Should I be embarrassed by the amount of joy I get from reading someecards?
Don’t answer that.
In other news, happy Friday, everyone! Got any fun plans for the weekend? We’re on what feels like the 27th weekend in a row of zip, zilch, nada on the calendar, except trolling Amazon Prime for soap dispensers. #sendhelp We’ve got a nutty couple of months coming up traveling for work and friends, so it’s been tough trying to fit in a much-needed, family-only getaway before summer hits. Every time we think we’ve got a free week, I remember something that wasn’t on the calendar, or March Madness game watching gets in the way.
March Madness: YOU’RE KILLING ME.
Anyway, wherever you are and whatever you do have a wonderful weekend and please enjoy my favorite finds from around the web and beyond in this week’s Friday Favorites!
Favorite crunch: Fried Calamari. Ever since I got over my fear of deep frying (looking at you, Fried Goat Cheese Balls and Chicken Fingers with Everything Sauce,) I embrace the chance to try recipes at home that I’d usually have to go to a restaurant to enjoy. This pile of Fried Calamari not only has me craving the satisfying crunch you can only get from cooking something in piping hot oil, but the flavor of Fried Calamari drizzled with fresh lemon always makes me think of happy hour on a patio. Spring can’t get here soon enough!
Favorite clean slate: 100+ Things to Throw Away. YES to this list to help declutter our homes and lives of random little things that we overlook every single day. This is the best list of it’s kind that I’ve seen. Pick one number a day for the next 3-4 months and give your old, broken, and tired stuff the heave-ho.
Favorite fashion: Flutter Sleeve Top. I bought this top at J Crew last week and LOVE it. Lightweight but not sheer (are we almost done with the sheer fabric movement, clothing companies?!) and easy to dress up or down. I want one in every color!
Favorite fusion: Slow Cooker Carnitas Kimchi Fries. Can we talk about how Lauren from Climbing Grier Mountain always has the best, most interesting recipes?? Her double-decker Mexican/Korean fusion fries are calling my name. Loudly.
Favorite project. Sad news at Casa de IGE – we have to get rid of our pond this spring. ? It was what really sold us on the house when we bought it in 2013 but we’ve had several electricians over to look at the electrical (the pumps keep going out,) and they won’t touch it with a 10 foot pole since it was built by the previous homeowner vs a licensed electrician. Aside from that, the maintenance is insane, it attracts (big) wild animals, and the mosquito situation is pretty bad.
All that to say, we have a very large project ahead of us this spring and I REALLY want it to look something like this at the end. It’s got everything we could ever want! I’ll keep you posted on our progress!
Favorite skillet: Honey Garlic Shrimp Skillet. 5 ingredients, great reviews, and on the table in 10 minutes? On the menu for tonight.
Favorite find. My life summed up in a sweatshirt.
Favorite tutorial: Easy Topknot that Stays Put All Day. I will admit to knot (see what I did there? ?) even being able to sit through this short tutorial on how to make an easy topknot that stays put all day before racing up to my bathroom to try it for myself. I used a small claw vs a large one, and used just one ponytail holder instead of two, and it was a complete success! I am always insanely jealous of women who can effortlessly swoop their hair into a gorgeous, messy topknot, but now we can join the ranks, muwhahaha!
Favorite fake-out: Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) Ali’s description of how she nailed this homemade version of Thai Drunken Noodles had me searching for the ingredients to make it mere minutes later. I still need to get my hands on gluten-free oyster sauce, then it. is. ON!
Favorite decor. I’ve been looking for a dining room table with a bench on one side for literally 2+ years now, but never thought to look for a high-backed tufted bench instead of a backless one. Game changer! Love this pretty look.
Lori H 02.26.2016
The original color is such a classic. I can’t wait to try the shrimp – looks amazing!
Corissa 02.26.2016
So cute! Love the original!
Nancy 02.26.2016
I love all those colors! probably would pick the natural one though
Rachel Lind 02.26.2016
I like the grey and brown tote.
kelly 02.26.2016
the original is my favorite!
Julie 02.26.2016
I like the original color tote. I have several comments on your Fri. Faves. Love the Flutter Sleeve Top & am SO w/ you in that I’m completely OVER the sheer tops! So sorry you have to get rid of your pond, but that new project is awesome! That sweatshirt it totally me, too. I also just bought a tank I saw on Fitnessista’s website ‘cuz it screamed “me”. ;) It’s my new running tank for all runs! It says, “Everything hurts & I’m dying”. Bahaha! I also love that dining room set. We have one w/ the backless benches (also wood, rustic-looking), & it’s my fave piece of furniture in the house. Love it so much! Oh, & I can’t wait to try that topknot! So you pretty much hit it out of the ballpark for me w/ this Fri. Favorites post. :) Have a great wknd!
Cara 02.26.2016
I love the original color! I travel alot for work so a good tote is key.
lindsey 02.26.2016
Can’t go wrong w/ the original tote!
Carolyn 02.26.2016
I love the original. Classic. BEAUTIFUL!
Gretchen 02.26.2016
those are so beautiful, i love the classic vintage one!
Lisa 02.26.2016
Totally torn between the classic and the black!
Beth 02.26.2016
I love love love those bags. I need one or two or…. Any of the colors would be great
Kelsey 02.26.2016
Love the gray, what a gorgeous tote!!
Margie 02.26.2016
I love the original color- timeless!!
Alex 02.26.2016
Love the new blue and gray colors! And need to try that shrimp. Yum!
Dorian 02.26.2016
Love the original color tote!
Christine 02.26.2016
Love the original !
Erin 02.26.2016
Love that purse!!!!!
Melinda 02.26.2016
I love the brown!
Kim 02.26.2016
Black!