Friday Fave’s

Howdy dudie, friends!

TGIF! 🙂

It’s been a longgggg week over on my end–a long and fun week–but a longggg week nonetheless, and I am sooooo looking forward to a few days to just decompress. I am just getting over a nasty cold so it’ll be nice to have a couple of days to catch up on some much needed zzzz’s. Although those zzzz’s will have to come after tomorrow. My baby sis is moving into her new apartment and, being the best older sister in the history of ever, agreed to help her move all of her crap things. *There may have been pizza and wine promised at the end which I am ALL FOR.

Besides that, I don’t have any real big plans, which, tbh, is kind of nice. It’s been go-go-go for me for what seems like the past month, which I have LOVED, but a girl needs a weekend every once in a while to do absolutely nothing. And by nothing I obvies mean watch all the Netflix and eat all the cookies (or dough–because yum).

Whatever you have on the agenda for this weekend, I hope it’s a fantabulous one! But before you ride on off into the sunset, be sure to check out my finds from around the web and more in this week’s Friday Faves!

Favorite funny: Men Try Liquid Eyeliner. I have probably watched this video 100 times and just keeps getting funnier. You must press play!! (Unless you find profanity unfunny – in that case, well, don’t.) 🙂

Favorite find: You Cook, I will Drink Wine. It’s like they read my mind! Such an awesome print for the kitchen or bar area.

Favorite flair: 15 Super-Easy Hairstyle for Lazy Girls Who Can’t Even. I am completely hairstyle challenged so this article is a God-send, plus the title made me giggle. 😉

Favorite travel: Lake Morraine, CA. No filter alert, people! My jaw dropped when I saw this stunning photo on Jana414’s Insta-account. Another addition to my ever-growing bucket list.

Favorite Song: 10 Feet Tall by Afrojack is my jammmmm! I embarrassingly enough first heard this song on Dancing With the Stars and it’s been on the repeat ever since. The chorus give me chills. LOVE!

Favorite fashion. How adorable is this look? Cozy sweater, cute stripes, navy pants – even love the hot pink lip.

Favorite face-plant: Chocolate Buttermilk-Frosted Brownies. Between work being a nut house, me getting sick, and everything in between, it has been a WEEK! Nothing these epic brownies can’t fix though, right? This picture makes me giddy!

Favorite read: Essentialism. My friend recently recommended this book and I read the whole thing in about 4 hours – it’s unbelievable. If you find yourself saying yes more than you’re saying no, feeling pulled in a hundred different directions, doing 10 things at once and none of them well, having your time dictated by anyone other than you, READ THIS BOOK. One of my biggest takeaways was constantly asking myself, what’s important NOW? Like, right this very second? Then doing that. 🙂

Favorite truth. I believe!

Favorite road trip guide: Ultimate Irish Road Trip. Ireland has been on my travel bucket list for as long as I can remember and I can’t think of a better way to see the rolling hillsides, crumbling castles, and beautiful coastline than on this ultimate road trip.

Friday Faves

Helllooooooo! La la la.

Friday, Friday, Friday – we made it! Is anyone else looking at their calendar just absolutely horrified that October is well underway, and dunh, dunh, dunhhhhh, the holidays are quickly approaching? I mean, don’t get me wrong. I LOVE the holiday season, but I feel like I haven’t had time to fully enjoy the pumpkin spiceness of fall yet. Which is exactly what I plan on doing this weekend. Some end-of-the-season softball, a beautiful autumn hike with friends, football (duh) and maybe a little (or a lot) of some HQ baking action are the makes of a couple of fantabulous days, my friends.

Whatever your plans are for the weekend, I hope you have a wonderful time, but before you get started in on all of the fun, be sure to check out my finds from around the web and more in this week’s edition of Friday Faves!

Favorite travel: 50 Trips to Take in the United States. This is a great list, and I was happy to see I’ve been to a bunch of the places in it. I still have high hopes and dreams of getting my booty overseas soonly, but this is a good reminder that we don’t always have to travel far to get a wonderful experience!

