You caught me!
Last night I told you I freeze my leftover tomato paste in plastic baggies, but I didn’t tell you how to do it!
All you do is spoon the leftover tomato paste into a bag, then spread it in an even layer pressing the air out. Zip the top then separate the paste into rectangles using your fingertips. Since the paste is so thick, it will stay put. Place the baggie into the freezer, then when you’re ready to use just open the bag and push a segment out. Easy as that!
In other news, my Mom and I have started up our morning walks again. Getting up even earlier than normal to knock out our 1.5 mile loop before work has been a little rough, but an ice cold coffee after working up a sweat is a real treat. I make a French Vanilla Brew Over Ice K-Cup with a splash of almond milk, which is just divine!
Might just have to make another one to sip on while spring cleaning today. I’ve blocked off the entire afternoon to start making a dent in all the decluttering and dusting plans I have for the house. Is it weird that I am totally pumped to get started?!
While I’m wrist deep in cleaning solution, I hope you enjoy my favorite finds from around the web in this week’s Friday Favorites!
(PS: I apologize in advance for the abundance of desserts in this week’s roundup. I gave up sweets for Lent, and they’re pretty much all I can think about right now!)
Favorite find: Cuppow Lids. Sorry to shout, but, NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED!!! No wait, HAAAAAAAAAVE!!! Just bought one!
Favorite dessert: Cosmic Brownies. I’d never turn down a fancy-schmancy dessert, but classics like this simple-yet-utterly-luscious-looking brownie is what really does it for me. YUM.
Favorite print: We’re All Mad Here. ‘Cause it’s true!
Favorite Cocktail: Sunshine Dazzler. Like a mimosa on ‘roids. Perfect for a shower or girlie get together.
Favorite dream home find: Porthole Laundry Shoot. This is so fun, Ben might actually use it!
Favorite nibble: Iced Oatmeal Cookies. Thin, crisp, and iced. My ideal oatmeal cookie.
Favorite color pop: Charlize Teardrop Earrings. Turquoise, turquoise, turquoise!
Favorite flip flop: Brownie Cookies. The baker of these cookies claims they’re the best cookies she’s ever had. If they taste half as good as they look, I believe it!
Favorite whaa?!: Zero Energy Bio Robot Fridge. Stick your groceries into the gel, which conforms to the item’s shape and cools it without using any energy whatsoever. WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT?!
Favorite threat. As a girl who grew up with two brothers, I know how serious this is.
Favorite tip: Built-In Card Holder. Always losing the card that goes with the gift you’re taking somewhere? Add a pocket into the wrapping paper with an extra fold. Brills!
Favorite flavorful pop: Churro Tots. Growing up, my Dad would sometimes fry biscuit dough in our Fry Daddy then shake them up in a paper bag with cinnamon-sugar for an extra-special weekend treat. This recipe totally takes me back!
Favorite view. Equal parts thrilling and barf inducing.
Favorite funny. Been there, done that! ;)
Favorite supper: Caramelized Peach and Brie Quesadilla. You better believe I’ll be making these ‘dillas this summer. The peaches are coming, the peaches are coming!
Favorite fun. If I only do one thing in Jamaica, it will be cliff jumping into the ocean. I CAN’T WAIT!
Favorite DIY: Living Succulent Wreath. What a pretty wreath to hang outdoors! All it needs is a light misting of water every few days. Something even I – the anti-gardener – can handle!
Favorite bite: 10 Minute Stuffed Figs. Figs > no figs. Stuffed figs > figs. Stuffed baked figs > stuffed figs.
Favorite pooch. I have been obsessing over French bull dogs lately. Look at that little tongue!
Favorite tip: Sweater Shaving. This tip might save my entire winter wardrobe. I can’t wait to try and shave the fuzzies off.
Favorite photo. This type of picture make me feel so small in this big world. Amazing.
