1. A Beautiful Mess app, now in the iTunes store!

My love of pics and love of words… TOGETHER.  LOVE THIS APP!

2.  David Rio Orca Spice Sugar-Free Chai Mix.

I am picky, picky about the flavor of my chai and this ranks right up there with my usual sugar-full brand.

3.  Hot Plate.

Delicious breakfast options, great atmosphere.

4.  Bacon, Peach & Arugula Sandwiches.  A fun twist on the BLT!

SO.VERY.GOOD.  Click HERE for the recipe.

5.  PMS bars.  You could try a make-your-own version HERE or purchase the peanut butter/crushed potato chips/chocolate gems below by clicking HERE.

Happy Friday!!!

1. Bubble Tea from Pham’s Deli.

You’ll find another local fan’s take on their bubble tea HERE.  I am seriously addicted.  Couldn’t even stop sipping for one single pic.

2.   Brown Sugar Coconut Bubble Tea.

Recipe by Pastry Affair (click HERE).

3.  Speaking of Pastry Affair beverage recipes… you must check out this one as well!

Lavendar Lemonade!  Click HERE for details.

4.  This AWESOME series of cookbooks.

I want these:  Not Your Mother’s Fondue, Not Your Mother’s Slow Cooker Cookbook, and Not Your Mother’s Slow Cooker Recipes for Entertaining.  Click HERE for more information!

5.  The book Home Made Summer by Yvette van Boven.

Happy Friday!!!

1.  Chobani Flip Greek Yogurt.

Key Lime Crumble (lime yogurt with graham bits & white chocolate chips) has been my favorite so far!

2.  Brave Girls Shoppe Sketchbook.

On sale RIGHT NOW!  (Click HERE for details.)

3.  Zimmermann.  Love the bathing suits.  And summer dresses.  And shorts.

Heck, I pretty much love everything here!

4.  Storyline.

What an awesome, awesome workbook to do with a small group of friends.  Here’s a peek:

Loooooooooove.  Click HERE to learn more!

5.  And along similar lines, the book Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist.

Click HERE to find it on Amazon.

Happy Friday!!!

1.  What Katie Ate.

Love this blog and this book!

2.  This Little Bird Platter from Pier One Imports.

3.  Ever hear of the Pomodoro Technique?

Sounds like the perfect solution for making the most of work and study time!  Click HERE to learn more.

4.  These Spring Piecrust Cutters from Williams-Sonoma.

5.  The Zoku Slush and Shake Maker.

What a super easy way to make a frozen summer treat!

Happy Friday!!!

1.  A new blog for “midstage” parenting… YES!!!!

It’s called Nest & Launch and you can check it out for yourself by clicking HERE.

2.  These adorable pillow covers by Oh Little Rabbit on Etsy:

3.  Love these bottle openers from World Market!

4.  This drink dispenser my favorite of all I’ve seen so far!

Also from World Market (click HERE to find it online).

5.  A great pairing for the drink dispenser would be this book:

Also from World Market (click HERE for details).  Ahhhh, summer longings………………….

Happy Friday!!!

1.  Making Things Happen PowerSheets by Lara Casey.

Coupled with her inspirational e-book (free download HERE) has made me a force to be reckoned with these last couple of days.  She has made a call for a “social media-free weekend” and I am SO on-board.  You can find Lara’s blog HERE, her shop HERE, and Making Things Happen Intensive on Facebook HERE.  Powerful, powerful stuff.

2.   I’m sure this is old news for all of you die-hard Caribou fans, but if you haven’t yet tried the Biscotti Mocha…

Do.

3.  I love this SO.MUCH.

You can find it HERE on Etsy at The Word Within.

4.  Vintage Fondue Pots.

Etsy is filled to the brim with them in all colors and shapes!  (Click HERE to find the one featured above.)  Would love to get my hand on a couple of these!

5.  These books are calling me…

Just click HERE and HERE to find them on Amazon!

Happy Friday!!!

1.  The Nutribullet.

OH MY GOODNESS.  We’ve had it for a week and have made at least two dozen smoothies in that time; our entire family has eaten far more fruits and vegetables in one week than we probably do in a typical month.  The thing is POWERFUL, crushing ice and frozen fruit like there is no tomorrow.  (You can even take frozen banana chunks, add a little almond milk and end up with something that looks and tastes like banana ice cream!)  Clean up is a piece of cake and it is single-serve friendly.  Worth every penny.