Favorite find: 3/4-Sleeve Color Block Sweater. This is one of the sweaters I recently got at Old Navy. The detail down the center + color blocked sleeves is super cute plus it’s just. so. comfy (and 50% off right now – dangit!) A must for me and my life motto: life is short – wear comfortable clothes!

Favorite bite: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies. I attempted to make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies last year for Thanksgiving and, while I thought they were okay bordering on good, my family took one bite and said they had the texture of cotton balls. Thanks, guys!! Think I’ll stick with this recipe instead. 😉

Favorite song: No, YOU’RE ugly crying! Jamie Lawson is incredibly talented and just signed with my forever fave Ed Sheeran’s label. Just try not to use all the tissues while listening to this song. I double-dog dare you.

Favorite photo. Wherever this is, I want to go to there.

Favorite funny: Bat Dad (click then scroll down for videos.) Oh my gosh, these videos of a Dad who disciplines his kids while wearing a batman mask are HYSTERICAL. I dare you not to laugh. 

Favorite festive: Balloon Dipped Mason Jars. I adore this super simple idea for turning plain old mason jars into “candy corn”. Perfect festive decor for a Halloween party!

Favorite sip: Pumpkin and Apple Cider Fizz. I’ll take 47, thanks. Shaken, not stirred.

Favorite pooch. Can you handle the cuteness?

Favorite indulge: Skillet Brownies. DYING! Love the fact that this recipe can be made from start to finish in a cast iron skillet. Totally trying this sooner rather than later.

Friday Faves

Well hey there, guys! Happy first Friday of fall! Even though it’s been near 90 and sunny in beautiful Denver the past two weeks, I can detect a hint of the cooler weather to come and it’s kind of making me giddy. I’ve got a closet full of booties and jeans and sweaters that are calling my name.

Before those chilly temps enter the building however, you better believe I’m going to be soaking up every last ounce of this Indian summer, starting with my double-header softball game tonight. Tomorrow, the shenanigans and fun continue with a cornhole tourney my friends and I are competing in. It’s being put on by one of our favorite bars and all the money raised goes directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation which is so very cool. I don’t wanna brag, but I’m kind of a big deal when it comes to the ‘hole. #Kobe

I’m rounding out my weekend on Sunday with an epic shopping trip with my seeeester. Our best friend is getting married in just two weeks up in Estes Park, CO and I am still without the perfect LBD. Of course I’m gonna need some new shoes to go along with that dress. And jewelry. And possible a spiffy new clutch. Obvies. I would just like to apologize in advance to my bank account for the damage I’m about to do.

Whatever you’ve got up your sleeve for this weekend, I hope you all have a blast and a half! But before you get started on the awesomeness, be sure to take a look at my finds from around the web and more in this week’s edition of Friday Faves. 🙂

Favorite face-plant: Chocolate Buttermilk-Frosted Brownies. Between work (leading three writing work shops, end of term madness AND training my work study students), getting pulled over for having a funky tail light (ugh), and just general adulting, it has been a WEEK! Nothing these epic brownies can’t fix though, right? This picture makes me stupid happy!

Favorite wow: I don’t know if y’all have heard, but this Sunday there is going to be a complete Lunar Eclipse aka The Blood Moon aka AWESOME! The last time this happened was in 1982 (pre-Wendi) and it’s not supposed to happen again until 2033. Be sure to get outside around dusk to check out this total WOW moment!

Favorite read: Why It Doesn’t Matter How You Feel About Your Friends. This was such a huge read for me this week. I think about my friends all the time. Like, daily. About how much I love them, how their jobs are going, how their families are doing, what their days are like – but unless I reach out and ask, it doesn’t matter much at all. Must read!

Favorite Blast From the Past: “Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger, can I take your order?!” Kenan and Kel had a bit of a reunion this week on Jimmy Fallon and it was glorious.

