We’re all busy thinking of ways to beat the winter doldrums. One of my favorite ways to keep the blues at bay is to keep on eating my summer faves.
I keep a potted plant of basil on my counter all winter long to remind me that winter won’t last forever. And it makes for a great caprese sandwich.
And now we’re barely edging into month 2 of the new year and I’m already dreaming of a summertime getaway. To be gone for like for a month.
I want to take advantage of my movable office (laptop, smartphone and DSLR camera in hand) scoop up the family, our mini dog and head for fields unknown.
If you could spend a month anywhere with your family, where would you go? Maybe to one of these? Someplace with water will definitely be in order.
I’d love to hear your recs in the comments below. Tell me your secrets!
With that, let’s dig into this week’s Friday Faves…
Super Bowl Sunday marks the one year anniversary of when we lost our sweet Gigi to liver cancer.
Man, I never thought I’d miss vaccumming big white hair balls as much as I do, but boy do I miss her sweet eyes. She showed all of her love and tenderness with every look and glance.
My 13 year old niece, Olio, painted this portrait of Gigi for us for Christmas. We think she caught her essence perfectly. Then this past December, right after we lost our Chewy, Smudge molded a sculpture for my husband’s Christmas present, of his favoritest boy in the world. They’re both every day of the week Friday Faves.
I’m so thankful I made this video. It makes me cry, but with tears of happiness. Mostly.
Speaking of tears, did you see the final episode of Parenthood last night? Gahhh. I am so sad it’s over. 8 things you didn’t know about Parenthood, like, Sarah and Adam are a couple in real life?
I just finished designing this print cookbook for these lovelies and man am I thirsty!
What does Olivia Pope drink? Pairing suggestions for TVs wine guzzling vixens—and the rest of us.
10 nutritionists share how to snack healthy at work…
so…
You can go home and eat this chocolate cake with a little less guilt.
Keep it a mocktail or make it a cocktail: fresh ginger and lime tonic.
Dippalicious: Shrimp fritters with chipotle tsatziki
Make it yo’self: DIY Nutella
The best Super Bowl food commercials of all time. WASSSSUUUPP!
and…
Tips on how the hell to eat healthy on Super Bowl Sunday.
After seeing these canning jars on her Instagram feed, I HAVE to have them. Get them here.
7 tips for faking a California tan in the dead of winter,
so…
You look relaxed, bronzed, and vibrant when you sport these spring wardrobe must haves.
THIS home. Makes me want to move back to California. Almost. There’s so much I love about it, but can I at least have that tub please?
Wait! Don’t eat that yet! Food photo taking tips for Instagram.
It’s almost February = time to put away the snow boots and get some cute new, summer flats!
50 Shades of Gone Girl: 15 books to read before they hit the theaters.
Blog Biz Tips
7 free tools for tracking blog performance
How to get 40 hours of work done in 16.7
Check your analytics in real time right on your smart phone
Super Recipes for Super Bowl Splurging
Let’s call it what it is. Roaming the buffet table at a Super Bowl party isn’t about being healthy. And while I try my best to mind my p’s and q’s, most take it as the one day to cave to your cravings and serve your gluttonous side.
How to Make Corn Dogs
Break out the chopsticks, it’s time go retro and make corn dogs!
Get the recipe | She Wears Many Hats
Tater Tots with Horseradish Cheese Dip
A super app that everyone can dig in and enjoy.
Get the recipe | Sarcastic Cooking
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Stuffed Jalapeño Bites
Not just one, not just two, but three amazing apps are going on all at once here.
Get the recipe | Barabara Bakes
Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Pretzel Buns
You’ll literally walk away from the table feeling, well, stuffed.
Get the recipe | Honestly Yum
Baby Bloomin’ Onions
Ditch the outback, just pop one of these mini babies in your mouth for full-fledged flavor.
Get the recipe | Spoon Fork Bacon
Have a great weekend friends, happy Super Bowling and make something good.
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Alley @ Alley's Recipe Book
I love keeping herbs and houseplants inside… brings a little outside in, purifies the air, and you can eat the herbs!
After spending a few days in Paris last year, I think I’d spend a month in France exploring (you know, if money was no object and I had that much PTO). But right now, I need somewhere warm, so Hawaii or Australia would be nice.
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
OMG! Your precious video made me smile and reminded me of when I was a little girl playing dress up. The wedding was so sweet! Those dogs! :D
I’m eye’n those tater tots and baby bloomin onions. Comfort food at its best! Thank you for this round up!
Patti
I love, love that video.. Makes me so proud of you and all the actors. Always love Friday Faves, great ideas. Sweet Gigi is really missed.
Aggie
Oh my gosh, that video. Heidi it is wonderful!! What a sweet memory to have….and those girls, I am showing this to my daughter and her friend to spur up some creativity. They play lots of cutesie dress up/teacher/party stuff…LOVE.
Gabrielle | Savvy Home
Thanks for the link love!
Emilie @ The Clever Carrot
You are quite the busy lady! Love the video AND the cookbook design! I want all of those baby blooming onions… that is genius.
Have a wonderful weekend, Heidi! xo
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl
I never know where to begin, commenting on these faves posts of yours. You load them with too much good stuff! So just a couple of things…
Olio has found her calling. To capture the essence of a living being with so few brush strokes is truly rare – spoken from an art major who is a little envious of her talent. And that video! Tears.
Love the book cover you designed. And those baby bloomin’ onions – keep them away from me! I’d have no self control…
Courtney Carver
Oh Gigi & Chewy. And that video. My first cry of the day! Love how you leave a piece of your heart with everything you write. xo
Lindsay
I’ll share a mock/cock/tail with you anytime! Cheers! :) Thanks for sharing and hope you have a fantabulous weekend!
Rose
Hi Heidi, I love receiving your daily blog and especially look forward to Friday Faves. I’m going to make at least 3 of the appetizers you shared so thank you for sharing. I have a quick question. I’m in need of a food processor and don’t have a clue on what to get. Any recommendations?
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
So many fun things in this Friday Faves. Take me with you when you go away for a month, and we’ll both try to get 40 hours of work done in 16. Thanks for featuring my appetizer!
Viviana
Those mini bloomin’ onions look delicious! Perfect size too! Sorry for the loss of your pupps. They were too cute.
Emily @ Life on Food
I want the cake. I would be reading all of the books on my little mini break. Costa Rica perhaps?