Friday Faves

Happy Friday friends!

This week the bounty of summer’s harvest really began to roll in at the same time my summer tan started to fade. These two things are a sure fire sign fall is just weeks away.

Another sign for many of us parental units was this week’s somewhat weepy, but tinged with relief, farewell to summer vacation. School has started and now we can all get back to our regularly scheduled programs.

I can’t believe I’m looking at my daughter in her 6th grade skin, a year I remember far too well as being centered around my boy craziness and why-can’t-I-have-a-Farrah-Fawcett-in-her-teenage-dream-swimsuit-tshirt-too angst.

I’m bracing myself for what’s in store for me because like my Grandma Mary Jane said to my Uncle Tom, “I hope you have one just like you.” Lord help me.

This week I was busy working for clients including another photo shoot for Deer Valley Resort. You can see my behind the scenes blog post of one from earlier this summer here.

I’m also working on an eCookbook for this talented blogger so watch for more info on her pre-sell coming soon. If you’re curious about gluten-free cooking, you’re won’t want to miss this one.

Would You Want This?

Because I can’t seem to find a planner/calendar/to-do list that fits my needs, I’ve been thinking about creating one that incorporates monthly and daily agendas, to-do lists, meal planning that does. What do you think about adding in cooking tips and tricks? Maybe a way to track your food expenses? And what about all those favorite recipes you made once then forgot where you saw them?

Is an agenda/kitchen/life-centric PRINTED calendar/planner something you’d be interested in? Please tell me in the comments below, I’d be so happy to get your input if it is (and yes, even if it isn’t!), and what YOU want in a calendar.

Do share. Please?

And now, let’s get into this week’s Friday Faves!

Do you Fuh or Fo? or Pho? How to pronounce 10 common food words so you don’t sound like a moron.

I’m loving this spin on stuffed peppers!

Seriously, this salad has all the right stuff.

25 healthy back-to-school lunches for kids.

Oh my laws! This french toast could put the French out of bizness! (plus a good read on letting go of always being in touch)

Turkey sandwich again? 5 tips to get out of that stinkin’ food rut.

Come this time of year, I’m obsessed with this blog.

America’s 10 hottest restaurants, according to…them.

If you have a freshman college student, or know one, or even if you don’t, those freshman have only known a world where Google is the standard form of discovery (what’s an encycolpedia??) and they’ve never licked a postage stamp. Here’s the top 50 modern changes that top this year’s Mindset list.

“So if you sent me an email and I didn’t respond to it, that’s what happened. I couldn’t respond to your query about a story pitch because my husband coughed to death.” What a read, and really, what would you do?

3 reasons you should be taking Snapchat seriously. For me, it’s because it’s not polished, it’s not filtered. Find me there at FoodieCrush.

I gotta say, I’m a believer. I’ve been steadfast and consistent in creating my morning routine of waking at 5:30 am and going straight into my home office to work until 7:30 or so and I am getting so much more done than during the day! Another reason why you should be a morning person.

Kool-aid hair dye. Yes, it is a thing, especially when you have a former (?) punk rock dad who dyed his hair every color of the rainbow. However, I did receive some warnings about how long it lasts here.

Oh boy. This could become a big time waster, but it looks like that’s the point.

And this is already on Smudge’s Christmas gift list. They’re so cool. It’s like the new zen desk accessory.

This office is kind of amazing. I mean, can I just have the desk?

The simplest way to stop saying “um” and “like”. Um, that’s like, cool.

This is such a great—and simple—way to remember every day of the year.

The last thing you’ll ever need to read about setting and reaching your goals.

23 ridiculously offensive Donald Trump quotes, because….

Bullying isn’t right no matter what your age or social status.

I have a similar shirt with ice cream cones, but I think I need this one to round out the collection.

and…

This yoga mat just might get me to class.

and…

I’m totally thinking about getting one of these. Has anyone tried it? But I may fall off as I work.

I’ve been wanting a tripod attachment to take overhead shots but have been too distracted to do the research. Thankfully, she did!

Blog Biz Tips

4 Common Mistakes Bloggers Make that Hurts Their Traffic and Engagement

Here’s why each of your blog posts should include optimal SEO

The results are in, and wha-wha-whaaaaa…they’re totally mixed. The Best Time to Post on Facebook.

What I Pinned This Week

It looks like back to school really put people in the mood for a good, stiff drink. Or maybe just sangria, thank you very much. Thanks to the two bloggers here and here who brought a bunch of them together, there were a lot of new juicy cocktails on the www this week. Here are a few drinkie drinks that made their way onto my pin boards.

Fresh Heirloom Bloody Marys with Old Bay and Spicy Pickles

Because they’re fresh tomatoes, the red of the bloodys will deepen as they sit.

Get the recipe | Pin it 

Sorbet Prosecco Floats with Muddled Raspberries and Fresh Mint

Is it dessert or a drink? I’d say it’s both!

Get the recipe | Pin it

Watermelon and White Sangria

Simple is as simple does.

Get the recipe | Pin it

5-Minute White Peach Margarita

Calgon, blend me away.

Get the recipe | Pin it

Basil Plum Pimm’s Cup

I’m glad I’m not the only one inspired by eats—and drinks—from my travels out and about. Plus, a good ginger beer based cocktail is perfect summer folly.

Get the recipe | Pin it

Have a winner of a weekend friends, and kick one or 47 back for me.

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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