A Week of Easy Dutch Oven Recipes • Binkies and Briefcases (2024)

That work/life balance must be hiding here somewhere, between the binkies and the briefcases.

Middle-aged rant ahead: So, do stores just, like, not sell white refrigerators anymore? Our garage refrigerator died a few weeks ago and, since I have never loved the one in our kitchen, we thought we would move our current fridge to the garage and splurge on a new one for the kitchen. I was excited. One of the things I don’t love about our current fridge is that it is stainless steel, which is not my favorite. Remember when every fridge was white, then a few years later each model came in white, black, or stainless steel? I was just hoping for a plain ol’ classic white fridge. The kind in your aunt’s kitchen. Doesn’t even have to be fancy, although I do also like the newer white and gold ones.I guess regular white refrigerators are not a thing? The few models that did come in white online cost hundreds of dollars more for that color. When did that change? The white model used to be the cheapest one you could get. Folks, we searched for weeks and could not find a regular full-sized refrigerator. I wanted them to take my money. But call me old-fashioned, I would like to see and touch something in person before I drop thousands of dollars on it. I wasn’t going to buy something that big and awkward that needs a special delivery if I couldn’t see it first. We went to several different stores. I talked to associates. They weren’t sure which models came in regular white (as opposed to a mirrored futuristic version of a white fridge with no handles. THAT they do have), because I guess that’s just not a thing anyone wants anymore? Sometimes there is a QR code sticker that you can scan yourself to see if they sell a different version online. Not always, though. And you still can’t see the other colors in person. Why am I in the store if I still have to shop online?We ended up giving up the search and buying a smaller apartment-sized fridge for the garage instead. I mean, I saved like a thousand dollars, so it’s cool with me, but I’m still over here like ???? ... See MoreSee Less

I can't believe it has been over a year since the last time I posted on this page! I miss this community. I love this group, made of mostly moms, and the way we have helped each other through big ups and downs over the years. As my kids have gotten older, they have not wanted me to write about them as much. When I started hearing "You can take my picture, but please don't post it," I respected their wishes and I stopped. But man, I sure miss the camaraderie of sharing our everyday moments with other families who are in a similar stage. So, let's check in. What is going on with your families now? My kids are well into their teens now (except Penny, who will turn 13 later this year). We have three high-schoolers and one more who will head that way at the end of next month. A house full of five kids, ages 13-17, makes for A LOT of hormones. We are navigating the delicate balance of school, and part-time jobs, and extra curriculars. We're applying for driving permits and putting down hefty down payments for school trips so they can travel the world and learn to be citizens of it without us. I am still here, quietly writing, and I am excited to share what is coming. Although, if I'm honest, it probably won't be ready to show you for a while. I have always been a writer, and I still do it every day. But I do miss the old days of blogging, when this space was our water cooler and we were all sharing our stories together. So please tell me your stories, and although it will be in a brand-new way, I promise that I will be back again to tell you one, too. ... See MoreSee Less