Happy Friday and happy July my friends! What a snap, crackle and pop fireworks weekend it’s destined to be.
In This Post
If you’ve already left on your 3-day getaway instead of reading today’s list, I won’t blame you one bit. Get out there and enjoy! I’m going to. If you care to be a voyeur, follow me on Snapchat @foodiecrush for the behind the scenes flings.
This year we’re sticking in town and abandoning our annual ritual of hitting this amazing small-town, real-life rodeo (read my post here) and living it up in the mountains. We’ve been gone a lot lately and I’m craving some stick at home time.
Last week I was feeling ultra jet-settery and put some extra frequent flyer miles on the credit card when I visited Houston –> Boston –> Houston –> SLC. First, was a visit to my little sister who is taller than me (and I’m 5’10”!) and her family in Houston. Visiting her is like going on a real vacation. She even makes me latte’s every single morning, and delivers them to me as I work on the computer on her lovely couch.
Let’s just say after all these years, I’ve trained her well.
Lots of swimming was on the plan and as much eating as we could do. Two highlights of our Houston feastings were:
Corkscrew BBQ in Spring, TX. Ranked as one of the Top 50 BBQ Joints by Texas Monthly (and Texas in a BIG STATE), this busy spot offers brisket, pulled pork and sausage. But their fall-off-the-bone pork ribs are what would totally keep me coming back.
Oxheart Restaurant in Houston, TX. Lauded by The New York Times, this extremely intimate establishment in a seedier up and coming part of town is helmed by Chef Jason Yu and should be on every food lovers bucket list.
Typical to the farm to table feel, the hipster vibe is alive and well with Edison fixtures glowing on exposed brick walls, a turntable sound system and a collection of Lucky Kitties that would make any tween girl jealous. Their wait staff even wear these killer leather aprons made by this local artisan.
The prix fixe menu is offered in two options, a Garden Menu and Tasting Menu with wine pairings that are spot on with each small but bursting with flavor course. Our dinner had an Asian influence. Each course exuded some of the most creative tones to food I’ve ever had. Thumbs up all the way around.
Midway into my Houston visit I headed to Boston for a Girls Weekend Blogging Retreat (check it out on Instagram #bloggersdoboston) where I tried to find as many lobster rolls as humanly possible.
I’ll be creating a post around it highlighting our lovely trip in the next week or two sharing our adventure, but let me just say that being around inspiring women is truly inspiring. More to come!
But enough about me, let’s dig into this week’s Friday Faves where I’m sharing some favorite things of mine, and also from some of my Boston trip blogging pals!
I asked each of my lovely Boston comrades to share one of their current faves. Let’s go.
Sarah of Broma Bakery has been a jet setting fiend and says this is going to be her next travel bag. It might be the smartest bag I’ve seen.
Gina of Skinnytaste is loving this newsletter for it’s inspiration and all things happy.
Monique of Ambitious Kitchen is going to look extra sweet in this top she’s coveting.
Maria of Two Peas and Their Pod is smelling fine with her fave scent. She likes the travel size.
Andie of Andie Mitchell was rocking these sandals. And now they’re HALF OFF!
Liz of The Lemon Bowl is looking totally refreshed with her new eye treatment (I got it too!) Bonus, it’s organic.
Lexi of Lexi’s Clean Kitchen is loving this face scrub. Gotta keep that glow.
Julie of The Little Kitchen is loving this app that gives a hyper local update on the weather. Give us more sunny skies!
Thank you ladies! And now, let’s savor more faves!
This pasta salad has me headed to the kitchen, the garden and the grill.
Love this food bucket list organized by all the major cities in the U.S!
Rosé-infused gummy bears? Get me on that wait-list!
Grilling out for the 4th? Find out which hot dogs were taste test home runs!
Seriously, people are SO creative! Check out what they’re doing with sushi now, and don’t skip the last photo, HA!
Completely transfixed by this cereal milk tres leeches cake. Yes, let those words sink in just a moment. Brilliant!
These s’mores, no campfire required!
Proof that age is just a number, and that women can do anything men can do! My hat is totally off to this badass barbecue lady! Also, how cute is her name?
While in Houston visiting my sister, we scolded gently encouraged our daughters that they needed to get off their devices and enjoy some face to face cousin time. Just goes to figure that then my mom, sister and I were all outed by Smudge, spying on us from above, who then Snapped me this photo. Apparently, this is why parents are digital hypocrites.
While we were there, we played this family game. It was so much fun for any age.
And we shopped…and I got this travel bag and I am IN LOVE! (and it’s $40 cheaper than what I paid.)
and…
This is the best way to pack it.
Bridget Jones’s Diary fans, you’re in for a treat!
This dress would be so cute for the 4th!
and…
So would this one!
and…
If you plan on romping about though, you should definitely wear this (and it’s on sale!).
Also, there’s a big sale going on right now at Anthropologie and these pants (and whole ensemble really) should be in our shopping cart.
The 10 biggest fireworks displays in the USA. You gotta see ’em to believe ’em.
And Netflix SCORES again. I cannot wait to see it.
You need to read this thoughtful op-ed from Aziz Ansari.
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Here are a few ideas to get your 4th of July BBQ snapping.
Roasted Potato Salad with Creme Fraiche
Creamy creme fraiche adds the puckery notes every potato salad needs.
Caprese Potato Skewers
What a tasty spin on one of my favorites!
Grilled London Broil with Corn Salsa
All of summer’s favorite flavors in one hearty bite.
Have a safe and fun-filled weekend friends, and here’s to getting out of the kitchen and cooking 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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Brooke
Make me delighted your amazing post . I admire your post .
custom writings
Yummy. I love your blog and always try to cook your awesome recipes at home! You rock!!!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
I miss you roomie!!