Happy Friday, I hope you had a spectacular 4th of July!
My Mom, Dad, Ben and me spent the gorgeous evening of the 3rd at the Yankee Doodle Pops concert downtown, like we’ve done every year since the beginning of time, I feel.
We spread our blankets out on the capital lawn, busted out some yummy nibbles, then took in a lovely orchestra performance which culminated in a fireworks display as the 1812 Overture blasted from below. Classic!
I think I ate about 3lbs of the Best Fruit Dip. Ever. Also pretty classic. ; )
The next day the four of us met back up downtown for an early birthday lunch at Zombie Burger. Love this quirky, zombie-themed restaurant which carries the most ridiculous burger combos in town.
My Mom and I split the “Raygun” burger. A beef patty topped with Monterey Jack, fried jalapenos, caramelized onion, bacon, guacamole, and chipotle mayo. It was…epic. Must recreate. I also splurged on a Rice Krispie Treat shake because you only turn 30 once and, damnit, I wanted a Rice Krispie Treat shake!
Thanks Mom and Dad! : )
Afterwards Ben and I strolled along the riverwalk for awhile, hit the shopping mall for some relief from the heat (along with literally every other pregnant woman in town – it was hilarious) then spent the evening with friends at a great backyard BBQ culminating in another beautiful fireworks display.
‘Til next year!!
Today, well, today is my 30th birthday (AHH!) Ben took the day off and surprised me with a weekend trip to Kansas City for a few days of pre-baby fun! My family and I used to go at least once a year to shop at the Plaza and take in a Royals game, but I haven’t been back in years and years. Looking forward to re-exploring the city with my man (and, uh, maybe eating some vegetables!)
Well wherever you are, and whatever you do, I hope you have a fantastic weekend and please enjoy my favorite finds from around the web in this week’s Friday Favorites!
Click on the light blue links to be taken to the original source.
Favorite bite: S’mores Whoopie Pies. I have been seeing s’more everything on the interwebs lately. This is by far one of the most creative and delicious looking though. Ben and I have a little fire pit in our backyard that I’m dying to roast a couple of the OG ones on soon!
Favorite fashion: Athens Dress. How perfectly adorable is this dress? Great for a backyard party in the summer. Heart those shoes, too.
Favorite treat: Fresh Cherry Limeade Cupcakes. Everything about these cupcakes, from the lime-spiked batter to the fresh cherry-swirled icing, is simply begging me to make them.
Favorite furball. Awwww. Just, AWWW!
Favorite lick: Skinny Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Popsicles. Put “vanilla bean” in the recipe title and I’m already sold, but I’m especially loving that these treats are under 130 calories a pop. Totally decadent, and better for you than a blizzard, right?!
Favorite DIY: DIY Pixel Painting. This is such a fun idea, and I think the watercolors make the final painting look rustic yet high-end. Too cool.
Favorite fresh: Roman Salad. Salty, savory, no-recipe-needed salad. The best.
Favorite find: Chocolate Brown Bow Tote Bag. Normally I’m not a huge bow or ruffle fan, but this bow is just big enough to take it out of girly-girl realm and into chic territory. Know what I mean?
Favorite bomb: Monster Cookie Dough Brownie Bomb. Bahahaha!! These are insane!
Favorite funny: 15 Cute and Funny Kid Notes. These hilarious notes had me laughing out loud. Where do they come up with this stuff??
Favorite forkful: Avocado with Warm Bacon Dressing. I am not mad at a single ingredient in this warm and savory salad, and have always wanted to try a warm bacon dressing. What better way than over luscious avocados?
Favorite place: Summer out East (image via) As I look towards future family vacation plans, I keep coming back to renting a cabin somewhere for a week every summer, spending lazy afternoons on a boat and taking it totally easy. The logical thing would be to go a couple hours north to a lake in Minnesota, or even Lake of the Ozarks, which wouldn’t be that much further away, but part of me is craving an east-coast summer a la Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard. Love that style!
Favorite splurge: Salted Caramel Brownies. This picture is torture!! Going to whip these up for the next get together I attend, for sure!
Have a wonderful weekend!
[…] I mentioned on Friday, I haven’t been to Kansas City in years and years. Ben and I both love Minneapolis from […]
Your mention of wanting to vacation out east reminded me of my favorite author, Elin Hilderbrand. Her books all take place on Nantucket island and reading them will make you want to visit, for sure! Look her up sometime when you’re wanting a good summer read – you will love her books!!!
Looks like you had a great time. Love those zombi burgers, next time am in the area, i will take a visit.
Sounds like you had a great 4th!
Happy 30th! Looks like you had a great July 4th!
Thanks for including my caramel blondies.
My husband’s birthday was also July 5. His mom always said he was almost a firecracker. Looks like you had a great day! Love all of your recipes and photos. Thanks.
That burger looks spectacular.
Kristin, I really enjoy your Friday Favorites – always a day brightener here in AZ. Thank you for all your efforts! Best wishes to you in the joyous weeks ahead!
Happy birthday from me and a black lab named Pip and a black cat named Gladys (your parents would probably remember Gladys Knight and the Pips).
Happy Birthdays
I love them all great
Those brownie bombs look, the bomb! hehe sorry I had to!
I’m checking out that skinny cheesecake popsicle recipe now. That furball photo is too cute!
Loved how the burger that you and your mum had looked, yummy.
Happy Birthday! I was pregnant when I turned 30 too! the next year I celebrated my bday with a much needed big wine tasting trip through Sonoma :-) Hope you enjoy your surprise vacay!
Oh my gosh. The kids notes were the funniest things I have read in a long time!! My husband and I were crying, we were laughing so hard! Thank you for sharing. Your Friday Favorites always get me through the last day of the work week!!! :)
That pops concerts looks like so much fun! The perfect way to celebrate the holiday. Have a great rest of the weekend, and thanks so much for featuring my avocados w/ bacon dressing. I appreciate it :)
I was born and raised in DSM and love seeing pictures of it. I also miss spending my 4th of July at the most stunning Capitol in the United States. Hope you had a wonderful birthday and God bless you, your family and your new baby boy!
Happy birthday!!! You look simply amazing! I hope you have a great time! I will be finally painting my kitchen a cheery yellow and white! At least I hope it is cheery and not post it note yellow! But i am happy to be putting up some paint!!
omg, you’ll be in my city! Make sure you check out Natasha’s Mulberry and Mott, a french pastry shop on the Plaza, for french macarons and more!
Happy Birthday to you Kristin! You look adorable in that black top and so does little man! Have a happy day!! Your 30’s are so fun, make sure you enjoy them. This from a lady who turns 50(!!Ouch!!) next week. Once the baby is here time goes so fast! I’m sure your Mom can attest to that.
Can’t believe you’re coming to KC – I live in downtown KC! We’re headed to OK this weekend for a concert though, so no, we won’t be able to join you for dinner on the Plaza.. ;) haha. Our favorite place is Kona Grill! I get sushi & the husband gets pizza :) Enjoy your visit!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE CUTEST MOMMY-TO-BE!!!