Friday Faves

Hi, hi, hi, and HELLLLLLO Friday!

I’ve been vacillating back and forth on whether to bring this up on the blog or not, but since I ramble on about all other sorts of other personal things, I guess there’s no better time than this weekend, Memorial Day, to rip off the bandaid and say it out loud.

Two weeks ago Sunday, on Mother’s Day, my dad died. My dad—DW as we all called him—was a private man so I don’t know how he’d feel about me mentioning his death here. Actually, I do know—he’d be pissed :). That’s why I won’t go on and on eulogizing him now (for those who knew him you can see what I wrote here). He’d had health challenges over the years but he was as stubborn as he was stoic, and his latest prognosis was good. That’s why it was a bit of a surprise when his 83-year-old body simply said, “No more.” He was our rock, the #1 person I sought out for advice and wanted to make proud, and I loved him with all of my heart and soul. To add insult to injury, one week after my dad’s death, my husband and I had to make the decision to say goodbye to our 15-year-old puppy Princey Poo Poo, the softest puppers in the world. The worst part was the video chat with our Smudge so she could say goodbye too. Oh, if only they’d each have lasted just two more weeks before she got home to see them one last time. That’s a big hurt. Ugggghh. Needless to say, we are ready for May to be over. BE DONE!

On this Memorial Day, celebrate the heroes who’ve fought and fallen for our country because none of us would be where we are but for their ultimate sacrifice. And as my husband reminded me to say, we must all celebrate the heroes in our everyday lives, those we can touch and hold dear, and especially those who have gone before us. I love you DW. I love you Prince. You’ll ALWAYS be with me. And to my readers, thank you for your well-wishes. But please don’t feel sorry for me. As my mom says, “Such is life.” And death. No need to email condolences, just give someone you love a call or a hug.

But first, add this watermelon salad to your Memorial Day menu and then dig into this week’s Friday Faves.

And the memorials just keep on coming. RIP, Tina Turner. What a legend. This performance of “Proud Mary” is amazing.

Reading this summer bucket list made me want to make my own. What’s on your list?

And speaking of reading, I keep hearing lots of great buzz about this book.

Some sobering (yet unsurprising) insight into the toll social media is having on our teens.

And, a sneaky-smart way to limit screen time. Definitely testing this out. Who’s with me?

How to talk less and listen more.

These spicy shrimp and rice bowls look so yummy.

A crave-worthy salad that brings some serious crunch.

This strawberry salsa looks amazing and would be so yummy for easy summer entertaining.

And, another dreamy recipe for sweet strawberries.

The perfect classic drink to make for your Memorial Day hang.

Also, the one dish I make every single Memorial Day weekend.

But I do have to say this potato salad-meets-onion-dip combo=genius.

A healthy, on-the-go breakfast.

Craving this saucy salmon dinner.

This creamy, tangy pasta is right up my alley.

These Asian noodles look delightfully slurpable.

A gorgeous, easy, summery app (no cooking required).

And, how to tell when blue cheese has gone bad.

How to pick a wine you’ll actually like.

Why we should all be drinking more lemon water.

8 inspiring women show us how to be in awe of our own bodies. Body positivity, baby!

5 strengthening moves to help with lower back pain.

7 day after-work ideas to liven up your evening routine.

This Malibu home tour is a dream–that outdoor shower though!

Love this breezy linen set.

Pretty pearl hoops.

The best Memorial Day sales at Target.

And, more stellar Memorial Day homeware sales.

That’s it for this week. And month, thank goodness. Onward and upward!

We send good emails. Subscribe to FoodieCrush and have each post plus exclusive content only for our subscribers delivered straight to your e-mail box.

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest for more FoodieCrush inspiration.

As always, thank you for reading and supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. There may be affiliate links in this post of which I receive a small commission. All opinions are always my own