Happy Friday everyone!

Today the three of us – Ben, Lincoln, and myself – are heading up to Minneapolis for our first weekend trip. Eek! Ben and I have always agreed that we don’t want to be tied to the house just because we have a child, but at the same time L does well on a schedule and I just hope he’ll do ok away from home. I suppose it’s like any new experience with a baby – you don’t know how it’ll go until you try!

That being said, #prayforus.

Speaking of hashtags, check out this video which nearly made me spit out my Apple Izze. It is SO funny!

Anyway, I’ll be sitting on a panel at an agribusiness conference this afternoon, discussing my experience with the Join My Journey program, then we’ll play the rest of the weekend by ear. Hoping to sneak in a trip to IKEA and maybe West Elm to look at furniture for the house (yep, STILL EMPTY – told you this would take awhile!) and no trip to our old stomping grounds would be complete without brunch at Uptown Diner. I can taste the cinnamon french toast now, mmm… : )

Wish us luck!

Whatever you do this weekend, make it a good one, and in the meantime please enjoy my favorite finds from the web and beyond in this week’s Friday Favorites!

Click on the blue links to be taken to the original source. 

Favorite bite: Apple Cider Caramel Glazed Pound CakeNow, I really love my Fresh Apple Cake recipe, but something it’s unfortunately missing? An Apple Cider Caramel Glaze. DROOL.

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Favorite find: Merona Satchel Handbag. I spotted this bag at Target earlier this week and swooned. Definitely not as luxe as the Coach bag I showed you a few weeks ago, but it looks really darn similar for a WHOLE lot less.

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Favorite devour: Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Herbs. Pinch of Yum got it right with this recipe and post. Sometimes simple really is best.

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Favorite funny: Bat Dad (click then scroll down for videos.) Oh my gosh, these videos of a Dad who disciplines his kids while wearing a batman mask are HYSTERICAL. I dare you not to laugh. 

BatDad

Favorite reuse: Mason Jar Lid Pies: Spiced PeachWhat a brilliant idea to bake an individual pie inside a mason jar lid! The possibilities are endless.

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Favorite fitness: Training for a 10KThinking about trying to fit this in before it gets too cold to run outdoors. The idea of a training plan to stick to as I get back into running is definitely appealing (yes I know the potential effects of exercise on nursing – I’m being careful!)

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Favorite dip: Apple Pie FriesI’ve had this recipe pinned for months. Apple pie filling stuffed between pie crusts then cut into fries and served with caramel sauce. So clever!

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Favorite space: Kid’s Nook. I have a perfect place in the house for a little learning/activity nook for Lincoln when he gets older. I love how this is both fun but neat and tidy-looking (although I suppose it wouldn’t stay that way for long!) ; )

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Favorite twist: Quinoa. Cranberry, Almond Grilled Chicken SaladGreat fall twist on the classic chicken salad. Would be good between two slices of bread, stuffed inside a pita, or scooped over a pile of lettuce.

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Favorite travel: Villa Honegg Hotel, Switzerland. Talk about a spa with a view! The Villa Honegg Hotel in Switzerland was built in 1905, and comes complete with a one-of-a-kind view of Mt. Burgenstock from the spa pool. Sign me up!

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Favorite drizzle: Brown Butter Buttermilk SyrupI think borrowing my parent’s waffle maker so I can drown homemade waffles in a thick drizzle of brown butter buttermilk syrup might be in order soon. Crazy decadent.

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Favorite lounge: Skinny Sweatpants. For some reason I can’t quite put my finger on these skinny sweatpants really appeal to me. I just think they’re too cute!

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Favorite snack: Chocolate Chip Almond Butter Granola BarsHomemade granola bars always seem to catch my eye. The combo of chocolate chips and almond butter in this version sound extra scrumptious.

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Favorite bling: New York Stud Earrings. I think I’ve featured these earrings in another Friday Favorites post, but in a different color. The tortoise version here looks so smart. The perfect cap to a cute fall outfit.

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Favorite indulge: Skillet Brownies. DYING! Love the fact that this recipe can be made from start to finish in a cast iron skillet. Totally trying this sooner rather than later.

