Hey hey and happy Friday!
For many years, I’ve heard stories from people of a certain age, specifically my mom and my MIL, recalling childhood memories of the entire family being loaded into the car for long, aimless, Sunday drives or day-long excursions to see family who lived hours away “for a visit”. As an adult, I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of these wayward wanderings. How did they find the time? Didn’t they have a laundry list of things to get done with their precious few weekend hours? They went to see family? But what about time with their friends??
These days, I totally get it. These days I’ve discovered a surprising solace in taking long car rides with my husband. Whether it’s been driving around neighborhoods checking out houses or landscaping, or driving 2 hours for that famous milkshake, or heading to the mountains to see the lake I remembered as a kid, the simple act of getting out of the house and going somewhere, anywhere, has delivered the adventure I didn’t realize I miss so much.
Times have changed, and with that, our access to everything outside of our homes has too. But once again, I’m reminded it’s the simple things that truly matter. Socially distanced family dinners on the deck (no hugs!). Noticing Utah’s amazingly diverse geology and crazy artistic train car graffiti as we whiz down its winding roads. Investing time in myself instead of the obligations to others. Surprise drop-in visits to see our parents. And a fatter bank account since I’m not wandering the aisles of Target and HomeGoods.
This weekend, if you find yourself craving something different, may I suggest loading yourself and/or your loved ones into the car, and simply go for a drive. If you don’t have a car, take a long walk. Set a destination, or don’t. Take an hour, or take the whole day. Just go and live it.
But enough about that, let’s dig into this week’s list of Friday Faves.
Why you need to make a joy list.
17 insanely easy habits that will change your life. I 100% agree with #1.
Type stars: How to get the new fonts on Instagram.
Did you know: Everyday phrases that have racist connotations.
Hit the road:
- 16 best road trip snacks of all time.
- They’re out there…the 10 states with the most UFO sightings.
- The best hikes in the U.S., and naturally, Utah represents!
- Travel like a rock star when you rent a bone fide tour bus.
If you’re into buying herbs in bulk, these nicely designed labels would be a welcome addition to ID these glass jars.
Damn fruit flies! Here’s a zero-cost way to trap them.
My favorite way to eat summer’s tomato, avocado and red onion (shown in the photo above.)
Grilled peaches taste even better on this easy salad.
Eat more plants: spiced cauliflower tacos.
Air fryer recipe alert: zucchini fritters.
and…
Another great dinner idea to use up zucchini in the best way.
This shrimp dish looks delish.
I LOOOOVE salmon cooked this way.
This chopped chickpea salad is right in line with my taste buds.
Besides being healthy, this Mediterranean style salad looks amazingly good.
Another Mediterranean chicken recipe to add to the grill.
This skillet chicken dinner is summer produce one pot shop.
The final straw in the sourdough craze: Sourdough ice cream!
Here’s why hemp is good for your dogs.
If you hate ironing as much as I do, you’ll want this hand held steamer.
They always seem to pile up—How to simplify your book collection.
This hanging weekender bag is kind of genius.
Some good ideas for paying off debt.
This room freshening oil smells so AMAZING, I went back and bought 3 more bottles for my home and car. (it is oil, so watch where you spray!)
If you love historic homes, you may want to join this Facebook group.
Yay or nay? What do you think about micro-dosing?
Why you may not be applying enough sunscreen.
Mom jeans with just enough stretch in a plethora of sizes.
These tanks are the reason to show off your muscles. And totally affordable too.
Yes, you can check your email just once a day and survive.
That’s it for this week! Have a grand weekend, and take a drive!
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Sonia
What a wonderful memory! Visiting family! My extended family doesn’t live in this area, but my family and I have been taking “Corona-rides” for the past several months. Sometimes together, sometimes alone. My son, who’s 17, has come to really enjoy them. We’ve all reconnected during this time, for the better. Too, I’ve been able to wrest back control of my family’s unhealthy dietary choices, as we’ve had to make more meals at home. Once some restaurants did open back up, there’s nothing like hearing dad ask the kid, “Do you want to meet for lunch somewhere?’ and the kid respond. “Nah… let’s go home and eat some of mom’s good cooking.” Life is good. Thanks for sharing!
Shanna @ Pineapple and Coconut
Thank you so much for sharing my salmon recipe! I l have always loved your Friday Faves posts. I find so many amazing new things to discover! I hear you on the get out and do something, which we have been doing 1-2 times a week when we can. We have been heading to the local ski resort area ( Vegas has a ski resort!) and going hiking. It’s been amazing for our mental and physical health. With my husband in health care, it’s been an amazing escape for him as well. We have been contemplating a quick camping trip to Utah as well. So much amazing hiking there ( Sheena Rae’s Instagram has me oohing and aahing over all the Utah hiking scenery). Hope you and the fam are well!