Friday Faves

Happy Friday to you friends! Who is ready for a 3-day Memorial weekend? BBQs, some hiking and maybe even a picnic to break in my new picnic basket are on my agenda. What’s on yours?

Old man winter totally missed us this past winter in the good old SLC, but spring is making up for all of that lost snow with two steady weeks of rain, rain, rain. I can’t say that I entirely hate it. I feel a little like I’m living in Seattle. Plus, I’m a bit of a cocooner so anytime I can hole up, I’m all in.

We’ve been finding our bits of sun where we can. Daily escapes with the pups to get the wiggles out and play in the dandelions have been part of the routine. Spring. It’s so great that way.

You Make My Heart Sing

Before we dig into this week’s faves, I want to thank those of you who are tagging the recipes on your social media that you’ve made from the blog. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your versions of the food I create here on le bloggity blog.

Want to be part of the action? Simply tag your photos #foodiecrusheats on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. I’ll be sharing a selection of them periodically here on the blog, because hey! it’s all about the sharing!

@julie–brouillette shared my Thai Quinoa Salad 

and

@akosidanmarie shared my version of this Caprese Zucchini Salad

@everythingemmy made Chewy Almond Butter Power Bars

and

@tanyanest made Beet, Avocado and Fried Goat Cheese Salad. Yum.

Satu posted her version of my Greek Salad with Avocado on Facebook

@vandaneves shared my favorite Chinese Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing

and

@oh_glorious_one made my 30-Minute Pork Scallopini with Lemon and Capers. Lovely, indeed.

And with that, let’s get into this week’s Friday Faves.

I admit, Jimmy has taken a hold of me, but I have ALWAYS been devoted to Dave. Even if you’re not a fan, this epic montage of 30+years of the famous, stately and frivolous is something special to watch. #thanksdave

If you’re a chocoholic like me, this Pinterest board is the one to follow now.

She’s on a 6,000 mile, 6 week road trip and I’m totally following along. Don’t you just love Instagram for this kind of stuff?!

23 life lessons from the man, the myth, the legend. Anthony Bourdain.

These cream cheese blueberry puffs — TWANG!

It can be a slippery slope, but doesn’t have to be: how to ganache a cake.

These margaritas look positively spicy sweet. Slurp.

Two words: Cajun. Pasta. Here. One more word: passmemyfork

Excuse me? A Krispy Kreme pie?

This might be the easiest appetizer I’ve seen in a while. So fresh!

These nachos are absolutely outrageous.

Smudge is going to be 11 years old in just 11 days, and look. at. that. My baby’s hands are nearly the size of my own as realized in the photo below. And I don’t have small hands…#manhands…I think I’m going to go cry now. #wheredidmybabygo?

Me and my girl are modeling our new, personalized bracelets. She was nearly jumping out of her skin for these to arrive. This is the inspiring story behind the creation of these handmade bracelets, one that will make you feel like a total schmuck for not doing more to help others. Unless you’re like Ashley and then I say, THANK YOU! Check out her story and help others by ordering a bracelet yourself. Get 15% off with the code spring15.

Smudge doesn’t have a clue as to what she wants for her birthday. So this might be what she’s gonna get. Because I want it. That’s not selfish is it?

How to make it past “How was your day?” 10 things to ask your partner at the dinner table. #5 really got me thinking.

This quiz will help you find your perfect beach. As if there is anything other than a perfect beach. Hello?!?

Yard sales are the official springboard to summer. These tips for holding your own are great. Yep, awesome signs are the key (I make them all one color and brand them the same!)

Whether it’s the sunrise on the Cape or the sunset over Malibu or the glory of Mt. Rushmore, here’s the tips on how to photograph them right…

so that then…

You can be in this list of 10 incredible shots from this year’s National Geographic photo contest. Time to hit the road!

Yesterday was National Chardonnay Day. My friend Kathleen recently turned me onto this fruity variety (no aok!) and it is SOOOO my new favorite. BTW, happy birthday Kathleen!

Speaking of sipping, Dad, are you listening? 5 summer beer festivals to rock your suds.

There’s likely to be nothing good on TV this summer except for reruns so I’m totally marking my calendar to get my celeb fix with this new series. Totally tuning in.

The upside of stress. Really? There is one?

While it’s not Thanksgiving, today is never the wrong day to be thankful. 12 non-cheesy TED talks and reads about gratitude.

7 iPhone apps to organize your life. Thank you. I needed that.

6 cookbooks to give the new college grad. I may have to add one or two for myself!

Bossy Blog Biz Tips

This podcast: Communicate Like a Boss

These mentors: 7 Girl Bosses Share Their Best Career Advice

This read: 4 Ways to Become a Boss In Work and Life

and of course, Bossypants

Potluck Pleasers & Grilling Masters I Pinned This Week

Picnics, bbqs and picnics are at our fingertips with this weekend’s celebration welcoming in summer’s festivities. Here are a few recipes I pinned this week that will make sharing a meal the center of attention.

Baked Zucchini Fritters with Ranch Tzatziki

Who can have a potluck without something dipped in Ranch? Fritters it is!

Get the recipe | Pin it

Radicchio, Peach and Cherry Summer Salad

This sturdy salad travels well with a tangy onion dressing to compliment the sweet of the fruit and bitter greens.

Get the recipe | Pin It 

Grilled Gluten-Free Pizza with Peas, Lemon + Mint

Gluten-free but I don’t care if it is or not because…oh…those spring fixings atop of mounds of cheese!

Get the recipe | Pin it

Fake Shack Burger

If you haven’t eaten a Shake Shack burger, you’re missing out on the burgermeister of the decade. Okay, so it isn’t cooked on the grill. But you can still eat it outside.

Get the recipe | Pin it

Malted Chocolate Toffee Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice cream sandwiches are nothing without the ice cream but I’m totally swayed by this cookies malt and toffee.

Get the recipe | Pin it

Thanks for visiting this weeks Friday Faves. Have a great weekend 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.  

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