Happy Friday, and first day of June!
JUNE?
June!
This is when I start to panic that the summer is going to fly by before I get a chance to really savor and enjoy it. Isn’t that sick? That said, I’m going to try and spend some time outdoors everyday over the next three months (when it’s not raining, anyways,) to unplug, get away from the madness of everyday life, and just enjoy. That way I can look back in August and know I did all I could.
Luckily it’s a beautiful day here in central Iowa, and I’m headed out for a nice run after I hit publish. I hope you’ll be able to do some of the same this weekend, but in the meantime, please enjoy my favorite finds from around the web and beyond in this week’s Friday Favorites! 
Favorite dessert: The Twix Tart. Chocolate + caramel + shortbread = SOLD! Look how dense & fudgy this pie is!
Favorite fashion: J Crew Ring Around Eyelot Top. Sweet & summery. Love the sleeve length too.
Favorite refresh: Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. I wouldn’t normally associate cheesecake with refreshing but the cool, creamy lemon center looks so, well, refreshing!
Favorite movie: Snow White & The Huntsman. I made Ben promise to take me to this movie when it opened months ago, and am finally cashing in on said promise this weekend – muwahaha! Can’t wait. Although annoyingly moody at times, I still love me some K Stew.
Favorite combo: Toasted Coconut Vanilla Limeade. I would literally give my left arm for someone to show up at my house with a pitcher of this toasty, tasty combo this very minute. How do people come up with this stuff?!
Favorite woah: Italian Moon. Do you think this is Photoshopped? Either way – incredible!
Favorite twist: Mango Apple Salad with Sugared Lime Zest. A new twist on the classic “fruit salad”. My mouth puckers and waters at the same time just looking at this picture.
Favorite DIY: IKEA Bookshelf Office Space. A workspace hideaway built out of 3 IKEA bookshelves. Genius! I especially love the burlap backing.
Favorite supper: Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage & Roasted Brussels Sprouts. This supper literally includes all my favorite things. ALL THE THINGS!
Favorite pooch. SQUEE!
Favorite sip: Sparkling Watermelon Limeade. A cool, ultra refreshing beverage for the hottest of summer days. Love how it’s alcohol free, but could be jazzed up with a hit of white wine, or vodka.
Favorite outfit. Coral and gold is one of my all-time favorite combos.
Favorite bite: Asian Shrimp Dumpling. If these babies taste half as good as they look, then I am in for a real treat. 
Favorite app: Wedding Snap. OH how I wish this existed when I got married! Have your friends snap pics at your wedding, then upload them in real time to a personal website which displays them all.
Favorite light bite: Thai Mango Salad. Love the sweet-tart dressing for this fresh, light salad. I would inhale this.
Favorite decor: Vintage Travel Posters. Want. So bad. ‘Nuf said.
Favorite feel good: Black Bean Veggie Tacos. An awesome combo of fresh veggies, flavorful cheese, and hearty black beans. This is feel good food, for sure!
Favorite funny. Sorry, but I laughed for legit 10 minutes when I saw this!
Favorite picture. Growing up, my neighbor had a natural hole like this in their fence which their black lab would always stick its nose through. We had so much fun with her.
Favorite treat: Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn. Perhaps I’ll make a batch to bring to Snow White?! YUM!
Ultimate Mr. Bar-B-Q Grilling Package Giveaway!
Whether you’re looking for the ultimate Father’s Day gift, or just need to outfit your grilling station before summer really sets in, you need to check out this Ultimate Grilling Package giveaway from Mr. Bar-B-Q! I’ve reviewed Mr. Bar-B-Q’s Grill Cover and Grill Skillet in the past, and have been so impressed. Their products not only look great, but work well, and are of high quality.
Mr Bar-B-Q put together the ultimate grilling package to give to one reader, which includes an 18-Piece Platinum Prestige Stainless Steel Tool Set and Magnetic Grill Light Combo Kit, Oversized Grilling Basket,
Collegiate Grill Cover (available in a number of different teams,) Grill Stone Pizza Kit, and a Cast Iron Wok. That’s over $200 in grilling gear – whee!
