Happy Friday everyone!
It just hit me the other day that it’s nearly February. As in the month of Valentine’s Day. As in the month before I start seriously thinking that Spring is right around the corner (and am inevitably reminded by snow storm after snow storm for the next three months that it’s definitely not right around the corner.) As in the month my baby turns six months old!
I am so behind the times – I just took Lincoln’s 5 month pictures this week! (Side note, I want to eat my child. Should I be worried?)
Anyway, we’ve got an uneventful last weekend in January on the horizon, thank goodness. I foresee furniture shopping (we backed out of the dining room table purchase – long, tortuous story that I can’t even relive,) brunch at a cute bakery in town that has the best almond milk lattes, and perhaps hitting the mall in our future. Fun!
Wherever you are, and whatever you do, have a wonderful weekend and in the meantime please enjoy my favorite finds from around the web and beyond in this week’s Friday Favorites!
Click on the light blue links to be taken to the original source!
Favorite must-have: Simple Chocolate Birthday Cake with Whipped Chocolate Buttercream. I have never wished to turn another year older until this very moment. I NEED this cake in my life!!
Favorite hack: IKEA Hack Farmhouse Table. I would be all over this stunning IKEA hack farmhouse table if it fit in my dining room. It’s fabulously shabby chic, has the bench seat I’m after, and is about $2,000 less than the Pottery Barn lookalike I’ve been eyeing!
Favorite snack: The Laughing Cow® Light Queso Fresco & Chipotle Cheese Wedges + fresh apple slices. I am thrilled to announce that I have partnered with The Laughing Cow in 2014 to share new products, healthy living tips, snack ideas, giveaways, and more!
I’ve used The Laughing Cow cheese wedges in recipes like Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Stuffed Chicken and Lighter Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in the past, but they’re also great to pair with healthy snacks like fresh apple slices. The smoky flavor of the Light Queso Fresco & Chipotle cheese wedge is divine with a sweet and crunchy apple. TRY IT. New favorite flavor combo!
Favorite crunch: Cool Ranch Roasted Chickpeas. Have you ever had roasted chickpeas? They’re FABULOUS. Beyond crunchy – like homemade corn nuts! I can’t wait to give this Cool Ranch-flavored variety a try.
Favorite fashion: Meeting Point Dress. Wouldn’t this dress be adorable for a summer wedding?
Favorite bite: Buffalo Quinoa Bites. Perrrrfect for the Super Bowl. Cannot wait to make these. Bet they freeze well, too.
Favorite slurp: Ski Soup with Italian Sausage. A big bowl of ski soup is the perfect remedy for the sub zero temps we’ve been rocking this week. Seriously, it is so freaking cold. A hearty soup is just what I need to warm up with!
Favorite accent: Leather Studded Typesetter Plaque. Isn’t this smart looking? Would look awesome on the picture ledge above our big couch that we’re slowly styling.
Favorite upgrade: Garlicky & Cheesy Crispy Potato Skins. Who needs regular potato skins when you can have garlicky & cheesy crispy potato skins?! Oo la la!
Favorite sip: Winter Bourbon Smash. I had a cranberry whiskey smash at a restaurant a few months ago and it was absolutely divine. Love this twist on the recipe!
Favorite spot: Southern Screened in Porch. One thing Ben and I want to do in the future is build a screened in porch onto the back of our house. Doesn’t this look like the perfect spot to relax and sip coffee?
Favorite homemade: Raspberry Jam Crostata. This elegant yet easy pastry looks like a delicious, homemade poptart. ‘Nuf said!
Favorite fake-out: Eggplant Parmesan Sliders. “Chicken” parmesan sandwiches, made with eggplant rounds. Brilliant! I started digging eggplant after Ben made it a bunch of times during the last month of my pregnancy (FYI – the old wives tale did not work!) It’s creamy yet meaty, and takes on flavors really well. Can’t wait to make these.
Favorite find: Corso Como Sussex Boots. I’ve been looking for black boots that don’t look like serial killer boots for years, and think these might be it. So sleek! (Thanks to Julie for helping me find them!)
Favorite splurge: Boozy Brownies with Salted Caramel Rum Sauce. Chocolate + Booze + Salted Caramel? YES! Look how dense and fudgy!
Mmm I’ve been wanting to try those quinoa buffalo bites too… they look tasty! and yes, totally normal to want to eat your little guy. Mine just turned two and I still want to eat his cheeks!
Tough to find black boots that aren’t something Julia Roberts would wear in Pretty Woman – the ones you posted are a good find!
Enjoy your weekend :)
Lincoln is so precious! I totally know what you mean about the serial killer thing with black boots!!! I haven’t owned a pair in years because I can’t find a pair that I like. I default to multiple pairs of brown boots….but i like these too!
I was just looking into the Fitbit Force! I love all of the awesome features. I’m sure it really helps stay accountable and stay on track with fitness goals. And omg, that chocolate cake…..
Ooh, everything looks awesome in the list this week. I am loving roasted chickpeas lately too – the other night I roasted a pan with lemon zest, salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon juice. Divine!! Have a great weekend!
Unbelievable how fast time flies. You’re little guy is so precious. My baby turns 1 in 4 days. Waaahhhh! BTW, I want that screened in porch so bad!!!
Lincoln is turning into such a handsome little man! Thanks for the giveaway Kristin!
Lincoln is getting cuter and cuter! Did not think that possible. Love the screened in porch. Have a great weekend!
I had James and James Capenters build my dining room table. They are in Arkansas but plan trips around the US where they drop off the table. They build exactly to your specs, and use real wood. I didn’t know a thing about them, and just went on faith. My table is gorgeous, fits my place perfectly, and is a great quality. I was looking at a Pottery Barn table as well. The table from James and James is actually better quality but less expensive in price. http://www.carpenterjames.com/ You should check them out. I’m not related, earn zero commission, just a happy customer.
Carrie you make a great point, I hadn’t thought of having one made. I even a local Amish community would be a good idea.
The buffalo quinoa bites, the boots, the potato skins, the BOOZE BROWNIES….Want all the Friday favorites!
oh geez, that cake…. I can just imagine how chocolatety and moist it would taste
I have been eyeing a fitbit for some time, everything crossed that I am the lucky one ;)
I wanted the fitbit so badly for Christmas but it wasn’t to be. Hoping I win one!