Favorite upgrade: Nutter Butter Rice Krispie Treats. Can I have some?! ’nuff said.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Ryan - Spicy Richmond 03.16.2012
Ummmm I totally need to buy one of those Cuppow things! Genius!
Elizabeth 03.16.2012
Thanks for including my brownie cookies! Now I want to make them this weekend! :)
Michelle (Better with Berries) 03.16.2012
“The peaches are coming, the peaches are coming!”
I love it!! Haha – peaches are probably one of my favorite things about summer :-)
Caroline @ After Dinner Dance 03.16.2012
I am totally making those cosmic brownies! I used to love the processed ones you buy at the store as a kid. Thanks for the idea!
kate 03.16.2012
omg i too have been obsessing over french bulldogs!! for *ahem* years…lol they’re so cute! frenchies & boston terriers are my favorite dogs! :)
Sarah 03.16.2012
as another girl with 2 brothers, I love your threat!!
Victoria Brown 03.16.2012
I totally went all in for a cuppow. Shipping is slow… But its the best thing EVER!!!
Julianne 03.16.2012
Oh my goodness, I gave up chocolate for Lent too and I had no idea it would this hard. I normally tune out radio commercials and then all of a sudden all I heard was “salted caramel mocha” on a commercial for McDonalds. But, over half way there and I have decided that my Easter brunch is going to be 90% chocolate :) You are not alone!
Julianne 03.16.2012
Oh, I also wanted to say that I am a long time reader and I love your new redesign and Friday favs posts.
Tracey 03.16.2012
LOVE the churro tots and the SF Gate picture! Just got my cuppow lids yesterday and they are as cool as I thought they would be ;-)
Sarah O. 03.16.2012
Those cookies look amazing! I need those earrings!
Villy @ For the love of Feeding 03.16.2012
I had to scroll down SO fast when I saw the bridge photo.. Ouch. I love Friday Favorites!! :D
Rachel 03.16.2012
Love Fridays here! I am glad to know that the cup lids are available for purchase. I snuck a whole bunch of them in my coat a few weeks ago while at the gas station after seeing the idea on Pinterest; the lids completely failed me. I was also thinking these would be perfect to use for homemade dressings! Going to buy some now :)
Emily 03.16.2012
I adore succulents – so that wreath is DEFINITELY on my to-do list now! :)
Jenna 03.16.2012
I love your tomato paste trick!
“Equal parts thrilling and barf inducing.” describes that pictures PERFECTLY!!!!
Lisa L 03.16.2012
Love the dog/cake picture – classic! Not sure about the gel fridge WTH? How wierd!!
Kierstan @ Life {and running} in Iowa 03.16.2012
Those lids are amazing! I just ordered two. Now I just need to find someone who can make me a sleeve for my mason jar so I can use it for hot coffee!
Jen 03.16.2012
They have mason jar cups that have handles on them, my friend has them!
MOM 03.20.2012
I have the handled mason jar glasses- got them at Cracker Barrel!
Sarah 03.16.2012
Trader Joes now has tomato paste in a tube! ..and it is awesome.
Noelle (@singerinkitchen) 03.16.2012
I bought two tubes 2 weeks ago!
sharon weaver 03.18.2012
I have bought it too, but pricy.
Sara @my less serious life 03.16.2012
this tomato paste tip just changed my life. seriously. life. changed.
Sara @my less serious life 03.16.2012
wait can i also just say that this struck me as so fantastic that i created an entirely new Pinterest board just to hold it.
Kate 03.17.2012
Even better, once it’s in the baggie, you can use a chopstick to make good sections. Same with garlic and ginger.
nicole @ I am a Honey Bee 03.16.2012
I ordered those mason jar toppers too. I think mine will be here in a few days. Can’t wait!!
kathleen @ the daily crumb 03.16.2012
no such thing as too many desserts!! love this week’s roundup, especially that fridge thing (although i’m still not certain i totally get it!)