Enter to win this entire package by Sunday, June 3 at 12pm central, up to 2 times. Here’s how:
- Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite thing about your Dad (or step-dad, Grandpa, or father-figure!)
- “Like” Mr. Bar-B-Q’s Facebook page and leave a second comment here letting me know you’ve done so.
Good luck, everyone, and have an awesome weekend!
My favorite thing about my dad is that he pays attention to the little things and lets me know he cares that way. For example: writing my letters at important milestones or having a 6-pack of Long Trail Ale in the fridge when I come home to visit.
My dad is seriously the most knowledgable person I know. I can go to him about ANYTHING and he helps me out. Love him!
I liked Mr. Bar-B-Q, Inc.’s page on facebook… maybe I should just say I like Mr. Bar-B-Q’s page. Good stuff!
My dad is hilarious. He always makes the best jokes and is usually the life of the party around family and friends. Recently, he got a weather radio for his birthday and used the siren feature to have someone bring him a PBR.
My favorite thing about my dad is that he ALWAYS answers my phone calls. No matter what meeting or how busy he is, he is always right there on the other end of the phone trying to help me in whatever way possible! He’s the best
I’m lucky enough to have found a man just as great as my dad!
That marshmallow popcorn looks amazing!
My father is one of my most favorite people in the entire world. He is the most hilarious, caring, and wonderful man I have ever met. I moved away recently, and I love how little things remind me of him. Sometimes I have to call home just to let him know something reminded me of him and that I’m thinking of him.
Have a wonderful weekend!
My dad is always there for me when I need him (and even when I don’t!) I’m truly a “Daddy’s Girl” at heart.
My favorite thing about my dad is that he’s the coolest person I know. He’s funny, smart, and is the most genuine person ever. I’m super lucky to have him!!!
My favorite thing about my dad is his crazy stories, while I’m not sure if they are all true, they are entertaining.
I liked Mr. Bar-B-Q’s page! It’s making me hungry and ready for a weekend cook out. Come on 5:00!!!
my favorite thing about my dad is his advice. He has a way of cutting through all of life’s bull and setting my mind right again. he is the smartest man I know!
My favorite thing about my dad is how he has always been very upfront with his feelings. He was never than guarded, show-no-emotion type of guy.
That popcorn looks so yummy! I could not agree with you more about the summer flying by!
My dad is one of the most caring and loving people i know! He is so funny and just loves to make us laugh! He is also so sweet with my niece and it makes my heart melt knowing how much he loves that sweet grandbaby of his! And the best thing is he is my dad and loves me and my husband
My favorite thing about my dad is that he always knows when something is wrong, without me having to even say a word.
I like Mr. Bar-B-Q on facebook! Happy Friday!
My Dad has always been my go-to person for everything – that’s my favorite thing about my Dad!
Mmmmmk… sorry for the cheese, but here goes:
My pop passed away before I was born. Pretty incredible man he was (and is still in my heart). My favorite thing about him is the love notes that I find scattered throughout my life– his last words to my pregnant mother “welcome my baby into the world,” his ridiculous love for Sperry’s (making a comeback, eh?!?!), and the love he shared with my mom that she so graciously gives right back to me. He was so great that she’s never even fancied a date with another guy (though plenty have asked;) in 27 years.
So my favorite thing about my dad is that he loved me even before he met me.
Gotta say though, it’s rough knowing that your dad is ‘upstairs’ watching your every move. If that doesn’t give you a guilt trip, I don’t know what will;)
The favorite thing about my dad is that he is so generous! He is always willing to give anyone anything and puts others before himself.
I liked Mr. BBQ on facebook!
I COMPLETELY understand how you feel about thinking summer will just fly by once it hits June 1st. I was just thinking about that on my way to work this morning! I think it’s because we have to endure such long winters that we truly realize just how short summer is. Here’s to a summer full of sun and fun!
