Author: Sadie's Nest

A little Erma Bombeck meets Ree Drummond. Lover of cheese and dips. I'll take a coffee. Welcome to the Nest!

Promenade Artisan Foods

Trenton, Michigan is a great town along the Detroit River with historic charm and a thriving trendy vibe. It contains downriver Detroit’s best kept secret of Elizabeth Park (unless you’ve been to Jazz on the River or had your wedding pictures taken over the bridge). It also just happens to be the home of the cutest café to ever open in southeast Michigan, Promenade Artisan Foods. If you are from the area you might have sampled their cookies, brownies, and pies etc., carried by many local markets, or maybe even placed a personal order yourself for a pie during the holidays. Of course, now if you are in the area you can visit the coffee shop/café/dessert place in person!

 

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Promenade Artisan Foods is celebrating their Grand Opening to the public this week! The owners Jonathan and Chelsie Brymer are a husband and wife team that have a love of family and passion for serving their community. They put that same love and care into every baked good they make from scratch and cup of coffee they pour -over (that’s a coffee joke). And speaking of coffee you are certain to enjoy another Michigan favorite as they are serving Chazzano Coffee of Ferndale to ensure you get excellence.

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I have had the pleasure of sampling a few of their menu items and delicious creations. The strawberry tartine is a lovely light treat, an open-face style multigrain toast with a Mascarpone cheese, fresh strawberry slices and a drizzle of a balsamic reduction- really fantastic. Of course the kids loved the chocolate chip cookies, and a Nutella “pop tart” inspired pastry. But the biggest surprise was an Espresso Soaked Amaretti topped with pistachios, uh, genius! I think we should all have one every night after dinner.

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Also in all seriousness, don’t leave without a slice of tomato, feta, and bacon quiche. Because even if you’ve filled up on pastries and don’t have room for it when you are there, you are going to be so happy to warm it up for yourself for breakfast the next day. (And I know this to be true from experience.) For more information, store hours, and to see their seasonal offerings visit the Promenade Artisan Foods Facebook Page.

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Thank you Jonathan and Chelsie for sharing your culinary gifts and love of life with the metro Detroit area… And God bless you and your family with your new endeavor!

Love,

Sadie’s Nest

Loving Lately ☕

Loving Lately: A spot of tea

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We all know that I am a coffee person. But why limit yourself?

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I am also a long time drinker of tea.

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There’s really no replacement on a cold dreary evening… or when nursing a sore throat.

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The health benefits are really amazing actually.

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The knowledge of the art is extensive.

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It’s also a good reason to have a party.

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Tea is really a culture all of its own…

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Global even…

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But I like to keep it simple.

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Thank you Pinterest dearie, for once again providing me with photos to accompany my thoughts.

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Waters

I had a great weekend testing out the new camper. It was actually a whirlwind, with a torrential downpour… But shortly after we cooked our hotdogs by campfire under an umbrella, we had a reprieve. So we took the opportunity to watch the aftermath of a beautiful sunset. It’s experiences like these that make the rest of all of the craziness palatable- actually make it beautiful and wonderful. You know I like to use these little happenings as metaphors for life- because as the wise King Solomon (and Lauryn Hill) said “everything is everything…” So here are a few snapshots of our time of (rain) relief and lyrics to a song I appreciate. (Followed by the link to the song if you are interested). And here’s to the times of calm amidst the chaos. 🙂

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

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And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

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Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now

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So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

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Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

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Oh, Jesus, you’re my God!

I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

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Lyrics by Hillsongs United – “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: The Winds of Change

So, I took some more time off. I put the blog on autopilot, and continued to ponder the future of Sadie’s Nest.

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I’ve been really busy. We finally bought the camper… The kids have been sick…

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I had some great advice. A family member told me that if I enjoy blogging, I should keep doing it until I don’t, if that ever happens.

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Many of you were lovingly supportive, my loyal companions.

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So I’ve decided to continue my blogging adventure…

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Just keep it a little more laid back for the summer.

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I rewrote my about page (for the umpteenth time… what am I about anyway?).

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Thank you for continuing this journey with me! (And as usual thank you Pinterest for these images.)

