du Soleil. A few of us got to eat at Alec's school (the culinary students run an actual restaurant)




I picked the meal that Alec was actually cooking for the day










What I'm Dreading: My step father has another surgery coming up this month and while last month's surgery went well this one sounds quite invasive (and we've learned that he'll have to have at least a 3rd surgery later on as well). 

What I'm Working On: I've been making lots of cards and scrapbooking pages this past month and I'm focusing a lot on learning some new techniques. 







What I'm Excited About: Our weather has been pretty mild this whole month and while it has been very rainy I am not complaining!  I'll take rain over snow any day. 

What I'm Watching/Reading: We started watching That 90's Show as a family and we love it!  I was a huge fan of that 70's show and seeing it basically recreated with all the things I remember growing up with is just so fun.  We've also been watching Homeland and my sister got me started on My Lottery Dream Home when she texted that one of the houses on the latest episode was one that we rented on vacation to Carolina Beach! 





I've read 10 books this month and am currently part way through 5 more.  So far my year is off to a great reading start! 




What I'm Listening to: TV shows playing in the background as I type. 

What I'm Wearing:

























What I'm Doing This Weekend: We don't have anything on our calendar at all. 

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month: Valentine's day and I'm going to start working on my Disney scrapbook pages. 

What Else is New: Not much. 

Linking up with:








Comments

  1. Amy from www.coffeeandcocktailsatthecasa.comJanuary 25, 2023 at 5:53 AM

    So professional in his chef's uniform! I only have one spatula and really need more!

    ReplyDelete
  2. NatashaJanuary 25, 2023 at 6:17 AM

    In reading your post I'm reminded that there was a fun strawberry spatula at our local gifty shop which I wanted to buy. Also, thank you for the reminder to work on our Europe photo book. I haven't started it yet and it will be a HUGE project. Also, can I just shop in your closet please? I love so many of your sweaters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 25, 2023 at 4:11 PM

      You're welcome! And thank you; I have a TON of sweaters... it's kind of a weakness of mine.

      Delete
  3. Holly Breton @ Pink LadyJanuary 25, 2023 at 7:42 AM

    Oh look at Alec- he already looks like a pro! Hope you enjoyed his meal- what an awesome opportunity :) I am with you on the rain vs. snow too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 25, 2023 at 4:12 PM

      He really did a fabulous job and they get so much experience since they switch jobs each week.

      Delete
  4. Andrea NineJanuary 25, 2023 at 7:55 AM

    Your cards and scrapbook pages are so wonderful! I’ve been missing scrapbooking it’s been a few years. I love your sweaters and of course your food looks amazing! The throwback pictures of your sweet 17-year-old are precious as well!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Maria RineerJanuary 25, 2023 at 8:13 AM

    Your Alec is close in age to my Alyssa as she turns seventeen tomorrow. You have been up to some great things. Your creativity is inspiring (as is your son's- that cheesecake looks divine!).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 25, 2023 at 4:13 PM

      Oh they are really close in age! His cheesecake was amazing.

      Delete
  6. Dara @ Not In JerseyJanuary 25, 2023 at 8:30 AM

    Happy birthday to Alec! I love all your sweaters and outfits. I love Cirque du Soleil!

    ReplyDelete
  7. csuhpat1January 25, 2023 at 9:43 AM

    The soup and the cake look amazing

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2023 at 10:04 AM

    Happy birthday to Alec! That’s so great that the culinary students get to run their own restaurant. And the meal that Alec cooked looks so delicious! How fun that you got to go to Cirque de Soleil. I think I remember reading that it was on your bucket list. I hope all goes well with your stepfather’s surgery and I’ll make sure to remember to pray for him.
    Ruth@playworkeatrepeat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 25, 2023 at 4:14 PM

      It is such a wonderful opportunity and that meal was amazing. I just wish I could get him to cook more for us at home (he much prefers baking). Cirque was on our bucket list and the show was wonderful. Thanks for your prayers; we're taking each surgery (and it's results) one step at a time.

      Delete
  9. Tamar SBJanuary 25, 2023 at 10:10 AM

    Happy 17th, Alec!! That 90s Show was fun!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lindsay's Sweet WorldJanuary 25, 2023 at 11:32 AM

    That strawberry cheesecake looks amazing! And happy happy birthday to Alec!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 25, 2023 at 4:17 PM

      It was delicious! He did such a great job on it.

      Delete
  11. Kari January 25, 2023 at 1:00 PM

    I love that the culinary students have a restaurant. Happy Birthday to Alec!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 25, 2023 at 4:18 PM

      I'm so excited they finally opened it up to the public again this year for the first time since 2020.

      Delete
  12. Julie's Creative LifestyleJanuary 25, 2023 at 1:20 PM

    Happy bday to Alec. The food looks so good and I love the outfits.

