You know the addage “my how time flies?” Well listen up buttercup, because it’s true. This past week marked the four year blogoversary of FoodieCrush. Happy birthday to me. It seems like a lifetime ago (but just yesterday) that I posted my first post right here.
In This Post
Things have evolved since then, especially the blog. I’ve had two redesigns. I create my own recipes instead of only featuring others. I’ve gone back and forth and back again trying to figure out what my photographic style is. Will I ever nail that down? And I’ve pondered whether to ever publish another issue of FoodieCrush magazine. I’m currently at work on the next issue, so there will be more.
Back to My Roots
This week I went back to my roots. Literally and figuratively, and the most perfectly bloomed florals were involved. In the beginning days of FoodieCrush, my day job was designing magazines. One of said magazines I art directed was a wedding publication. Neither my editor nor myself work there any more, but this week my friend Tessa asked me to put my art director hat back on (this one would have been cute) and assist in art directing a few shoots for the magazine she is now the editor of. It was a fun break from food. Who can say no to wedding cakes, trend-setting table settings and fleurs by the buckets full?
Below (and above) are are a few outtakes from my iPhone of our days at work. I’ve included the artists Instagram accounts for those of you in need of new inspiration. Because these people…they have inspiration coursing through their veins.
DAY 1: @jessicawhitephoto with the best top bun of the day shoots wedding cake delights from @pippa_cakery with florals by @soilandstem and styling by @charmingdetails
Three tiers and serious cheers from @pippa_cakery
I mean, we HAD to taste test. And yes, models DO eat.
DAY 2: @heathernan works the light. Florals on @saucyandkitsch‘s stunning stump by @tingefloral
Having a floral designer double duty as model is always handy. @tessawoolf passes the torch to @tingefloral.
Just one bucket of so many blooms from @fuseweddingandevents
Just a deer hanging around. Don’t worry, they’ll take those wires out in post.
@saucyandkitsch takes a theme and does. not. stop. It’s all in the (amazing) details.
And now, let’s dig into this week’s Friday Faves…
Smudge and her friends cooking us a secret dinner is becoming a weekend ritual. They choose the menu, shop for the ingredients while I troll the magazines (Smudge is getting really good at using my credit card *cringe*) and kick us out of the kitchen to do their thing.
This past weekend they chose one of Smudge’s favorite recipes from the blog. I was so surprised, and honored and it was a relief to know that even a 10 year old could make it. They even got out the table runner and stacked a barrier of kitchen towels for the hot pan. That’s a very good girl. So if your kids are planning on sleeping over at our house, pack an apron.
which leads to…
It’s time to pass the whisk with great tips of how to get your mini-me’s to help cook in the kitchen.
Gwyneth’s retort to the outcry about how her $29 food stamp challenge, recipes included (this time!) Why does everyone hate her so?
10 healthy food items that should always be on your grocery list, here
and…
Your mom was right (and so is Gwyneth), people are going hungry. 12 ways to stop wasting food.
Peanut butter and banana on bread is my favorite! How nutritionists snack at work.
The hunt for the greatest cookbooks of all time. Is your favorite one of them?
Say what? This super easy potato peeling tip will save me so much time. More of my favorite potato salad please!
Is this grain the new quinoa?
Smudge was on a baking spree and she made these Death by Chocolate Cupcakes. They were d-lish-us. I could get used to this getting kicked out of the kitchen routine.
THIS is what I’m making with the two mangos sitting on my counter.
Goat cheese and enchiladas? Olé!!
This tater tot hot dish combines my favorite comfort foods in one.
Weekend baking alert. Snickerdoodle muffins!
This stuffed chicken recipe is inspiring all sorts of recipe ideas. Whoa.
These no-bake strawberry cheesecakes in a jar are delicious. I know, because I had one.
Did you survive tax day this past Wednesday? I think I’m still breathing…2015 is the year to save. How to trick yourself into spending less.
I’ve always dreamed of doing a photo essay like this, but maybe with neon, definitely with signs. Gorgeous.
“I could care less” is a “case and point” of 20 phrases even super smart people misuse.
10 outdoor plants that are nearly impossible to kill.
No surgery required! But lifters and leg lengtheners and more miracle clothes. It’s true. They’re real.
A to Z guide to a better night’s sleep. The older I get, tip #1 is the main culprit.
Blog biz Links
3 proven tactics to improve your Instagram community
This podcast has GREAT productivity tips. Minute totally spoke to me.
Pro tip: Write an email at off times and send it at prime time with this app.
Slim Down to Summer
The heavy treat holidays have finally passed and now we’re in full gear for summertime eats. Hello swimsuits! Along with this list of 5 healthy eating strategies that will outlast any trend, here are a few healthier versions of some of my favorite fare that caught my eye on the www this week.
Cajun Tilapia with Lemon Tarragon Tartar Sauce
Nothing hides healthy like spice! This mild fish is spiced up for big flavor and a family friendly favorite.
Get the recipe | Simply Scratch
Broccolini, Prosciutto Feta and Avocado Salad
Low fat, low carb, filling and cleans out the fridge all at the same time.
Get the recipe | Cafe Delites
Whole Wheat Caramelized Onion Bacon Pizza
Evening out the cheese and bacon is a whole wheat crust. We gotta sneak it in there somehow!
Get the recipe | Eat Good 4 Life
Have a great weekend everybody, get out and soak up spring and cook something good.
As always, thank you for reading and for supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. All opinions are always my own. Are you following me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest?
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Betty Ann Quirino @Mango_Queen
Happy Blog-versary, Heidi and foodiecrush.com friends. (Sorry I clicked the earlier comment too soon). Can’t believe it’s been 4 years since I first started crushing on your food photos. All the best and wish you much success!
Betty Ann Quirino @Mango_Queen
Thank you so much for including my Mango Chutney blog post on your Friday Faves this week. I was so busy running around I finally just sat down now to read my in box. What a delightful surprise. Thanks for all the effort you put into this crushingly-beautiful site!
Tessa
Love you Miss Heidi! So fun working with you this week! xo
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
I love those photos from your shoot, so pretty!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
I’ve been pretty much offline for the last couple days while I was visiting my college roommate who was working in Boston for the week…I don’t get to see her often because I live on the east coast and she’s in Colorado, so a few hours to Boston is nothing to get to spend time with an old friend! And then I come back to see that you have shared my stuffed chicken recipe…what an awesome surprise! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! I just got home this evening, but I can’t wait to check out some of the other recipes on here tomorrow morning!
Karina
Happy Blogoversary and congratulations! Beautiful photos and flowers! I love this post. It looks like a brilliant day and a wonderful break from food. Btw your first post? Are you kidding me? It’s amazing! You’re a woman of many talents and a natural. Thank you for the feature! Lots of love to you Heidi X
Lauren Brady
What a fun post Heidi!
Amy @ Parsley In My Teeth
Happy Blogoversary! Those photos are stunning. And thanks for the link to peeling potatoes — what a great hack!!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
Congratulations on four fabulous years! Do you rent Smudge out?
Liz @ Floating Kitchen
What gorgeous photos! And that truly is the best bun I’ve ever seen. If I could ever get my hair to do that, I would be thrilled! Happy blogiversary! Looking forward to many more delicious years! XO