I finally feeling like I’m in gaining control.
It might be the warming weather. Or that I’m actually ahead on blog posts for once. Or that I passed on two amazing trips that would have happened this weekend and then again in another few weeks (random! they were both to Florida!) so I’m not scrambling or stressed to get things done before, and after. Or maybe it’s that I’ve been taking Zoee out for walks every single morning because if I don’t, she becomes an interior designing hoarder who transfers everything out of my office and my bedroom into the living room. Her dog bed. Pippa’s dog bed. My computer bag filled with notebooks. Pillows, stuffed animals, clothes. Nothing is off limits. She doesn’t destroy, she just likes to redecorate.
What is this sense of contentment that I’m feeling? I’m attributing most of it thanks to ditching the clutter. After sharing The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up on my Friday Faves a few weeks ago, and the professing of my friend Courtney who shares her capsule wardrobe Project333, I put their tips into action.
And look at what I did.
10 garbage bags of clothes, OF CLOTHES…JUST MY CLOTHES!… to the donation center later (no, Zoee was NOT included in the clean out) and I feel cleaner and lighter and less bogged down by the visual chaos of clutter and excess. I am so proud of myself!
If you haven’t yet, get the book. If you don’t want to buy another book to clutter up your home, check out these tips. Let’s lighten our load together.
We have some holidays coming up and I have ideas for you. Impress yo’ mama with The Ultimate Mother’s Day Brunch Guide with gifts, recipes and hosting ideas. And for some flair for May 5, check out this list of 70 Cinco de Mayo Mexican Recipes.
This week I was honored to be one of the tipsters in this post 20 Food Blogging Tips from Successful Food Bloggers. Great info and a few new faces for me to follow.
I also guest posted on one of my favorite sites with a recipe from a country I had no idea even existed. I’m excited to be regularly contributing and pushing my geography boundaries. Literally.
And now, let’s dig into this week’s Friday Faves…
Every season is pie season! Check out the vid above: 20 creative crimping techniques you’ve gotta see!
This quinoa and beans bowl bowled me over!
And then this coconut quinoa bowl did too.
Lilac Sugar Doughnuts are garden infused. Sweet.
These grilled polenta bites (look at that topping!) are going on the menu for a tapas party I’m cooking for later this summer.
My cinnamon roll obsession has turned into a Cinnamon Raisin Buns obsession. Look at how cool she twisted them!
Kiwi margaritas. Toast!
Why do I get domed cakes? 18 of the biggest baking mistakes, and how to avoid them.
I am LOVING this memoir/cookbook from this family of food bloggers. I’m totally absorbed in their gifted writing and storytelling, and honesty of their rocky road. A great gift for mom’s day paired with one of the recipes inside.
and…
If you’re dreaming about writing a cookbook, here are 5 mistakes to avoid.
She’s just like us! Even Ina gets nervous 15 minutes before a party. These are her best party tips.
plus…
Listen up! Podcast: Ina Garten interviewed by Julia Turschen for Radio Cherry Bombe. I just love her.
These Instagram notes about parenthood made me literally laugh out loud. ps. #10 is NOT about this Heidi. #womenIRL
20 things I would say to my 20 year old self.
thus…
Here’s my thing #21: It usually takes a whole year for people to figure out you’re under qualified in a new job. At the end of that year, you’ve figured it out. So, don’t underestimate yourself. Aim high and go for it.
I’ve only been to one on this list. Road trip! The 33 best doughnut shops in America.
6 things the most productive people do every day. Winging it isn’t one of them.
This dress makes me want to dress up for brunch! And nobody could tell when I ate too much.
These are NEVER on sale. Uggggh. As if I need another pair of sunglasses.
I could spend all day and night in this top. Heck, I’d wear it to bed.
OMG! My husband would DIE if I got this for him for Father’s Day. And, I would totally steal it from him.
How to look put together and polished in a casual office, or anywhere.
I want this case because it does double duty. That’s the kind of gal I am. Double-dutier.
Blog Biz Tips
From my mentor, this is a must read: 5 Better Ways to Start or Grow a Blog Business
20 Food Blogging Tips from Successful Food Bloggers
Podcast: Avoiding the Dangers of Comparison for Food Bloggers
The Main Event
From meats, to fish to veg, this week I saw some dynamite mains on the www. Check out these recipes to serve before dessert.
Roasted Pork Loin Roast with Peas
Pork tenderloin or pork roast work equally well in this spring time dinner stunner.
Get the recipe | Chez Us
Spinach Pesto Polenta with Smokey Chickpeas
This multi-use pesto gets front and center in this flavor bombed meatless main.
Get the recipe | Naturally Ella
Beer Marinated Grilled Flat-Iron Steak
For tacos, enchiladas or just on it’s own, this grilled steak is one dish you’ll toast to again and again.
Get the recipe | Savory Simple
Crispy Baked Fish Sticks with Greek Yogurt Tartar Sauce
Crushed crackers give these baked swimmers a healthy crunch after a dip in their yogurt flavored sauce.
Get the recipe | Port and Fin
Korean Fried Chicken
Brining and a quick dip in the deep fry make this crispy chicken Asian spiced just right.
Get the recipe | A Spicy Perspective
Have a great weekend everybody, get out and soak up spring, get into the kitchen 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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Megan @ Pip and Ebby
I LOVE your Friday Faves post! What a great idea and with sooo much fun/valuable info packed in! You’ve inspired me to clean out my closet…I have WAY too much that doesn’t get used.
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
Can’t wait to read all of those tips! It’s bookmarked for later tonight! Have a fabulous weekend!
Jennifer Farley
Thanks for including my grilled steak in your favorites. Long time no talk, hope all is well :)
Karista
Heidi loved your tip on the 20 Food Blogging Tips! Best one!! You’re such a pro! As always, so fun to read your Friday Faves. Happy Weekend :)
heidi
So good to hear from you Karista. Happy Friday to you too!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
Be more with less. that says it all. and loved your tips here: 20 Food Blogging Tips from Successful Food Bloggers! TGIF!
heidi
Thanks as always Alice. TGI-cocktail.