Favorite bite: Cinnamon-Sugar Sweet Potato Fries with Brown Butter Marshmallow Glaze. Ok why have I never thought to toss my Sweet Potato Fries with cinnamon-sugar, and why oh WHY have I never drizzled them with brown butter marshmallow glaze before?!

Favorite fantasy: Venice. Oh, this.

Favorite furball. This picture makes me all kinds of happy. What a sweetie! (And, uh, can I get in on some of that ice cream?)

Favorite Jam: Recently discovered a band called Jamestown Story and my peeps, I CANNOT GET ENOUGH! Check them out ASAP! You can start by listening to this one. #AllTheFeels

Favorite photo. Ahhh, fall. 🙂 Do you have your pumpkins yet?  Hoping to pick some up at the Farmers’ Market next weekend.

Favorite treat: Ooey Gooey Caramel Pumpkin Blondies. Speaking of pumpkin…OMG! The ooo, the goo! 😉

Friday Faves

Howdy dudie, guys—welcome to the frickin’ [three-day] weekend!

I cannot tell you how positively, over-the-moon, do-a-little-dance, get-down-tonight excited I am. It’s supposed to be absolutely beautiful here in Denver this weekend and you can bet your bottom dollar (I never really understood that phrase but we’ll role with it because IT’S FRIYAY!!!) that I will be soaking up every last minute of the unofficial end to summer in style.

I’ve got big plans that include pool time, a Rockies game, downtown Denver shenanigans, a BBQ and some major hikage/bikage action, all with my fantabulous friends of course. The smile is already plastered on my face and I haven’t even done anything yet (always a good sign of a great weekend to come–most likely with a lot of stories to share on Monday Tuesday).

My motto for the next three days: “Let’s do some ‘we shouldn’t be doing this’ things.”

Whatever you’ve got planned over the holiday weekend, I hope a lot of fun, food and friends/family are involved! But before we get the party started, check out my faves from around the web and more in this week’s edition of Friday Faves! 🙂

Favorite travel: America’s Best Swimming Holes. Nothin’ better than a good ol’ swimmin’ hole, right? Bahahaha. Seriously though, what an awesome list. I’ve actually included a bunch of these in past Friday Faves. That’d be a fun bucket list – visit all of America’s favorite swimming holes in one summer.

Favorite frosty: Birthday Cake Milkshake. Wow! No need for it to be anyone’s actual birthday to dig into this puppy. In fact, I think it might be mandatory that this be had everyday. Drooling.

Favorite help: 10 Ways to Wear Ankle Boots. I bought my first pair of ankle boots last fall and have worn them exactly once because I have no idea how…until now! This is so helpful for the style challenged (aka me!)

Favorite indulge: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Scotcharoos. I didn’t think scotcharoos could get any better but clearly I was wrong – to the tune of two additional layers of deliciousness. 🙂

Favorite jam: Panic At The Disco’s Hallelujah. Ob.sessed with this song. Like, ugly-dance-behind-my-desk-on-the-regular ob.sessed.

Favorite furball. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about! Hopefully I’ll be able to do a bit of the same this weekend.

Favorite find: Counter-Height Fire Pit. I have never seen one of these (am I crazy?!) Would love, love, love to have one for the back yard. My future back yard, that is.

Favorite DIY: Map Page Letters. CHEAP and so cute.

Favorite photo. Bright barn + long exposure = wonderful. 🙂

Favorite breakfast: Banana Bread French Toast. Banana bread pancakes I’ve heard of, but french toast?! Come to mama!

Favorite funny. I can’t even handle the cuteness… 😉

Friday Faves

Happy Friday, guys – welcome to the weekend!

As I mentioned earlier, this week I started noticing a change in the air. One of my best friends who works in the school system, went back to work after having the summer off, and that, coupled with less kids floating around the playgrounds and pools makes it feel like summer is really coming to a close. Do you feel it too? Cue eyes shut tight, fingers in my ears, and intense singing of LA LA LA!