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Favorite DIY: Outdoor Fall LanternsAren’t these cute? They’re not-so-cute craft store lanterns spray painted then filled with– well, I’ll let you click over to read the rest of the instructions. I think they’d look adorable on the front porch or fireplace mantel.

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Favorite sweet: Pumpkin Twinkies with Cream Cheese Marshmallow Filling. Ok, these babies make me giddy. Homemade Pumpkin Twinkies with Cream Cheese Marshmallow Filling?! Definitely favorite pumpkin recipe I’ve found this season so far!

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Have a wonderful weekend!

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80 Comments

  1. Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner says:

    I love your “Friday Favorites!” Those apple pie fries are going on my must-make list for my next party. How cool!

  2. Trisha says:

    I can’t get enough of that hashtag video. Well, really I can’t get enough of JT period, but throw in JF and I’m like, beyond obsessed. #hilariousduo
    And those apple pie fries might just be my newest obsession.

  3. Lisa says:

    Get the skinny sweat pants! I just bought a pair from the Gap with the tuxedo stripe down the leg and I LOVE them! You will wear them all the time! They can go with sneakers, flats, you name it! Very versatile!

  4. Richella Parham says:

    Thank you SO MUCH for linking to my lanterns! I’m so glad you liked them, and your sharing them just made my day! :)

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Safe travels!

    1. melinda ragle says:

      I love your fall lanterns!! If you live near a Gordmans Store – they have tons of lanterns in the $20’s. They are very reasonably priced and they have many styles and sizes.

  5. Julie says:

    What? Not Bryant Lake Bowl? Bowling, atmosphere, Amy’s breakfast burrito, Sundays. Perfect.

  6. Kelly says:

    We have been to Uptown Diner now at least 4 times, and we have only been living in Minneapolis for 8 weeks! We love it!

    1. Iowa Girl Eats says:

      I didn’t know you were up here now, Kelly! Hope you are doing well!

  7. sharon weaver says:

    So true, will be easier to travel now, before he gets used to his crib and wants to crawl all around the hotel room.

  8. Jamie @ Sometimes Healthy Living Blog says:

    Apple Pie Fries…Pumpkin Twinkies! Are my eyes deceiving me? I am pinning these babies right away.

    Per usual, this list is on point!

  9. Sara says:

    I got that purse from Target in black and with in 3 days of using it a piece of the hardware came off…I didn’t even bother getting another one. Almost all the ones in my store had broken zippers, so I just don’t think the quality on this one is worth even the $40 price tag :(.

    1. Iowa Girl Eats says:

      Ack – good to know! Will continue saving my pennies… ;)

      1. Sara says:

        yeah, same here! :) such a let down too because it really was a nice faux leather purse!

  10. Amy says:

    Have FUN in Mpls! How can you not? Ha……says this proud to be from here–fan of your blogging:)
    Have you been to Hell’s Kitchen? It’s sooo good, the carmel roll feeds 2-3 people, the lemon ricotta pancakes are amazing…..it’s family friendly……delish food!
    IKEA is so fun…..I need to get over there……it’s 20min’s from where I live and I don’t go too often, probably because it’s easy to find things…I never overspend though—they have great towels!~

    1. Iowa Girl Eats says:

      LOVE HK! Their homemade peanut butter (of all things) is one of my favorite things ever. :)

      1. Amy says:

        Good—so you know the place:)
        West Elm is so cool and The Container Store is across the parking lot from there……..along w/ so many restaurants on France Avenue.

  11. Maria says:

    Thanks for featuring our syrup! It is so good you will want to drink it:) Happy Friday! xo

  12. Angela says:

    I have a pair of skinny sweats very similar to those!! I love them! I feel like they have so much more style than yoga pants (which I also love!)

    And I’m loving the baby updates! When your adorable little one came, I was worried my fav food blog would turn into a hub of baby gushing, but turns out I LOVE the baby gushing! Seriously he’s adorable!

  13. Marnie says:

    Hi! Love your blog. I’ve been following you for ages and recently learned my neighbor Ellen is your friend from childhood. Good times! Anyway, researched a bit on exercise and nursing because I got all worried after your post. Found some good info on the always helpful Kellymom site.
    http://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/lifestyle/mom-exercise/

    Have a fan weekend here in the TC!!