Happy Friday everyone, I hope you had a great week and even better weekend ahead of you!
I’m heading to Seattle this weekend for a quick girlfriend getaway with my Napa ladies. My friend Lindsey recently moved to the area so Natalie (my fellow shortie) and I are heading out to help her explore and get to know the place. My heart’s already breaking thinking about leaving Lincoln for a few days, but I’m also very, very excited. Can’t wait to show you what we get into!
Seattle-ites: What do we need to see/do/eat/drink/experience? I haven’t been to Seattle since college and can’t wait to rediscover this cool (literally,) laid-back city. Got my layers packed! ; )
I hope you’ve got something fun on the agenda too, and in the meantime please enjoy my favorite finds from around the web and beyond in this week’s Friday Favorites. Have a GREAT weekend!
Click the light blue link to be taken to the original source.
Favorite classic: The Best Carrot Cake. The minute I saw this recipe from Ali @ Gimme Some Oven, I tweeted her just one word: WOW! This may be the most perfect-looking carrot cake I’ve ever seen!
Favorite find: BEpaperie. My cousin recently opened an Etsy shop featuring handmade paper goods including flowers like the ones she had at her wedding, stationary, and these HIGH-larious cards for every occasion. This girl is crazy-witty. I laughed like a maniac at every single one!
Favorite photo: BLT Lettuce Wraps. This photo and recipe is absolutely amazing. The pops of color against the black background and low-carb take on the classic BLT makes me want to dive right in.
Favorite find: Omission Beer. Thanks to the recommendation of several people on last Friday’s post I picked up a 6-pack of Omission gluten-free lager and was BLOWN AWAY. It tastes exactly like regular beer…because it is! This beer is brewed per usual then a special enzyme is added to take the gluten out. Don’t know how it works. Don’t care. It is perfection.
Favorite bite: Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Mini Blender Muffins. Mini peanut butter + chocolate chip muffins made in a blender? I am not mad at that!
Favorite funny. Story of my life. No bag left behind!
Favorite crunch: Honey Garlic Crunch Chicken Tenders. And I quote. “…crunchy, sweet, sticky and totally irresistible…” Ummm, yes.
Favorite fun: Chalkboard Wall. Awesome project for the kiddos!
Favorite snack: Snap Peas + The Laughing Cow Light Garlic & Herb Cheese Wedges. I’ve been snacking on super-sweet sugar snap peas like it’s nobody’s biz lately. I tend to only eat them alone because I like to crunch them very loudly. Ahem. Anyway, they’re divine when dipped in The Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges, especially the Light Garlic & Herb flavor. Love the combo of crisp and creamy!
Favorite upgrade: Mini Pretzel Dogs. Like pigs in a blanket except way, way better. Bravo.
Favorite truth. Workin’ on it!
Favorite twist: Fried Mozzarella Stack. I thought I’d seen all the caprese combos that existed in the world but this fresh/fried/creamy/crunchy take is a new one for me. Totally mouthwatering.
Favorite DIY: Alphabet Wall Art. This would be so adorable in a kids room, right? If you didn’t want to highlight I (heart) U, you could pick out your child’s initials instead. Either way – too cute!
Favorite sweet treat: Chai Ginger Ice Cream Sandwiches. I. Can’t. Even. Dana @ Minimalist Baker wins at life!
Skip Seattle and come to Vancouver ;) It’s beautiful here this weekend!!
Finding my Alphabet Wall Art on your Friday Favorites was the highlight of my week…other than the bloody mary I had this morning. That was a pretty nice highlight but yours came in a close second! :D
Tacos Guyamos at Greenlake!! Best margarita ever!!
1) PASEO – hands down, the best sandwich I’ve had in my life – I lie awake at night thinking of this place!
2) DAHLIA BAKERY – tiny tiny place with amazing breakfast sandwiches, giant fig newtons, and tons of other goodies.
Have a great weekend. Love those wedding cards!!! Too cute.
* Yes to Cupcake Royale- they have a great chocolate gluten free cupcake
* Yes to Portage Bay- there’s a topping bar that’s great on their oatmeal.
* I always recommend checking out the downtown library- the red hall, the view from the top of the elevator, and architecture in general is really interesting
* I think Bauhaus Coffee in Capitol Hill is the most Seattle-esq hipster coffeeshops (with a view of the needle)
* There’s a Starbucks in the Columbia Tower on the 40th floor that has a great view
* Take the water taxi to Alki- that’s fun
* I’d recommend Cafe Flora over Purple for more interesting dinner.
* Cinnamon’s Bakery just outside Pike Place has an awesome wheat/gluten/dairy free oatmeal chocolate chip cookie
If you like Indian food, check out Tandoor in the University District. I wrote about it
here.
If you like Greek food then check out the Byzantian in Capital Hill. Was just there for dinner myself today actually.
The pretty pink and white cherry blossoms are in bloom at UW I heard!
Gas Works park is nice.
Check out Freemont and Wallingford for art and shopping!
There’s lots to see and do in Capital Hill~
in seattle come to Le Panier (a french bakery in Pike Place market) and get a gf macaron!
Being Celiac for four years, I had my first cinnamon roll at Coffee and Specialty Bakery in October. They are located one street over from Pike Place Market. The ENTIRE bakery is GLUTEN FREE! It’s a small bakery, but the cinnamon rolls are heavenly! Here’s a link to their website . Enjoy your trip!
I LOVE every single thing about this post. Right after I hit “post” I will be finding out how to make some of them mine! Thank you! And hope you have an amazing weekend!!
Yard House downtown on 4th has the best Chicken Tortilla soup ever!!! It’s creamy and has big chunks of roasted chicken. I get it every time I’m in Seattle. And have the creamy butterscotch pudding dessert. It will make your tummy smile!!!
I have only visited Seattle once, but some locals recommended that we take the underground tour. It is definitely a unique experience!
that fried mozz salad idea is outta control, i need that in my life!