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Love, Sadie

 

 

Ode to Amsterdam

A while back now I had the opportunity to spend a week visiting a friend from college who was spending his summer volunteering at a Christian youth hostel in the red light district of Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was an amazing experience in many ways. For one, a boat ride on the river brings one back hundreds of years to this thriving port town. The narrow rows of houses and architecture are really beautiful. Next, I don’t know if you’ve ever ridden a bike throughout the city, but it was probably one of the most adventurist things I’ve ever done. There are buses, and trolley/trains, and cars and other cyclists, etc. all moving quickly. Yes, there are bike paths -but everything criss-crosses, intersects and overlaps, and you are armed with only a ringing bell on your handlebars. In fact, nothing I say can capture the essence of how CRAZY it is. Insane. Another highlight was the morning we spent ministering to the homeless and strung-out people on the streets. Mind you, this is the red light district, and by morning, I mean around 2-5 AM, and by ministering I mean inviting people to a soup kitchen that would open in a few hours to serve them peanut butter sandwiches and hot soup. If you’ve never done that sort of thing, I highly recommend it- but not alone. Lastly, I would like to share with you the strides the Dutch have made in street food. Sure you have had ketchup with your fries; Perhaps at a fair you’ve doused them with vinegar & salt; If you’ve been to France or maybe a so-themed restaurant you have dipped your frites in a little Dijon style mustard? But in Holland, my friend, they dip those salty spud sticks (are you ready for this?) in mayonnaise! Soooo good! Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, because the Dutch know delicious. And for further proof I give you the stroopwafel. Um, wow! Have you tried a stroopwafel? It’s like a thin round waffle sandwich cookie, with a caramel syrup filling. Oh, and when they are warm and fresh they are incredible! But not to worry because if you want to eat them all day long (which you wouldn’t because you are full of restraint, but some people- not to point fingers, at that girl in the mirror…) You can just place the cup-sized version right on the rim of your fresh hot coffee or tea and let them warm through and come to caramel-ly life.

That concludes my “ode” to Amsterdam. However, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my good friends Tara and Molly for buying me a Belgian Cookie Iron so that I can finally have thin enough plates to achieve my stroopwafel making goals! Thank you!

Blueberry Muffins

Is there anything more beautiful than a blueberry muffin? Not if you’re into baked goods with crumbled topping and bursts of fruit- which I am. And it just so happens that I am in Michigan where we have the best blueberries in the world (and cranberries, and cherries, and apples…). We are fortunate enough to have two blueberry seasons, and by-golly we can freeze them in-between. So eat up buttercup, life is good.

Adapted from Muffins by Williams-Sonoma

As organic as possible:

For the Topping:

1/4 cup Flour

2 Tbsp Sugar

2 Tbsp Brown sugar

1/4 tsp ground Cinnamon

2 Tbsp cold unsalted Butter

 

For the Muffins:

7 Tbsp unsalted Butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup Sugar

2 Eggs

2 1/4 cups Flour

4 tsp Baking powder

1/2 tsp Salt

1 cup Milk

1 1/2 tsp Vanilla

1 pint Fresh Blueberries

 

Preheat the oven to 375°. Grease 12 standard muffin cups with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

To make the topping, stir together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut or rub the butter into the dry ingredients just until coarse crumbs form.

For the muffins, using an electric mixer cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until blended into the butter.

In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Reserve a tablespoon of the dry ingredients and set aside. Add the remaining dry ingredients to the butter mixture in 2 increments, alternating with the milk and vanilla. Stir just until evenly moistened. The batter will be slightly lumpy. Gently toss the blueberries in the reserved tablespoon of flour. Carefully fold the blueberries into the batter, just until evenly distributed, no more than a few strokes. Take care not to break up the fruit. Do no over mix.

Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling it level with the rim of the cup. Sprinkle each muffin with some topping.

Bake until golden, dry, and springy to the touch, 20-25 minutes (until an inserted toothpick comes out clean). Let cool for about 5-10 minutes. Unmold the muffins and serve warm or at room temperature.

 

 

 

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: Dave’s Sweet Tooth Toffee

So when I started with my “Loving Lately” series I was certain I was going to share my favorite gadgets and ingredients. And I have to some extent. But I get so carried away with my enjoyment of pictures and places, that come Thursday it’s all I can think about… Until I’m struck (once again) by the best toffee ever. Let me reiterate. BEST. TOFFEE. EVER. I’ve tried a lot of toffee. Do you know my dad? And it’s not just because this toffee was made in Michigan (for which I am proud) or that it coincidentally share’s its name with my dad. I would have to acknowledge this toffee from anywhere, and with any name because it is AWESOME! And if you are not in Michigan or thereabouts, you can just B-line it for their website DavesSweetTooth.com. You’re welcome.

