Happy Friday everyone, I hope you had a pleasant week!
Lincoln’s been fighting a nasty cold he picked up from the nursery during my first MOPS meeting last week (can you say Mommy-guilt?) which he promptly gave to me after sneezing into my open mouth. Iiiii know. Anyway, I borrowed some essential oils and advice from my Mom and sister-in-law (my EO gurus) and he’s getting better in record time. His room smells and feels like a damp hippie on account of the humidifier going full blast and thieves oil mixed with lemon and peppermint being diffused into the air but, hey, it’s working! Me? I’m just thankful I can finally pop some Dayquil now that I’m done nursing – wehoo!
Anyway, I plan on getting out and about this weekend for plenty of fresh air and sunshine. We rebounded from highs in the 50s last week, to mid-70s this week. Damn it feels good (for now) to be a Midwesterner!
Before I get into my favorite finds from around the web this week, I wanted to share some results from the 2014 IGE Reader Survey!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to share your well thought out comments, ideas, and suggestions. Without them I am blindly creating content, so your feedback is critical to make sure I’m heading down the right path with IGE.
I know I can’t please 100% of the interwebs. On more than one occasion I’d read a response that said, “more complicated recipes!” then the very next response would say “easier recipes, please!” Or, “I love your recipe round up posts because I always forget about old recipes” then I’d scroll down and read, “I hate recipe round up posts – I only want new recipes!” but I promise I take every comment into consideration.
Ok I’ll can it already, here’s a summary of your responses:
- You can’t get enough crock pot recipes! This was by far the most requested type of recipe. Got it!
- You could pass on cocktail recipes (aw, really?) and salad recipes (WHAT?) I felt like the rug was pulled out from underneath me when I read that since salads are my thing. I’ll still do entree-type salads on occasion but I understand that you could pass on froufrou appetizer salads. (<– Edited to add: I’m not upset! Just surprised. :) )
- The majority of responders found step-by-step recipe photos to be very helpful so those will stay.
- A couple people asked for more gluten-free recipes. I just want to be clear that as of February 2014 – ALL recipes on this site are gluten-free.
- A bunch of people asked about my kitchen staples. Here’s a post about my Well Stocked Kitchen: Freezer, Fridge, and Pantry Staples.
- Many people asked for “day in the life” posts. I would love to start working those in, probably on the Family Channel.
- More highly requested topics included budget meals, meal planning/prep, and toddler-friendly recipes. Noted!
- An idea people responded to really well was “Ask IGE” posts. I personally like blogs and sites where I feel like I know the person behind the computer screen so this could be a fun way to get to know me outside of the kitchen. Got a question about life, family, Ben, my beauty routine, or favorite candy? Want ideas and advice for where to go on vacation or some Mommy/life hacks? Ask away in the comments section and we’ll get this party started! I’ll probably categorize these posts under the Family Channel but will link to them in the main section.
- Several people asked for a follow up post on how going gluten-free is going (here’s my first follow up post since making the announcement that I have Celiac Disease,) so I’ll get that going in the next couple of months.
- Finally, I’m working on a site redesign in (hopefully) late 2014/early 2015 that should make the site’s speed, recipe archives, and search functionality MUCH better. I can’t wait for it to roll out!
Alright everyone, thank you again for participating in the annual Reader Survey and I’ll be emailing the winner of the $100 Amazon Gift Card directly. In the meantime, please enjoy my Friday Favorites and have yourself a wonderful weekend!
Click the light blue link to be taken directly to the source.
Favorite fall: Brown Butter Caramelized Apple Crisp Bars w/ Pecan Streusel + Mascarpone Maple Glaze. My favorite fall dessert – apple crisp – jacked up a few thousand notches. AMAZING! Psst – if you like apple recipes, sign up for my free Weekly Update Email which goes out every Monday. Next Monday I’ve included a roundup of 16 apple recipes !
Favorite decor: Unique Fall Decorating Ideas for 2014. Must check these adorable ideas out – I particularly love the globe basket.
