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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
Favorite sip: Maple Bourbon Cocktail. Hello, Thanksgiving 2015 cocktail! We will definitely be whipping up a batch or 17 of these next week.
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.
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!
Favorite side: Braised Fingerling Potatoes with Garlic Shallots and Fresh Herbs. BRAISED potatoes??? So down for that.
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.
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)
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!
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.
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!
Emily 11.21.2015
Love that buffet! We just got one, but it’s pretty bare while I figure out how to style it!
I just joined Snapchat a few weeks ago and like it more than I thought I would! I had always assumed Snapchat was for The Youths (I’d like to consider myself one of, but let’s admit it…I’m An Old now) and for sending scandalous pictures. Love the casual vibe – it’s like following my friends around all day ha!
Emily @ Life on Food 11.21.2015
Brownies and tacos. Three cheers!
Alexandra 11.21.2015
Who doesn’t love snapchat and a sweet treat?! Lovely post:)x
LoveAleex.blogspot.com
Stephanie 11.20.2015
I’m loving your snaps so far! The Christmas tree is really a brilliant idea! Xcgeek8 if you enjoy snaps of an ornery little boy :)
AlexandraAimee 11.20.2015
I’m AlexAimee on SnapChat! It’s a lot of fun, but I would definitely say it’s the app I’ve found hardest to learn!
Kelly 11.20.2015
Follow me at kellithee on snapchat! I have a 2 and half year old daughter and she is mostly on there. I love your snapchats last night!!
Jill 11.20.2015
I’ve been loving Spindrift sparkling water lately, it’s flavored with REAL fruit and is delicious! I found it at Target, it’s helping me kick my soda cravings :).
Lisa 11.20.2015
My snap: bumbabee32
once you start you can’t stop..its sooo addicting!!!
There are a lot of celebs on snap too which is pretty cool.
Catherine 11.20.2015
@catiepuff. But it’s mostly just pics of all the goofy things my cat does :)
Great FF this week!
Mollie A 11.20.2015
You hit a home run this week. I want to make, eat, and wear them all!
Jen @ Carlsbad Cravings 11.20.2015
I always love your Friday Favorites! The introvert/extrovert nailed me 100%! and I’ve totally resisted snapchat until now – must be the introvert side of me :) Thanks for featuring my Chili Lime Chicken Tacos – I really appreciate it!!
Kristin 11.20.2015
I know – the first snap of my face was h-o-r-r-i-f-y-i-n-g – so uncomfortable! But it’s kind of addicting!
Hannah 11.20.2015
The things I would do for one of those cocktails right now. I am having a WEEK! Also welcome to Snapchat! I’m @hannahlivesblog if you can forgive the foul language ;-)
Kristin 11.20.2015
Foul language is my middle name. :)
Kris 11.20.2015
Can’t wait to follow you on Snapshat! I’m kpobreton !
Adrienne 11.20.2015
I love that nacho idea!
molly 11.20.2015
so glad you’re on snapchat now!! follow me: miler830
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday 11.20.2015
The introvert graphs! Yes! And we’ve been doing basic brown paper with simple ribbons (and sometimes some doodling :) ) as wrapping paper for several years and it’s so nice. Have a great weekend!
Beverly Bielewicz 11.20.2015
I gave up diet soda last year and love the La Croix sparkling waters. Great flavors, no added sugars or sodium. Refreshing!
Kristin 11.20.2015
I like the flavor of La Croix but they give me an *instant* headache. It is so weird! It’s only La Croix and it’s every flavor I’ve tried. I have no idea…
Jenelle 11.20.2015
Oh my word. Me too! I would love to know if anyone else has that problem and if they were able to figure out the cause. I love sparkling water (Dasani and Polar are my favorites) but that is the only brand I cannot drink.
Kristin 11.20.2015
So glad to hear I’m not alone! Another friend realized it as soon as I told her too – how bizarre!! Poland Springs sparkling water is also great.
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood 11.20.2015
I just don’t get the whole SnapChat thing? I’ve thought about it a few times but I’m just like.. I have enough to worry about (that I barely use as is ahhaha) LOVE that wrapping paper idea!
Sarah 11.20.2015
I’ve made those nachos and they are to die for! I would recommend them!
Brittany | Words Like Honeycomb 11.20.2015
YAY!! Welcome to the Snapchat World!! I am @wordslikehoney…following you now :D