My drawers of shame and more

...my kitchen gadget and tools drawers:

Drawer 1

Drawer 2

Actually, I guess I have no shame. Believe it or not, I have more scattered throughout my kitchen cupboards as well as in boxes in the basement. But, that still doesn't stop me from buying more! Over the past two weeks I have accumulated more kitchen stuff:

Silicone bakeware that can double as molds and a brownie heart-shaped cutter (the blue pans are by President's Choice, the rest are Wilton). My four year old started school this year and these will be great for class parties and events. All were on sale for 40% off. I've used the Bite Size Brownie Squares pan. I must say the clean-up was not fun. Getting into all the square edges and corners was tough. The instructions says not to scratch it so I had to be delicate too. The Teddy Bear cups and Square Baking Cups are going to be for baking cupcakes as well as be used for making Bentos (I am starting a new hobby). As for the green Flower mold, well, that is my favorite shape so I HAD to HAVE it.

I had a Buy One Get the Second for 50% off coupon for Foogo products from Kitchen Stuff Plus. Walking into that store is hazardous to my wallet and my junk, I mean, gadget drawer. I couldn't just leave with the Foogo sippy cup and food jar for my daughter. Me going into a kitchen store is like a child going into a candy shop. I couldn't resist buying. So here's my loot: measuring cups and spoons (you can never have too many), candy/deep fryer thermometer, oil sprayer pump, a peeler that can cut julienne strips, and the best ceramic stove top cleaner ever. Not pictured here is the instant-read meat thermometer which I actually opened and used (a gadget that got used! Woohoo!). So what's the worst thing that could happen when checking out of the store? Giving me a 25% off one item card for my next visit!!!!! They sure know my type well. Oh, the temptation.

On a different note, yesterday was Girlfriend Day and it's the best kind of day that a mom can have. It was almost like a mini-vacation. A spa, if you will...well, not quite, but just as rejuvenating. Yeah, I don't get out much, not these last four and half years that's for sure (since the birth of my firstborn). I've been dying to go to Panera Bread in Richmond Hill since I drove by it a month ago. It was perfect because one of my dearest friends lives right around the corner from there. So the three of us, with my baby daughter in tow, went to check this place out. The foodie in me was drooling as we pulled into the parking lot. Panera Bread did not disappoint. I ordered half of a Turkey Artichoke Hot Panini with a small order of Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It was served with slice of their warm Multigrain Baguette. Delish! Although we were full, their dessert display was too yummy to pass up. I ordered a Cobblestone (their Raisin Cinnamon Bread cut in cubes baked with apples and molasses with icing drizzled on top). One of my girlfriends ordered the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Yummy - I was pleasantly surprised that there was cornmeal in it. My other girlfriend ordered the Cheese Danish and it was the better dessert of the three. I ordered a coffee to go with my dessert. It was too strong and left me sleepless last night. So what is my review of Panera Bread? Great food, great service (although you order it and bring it to your own table), and great atmosphere. I would definitely go back and highly recommend it to anyone who loves bread.

Upon leaving, I felt guilty for leaving the hubby and two boys behind so I picked up 4 ginormous Chipper Cookies for them: (clockwise from top-right) Chocolate Chipper, Nutty Oatmeal Raisin, Nutty Chocolate Chipper, and Chocolate Duet with Walnuts. They were very happy to see me and I missed them too. A mommy needs some time and space to herself sometimes and Girlfriend Dates are the way to do it.