Actually, I’m kind of excited that fall is right around the corner. But that certainly doesn’t mean that I’m wishing the good solid few weeks of summer that we have left away. No siry Bob! I will be rompering and summer dressing it up as long as I possibly can!

Luckily I still have one quintessential summer event coming my way—Labor day! This year a bunch of my friends and I are headed down south to the Great Sand Dune National Park for two solid days/nights of camping, hiking, sand surfing, eating and some QT with the besties.

AND I CANNOT WAIT!

You know what I also CANNOT wait for? This weekend. Three of my friends from Wisco recently moved out to Colorado and we all getting together tonight for some putt-putt action and then tomorrow, I taking me, myself and I to my happiest place on Earth–The Tattered Cover Bookstore. It’s been way too long since I’ve just taken a “me day”, a day to sleep as long as my growling stomach will allow, a day to read, to relax and to of course buy all of the books.

Whatever you’ve got planned for the weekend, I hope that you have a fantabulous time! But before you get a jumpstart on the fun, be sure to check out my faves from around the web and more in this week’s edition of Friday Faves!

Favorite fashion. I adore this whole fall-inspired outfit. The shirt is too cool with the fringe, and I love that bell bottoms are making a comeback…just when I got into skinny jeans. #storyofmylife 😉

Favorite treat: Big Soft M&M Cookies. Delicious cookie pillows would have also been a good name for these babies, I think. YUM.

Favorite DIY: DIY Shelving. I love the industrial, “I didn’t try too hard” look of these shelves, and especially how they’re styled. Awesome find!

Favorite Jam: I’ve always been a fan of Maroon 5 (hellllloooo Adam Levine), and I know that there V album has been out for almost a year now, but I still cannot get enough. Unkiss Me has been my jam as of late and it is all of the amazing. Obsessed.

Favorite Take Me There: Hold the phone and shut the front door. There’s an Airbnb for bookstores. IN SCOTLAND!! Yespleaseandthankyou.

Favorite indulge: Snickers Peanut Butter Brownie Ice Cream Cake. Wow. Just, WOW!

Favorite furball. Maddie does it again! Her caption had me cracking up: “Ahhhhh! It’s summer and I’m gonna eat all this water!” Can I join you? : )

Favorite bite: Churro Bites. Oh. Mah. Gah. I was this close to ordering a churro at Costco this week. It smelled sooo good! I got a hot dog instead. I know.

Favorite funny. Story of my life.

Friday Faves

Happy Friday (more like Fri-YAY amiright?!!?) Wait, did I use that joke last week? Doesn’t matter, still totally applicable.

I’ve been kicking butt and taking names over the past couple of days and, after heading into Monday a little more overwhelmed than I had anticipated, I’m dancing out of Friday and heading into what is sure to be an ahhhhmazing weekend! Once the clock hits 4:30 this PM, I’m heading on up to beautiful Breckenridge, CO with two of my favorite weirdos in the history of ever…my sister and good friend Joe for two solid days of mountain biking, zip lining, hiking, hot tubbing and shenaniganing it up!

I could not be more excited!

I hope that whatever you’ve got shaking for the weekend, that you have a fantabulous time! And in the meantime, refill your coffee cup, grab that last remaining donut that was left in your office break room, and enjoy a round up of my finds from around the web and more in the week’s edition of Friday Faves!

Favorite set of wheels: GUYS! GUYSGUYSGUYS! I got a bike! After my old mountain bike finally went to the big mountain bike trail in the sky a few years ago, I’ve been itching to get another one. And I finally did! And hot damn is it nice! I’ve never had a specialized bike before now but I don’t I’m ever going back to any other bikes. It rides like buttah. Buttah I tell you! I can’t wait to get it out on the trails this weekend and get it dirty!

Favorite swirl: Simple Spaghetti Fra Diavolo. I’m not sure what I’d do if I ever had to give up pasta. Sit in a corner and cry, probably. This dish looks so inviting – I can taste a big fat swirly forkful just by looking at the picture.

