Happy Friday everyone!
I’m coming at you from underneath 4″ of freshly fallen snow. Or something like that. I’m so bored of talking about the weather! Snow, sleet, blizzard, repeat…right Remind me again why I live in the Midwest? Kidding! Kind of…
Anyway, after a blissful three days in the upper 40s and 50s this week (Lincoln and I went out in our first outdoor walk of the year – AMAZING!!) we were hit by yet another blizzard yesterday, so we’re back playing indoors for the foreseeable future. It sure was fun while it lasted!
This weekend we’re probably sticking indoors, then on Sunday we have Lincoln’s 6 month pictures. I can’t believe they’re already here. It feels like just a few weeks ago we were taking his newborn shots. He is turning into such a dude…sniff!
Well 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 the light blue links to be taken to the original source.
Favorite crunch: The BEST Butter-Free Popcorn (Nooch Popcorn) I’ve been wanting to try “nooch” popcorn for years, and Ali’s recent post on the topic finally sold me. I ordered a jar of cheesy-tasting nutritional yeast aka “nooch” last week and have eaten this snack, um, three nights in a row. It’s SO delicious! (Though I do add butter – I NEED butter with my popcorn…it’s a sickness, really.)
Favorite funny: What Postcards from Family Vacations Should Really Say. I actually snorted out loud while reading these cards. Though I’ve only traveled with Lincoln once, I can see ALL THE THINGS in my future!
Favorite devour: Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread. This sweet and citrusy bread looks like just the thing to usher in citrus season, and brighten up these snow and sleet-laden days. Love how moist and dense it looks, too.
Favorite footwear: Dolce Bita Fabia Sandal. I bought a similar pair of these sandals last year but my big fat swollen pregnancy feet totally stretched out and ruined them. So sad! Oh well, good excuse to buy a new pair. ; )
Favorite sip: 5 Ingredient Ginger Beer Margaritas. I’ve been waiting for this recipe from Dana at Minimalist Baker for weeks after she teased it on Instagram. So glad it’s finally posted – looks like an impeccable cross between one of my favorite drinks, a Moscow Mule, and a thirst-quenching margarita.
Favorite fashion: Blushed Tweed Moto Jacket. So, so perfect for Spring, plus it comes in petite. Ordered!
Favorite bite: Coffee Cake with Crumble Topping and Brown Sugar Glaze. I think I might have shared this coffee cake on Friday Favorites before, but it’s worth re-posting because, well, LOOK AT THAT TOPPING. Piled sky-high!
Favorite swap: Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese. Lately I’ve been craving spaghetti squash all. the. time. Weird, right? Ben doesn’t love it, but if it’s paired with something he does like then he’ll eat it. (His words, not mine.) Think we’ll both dig the cheesy sauce this spaghetti squash is baked in.
Favorite tip: How to Print Your Instagram Pictures Anywhere. This is an awesome tip – especially if you want to make an Instagram wall!
Favorite hack: How to Make Homemade Frozen Pizzas. Frozen pizza without the atrocious ingredient list? Sign me up!
Favorite dinner: Man Pleasing Chicken. I’ve been making homemade chicken stock with a whole bird every weekend for the past couple of months and, without a doubt, my favorite part of the process is devouring the luscious, tender thigh meat. YUM. Thigh is the new black and this combo of chicken thighs plus pantry-staples has me totally sold. Cannot wait to try.
Favorite find. BaHA – so true. Ben pointed out that it would make more sense to say, “Home is where the pants aren’t ON”, but come on, you get it!
Favorite treat: Dark Chocolate Bourbon Cherry Soda Floats. THESE! Chocolate + cherry + bourbon + soda froth = Heaven.
Favorite DIY: DIY Wooden Crate Storage. I’ve been wanting a super-cute solution to corralling all the blankets and toys in our family room, and this project looks totally doable – and affordable.
Favorite flip: Rice Krispie Treat Frosting. Rice Krispie Treats in my frosting? Genius!
Favorite giveaway: $225 VISA Gift Card Giveaway! 10 other Iowa-based food bloggers and myself have teamed up to bring you this fabu $225 VISA Gift Card Giveaway! With the icky snow and spring break on the horizon, who couldn’t use a little fun shopping time?! Use the widget below to enter!
Check out Ally’s Sweet & Savory Eats, Jeni Eats, Been There Baked That, Simplify Live Love, The Sustainable Couple, In the Kitchen with Jenny, City Girl Country Life, Make the Best of Everything, The Humble Kitchen, and Corn Beans Pigs and Kids if you get a chance!
Enter to win the $225 VISA Gift Card Giveaway by using the voting widget below (may not work in Internet Explorer.) Enter by following one or more of the bloggers Facebook and/or Pinterest Pages. Click the “+1″ button then click “Enter” by 11:59pm central time on Friday, February 28. Good luck!
*** PLEASE NOTE: the voting widget below may take up to a minute to load and may not work in Internet Explorer. The winner will be chosen randomly via Random.org and will be contacted directly via email. ***
Brita 02.24.2014
I’m planning a trip to Europe this summer, and any moola I’m getting right now is going straight to that. Paris, HERE I COME!!!
Mai 02.24.2014
I would use the gift card toward a new down comforter – we are really in need of new bedding!
Stephanie 02.24.2014
I need a vacation in the sun :)
Emily W 02.24.2014
I absolutely love your blog! Your recipes never fail me, and they’re a go-to when I’m just not quite sure what to make. Also, I love that y’all named your son, Lincoln. He’s a cutie.
Darcy 02.24.2014
I’d buy a new pair of winter boots!
Brooke 02.24.2014
I’m definitely trying the spaghetti squash mac & cheese, the DIY frozen pizzas, and the chicken – AWESOME!
Laura 02.24.2014
The Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese looks so good!
Kaity 02.24.2014
Totally have to try that Man-Pleasing Chicken!
I would get some supplies for DIY Projects AND give my car a little love–in desperate need of cleaning/detailing, but its just been too cold to do it myself! ;)
Jennie 02.24.2014
I LOVE your blog! Great meal ideas – I have tried quite a few, always delicious. I can’t wait to see some more toddler friendly meals as Lincoln gets older. I could use some help!
Sarah T. 02.24.2014
Curtains for the living room (which I’ve been putting off for 2 years) and a massage!
Dana 02.24.2014
I love Friday Favorites! You’re brilliant Kristen =)
buff 02.24.2014
What would I do with the money;? I need the right piece of art work to put over my new sofa in my newly redecorated living room. This would probably more than cover it. The rest would go for treats for my grandchildren.
Megan (The Lyons' Share) 02.24.2014
I almost always spend any “fun” money I have on some new (more-expensive-than-usual) food or fitness finds!
Desirée Gusson 02.24.2014
And I don’t know which one i’d love the most, the lemon poppy seed bread or the cheesy pasta, although i’m pretty addicted to pasta lately.
Guess i would purchase a new set of bakeware!
Isis G. 02.24.2014
I’d buy a few new clothes for spring/summer! Awesome giveaway!
Taran 02.24.2014
Giveaway comment: I’d go shopping for SUMMER clothes!!!!!! Summer needs to get here NOW! :)
Melissa 02.24.2014
I love Friday Favorites! I always end up pinning a bunch of stuff :)
HoneyJo 02.24.2014
You’ve inspired me to start using Chicken Thighs!
HoneyJo 02.24.2014
Oops….and I would totally use my winning to purchase some new spring clothes!
jennifer (take the day off blog) 02.24.2014
I love your Friday Favorites posts! Definitely making the spaghetti squash dish. soon.
Juli V 02.24.2014
I would get some new cookbooks.