Happy Friday the 13th, muwahaha! Ahem. I mean, hi and welcome to the weekend!
The heat wave finally broke here in central Iowa, which means the whole town will probably be out and about this weekend, including this party of three. I’ve got big plans for the fam to go to the farmers’ market, watch the Iowa vs Iowa State football game via the projector on our back deck (GO HAWKS!) and possibly pack in some apple picking. I just haven’t told the guys yet. I’m sure they’ll be down…don’t ya’ think? ; )
What do you have going on this weekend?
Wherever you are, and whatever you do, have a good one and in the meantime please enjoy my favorite finds from around the web and beyond in this week’s Friday Favorites!
Click the blue links to be taken to the original source.
Favorite treat: Chocolate Coffee Toffee Crunch Muffins. These babies just keep getting better and better. Chocolate? Yes. Coffee? Uh-huh. Toffee Crunch? I can’t even handle it!
Favorite setup. This is such an awesome use of space in a long, rectangular rec room or basement. Put a little bar area on the back of a couch for extra seating. Brilliant!
Favorite dinner: Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. This sweet and savory chicken looks absolutely mouthwatering. Can’t wait to pop it in the crock pot for an easy, weeknight dinner.
Favorite idea. I love this idea for a playroom – get a big roll of butcher or art paper then put it on a roll to pull out and color on. I remember my elementary school having something like this and it pretty much being the best thing ever.
Favorite homemade: Short Rib and Ricotta Gnocchi. We had a friend passing through town last Sunday so I made this oven-braised short rib and ricotta gnocchi dish for us all to enjoy for dinner…on a 100 degree day. I know. I just had to have a taste and couldn’t wait for cooler temps to come. It was AMAZING. Can’t wait to make again and again all fall and winter long. Easier, and even tastier, than it looks!
Favorite splurge: Madison Madeline East/West Satchel. I saw this bag in Dillards the other day and was SMITTEN. Way prettier in person, too. Better start raiding the couch cushions for loose change!
Favorite truth. Yes. This! Right?
Favorite breakfast: Apple Pie Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup. Ohhhh – how perfectly fluffy are these sweet, seasonal pancakes? YUM!
Favorite fall: Fall Festival Pinterest Board. I can’t help it – I’ve fallen for all things fall! My eyes practically fell out of my head when I saw the wonderfulness that is Kelly Worthington-Hardy’s Fall Festival board on Pinterest. Seriously inspired!
Favorite forkful: Spicy Mexican Chicken Pasta. What a yummy weeknight meal idea. You know how I love me some pasta!
Favorite funny: 30 Signs You’re Almost 30. Well I’m already 30 and I laughed my butt off at these signs. (Second half is funnier than the first!)
Favorite slurp: 5 Ingredient Easy White Chicken Chili. LOVE the secret ingredient in this crazy-tasty-looking soup. Cannot wait for soup-season!
Favorite place: North Cascades, Washington. Ahhh, isn’t it amazing that places like this exist right in our backyard (that is to say, in the US of A?) I’ve never even heard of the Cascades but it just made my list. FYI don’t click the link if swearing offends you. You’ve been warned.
Favorite side: Potato, Cauliflower, and Cheddar Bake. This is a perfect base for an even more perfect fall meal. Throw in some diced ham and you’re set!
Favorite fashion. How cute is this bright and spunky outfit? Love the cut of the shirt.
Favorite devour: Softbatch Cookie Butter Brown Sugar Cookies. COME TO MAMA!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
erin @hooleywithaz 09.13.2013
those soft cookies looks SO good. have a fabulous weekend with this amazing weather (yay for no heat wave!). except one change to your statement about the game…go CYCLONES!
JJ 09.13.2013
I love that room setup! So perfect for hosting people for sports games or a movie night.
Lauren @ Peaks and Passports 09.13.2013
I always love your Friday Favorites! I’d also love to see the setup you’ve got for watching games on the projector on your porch. My boyfriend is dying to set up something similar at our place and I love the idea but am wary of the logistics.
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens 09.13.2013
Awesome Friday Fave list! I’m kinda not sure where to even start!
Celeste O 09.13.2013
Those muffins look delicious! I might have to make some this weekend. Getting chilly here in MN too. This kind of weather makes me want to bake. :)
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run 09.13.2013
such a cute purse!
Kelly Senyei | Just a Taste 09.13.2013
Thanks so much for including a link to my Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken! Enjoy!
Sadye 09.13.2013
Thanks for posting it so IGE could share it — I’m SO excited to try it!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking 09.13.2013
I LOVE all these recipes you’ve shared! So scrumptious. Have a great weekend!
Gabby Bladdick 09.13.2013
The “Favorite Truth” is ABSOLUTELY true! We’re a month out from our wedding and last night, I sat on the couch and thought, “I HAVE to be forgetting something BIG here!” – I just don’t know what it is. Freaking me out!
Karina 09.13.2013
I’m from Washington, and the Cascades are BEAUTIFUL! They are the mountains that run from north to south and bisect the state. You and Ben an Lincoln should definitely take a trip up there sometime. Hit up Seattle and then head for the mountains…gorgeous!
Smitti 09.13.2013
Loved your favs today. Especially the ‘forgetting everything’ card, and the room set up! Awesome! I have a friend who did the paper roll thing – and has used it for YEARS. It started out as a place to do art, then became makeshift table ‘cloths’, and morphed into banners welcoming children home.
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health 09.13.2013
Watching the game via projector on the deck sounds awesome! I would love that but our screaming would probably get us in trouble. We’re watching the Texas A&M play Alabama (Gig ’em!) so it’s going to be a big one.
I’m glad your Friday Favorites are back. There’s always so much to love. That Coach bag is too cute and now I want to plan a trip to Washington! Of course the food looks good too. ;)
C. 09.13.2013
Excited to see your Friday Favorites this morning! I MUST try those apple pancakes and white chicken chili. Love your fall board inspiration suggestion too!
Margo 09.13.2013
Cheezus, Gawd, of course your boyz will be down with that! I don’t know which I love more Friday Fav’s or Fall??? Thanks for all that…
Tom T. 09.13.2013
Apple picking is on the agenda for my weekend as well. Then we make fresh applesauce, apple pizza, apple crisp…the list goes on and on
Steve Perry 09.13.2013
the short ribs is calling my name OH YEAH, have you ever been to the beaverdale fall fest, tonight and all day saturday you must go, PARTY TIME!
Cassie 09.13.2013
Thanks for the feature, Kristen. Now I’m craving that pasta again! :-)
Madison 09.13.2013
Everything looks amazing on this Friday Favorites! I love these and look forward to reading them every week. :)
Emily @ Life on Food 09.13.2013
This is a great week…the chili and the short ribs. Oh my!
Jamie @lifelovelemons 09.13.2013
That gnocchi and pot roast is calling my name too!! Must. Try. Now.