Favorite furball: Shelter Dogs in a Photobooth. This idea is so wonderful – an animal shelter in Utah gave their dogs super cute and quirky photoshoots to help them get adopted faster. This would definitely work on me!

Favorite indulge: Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies. YOU’RE WELCOME!! Oh my  gosh, that chewy caramel!!

Favorite ‘that’s my jam!!”: I’ve been on a serious Cold War Kids kick lately and am not even mad about it. Their whole Hold My Home album is pretty awesome, but my jam du jour as of late has been First. So good!

Favorite home: 12 Things Every Home Should Have. Great little list of home essentials. I especially love the art @ 57″ rule – great tip!

Favorite shirt: Dip Dyed Linen Tee. Is this as cute as I think it is? With chino shorts and a jean jacket?

Favorite idea: Cookie S’mores. S’mores made with chewy chocolate chip cookies instead of graham crackers. All together now – YES! (Also, I want to go camping.)

Favorite travel: 32 States in 55 Days. This guy mounted a time-lapse camera to his rear-view mirror then drove in a huge loop across the country, taking photos all along the way. Even if you don’t look at the map of his route, you can tell what region he’s in based on the landscape. Pretty cool!

Favorite find: Don’t Grow Up Poster. This whole adulting this is hard, guys.

Friday Faves

Hey you beautiful people!

Guess what?

Chicken butt.

Also, IT’S FRIDAY!!!

Usually the week following a three-day weekend is awful, long, and just so awfully long. But this week seemed to fly by. And I am definitely not complaining. It’s going to be hard to top last weekend’s amazingness (I mean, I was 50ft from the Hanson brothers), but I think it’s going to be pretty damn close if not just as great. Tonight I’ve got a date with some serious DVR and couch action and I’m not even mad about it. Speaking of which, have any of you guys been watching Unreal? It’s a scripted drama that basically shows us what really goes on behind the scenes of my [and everyone’s] fave Bachelor and Bachelorette shows. Anddddd I’m addicted. SO good!

Tomorrow the sis is coming over to pool it up and work on our tans sunburns and then I’ve got an actual date with an actual human being later that night. Guys, this is huge! Not only did I make it past the dreaded first date (I’d like to think these babies sealed the deal), but we’re going on a second, a second date in which HE ASKED ME OUT! As the perpetual asker out, this is kind of foreign territory for me, but you know what? I’m kind of digging it. We’re going to dinner and mini golf which should be fun (loser buys post golf froyo, which means that I’m getting just all of the toppings because I’m obvies gonna kick his ass. Obvies.). And then Sunday I’ve got my softball game. My mom is coming to visit next week and is staying with me for two weeks which means I probably should clean my apartment at some point too but HAHAHAHA LIKE THAT’S GONNA HAPPEN!

No, but seriously. I really need to clean. Good thing my mom comes to visit me every six months because that’s really the only thing motivating me to dust off the ‘ol vacuum. I wish I was joking.

Whatever you’ve got planned for your weekend, I hope that you have an absolute blast! But before you get started. be sure to kick off the fun with my favorite finds from around the web and more in the week’s Friday Faves!

Favorite photo bomb: BRB just ugly laugh-crying at this pic of JLaw just being JLaw. Reason 50 million kajillion why I love her.

Favorite Guilty Pleasure: Like I mentioned earlier, UnReal. So. Good. If you ever wanted to see how “real” your fave reality TV shows are, you have to check this out!

Favorite festive: Sparkling Red White and Blue Sangria. Although the 4th of July is over I think this fizzy cocktail can be appreciated all summer long. I recommended it to a friend for the 4th and he reported back, “Welp. The only problem this drink has is that it doesn’t taste like alcohol.” HA!

Favorite tip: 9 Things You Should Do Every Weekend to Reset for the Week Ahead. I’m a firm believer in setting your week up for success by getting a few cleaning/organizing tasks out of the way on Sunday night. I usually do the dishes, pack my lunch (in my very cute Strawberry Shortcake lunchbox because I’m really a 12 year old stuck in a 28 year old’s body), and throw in any remaining laundry before heading to bed. It feels SO good to start the week off on the right foot, and this list has more great little things to do!

