Genius Mom Stocks Epic Salad and Sandwich Bar for Her Family of 11, Goes Viral on TikTok
‘Can I come live with you?’ one commenter asked.
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Ever get the feeling that some people just do life a little bit better than the rest of us? Melanie Cade, who posts to her more than 708,000 followers on TikTok under the handle @RaisingCades, sure seems like one of those people.
A mother of nine children, whom she homeschools, Cade has showed the world — in a video that has collected 8.6 million views since she posted it just three days ago — how she stocks her restaurant-style salad bar for her family of 11.
“I fill the top once or twice a week, depending on how busy we are that week and what our needs are for that particular week,” Cade shares in a video caption.
The top part of the salad bar features everything from chopped lettuce to sliced mushrooms, cucumbers and turkey breast to peppers and red onions to grated cheese to whole, peeled hard-boiled eggs and more.
“Fruits, vegetables, you name it,” Cade says in the video, showing off some air-fried Brussels sprouts that look especially tasty.
But the sectioned, high-end-bodega-worthy salad bar on top is only the beginning of what Cade sets out for her family. Below, she also has a DIY sandwich area, complete with fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, jars of marinated mozzarella, grab-and-go snacks like cheese sticks, a basket of dressings and dips, and a bin that holds bagels, cream cheese and what appears to be a package of smoked salmon.
“The bottom has two refrigerated sides,” she explains. “I keep salad plates and bowls on one side so that they are chilled and ready for use.”
Cade makes sure the salad and sandwich bar is always available for any family member who is not into what the rest of the family is eating for lunch or dinner.
What’s more, she says, “Having fresh chopped fruits and vegetables readily available a) gives us a quick meal option because the salad bar is always stocked and open and b) my children are more likely to choose fresh produce if it’s already prepped and ready to eat.”
So smart. And we’re not the only ones who are impressed.
“I have been in the restaurant industry 25 years, remodeled my kitchen 2x and I never thought of this!! You’re a genius I love this!!” wrote one commenter responding to Cade’s viral TikTok video.
“My husband has no idea yet, but we are getting a salad bar,” another shared.
“If my mom says yes, can I come live with you? I don’t think my husband and kids will mind,” said a third.
One appreciative commenter took the opportunity to coin a new phrase, writing, “i don’t want to be Designer Brands rich. I want to be salad bar rich 😍 this is the best Thing i have ever seen.”
Same. Now can we talk about that two-sided slushy machine in the background …?
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