Happy Friday friends, and welcome to the official start of fall and all things pumpkin spiced (whether you want them or not.)
In This Post
Fall is my favorite season of the year. Most people think of spring as the season of new beginnings, but I always associate the season of growth with autumn, likely due to my freshman year leaving for college and a whole new world I was about to experience. Now, it’s the time of year when I get the bug to clean out my surroundings and dig in deep to create my cocoon for winter.
Last weekend my man was on a boys trip soaking up golf time in sunny San Diego (here’s where to eat when you go), so my Smudge and I had a mama daughter weekend. We saw this movie (Harley Quinn made the movie watchable), went to this concert, and ate our weight’s worth in soup—her favorite meal any time, every time.
The finale of our weekend together was heading to our loved Utah mountains to take photos of the changes that fall brings. It was stunning. There were a few red and burnt orange leaves, not as many as Smudge had hoped for, but we did find a few leaves to remember our weekend by. So if I want to see a full spectrum of spectacular fall colors, I need to plan a trip here. It’s seriously what fall dreams are made of.
Here at home, the aspens were the golden stars of the show. But my Smudge, she didn’t let the scenery through Guardsman Pass outshine her in any way.
No-shower messy hair and aviator glasses twinners. I LOVE my pair. The polarized lenses make everything look better through my baby blues.
This weekend we’re headed to Southern Utah in search of more stunning Utah scenery and keep up with my goal to #GOAL aka ‘get out and live’. I’m challenging you to do the same this weekend. Will you?
But first, let’s tuck into this week’s list of Friday Faves. Have a grand one!
Whoa, this is a serious collection of country superstars in a musical mash-up, and a seriously incredible video editing feat.
The biggest news of the week that trumped all? The breakup. But, where did things go wrong??? Could it be they had too many places to rest their beyond beautiful heads? 5 of Brangelina’s houses to ugly cry over now that love is dead. In all seriousness, it just makes me sad.
and in other news…
Smitten Kitchen’s advice to new bloggers who want to start a food blog. Sage advice from a favorite veteran blogger.
This one-pot meal is on point.
Why didn’t I think of this before? Creamed kale.
Pumpkin pancakes made in the blender. But of course.
What’s missing in these cookie bars? Only the kitchen sink.
It’s a sign of the times when nobody is talking about the quality of the food or the inventiveness of the chef. Instead, it’s all about being the most Instagrammable restaurant in NYC.
And speaking of the Big Apple…
I don’t go out to bars much anymore, but if Bill Murray was my bartender? I’d be there in a hot minute!
Football food alert: loaded baked potato croquettes.
The prettiest fall cocktail and a boozy slushy I could sip on all Autumn long…
But wait, there’s more fall stuff…
This could become a favorite fall sandwich.
And this looks like fun for Halloween (who doesn’t love a Tiki cocktail?).
Do you miss the Chris Kimball version of America’s Test Kitchen like I do? Here’s the direction the show is going for next. Bon voyage! Wait. What??
I’m ready to make this creamy mushroom pasta because it’s telepathically urging me to “eat me on the couch, in your PJ’s, with a big glass of wine!”
This past Monday I had some friends over for lunch. These are friends who have known me forever, friends who there should be no reason to freak out on trying to impress. So why do we? That’s why I LOVE this post: 5 rules for hosting a crappy dinner party. Or lunch. Or anytime, really. I’m totally adopting this idea and I’m challenging you to do so too. Party on! (P.S. look for what I served in this upcoming Monday’s post!)
Weekly gratitude. I think I’m going to give this a shot. Join me!
Six thrillers to tide you over until The Girl on the Train comes out…Sidenote: Look at how similar all of the covers look. It’s all in the formula folks.
Also…
5 more books to settle down with this fall.
This week we FINALLY signed up for TSA Pre-Check. BUT! We messed up and didn’t sign up for Global Entry (for international travel.) so we’ll have to do the whole process again, although from what I understand there is a waiting list ’til next July! Wha. Wha. Wha. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t mess up too.
If you know me, you KNOW I’d choose puppies over bouquets any day. TRUE LOVE!
and…
This has to be the cutest thing I’ve seen all week.
Do you have a reputation for being little clumsy? From one clutz to another, why this Anthropology collection is definitely NOT for you.
I really like this top. Totally cool details.
24 fall wardrobe updates under $50. LOVE these from the list: these sneakers for sure.
My kinda every day, get up and go, dress up/dress down sweater for fall.
And finally, whether you’re for her or for him, here’s how to watch next week’s debate on Twitter.
Recipes I Pinned This Week
So much good stuff to fall over as we gear up for a new season! Here are three recipes I’ve saved to my Pin boards this week, that I think will make you just as excited about fall as I am. Check them out and give them a pin yourself!
Pumpkin Eggplant Casserole with Burrata
The ultimate lasagna and eggplant parm hybrid, all dressed up for fall! How amazing does all that burrata look though?
Beef Taco Skillet
This is exactly the kind of thing I could eat for dinner every night of the week (and I love how unfussy it is)!
Healthy Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin bread without the guilt or the healthy goody-two-shoes taste.
Thanks for reading, friends, I hope you have a lovely weekend!
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mesif
This look really cool where i got these recipes i want to share at edubirdie reviews so that people love to make there own.
Mohan
It’s awesome…
Liz @ Floating Kitchen
Well, I think I need a trip to NYC just to go to that instagrammable restaurant! All your Fall colors are just gorgeous, Heidi. Ours probably won’t start for another week or so. I can’t wait until it’s in full swing! Thanks for the cocktail loving!
Megan
I so love Friday faves! I love the links to clothes…. they are always amazing!
KissTheChef
Have you looked up Kimball’s new venture?? Milk Street! The new magazine is on the presses and you can sign up for a free first copy on their Facebook or blog page! I can’t wait.
Kari
Loved these links, fun for a lazy Friday afternoon!
Kari
http://sweetteasweetie.com/cheesy-stuffed-shells/