Favorite bite: Thai Pineapple Peanut Chicken Satay. The foodie world is going crazy for kabobs lately and these are definitely the most delicious looking ones I’ve seen. I’m such a sucker for all things grilled pineapple!

Favorite decor: Travel Photo Wall. I’ve wanted to hang a travel photo wall for years but never quite knew how to start or anchor it. Duh. A map, of course! Great layout.

Favorite funny. “…I am going to eat it all and enjoy my life here on the couch watching Netflix.” Well said, my friend. I doubt I’d ever wear this out of the house but come on, hilarious! #becauseOITNB

Favorite woah: Chocolate Strawberry Nutella Cake. Talk about delicious points. I saw this cake on the Pioneer Woman’s show a few weeks ago and not only did it look stunning, I can’t even imagine how insane it must taste. Strawberries + chocolate cake + whipped cream + nutella? Yes please!

Favorite furball. When I first saw this picture I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry (out of terror.) I decided to laugh…uncontrollably. HILARIOUS. I want this sweet pooch.

An open break-up letter to cilantro

To my dearest cilantro,

I am writing to tell you that we really have to stop seeing each other. I tried, I really did, but it seems as though this relationship is just not working out. You may think I am a coward for simply leaving you this letter and not addressing the issue with you face to face, but this is the only way. Not only because of the fact you physically do not have a face, but because I know that the minute you are before me, mixed in a giant vat of guacamole or salsa, I will lose all inhibition, forgetting that you tend to make me sick to my stomach, and consume you, all of you (most likely standing in the light of my refrigerator door at midnight while I wonder what’s become of my life). Well guess what, cilantro? It’s high time I take back the power. Believe me when I write these words: We are SOOOO OVER!

Please don’t act like you are surprised – surely you must know how unhealthy our relationship is. WE ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, CILANTRO. I am made up of 60% water and 40% organs and 10% intelligence; you are 50% nasty green plant and 50% water, which makes you 100% FULL OF SHIT.

I’m sorry if it seems like I’m coming off a bit harsh cilantro, but someone had to tell you.

When we first met you assured me, you PROMISED ME you were refreshing and herby with just a hint of spice. And you know what makes me just sick to the stomach (besides the fact that you taste like bugs)– you were right. Nothing compares to you. (Note to self: add Sinead O’Connor to break up playlist). But you are a LIAR. I was played for a fool thinking that you were good for me, that maybe, just MAYBE you weren’t too good to be true. That’s when I realized that even smelling you caused me to throw up in my mouth a little bit. But that’s not all. Oh no, it gets worse.

I was visiting my aunt the other day, I opened her pantry and THERE YOU WERE. WHAT WERE YOU DOING THERE CILANTRO??? WHY DID YOU FEEL THE NEED TO HIDE IN THE PANTRY??? I wish I could say that was the first time I had caught you, but I have seen you at my parent’s, my friend’s apartments, in restaurants – IT’S LIKE YOU ARE SOME SORT OF CONSUMABLE PRODUCT PRODUCED IN BULK AND SOLD FOR A PROFIT AT EVERY LOCAL GROCERY STORE.

I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW WHAT BON MI SANDWICHES WERE BEFORE WE MET.

My mother warned me about you. She tried to keep me away. If only I knew then what I know now. Whenever I tried to bring you home (lord knows how hard I tried, Cilantro) she would send you away, saying awful things about you. “Cilanto is no good for you” she would say. “Don’t you dare be bringing that crap into my house,” she would say. “Who would want to put that stuff on their tacos anyway, it sounds crazy,” she would say. She was right – you are crazy. But so am I (I’m writing a break up letter to a side dish/topping, let’s be real here). Having you on tacos felt so wrong, but so RIGHT.