About my dad…I know that he always is there to support me. We don’t see each other all that often and he stays really busy with his work and travel but if I ever have a problem he is there for me. And we share a mutual love of baseball!
My favorite thing about my dad is he’s so smart and loves to work with me on things. And the fact that he will literally do anything for his family – including spoiling my mom.
I liked them on Facebook!
My favorite thing about my dad is he’s the ultimate handyman. He can change the oil in the car, fix whatever breaks around the house or simply make something so we don’t have to go out and buy it. It’s great!
And I just liked Mr. BBQ on Facebook.
(And I seriously doubt that moon picture is not photoshopped.)
I liked Mr. Bar-B-Q’s facebook page
I love my Dad’s passion. He is so incredibly dedicated to his job, our family and anyone he meets. He seriously makes anyone feel like they are the most important person in the world when he is with them. Not to mention his nickname for me is “Daddy’s little Dollface”. Can’t help but just totally love that!
My favorite thing about my dad is how much he loves his family and makes us a big priority – we are lucky to have a dad like him!
I love that despite my distance from my Dad, I can count of him for advice, recommendations or just a listening ear.
I don’t think I can name one favorite thing about my dad, but as I age- it’s becoming so much more apparent how smart, caring and what a wonderful example he sets for my husband!
My dad is the best at being understanding even if he doesn’t understand. The empathizes well.
I love that my dad is always there for me to fix things when they fall apart…figuratively and literally.
I liked Mr. Bar-B-Q on Facebook!
My Dad is the kind of Dad you can rely on for anything..he is handy and thoughtful. Raising 3 girls on his own and having a girl dog he gets out numbered often.
I liked mr bar be que on facebook!
My absolute favorite thing about my dad is how warm hearted he is – he would do anything for anyone!
My favorite thing about my dad is that he’s super quiet and passive 90% of the time, but when it comes to something really important, he’s immediately right there and willing to lend a hand or a hug. Every breakup I’ve ever had resulted in my dad driving hours to be with me the very next day, no matter what! Love him so
My other favorite thing about my dad is his cooking and passion for food! He is the real grill master. Whether its cheeseburgers, ribs, fish…whatever- its always AMAZING! We both share an unhealthly love for dessert. I love that whenever I come home, he plans all of our meals (snacks, desert, happy hour included)! We have made so many great memories having happy hour on our deck while he grills. It brings a smile to my face as I write this!
like them on Facebook.
My favorite thing about my dad is that he can make and fix so many things. Whenever he comes to visit me, he always makes sure my car and everything in my house is running well.
My dad is smart and focused!
I love the fact that even though I’m 40 and married, when we leave my parent’s home, my dad still says “call when you get home, and don’t drive too fast!” He also is our Mr Fixit, my hubby is always asking him to come to our house to help with home improvement projects. xoxox
Oh, and the marshmallow popcorn?? I am making that and taking it out with us camping this weekend!! Wohhoooo
My favorite thing about my dad is that he keeps me grounded, but always reminds me to go for what I want.
My dad always knows how to fix my car. He is always the first person I call when I’m in a motor vehicle related pinch.
I liked Mr BBQ on FB!!
It’s hard to pinpoint my favorite thing about my dad. I think it’s that he’s always willing to help with anything. Car breakdowns. Moving. Dinner. As I’ve gotten older, he’s also become a great friend. I’m pretty lucky!
I love the fact that my Dad taught me things that are not stereotypical girly things which has served me well with two boys and working in traditionally male environments. I know more about sports than my husband.
Would love to win this for my stepdad. He’s an Iowa Hawkeye loyal and always does the right thing by his family. Fiercely loyal and perfectly stubborn
My favorite thing about my dad is his passion for cooking. It’s something I look forward to doing together every time I see him
And he’s an awesome cook!
I liked Mr. BBQ on FB too!
I love that my Dad treats everyone the same, he talks to little kids in a normal voice and just asks them about their day. So cute!