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2023 at 1:49 PM

    Happy birthday Alec! Cirque is so fun! I love that pale pink sweater. It looks so cozy! You have had a great reading month! ~ Sarah @ Sunshine & Books

    ReplyDelete
  14. Nancy 's Fashion StyleJanuary 25, 2023 at 3:43 PM

    Nothing special? Cirque du Soleil! Lol. And Homeland is so good isn't it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 25, 2023 at 4:19 PM

      LOL! Okay, very true. Cirque was very special. Homeland is really great.

      Delete
  15. Kim CarberryJanuary 25, 2023 at 4:00 PM

    Oh wow! That cheesecake looks amazing!!
    Aww! What a sweetheart Alec was. I hope he had a great birthday.
    I hope your step father's surgery goes well. x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Tanya January 25, 2023 at 4:58 PM

    Happy Birthday to Alec! I hope all goes well with your step-father's surgery!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sparkles and LattesJanuary 25, 2023 at 5:10 PM

    Does that 90's show have any other original cast members other than Red and Kitty? I have thought about watching it. That cheesecake looks soooo good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 26, 2023 at 6:29 AM

      Yep, Fez, Donna, Eric, Jackie, and Kelso all make an appearance at some point.

      Delete
  18. MarshaJanuary 25, 2023 at 7:29 PM

    Happy birthday to Alec! What are his plans after high school? His cheesecake looks yummy! I do hope your stepfather's surgery and recovery go well. My Lottery Dream Home is a trip, isn't it? I watch it sometimes when I just need some background noise. I'm always amazed at how many books you can read in a month! Way to go!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 26, 2023 at 6:31 AM

      We're going to be touring culinary colleges this fall; he's looking for a baking/pastry program.

      Delete
  19. Kym January 25, 2023 at 7:39 PM

    Happy Birthday to Alex - and the cheesecake looks delicious! Praying for your stepfather's surgery to go well.

    ReplyDelete
  20. MandyJanuary 25, 2023 at 9:49 PM

    That strawberry cheesecake looks amazing!!! Your outside photos are always so beautiful. And I've seen Homeland, that's a good one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 26, 2023 at 6:32 AM

      Thank you! He does an amazing job; always taking his desserts a step or two further than I would.

      Delete
  21. Memphis BridgesJanuary 25, 2023 at 10:39 PM

    I probably need to start reading your blog on a full stomach, ha! That strawberry cheesecake looks so good...definitely a favorite of mine.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 26, 2023 at 6:33 AM

      Oh yes, we're always eating something good around here. Cheesecakes are a definite weakness of mine and add in any sort of berry and chocolate and I can not resist.

      Delete
  22. Denyse Whelan.January 26, 2023 at 9:31 PM

    Loving your outfit pics and your smile! HB to your son....and I send my best wishes for the surgery coming up for your step Dad. Always a concern when someone we love has to have surgery. Thank you for your post this week shared on Wednesday’s Words and Pics. I am grateful for your support. I hope to see you next week too. Denyse.

    ReplyDelete
  23. LeanneJanuary 27, 2023 at 7:04 AM

    Hi Joanne - lovely to catch up with your month and all that has been going on. I enjoyed all your photos - and you definitely dress up more than I do! I think I've spent 90% of January in a tee shirt and shorts or a sleeveless dress or two! Nice to have a chef in the family too - and that cheesecake looked very decadent.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 27, 2023 at 8:54 AM

      It's easy to "dress" up in winter when all I have to do is reach for a sweater and some jean or leggings.

      Delete
  24. retirementreflectionsJanuary 27, 2023 at 12:59 PM

    Hi, Joanne - It is a pleasure to get know you more through your posts. Happy Birthday to your son, Alec. Thank you for linking up with us at #WBOYC. I've enjoyed seeing more of the person behind the books! :D

    ReplyDelete
  25. Women Living Well After 50January 27, 2023 at 6:53 PM

    Hi Joanne, what a lovely catch up and I enjoyed reading about all aspects of your life that you have been enjoying, especially the food and fashion. Thanks so much for joining us for What's Been On Your Calendar? and I look forward to reading your February catch up post. Enjoy your weekend! xx

    ReplyDelete
  26. Jo TraceyJanuary 27, 2023 at 7:59 PM

    Plenty to love here, but can I just say... pumpkin mac cheese... my favourite of all the macs. A lovely catch up.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Deb's WorldJanuary 28, 2023 at 7:07 PM

    So much activity in one month Joanne! What a fun collection though and the chef looks very professional :). Thanks for joining us for #WBOYC.

    ReplyDelete
  28. SuzanneJanuary 29, 2023 at 8:12 AM

    Hi Joanne, I'm visiting from the #WBOYC linkup. Nice to see you here. You are quite a busy lady. Ten books read and five in progress. I struggled to finish one this month. Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 30, 2023 at 6:33 AM

      You're welcome! What can I say? I love to read and almost always have a book in my hand.

      Delete

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