I want you to know that it really is me, not you. I blame my genes, the genes that somehow make you taste like a soapy hot mess. I guess then in a sense, my mother really was right. But aren’t they always. Sorry mom.

I better end this now before I change my mind. SO LONG, CILANTRO. This is goodbye. I wish things could have worked out, I really do, but I have hopes and dreams and all you’ve ever done is hold me back. I’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn how to fly (note to self: add Kelly Clarkson to break up playlist), I don’t need a spread to make me happy (add Pussy Cat Dolls), oh and while I have this opportunity – Taylor Swift if you would like to write a song about all of this, I’m willing to collaborate. Call me.

Thyme and rosemary, if you are reading this, DO NOT TRY AND CALL ME. No thank you.

With love from your cilantrophobic friend,

Wendi

Friday Faves

Well hey there, guys! Guess what?

IT’S FRI-YAY!!! I mean Friday.

It’s been another busy (and exciting) one over here this past week. On Tuesday I got to sit on a panel of other instructors and deans to judge the 2015 Westwood Scholarship. It was so great to see the hard work that these students put in, the dedication and drive that was so overtly apparent in each and every entry. It was hard to pick a favorite and I am looking forward to seeing who wins. If that wasn’t enough excitement for one week on Wednesday I, along with most of our student body and faculty, spent most of the afternoon down in our campus’ basement due to tornado warnings. Good times, good times. Thankfully no one was hurt or major damage was done, however if I’m being honest, I was definitely more than a little scared. Okay. A lot. I was a lot scared.

Did I mention that I’m deathly afraid of anything tornadic-related?

Good gravy.

It was a good thing I wasn’t blown away Dorothy-style because this weekend is shaping up to be another goody. Tonight the sis and I are kicking off the weekend right by heading downtown to see one of my friend’s band play. Good music, tasty drinks and some pretty awful dancing does a great Friday night make! On Saturday I’m hoping to squeeze in some pool time, possibly hitting up the South Platte River Fest and then on Sunday, we’ve got our second softball game of the season.

Woof.

Now THAT is what I call a weekend, my friends!

I hope that wherever you are, and whatever you do, that you have a wonderful weekend! But in the meantime, please enjoy my favorite finds from around the web and beyond in this week’s Friday Faves!

Favorite YESSSSS!!! Today we got to watch history happen. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that states cannot ban same-sex marriage. I think POTUS put it best when he said, “”Those countless, often anonymous heroes–they deserve our thanks. They should be very proud. America should be very proud.” Love wins. Always.

Favorite Surprise: When I walked into the library this morning, I found a beautiful pink carnation sitting on my keyboard. To the very sweet mystery person who left this for me, thank you! What a wonderful way to kick off my Friday! (and it’s kind of perfect timing because I definitely forgot to put on the deodorant this morning!)

Favorite Memory Maker: This past weekend one of my besties came to visit and I’m not even joking when I say that it was probably one of the best weekends ever. Top five for sure! From climbing an ‘F’ing mountain and Brewer gaming (and meeting my future husband Jimmy Nelson!!!!) it up, to meeting great friends and getting down and dirty on the softball field, it was just. so. great! My face still hurts from smiling and laughing so much (not a bad ailment to have for sure)!

Favorite bite: Cinnamon French Toast Bites. Be still my miniature-food-loving heart! How adorable!!

Favorite Page-Turner: I had been on my library’s waiting list for this book for weeks (which in my world translates to forever) so I finally decided to just go out and buy it. And ohmygoodnessamigladidid! I was a huge fan of Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies so I knew that her follow-up book, The Husband’s Secret would be just as good, if not more. And boy was it! Let’s just say that if you start reading it, plan on canceling all and any plans for the next four hours. You will not be able to put it down!

Favorite Funny: Pretty sure I laughed until I cried peed. “I’m like regular Mike. Except Magic.” Dead. Jimmy Fallon, you did it again.

