Hello, and happy Friday!

Cooking on KCCI went well, although I noticed 5 minutes before we went live that coffee had been dribbling out of my mug and down my blouse the entire morning – BLERG! Thankfully it dried seconds before I made Raspberry Vanilla Cheesecake Bites and Hot Pepper Jelly Dip on air!

Fun way to start the day!

Favorite oh no she didn’t: Salty Caramel Oat Bars. If someone could just go ahead and show up at my house with a batch of these right about now, that’d be great, thanks.

SaltyCaramelOatBars

Favorite Kitchen Find: West Elm Modern Bowls. So whimsical, and I love the size!

bowls

Favorite fantasy: Thalassini Church in the Grecian Cyclades Islands. There was a church that looked almost exactly like this in Praiano on the Amalfi Coast that I just adored. I love the nearly 360 degree view here though!

Greece

Favorite dinner idea: Herbed Risotto with Chicken and Caramelized Onions. Seriously, like, all my favorite things on one plate.

risotto

Favorite holiday hairstyle: Simple Gibson Tuck. Someday!

hairstyle

Favorite stocking stuffer: Jennifer Aniston’s perfume. I’m not a big perfume girl – it’s usually way too strong – but this is a perfectly light and pleasant scent.

Jennifer_Aniston_Bottle

Favorite easy holiday decor: Knitting Needle Tree. You have GOT to click over to see this – so incredibly easy, and I just love the look!

KnittingNeedleTree

Favorite drool-worth photo: 100 Layer Lasagna. Oh to have just one bite!

lasagna

Favorite bag: J Crew Marceau Hobo. This is everything I’m looking for in a purse. I may just splurge and get it!

bag

Favorite foodie gift: Cuisinart Mini Food Processor. This baby is my saving grace in the kitchen. I use it for chopping onions, garlic and veggies, and mixing batters like for the cheesecakes. A must-have item for any home cook!

minifoodprocessor

Favorite funny: Hilarious animal expressions. I dare you not to laugh out loud!!!

panda

Favorite piece of jewelry: MXMJewelry Initial Ring. I think this is unique and sweet.

ring

Favorite do I dare?!: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Grapes & Walnuts. Ok, sounds totally nuts, but my Mom said a friend’s daughter made it and it was awesome!

RoastedBSprouts

Favorite ‘if only’. Haaaaa!

RyanGoslingMasonJar

Favorite slurp: Spicy Tomato Soup. We all know how I feel about tomato soup, but this looks so dang good!

SpicyTomatoSoup

Favorite sweet sip: Starbuck’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. I tried a sample of this last night and OMG – it was amazing. They even sprinkle salt on top! Tip: order it “short” which is just 8oz. That’s all you’ll need of this rich drink.

starbucks-salted-caramel-hot-chocolate

Favorite photos: National Geographic’s 2011 Photo Contest Roundup. Super cool!

nationalgeographic

Favorite Friday night activity: Watching The Hangover that just came out on DVD – whee!

hangover

Have a great weekend everyone!