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!
Happy Birthday!!! and have a fantastic weekend. I am now seriously craving those caramel brownies :-)
Happy Birthday!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend in KC! Thanks so much for sharing my s’mores whoopie pies! I don’t comment often, but love your blog and have been following forever :)
Happy Birthday, Kristin!! I hope it’s fabulous for you!!! Love your blog – I share it with everyone I know. Also love that cute pink necklace your wearing. Where is it from?
Enjoy your weekend!! :)
Happy Birthday Kristen! Enjoy your birthday and fun-filled weekend! Your 30’s will bring you many blessings.
I always look forward to your Friday Favorites!! Wishing you a fabulous 30th birthday celebration in KC – & also wishing there was a Zombie Burger location in Virginia so I could take my Walking-Dead addicted roommate there for her birthday this Sunday!! LOL
Happy Birthday Kristin! I turn 30 later this month also :)
Happy Birthday! Mine is tomorrow, so I am totally loving all the 4th of July festivities as well. :) Summertime is the best!
I just LOVE that bag! I’m not a big purse/shoe girl since I never fully outgrew my tomboy stage but I NEED that purse. You look marvelous by the way!
Happy 30th Birthday! Have a GREAT Weekend in KC, maybe BBQ with a side of veggies! FF are awesome as always..
Happy 30th!!
Hope your weekend is awesome!
I made the fruit salad and it was delish! I omitted the banannas, and in place added raspberries and pineapple and it was AAAAAhhhmazing!
The cape is gorgeous, but busy! I grew up going their every summer..Rhode Island is a nice alternative, especially Charlestown or Watch Hill. Iconic New England!
Happy 30th Birthday! Hope the weekend is AMAZING! Wanted to let you know I made the grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter for a 4th picnic (in the rain…POUT) and it was a huge hit! Thx for all you do!
happy birthday! enjoy yourself and your weekend away. (also, no fair telling us about rice krispie milkshakes when we can’t get one!)
Happy Birthday Kristin! Hope you have a fun weekend. Happy 4th too! I made Judy’s baked beans yesterday and they really are delicious…and addicting! Yum!! Thanks for all your wonderful recipes and the Friday Favorites are great as usual! : )