Favorite skillet: Smoked Sausage Alfredo. I would undoubtedly annihilate this sausage skillet of wonder. Maybe it’s the eastern European in me, but I just LOVE sausage (and sauerkraut, of course.)
Favorite farm: Dinner at the Rowe Beef Farm. Remember when I told you about the beef flight dinner Ben and I enjoyed with some new friends at a local cattle farm? Full details about our night are up on the Iowa Food and Family Project website. Loved that whole experience!
Favorite fresh: Kale and Asian Pear Salad. This is the perfect fall salad. I can already tell I’d spoon drink the dressing, too.
Favorite splurge: Frye Jillian Pull On Boots. Recently I was talking to a friend about our fall boot situation (#deepthoughts) and I think I’m ready to splurge on a nice pair that will last me several years instead of consistently spending a moderate amount of money on a cute yet crappy pair that will last 1-2 which, as my Mom recently stated, is a crock of pickles. A crock of pickles, people. I have no idea where it came from and as far as I know she’s never said it before in her life. Riiight.
Anyway, I’ve had my eye on a couple pairs of Frye boots for years and I think I’m ready to break the proverbial penny bank this year and go for it!
Favorite mouthful: The Best Meatloaf + Meatloaf Sandwiches with Crispy Onions and Melted Mozzarella Cheese. Ben and I both would go nuts for this dish!
Favorite find: Custom One Year Birthday Infograph. I stumbled upon this photo on Pinterest recently then immediately started cursing my own design skills – or lack thereof. It’s like seeing those incredible pregnancy videos where the couple takes a photo everyday for 9 months then somehow turns them into a major motion picture-quality video that’s so amazing you want to cry and punch yourself at the same time for being so creatively challenged? Like that.
Anyway, I clicked through then angels sang. This infograph is customizable!!! I am totally down!
Favorite slurp: Creamy Green Chili Enchilada Soup. Speaking of slow cooker recipes! This one looks creamy and hearty. Yummy.
Favorite front door: Fall Wreath DIY Using a Wooden Frame. How adorable yet sassy is this front door wreath? Great combo of modern and rustic decor.
Favorite snack. Recently I shared a new snack idea on The Laughing Cow’s Facebook page for crisp rice crackers spread with Light Swiss Cheese, fresh cherries, and slivered almonds. Dy-no-mite. By the way, have you tried their new Spicy Pepper Jack cheese wedges?? Awesome!
Favorite tutorial: DIY Chalkboard Lettering. Ever wonder how those super crafty people get perfect chalkboard lettering? It’s so easy yet, like, duh! I never would have thought of it.
Favorite dinner: Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken. I cannot wait to make this chicken dish which combines chicken breasts and thighs. I don’t know what it is about this photo and recipe but I want it ASAP!
Happy weekend!
lindsey 09.20.2014
I don’t EVER make cocktails but I LOVE the ones you come up with, AND the ones you pin :D When the right one strikes my fancy it might convince me to buy the booze ;)
Emily 09.20.2014
PLEASE don’t reduce your salad recipes. Most of the recipes I take from here are your salad recipes — and they are some of the only salads my husband will eat (and consider a meal!)
I love all your recipes — including your fresh & healthy salad recipes!
Sheryl 09.20.2014
PLEASE keep adding new salad recipes. I guess I didn’t comment on your official survey. I LOVE your current salad recipes and use many of them. Keep new ones coming our way!! They are fresh, the dressings are great and way cheaper than getting salad at restaurants.
Caitlyn 09.20.2014
I really love your salad recipes– especially the entree salads! My husband and I have been doing a salad for dinner at least once a week. It is always more exciting to eat healthier when we have a new combination or a good homemade dressing to use– and we always look through your salads for options. Keep it up!
MK Cooke 09.20.2014
I love your entree salads!! I make them for my fiancé and myself all the time- they’re filling enough that he doesn’t call them “girly salads.” Haha! Actually, anytime I cook a big meal for the two of us I usually use one of your recipes :). You have a big fan in Alabama!
