Happy Friday everyone, I hope you had a wonderful week!

I have zero media evidence of how we spent our week save for a full moon shot of Lincoln in the bathtub and a video of him singing Rain, Rain, Go Away in the car. Ok that video is AH-dorable, but probably in a “I’m a Mom who thinks everything her kid does is America’s Funniest Home Videos $10k Grand Prize-worthy,” so, I’ll spare ya! ;)

Anyway, it’s been drizzly, grey, and windy here this week, and there’s 5″ inches of – GASP! – snow in the forecast today, so we are staying put and putting up Christmas decorations whilst drinking hot chocolate made with dark chocolate and almond milk. I am SO excited, and will let you know how the bev turns out. Like the ending of this week’s Modern Family – squee! – this could be a game changer.

Have you put up Christmas decorations yet? 

In the meantime, wherever you are and whatever you do have a wonderful weekend, and please enjoy my favorite finds from around the world and beyond in this week’s Friday Favorites!

Favorite find: Lunch Lady Brownies. Oh my gosh, these brownies bring back so many memories of the dense brownies slathered in icing I used to get like, everysingleday in high school. Wrapped in wax paper, right? Cannot wait to make these with gluten-free flour.

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Favorite activity: Creative Wrapping Paper Ideas for Kids. I think Lincoln might be a little too young for these ideas, but I thought it was such a clever way to stretch out gift time on Christmas. So adorable, plus you can use paper grocery bags to wrap the gifts vs expensive wrapping paper!

creative-wrapping-paper-ideas-for-kids

Favorite devour: Cranberry, Butternut and Brussels Sprouts Brie Skillet Nachos. You know I love me some skillet nachos, and this fall-themed recipe is blowing my ever-loving MIND.

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Favorite app: Snapchat. The late adopter has finally adopted!!! I’ve been resisting Snapchat for years but finally signed up and went on an alarming rookie bender last night. I actually texted Ben, “I’ve joined Snapchat and am so embarrassed.” For me, the biggest mental hurdle I have to overcome is understanding that Snapchat is just for FUN (and it is!) Leave me your username and I’ll follow – I’m: @iowagirleats. Who are your favorite Snapchatters?

SnapChat

Favorite snack. This reinvention of a Fall Fruit crisp from my partner The Laughing Cow is so delectable looking! I might even trade the crostini for a gluten-free graham cracker. Perfectly festive for the holidays.

LCFF

Favorite fashion: Wine + Gray. Love the combo of wine pants and striped shirt with a pretty grey scarf. Never would have put the two together myself.

ExtraPetite

Favorite sip: Maple Bourbon Cocktail. Hello, Thanksgiving 2015 cocktail! We will definitely be whipping up a batch or 17 of these next week.

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Favorite feature. Would you put a sliding knife block in your kitchen? I definitely would! I like the idea of a magnetic strip on the wall for my knives, but it doesn’t really match our kitchen decor. This pull out block is super cool and functional though.

20-Amazingly-Handy-Kitchen-Organization-Ideas-1

Favorite read: The Life of an Introvert. I always like reading the “10 signs you were born in the 80s” or “20 signs you’re doing better than you think you are” articles, but this one titled “An Introvert in 17 Different Graphs” nails my life as an introvert better than any other I’ve seen!

Introvert

Favorite side: Braised Fingerling Potatoes with Garlic Shallots and Fresh Herbs. BRAISED potatoes??? So down for that.

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Favorite wakeup: Top 38 Diet Sodas Ranked. In case you needed one more reason to give up diet soda, check this article out (then put the can down!) Ben finally quit this year after realizing how foggy and disconnected it made him feel…and to get the chattering diet soda monkey off his back (aka moi.) I haven’t had diet soda in years but I do occasionally like an ice cold can of regular Sierra Mist. That said, I’ve been replacing it as often as possible with sparkling water (Perrier is my favorite) and it’s really satisfying my craving for something fizzy.

DietSodas

Favorite dip: Sir Kensington’s Dijonnaise. The beginning of this week was a little rough so my sweet Ben came home in the middle of the day on Tuesday to surprise me with with roses and Dijonnaise. BAHAHAHA! The man knows me well. I’ve been inhaling mini GF pretzels dipped in Dijon mustard (TRY IT) lately, but dunking them in Dijon mustard + mayonnaise?? Game changer. (I realize this is a condiment and not a dip, btw. #noshame)

Dijonnaise

Favorite fresh: Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa. Well aren’t these just the little ray of sunshine we’ve needed this week? I can’t wait to make this fresh and beautiful dish!

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Favorite decor. I’ve been looking at buffets for the wall behind our dining room table (our future dining room table that is – we still don’t have one!) and know that I’ll style it just like this when we finally get one. Love every single element.

Decor

Favorite bite: My Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. Heeeeeck yes!! These cookies look like the New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (aka the best chocolate chip cookie recipe,) but are mercifully sans gluten. Will be making by the dozen over the next couple of months!

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Have a great weekend, everyone!