Friday Faves

For me, last weekend was like a dream. Or a vacation…which is pretty much the same thing.

With my hubs being out of town, and Valentine’s Day canoodling President’s Day to birth a four day weekend for my out of school tween, it was a serious girls weekend all the way around.

Mani-pedis, shoe shopping, basketball games, going out to eat, and some fun cooking for just me and my gal.

That’s the way we roll.

She even plotted and planned a Valentine’s dinner for me by shopping for the mystery ingredients while I scoped out the mag rags to see what Bruce Jenner’s new lady face is going to look like.

She bought me flowers (that she hid behind her back) and a card (all with her own money!) and then kicked me out of the kitchen while she made us both pizza rolls with little hearts cut out of the pepperoni.

She’s a blogger in the making! The girl is crafty I tell you. And I love it.

We also hit the slopes at our fave Deer Valley Resort and I must say, even if this winter goes down as the driest on record (which it’s set to do) the snow at Deer Valley is positively perfect. Man, they know how to take care of their hills. I’ve never, ever, skiied so many days in February that feel like skiing in April.

Perfect soft snow, a scrumptious lunch on the sunny deck and it’s so warm outside you have to take your gloves off in line to wipe the sweat from your brow. Spring skiing in the middle of the winter is simply way too much fun. And that’s not even counting the food!

And now I’m spoiled rotten. And I’m perfectly okay with that.

But enough of that, let’s get into this week’s list of Friday Faves…

25 things you should give up for lent this year—and forever. This is now my want-to-live-like-list. I liked it so much I designed it, printed it out and put it on my wall! And I’m not even Catholic.

It’s the Oscars this weekend! Last year contributor Haley created this amazing Oscar themed post for FoodieCrush.

This year, well, we fell off the star-studded radar. 

Get your 2015 Oscar ballot here.

30 questions for Oscar-chef Wolfgang Puck and who he’d choose as his Oscar date: Keira, Meryl or…er…Bradley Cooper? 

So what if you weren’t at the #SNL40 after party! See the performances (Jimmy, Bill Murray, Taylor, Paul, PRINCE!) we all missed here, in one spot, plus the ultimate selfies with lord knows how many A-listers!  (what would us vouyers do without Instagram!)

Oprah’s private journals…do tell!

Last week I told you Smudge was choosing what we were baking for the weekend. This cake was clearly a 3-layer death blow to my diet. And I don’t even care. one. little. bit. #creamcheesefrostingfordays 

BTW, where did my little girl go? She looks like a teenager!

Dark chocolate BROWNIE cookies? If you know me, you know these are happening this weekend. 

How to get the fluffiest pancakes EVER! This could be my biggest breakfast conundrum. 

Which leads me to…

Who has a link for the crispiest waffle?? Suggestions please!

How to roast my favorite veg. I could live on these babies.

Slow cooker chicken parmesan. With crunch! 

After losing two of our furry babies to old age this year we’re on the hunt for a new dog to add to the family. Smudge has been trolling Petfinder morning noon and night and we spent last weekend visiting 3 rescue organizations plus the shelters. This weekend I hope we’ll be getting to meet one we think would be a fantastic fit. Cross your fingers for us!

10 reasons why adopting a rescue dog is awesome. #9 looks just like my Chewyman when he was a puppy! 

How a dog “sees” through smell.  They smell in stereo—each nostril smells separately!

Why I’m not raising a good girl. I’m totally on board. “And while I think that polite words and gentle hearts make the world go round, what changes the world, what also matters, is confidence, assertiveness, and the belief that you matter enough to take up space, to make a difference.”

You know I’m a fan of the ankle boot. Here’s the do’s and dont’s of how to wear the ankle boot. Rolling over the ankle is IN!  

These patent leather numbers would dress up or down. 

Now, this drinking game sounds like fun! Who wants to start a book club with me? 

A little blog biz

Write Like a Pro: 5 Techniques Top Bloggers Use to Write Successful Blog Posts

The Entreprenuers Guide to Tax Season 

This Week’s Foodie Crushes

Jump on over to some serious flavor, with a healthier twist. And a burger to blow it all!

Roasted Orange and Beet Salad

Was she reading my mind? All of my favorite ingredients—Cara Cara oranges, beets, kale, goat cheese, avocado and farro—packed into one bowl.

Get the recipe | Floating Kitchen

Maple Dijon Baked Salmon

Weeknight eats just got even easier.

Get the recipe | Cookin’ Canuck 

Baked Zucchini Chips

Any chip with a spicy kick is fine by me. Bonus ponts for baking.

Get the recipe | A Spicy Perspective 

Bacon Brie Burger

I am so ready to fly the triple B burger flag: burger, bacon and brie!

Get the recipe | Wanna Be a Country Cleaver

Shrimp and Zucchini Risotto

Just 7 ingredients round out this hearty, but healthy, dish.

Get the recipe | Heather Christo 

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Have a great weekend and cook something good.

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