Colleen in WA 09.19.2014
I was so sad to see that you were going to cut back on your salad recipes especially in view of your comment that salads are you. In truth I don’t really get into your salad recipes as much as other recipes on your site but I real they are part of your personality and this site is about you and I feel that if people want another type of recipes than they should seek out our sites that cater to that. You need to stay true to yourself. You do a great job – from a former Iowa girl.
Amy @ Dusty's Sister 09.19.2014
wow! a lot of very strong opinions from your reader survey! I think it’s cool you really care about the work you’re doing enough to put together the survey and that you shared the results. I think you’re stuff rocks…mostly I want to know who that cute chick in the blue cardigan is?? kidding! Loved your post on the dinner and…yikes!…the video! Sam is officially on social media blackout as he can’t handle the fame :)
Katie 09.19.2014
I too love your salad recipes. So many of my favorites come from your blog! They’re creative and are a great inspiration to eat healthy delicious food.
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Emily 09.19.2014
I am so surprised about the salads! I am SO NOT a salad person (I hate regular lettuce) but your variety of spinach, arugula or cabbage slaw-type salads (all of which I like) are the BEST on the interwebs, IMO! Yum!
Lori 09.19.2014
I forgot to do the reader survey (doh!) but I wanted to say that I love the Friday favorites posts! I hope they stay – they make my Fridays! :-) I am cracking up at the damp hippie comment! I love your blog and always look forward to all of the posts – recipes, family, all of it! :-) Thank you!
Amy 09.19.2014
Your blog is my favorite! Thanks for all your time and effort. Your readers appreciate it! Please keep doing Friday Favorites! I LOVE them and re-read them frequently. Have a fabulous weekend! Hope you and Lincoln are feeling 100% soon!
Cathy 09.19.2014
I agree with other posters: we enjoy your blog because it is so genuinely YOU. Everyone can take or leave something that doesn’t appeal to them that day, but overall your readers keep checking in because they know you provide great ideas, beautiful photos and an upbeat attitude that is a joy to see.
Kim 09.19.2014
I guess I missed the survey, but I wanted to say that I love your salad recipes! Please keep them (and all your other delicious recipes) coming.
Stephanie 09.19.2014
I think you should do what you want with your blog! I also enjoy salads and cocktails! Maybe just do a wide variety of all? I love your blog and keep up the good work!
Melinda 09.19.2014
Put me in the camp of don’t-stop-the-salads-please! Every single one I’ve made from your site (sans meat) have been wonderful, even pleasing my picky carnivore husband. I’ll take a salad over the crock pot any day so keep it up!
Also, had no idea what MOPS was so thanks for teaching me something new.
Aukele | 91 Dash 09.19.2014
When you make the shoyu chicken add a couple star anise to it. You don’t need the Worcestershire – we don’t add that in, in Hawaii – or the red chili pepper flakes for that matter.
Also – we typically use skinless thighs only.
It’s a great dish to let simmer in the crockpot all day. I throw everything in with frozen chicken and it comes out perfect hanging out on low all day.
Mallory 09.19.2014
Kristin-SO sweet of you to feature my wreath!! After about an hour of going through every archive…I’m hooked! So many recipes I have filed away. Amazing and can’t wait to see this new design you speak of…excited to follow along! xo
Jeri 09.19.2014
I’ve made the Shoyu chicken before. I actually had a friend send me some of the Shoyu soy sauce from Maui. Used the whole bottle. It was nice, just make sure to not simmer/boil too long because it can still come out dry.
Colleen 09.19.2014
I’m always pro-salad and pro-cocktail, but I agree with everyone else who said just do what you want to do (and what’s best for your blog). I haven’t met a recipe here that I didn’t love, and seriously you have a gift for salad dressings, SO MORE SALAD (please!).
And Frye boots are sooooooo worth it.