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Easy Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki for Two

I love Teriyaki. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t like the flavor of Teriyaki. But for all my appreciation, I can’t get my kids to eat anything with the taste of Teriyaki. Which means there is no point in making a full meal that’s going to go to waste, hence my rare and personal-sized batch of this yummy chicken dinner (or lunch) for two. Of course if your family knows what’s good, feel free to double, triple or quadruple etc.

As organic as possible:

4 boneless skinless tenderloins
2 scallions, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
1 thumb size piece of fresh ginger, minced or grated
2 small or 1 large garlic clove, minced or grated
1 cup Teriyaki Sauce
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (optional)

1 cup cooked brown rice
1 broccoli steamed

Place the tenderloins, scallions, ginger, garlic, Teriyaki sauce and orange juice in a small crockpot. Give a little stir to incorporate all ingredients and set on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. (My little crockpot runs hot even on low, so six hours is plenty.)

Top with extra scallions and serve with rice and broccoli. You’re so healthy.

Sidenote: If you want to roll like we do, about 20 minutes before dinner place the frozen organic chicken tenders for the kids in a preheated oven.
(And if you really want to know how this is going to play out, it’s going to go something like this: my children are going to be really glad I made them chicken that doesn’t have sauce. And they’re going to like their rice. One of my children is going to eat all of his steamed broccoli, and probably ask for some of mine. Another child will eat her mandatory broccoli floret because she is sensible and has reasoning, but she won’t like it. The next child will have passed up every opportunity to eat his broccoli and it will be the last thing left on his plate. And it will have turned into a battle of the wills to take a bite of that broccoli (which is what it has been reduced to). And before it touches his lips, he will already be gagging. Because he has a ridiculous self-imposed gagging reflex. All threats will have been made, and he knows that he will be going to bed straight after dinner without watching any TV with the family. And he will finally take a nibble followed quickly by a drink of milk. And then he will ask for a treat, as if his effort deserves a reward. And the baby will have little green pieces of broccoli all over his chin and covering his tray. Because he has an amazing ability to sort and separate with his tongue the pieces of broccoli that you have tried to shovel in with the spoonfuls of rice. And you will just be satisfied that he at least has tasted the broccoli. After you clear the table you will spend 20 minutes picking and wiping up sticky pieces of rice from the chairs and floor, because not one of your children can get all of their rice in their mouth. And you might murmur to yourself something like “I should just wait until the morning when this is dry and sweep it up.” But you know that in your heart of hearts, if you made a decision like that, that this would be the night they would pretend the kitchen table was a rocketship and they’d all be under there playing and mashing rice with the knees of their pajamas and socks… Whew! Blogging, it’s better than therapy.)

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: Lala-Land & Beautiful Things…

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I’ve been a little mentally unavailable.

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Distracted maybe, is a nice way to put it.

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And as some of you may have noticed… I’ve had technical difficulties.

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Coincidence? I think not.

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As this week celebrates my 1 year blog-iversary, I’ve been contemplating the future of Sadie’s Nest.

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My goal was to set out for one year. Mission Accomplished!

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Where it leads from here; I am uncertain. I’ve made so many wonderful friends! Good times…

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I have been nominated for awards that have not been acknowledged, blog-fully challenged and unresponsive, honored by a dear few without mention; I truly meant to reply, but time keeps slipping… So without further ado, as a small token of my appreciation to the following…

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A sincere Thank You!!

Anna of Life Bellissima

Lynn of Lynz Real Cooking

Roberta of Chorizo & Thyme

Katie of Quirky and Wonderful

Terry of Spearfruit

Antonia of Zoale

Natascha of Natascha’s Palace

Fabiola of My Heart of Mexico

Lynne of Lynne’s Recipe Trails

Parul of Gharkepakwan

I truly cherish you taking the time to mention my little blog in one way or another. And thank you to many other blogging friends I’ve made new and old. It’s been a great year and experience! To whatever the future may hold!

Love,

Sadie

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And again thank you Pinterest for letting my imagination soar (and supplying me with photos as random as my thoughts).