Favorite travel: Havasu Falls, AZ. This picture is equal parts barf-inducing (don’t look down!) and exhilarating. Havasu Falls inside the Grand Canyon has been on my must-see list for a few years now, and this is by far the coolest view I’ve seen of it.

Favorite treat: Healthy Greek Yogurt Chocolate Fudge Pops. Oh man, when I was little those Jello Chocolate Pudding Pops were ma JAM. Can’t even imagine how delicious these must be and bonus that they’re made with Greek Yogurt. Must have for the summer!

Favorite fashion. Super cute little summer outfit. Love the coral with the black chevron pattern.

Favorite photo. I am all about the burgers lately! The photo of this Aussie Burger with the Lot stopped me dead in my tracks. I mean come. on.

Favorite furball. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about! Hopefully I’ll be able to do a bit of the same this weekend.

Friday Faves

Bonjour mon amies! Joyeux vendredi!

Fun fact: I took six years of French and have used that skill exactly not at all. Actually, I can’t say that. It does come in handy when I’m trying to read the back of that fancy shampoo or perfume bottle. Which happens exactly not at all because who buys fancy shampoo and perfume? Not this girl (although maybe I should start–it’d give me a chance to put that French to good use).

But I digress. How was your week? Any fun plans for the weekend?

Tonight I’m going out to dinner with some friends to celebrate my baby sister’s birthday. I refuse to believe that she’s 24 because that means I’m 28 and I can’t be that old. Seriously though. How and when did that happen?! Good gravy. I used to roll my eyes when my grandpa and grandma would tell me to enjoy every last minute, every single second because time only speeds up as you get older. Gran and gramps, I think I owe you a “You were right” and some pitted prunes because you definitely hit the nail on the preverbal head with that one.

Other than that, I’ve got the world weekend at my fingertips. I’m hoping to maybe catch some rays by the pool tomorrow (if it ever stops raining) and I REALLY want to see the new Jurassic Park movie. Wicked dinosaurs + Chris Pratt = yes please. I’m also having a cookout with the fam on Sunday. Anyone else think that grilled food just tastes so much better than regular food? It’s probably one of my favorite things about summer. And none of that electric grill crap; I’m all about that bass charcoal.

Whatever you’ve got up your sleeve this weekend, I hope you have a great one! But before you dive into the fun, be sure to check out my funky finds from around the web and more in this week’s edition of Friday Faves!

Favorite Flick: Like I mentioned earlier, I am DYING to see the new Jurassic World! Another fun fact: I was ob.sessed with the first Jurassic Park. So much so that for most of my childhood, I had this dream of becoming a paleontologist. I also reenacted the Jello scene on the regular. I’m hoping that the fourth Jurassic is mucho better than the last three because ugh.

Favorite splurge: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake. I love the looks of this dense and fudgy peanut butter cake. YUM!

Favorite Daily Dose of Sheeran: It’s no secret that I have the biggest, hugest (I’ve just decided that needs to be a word), most epic crush on Ed Sheeran. He’s extremely talented, humble, grounded, has the most beautiful accent and that red hair. Oh that red hair. In an interview he gave recently, he opened up about his past struggles with stuttering and showed us all how to own our own weirdness and be proud of who we are.

Favorite Flashback: 32 Pictures That Will Give You Intense Elementary School Flashbacks. “Holy cowing” over this roundup! Seriously shouted YES to every single one. Especially these stamp markers and especially #14. #2 is gave me instant anxiety.

Favorite pooch: Baby Frenchie! JUST TOO MUCH CUTENESS!

Favorite ‘Q: Chicken Beer Sliders. Saucy, scrumptious, and perfect for a summer BBQ.

Favorite LOL: Betty White decided to prank-call James Corden from the Late-Late Show and it was all of the amazing. Still hard-core laughing.

Favorite view. Are you smiling? Me too. 🙂

Favorite fashion: Nellore Blouse. Loving this sweet and flowy blouse, right? Can I please look as cool as this girl does when I wear it too? Pleaseandthankyou.

Favorite bite: S’Mores Dip. No campfire required. Love this!