Summer officially gave way to Fall this week but we’ll be enjoying hot and humid, summer-like temperatures for the foreseeable future!

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Got to enjoy these final days of drawing with sidewalk chalk, learning how to ride a trike, and taking impromptu afternoon walks while they last. It’s hard to believe that at this time last year this little monkey wasn’t even walking, and now he’s tearing through the neighborhood like he owns the place. Toddlerhood of course has it’s challenges, but MAN is this a fun time!

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Despite the fun outdoor activities, and the fact that my AC keeps kicking on, I can’t deny that I’m slowly making the mental shift towards Fall and cooler weather. Are you there yet? I sort of feel like a traitor admitting that out loud, but the second half of the week was drizzly and grey, so I took the opportunity to make my cozy Gluten-Free Homestyle Chicken and Noodles for dinner a few nights ago. 75 degrees and I’m rolling out homemade egg noodles to drop into a big pot of boiling broth. Trust me – totally worth it!

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Yesterday I even busted out a long-sleeved shirt and pair of close-toed flats to wear while enjoying a hot almond milk latte under the equally hot sun with Lincoln and George during our weekly La Mie date. What can I say, the heart wants what it wants! ;)

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My heart also wants you to get the discount code for my ebook, Gluten-Free for Beginners: 30 Day Meal Plan and Guide for Gluten-Free Success, which will be available for pre-order starting this Sunday, September 27 at 12:01am CT!! Make sure to sign up for my email newsletter to get the discount code and be notified when pre-sales start. Don’t forget, the first 25 people who pre-order will also get a box of my favorite gluten-free products from Hy-Vee!

I’ve heard from a lot of you who may not have Celiac Disease or a gluten-sensitivity but know somebody who does, and either want to give the ebook as a gift OR read it to learn how to prepare safe foods for their friends and families. These are such wonderful, supportive ideas – I absolutely love it! Regardless of the reason, I know you’ll find it extremely helpful learning how to go gluten-free.

Gluten-Free for Beginners: 30 Day Plan and Guide for Gluten-Free Success | iowagirleats.com

With that said, 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!

Favorite face-plant: Chocolate Buttermilk-Frosted Brownies. Between getting pre-sales for the ebook ready to launch on Sunday, trying not to catch Lincoln’s second cold in less than a month, and everything in between, it has been a WEEK! Nothing these epic brownies can’t fix though, right? This picture makes me giddy!

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Favorite truth. I believe!

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Favorite combo: Fried Cauliflower dipped in Whipped Feta. Yet another scroll-stopping recipe featuring cauliflower, plus this one could easily be made gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour (I think I’d use sweet white rice or almond flour.) Cannot wait to try these crunchy bites!

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Favorite space. If Ben and I ever finished our basement It’d have to have a small kitchen and bar. This space is so inviting, don’t you think? Get the bar experience without having to pay for a babysitter!

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Favorite snack. I like to combine different textures when I’m snacking – crunchy gluten free pretzels + silky almond butter, creamy cottage cheese plus juicy fresh pineapple, etc – which is why I’m digging this crunchy/creamy snack idea from The Laughing Cow, that’s perfect for game day. Crunchy blue corn tortilla chips topped with Creamy Spicy Pepper Jack cheese, fresh jalapeño, and bacon bits. Heck yes! Also, GO HAWKS! (full disclosure: I am a brand ambassador for The Laughing Cow!)

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Favorite truth: All the Comments Ever on Your Special Diet. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, eat gluten-free, dairy-free – whatever your special diet may be – your blood pressure will simultaneously raise from remembering times people have said these statements to you, and lower from being able to laugh about them after the fact. So I guess it will stay the same. Regardless, preach! My favorite: “Yeah, get it. I get a stomachache when I eat ice cream, but I eat it anyway!” 

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Favorite read: Why It Doesn’t Matter How You Feel About Your Friends. This was such a huge read for me this week. I think about my friends all the time. Like, daily. About how much I love them, how their jobs are going, how their kids are doing, what their days are like – but unless I reach out and ask, it doesn’t matter much at all. Must read!

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Favorite cozy: Easy Tomato Soup with Ancini di Pepe Pasta. How unbelievably cozy does this soup look? Can’t wait to make it, swapping out the ancini di pepe with some GF pasta. On this one pronto!

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Favorite craft: Pumpkin Tree Stump Welcome Sign. Since making my DIY Wood Slice Chalkboard last year, I know how easy and fun wood slice crafts can be. This one is ah-dorable, inexpensive, and could be placed anywhere you need a little fall cheer.

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Favorite bite. I found this sandwich on JonnyOC’s instagram account and nearly spit out my drink at the genius of it all. The double down sandwich is cool ranch dusted fried chicken, bacon, American cheese, & ancho ranch sauce. Let me just make sure you read the most important part – cool ranch dusted fried chicken. I can’t even.

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Favorite thing ever: Amazon Prime. (<< affiliate link.) Am I the last person in America to learn about Amazon Prime?? I somehow started a 30 day free trial a couple months ago and am HOOKED! FREE 2 day shipping on pretty much everything, plus a lot of other features that I have taken zero advantage of because the free shipping is just. so. good. The service is $99/year after the free trial ends but it’s been so worth it to be able to one-click order things I need without having to make a list, go out and run a special errand, etc. Bottom line – it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. Really need to check out the Kindle book access too – wonder if it’s just a selection or all Kindle books?

Edited to add: Just learned that TODAY only (Friday, 9/25) you can get your yearly subscription for just $67/year – heck of a deal!

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Favorite wake up: Healthy Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Bowl with Curly Sweet Potato Fries. Whelp, I know what I’ll be making for breakfast tomorrow! This bowl looks unbelievable and perfect for waking up with on a lazy Saturday morning.

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Have a great weekend, everyone!