 

What I Learned During the 21 Day Fix

I took the 21 Day Fix challenge. I fit in my 30 minute workout everyday and I stuck to the meal plan. (With the possible exception of day 20 in which I cannot confirm nor deny that I might have exceeded my “blue” container, a.k.a. healthy fats, in the form of cheese and a possible “unhealthy” white sauce that I did not mean to order on top of my vegetarian style eggs.) Was it fun? I had some creative menu planning moments, but no. Was it easy? There were without doubt better days than others, but no. Was it educational? Absolutely.

Here is a little about what I’ve learned…

  1. I eat too many carbs. Apparently if you have oatmeal for breakfast, you are not supposed to have a wheat pita at lunch if you are going to have rice for dinner. But that’s really the least of my concerns, because I like muffins and pastries. My daily intake of refined sugar (even in the form of organic cane sugar) and all purpose unbleached organic flour is just too high. I’ve got to face the facts.
  2. I don’t eat enough whole grains. Just because I have been buying whole grain organic bread for over a decade doesn’t mean I’m really eating whole grains. I have pasta, pita chip, cereal, cracker and tortilla opportunities just to name a few. Alas, what’s a girl to do?
  3. My portions are out of proportion. So this one is not a shocker. Yes, I have a tendency to get carried away at a breakfast buffet, but that’s not what I’m talking about. There is too much of a good thing, meaning you can even overdo it with healthy meals. For example, some salad dressings are caloric nightmares. It’s a work in progress.
  4. I don’t exercise enough. I can honestly say I feel like I’m on my feet all day. I do dishes, laundry, chase my one year old, make snacks and meals- clean them up, make beds… the list goes on. But getting your heart rate up and sweating for just 20-30 minutes is a different beast. Granted, I am not naturally prone to loving that, but I think know I need more of it.
  5. I need to drink more water. I don’t drink half of my body weight in ounces on a regular basis. (Because you are probably good at math, I won’t tell you what that is; let’s just say it’s over the standard 64 oz.) There are days I can reach that goal, but I really need to push myself. Thankfully this program has no restrictions on coffee, tea (unsweetened and without cream of course), and flavor infused waters- even carbonated. I’m actually fortunate that way, I am completely satisfied with just those options. If I could only drink more water…
  6. My attitude could use an adjustment. I was doing this to better myself, reset my habits so to speak. I started off with excitement and optimism. I made fun and healthy, (and delicious) snacks. I made some separate food for myself, but to be realistic I’d have to create dinners my family would eat also; which I really enjoyed. Knowing I was doing good for them too was heartwarming. I made it through my birthday, Mother’s Day, my brother-in-laws birthday, a weekend getaway- streaming my workouts mind you, a church pizza party… Yet, somewhere along the way I fell out of love. Around day 15-17, I got pretty grumpy. I started having thoughts like “A little pita with this hummus would be nice. I can’t help it if the restaurant doesn’t serve whole grain…” and “If I wanted to workout on vacation in ‘real life’, I would go to the hotel fitness facility, instead of exercising in the dark while my children are sleeping.” It turned into more of fulfilling my commitment than bliss.
  7. I am going to apply more of these principles into my life. I definitely need to incorporate more fresh fruit and vegetables in my diet. I’ll be honest, if I eat oatmeal for breakfast and a wheat pita for lunch, I’m not going to worry about having a little rice for dinner- but I need to pay attention. I can’t have a daily intake of waffles for breakfast, french fries with lunch and pasta at dinnertime followed by dessert- on a regular basis without knowing it’s going to have an effect. The program suggests the 90/10 rule; if you follow the guidelines 90% of the time you can treat yourself 10% of the time. And I think until I reach my goals I’m going to try hard to follow that.
  8. It works. The results are in the “chia” pudding. I’ve lost over 5 pounds. (Not the most dramatic results in weight, but it’s only been 21 days.) However, in three weeks I have lost over 3 inches in my stomach, and over 2 inches in my waist. That’s amazing! I think some mom’s like myself (and certainly women who are not and men too) start to think “this is just my body type now.” The truth is we CAN do something about it.

I still have some work to do to achieve my goals, but this was a great platform and eye-opener. The knowledge that it can happen is encouraging. I can do this! (And I am really looking forward to this week “off”… I earned it!)