Friday Faves

Hello friends and happy Friday!

Barry Manilow keeps running through my head. Not him literally running with his flowy hair wafting through the wind, but the chorus from 1976 that I’ve heard over and over again.

“Looks like we made it!” Let’s see if it sticks in YOUR head now :)

Whew! Wipe the sweat from the old furrowed brow because this week another school year started for our little family. And we survived.

High school! EEEK!

I honestly can’t believe those words are fumbling across my lips. And that’s why I’m telling all of you young moms and dads out there, savor every minute of your children when they’re little because just like everyone always says and you never believe it, time.flies.by.

And then suddenly your cute little first grader with her pink Paul Frank backpack is in high school with her backpack filled with all that should go in her locker and weighs more than she does and you only have a few more years with her in the house and then it’s just you and your man and then what in the heck are you going to talk about?

Groundhog day will be strong at our house once our little bird leaves the nest. Good think I like my husband.

That’s why I’m going to relish it all, every drama-filled moment, every mumbled reply that school is boring, and every side eye I get when I do something that is just so dumb mom.

Because that’s the rewards of the job of being a parent. And I’m up to the task.

One benefit of getting back into the school grind is new inspiration to get back into the meal prepping game. And that’s why I’m proud to report that Casa del Larsen is prepping with the best of ’em, and I’m even on top of it enough to meal prep this salad and this dinner for my mom and dad to have for their dinners.

Thank goodness for batch cooking. Whomp whomp. Somebody’s got game, and that somebody’s me.

If you missed any posts from this week, be sure to check out:

• This Instant Pot recipe for cooking chicken breasts fresh or straight from the freezer
• This easy wrap sandwich that will rock your lunch (and uses your meal prepped chicken)
• This list of 21 recipes you have to make before summer’s end

But enough about that, let’s dig into this week’s Friday Faves. Happy clicking!

I’ve been watching the evolution of this magazine for the past few months and today I bought it when I saw it’s new major redesign, and that it’s now targeting readers like me. I gotta say, I’m liking the content because it’s far more relatable than Martha. But I have 10 bucks that logo will get bigger within the next 6 issues. Just talking from experience.

“You know who you look like??” Who’s your celeb doppelganger?

Here’s how to throw the best dinner party, according to 30 food bloggers.

I just may have to make this ohmyyesgiveittomenow pulled pork for Monday’s nights family party. DELISH.

One of my fave ways to use up my zucchini, because, chocolate.

This keto-friendly cauliflower casserole is looking pretty fine to me.

Baked zucchini tater tots! They’ll never know what hit ’em.

Green chiles are everywhere right now, and these tacos are taking full advantage of the fact.

and…

Hatch chile chicken thighs. This is what I’m talkin’ ’bout Willis.

This lasagna casserole has some serious cred in its roots.

And hello! Grilled hasselback potatoes is a must-bookmark for Thanksgiving no-space-in-the-kitchen dinner.

Sometimes the best chocolate cake is all you need in life.

Unless you’ve made this amazing looking carrot cake with all the frosting dreams first. I’ll take both!

This bread is just one more reason to love everything bagel seasoning.

I never eat here, but hot damn, that’s a deal.

How to grocery shop with kids and not lose your mind.

This is next on my must-watch list with my AliSmudge.

23 tricks, tips, and things to help you rock the school year (and generally a few really good ideas for anyone.)

Books that arrived on my doorstep this week:

• My sister recommended this book for a successful marriage so I ordered three: one for me, one for my mom, and one for my aunt. Keeping healthy relationships all in the family :)
• I ordered this book on how to have a healthier relationship with my phone. And yes, I ordered it on my phone.
• Are you familiar with intermittent fasting? I ordered this book before I even knew that’s what it supported (I thought the photos were pretty :)) , and now I’m totally intrigued. Who’s tried it and what do you think?
• I started reading this book on bullying and it is a parental must read. Man, I feel for kids these days.

6 DIY face masks to try this weekend.

Ah, hells bells! My favorite (and everyone else’s) eye shadow palette is being discontinued!! Here’s how to stock up on it at 50% off. 

I’m seriously considering buying one of these for my living room, but the question is, which one???

My new favorite shampoo & conditioner is buy one get one half off here.

I hate shower curtains, but if I had to have one…

The rains are coming and so you need this.

My daughter and her friends are totally into thrifting. I need to send them this.

and…

The vintage T and how to update it. I got myself one emblazoned with a California classic at a Van Nuys thrift shop and I LOVE IT.

How cute would that vintage T be paired with this??!!

Instead I should go on a spending diet and keep my money in my wallet. This is how in 21 days and you could be debt free.

Okay, so on that note, mama’s gotta go make some money for her honeys. Have a fab weekend and here’s to getting into the kitchen and making real good, real food!

Do you have any recipes you’d like to see? Send me an email and let me know at [email protected]

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