2.  I have had this book for YEARS but my blender never seemed to cut it.  Literally.

Turns out they have since come out with another edition that looks like this:

And is available HERE on Amazon.  The most amazing recipes and lots of information regarding the health benefits of every ingredient.  Makes a great companion to the Nutribullet!

3.  THIS new iPhone app by Totally Rad!

It’s called PicTapGo! and is available through iTunes.

4.  This wall hook would be perfect in my office:

I’m working on a way to incorporate it along with images from THIS senior session captured last summer.

5.  Irish Coffee Pudding.

I have all of the ingredients on hand for this decadent dessert. Guess what I’ll be whipping up today?

Happy Belated Friday!!!

1.  Cutest iPhone cases EVER.

2.  Craving a unique twist on pizza?  I sampled the Volcano Burger pizza at Goodfellas Bar & Grill last night.

TO.DIE.FOR.  Even better is Umbria Pizza’s rad collection of gourmet pizzas HERE.

3.  I spotted these at World Market yesterday – hazelnut truffles inside a REAL EGGSHELL.

I think our boys will dig them.

4.  Refillable Journals by Jenni Bick.

At the rate I go through them, this is TOTALLY up my alley.

5.  I really, really wanted to share this last week.

LOVE this book and picked it up for a friend’s birthday (didn’t want to spoil the surprise).  I’m thinking about testing out the Lemon Meringue Pies w/Thyme Shortbread Crust at the Everyday Photographer Workshop in April.  

Happy Friday!!!

1.  Nadia Cakes.  I know what you’re thinking… just what I need, another cupcake place.

But they are irresistable!  And the flavor options, too numerous to list.  And the shop decor, so totally adorable.

2.  Lensbaby Composer Pro.

A soon-to-be addition to my camera bag!  Cannot wait to create with it.

3.  Lensbaby:  Bending Your Perspective by Corey Hilz.

I stumbled across this bit of Lensbaby inspiration at Barnes & Noble last weekend.  SO BEAUTIFUL.

4.  King Arthur Flour.

I love their catalog, the recipe index on their website, and especially the scone mixes!!!

5.  Spiced Pear Bread Pudding.

And Cardamom Pear Crisps.

Guess I have autumn on the brain.

Happy Friday!!!

1.  Gourmet Popsicle Shops.  I think we need one of these in Minnesota!

Check out Popbar (Coconut PopGelato, mmmmmmmm) in New York, soon-to-be California, and Indonesia.  Meltdown in New Orleans (Pineapple Basil, mmmmmmmm).  GoodPop in Texas (Banana Cinnamon, mmmmmmmm), and Paletas Betty in Arizona (“Zarzamora” – blackberry/lavendar, mmmmmmmm).

2.  My latest obsession:

Chocolate-covered licorice!  Available in milk or dark chocolate over red licorice AND milk or dark chocolate over black licorice.  I’ve sampled both  the milk over red and black and am totally addicted.  You will find bags like this at Fleet Farm:

Oh and if you are registered for the 2013 Spring Weekend Scrapbooking Retreat, you will find a bag of milk over red in the prize drawing basket!!!

3.  Are you like me and craving a bit of sunshine and warm weather?

Noosa’s Strawberry Rhubarb Yoghurt is like a carton of spring.

4.  I’ve already whined about this all over Facebook.

The GOD + LIFE + PHOTOGRAPHY Retreat.  At the very same location I shared in a 5 Fun Things Friday post little more than a month ago.  Hosted by two inspiring local photographers.  And such a fun, fun thing it’s already FULL! 

5.  Need You Now by Plumb.

LOVE.THIS.SONG.

Happy Friday!!!

1.  Rockstar Diaries.  One of my favorite, favorite bloggy places to visit.

Full of color, love, and food pics that will make you drool.

2.  Bleubird Vintage, another KILLER blog.  Fashion, family, beautiful photography.  I especially love her Sunday’s Cake series.

3.  Cadbury Mini Egg Blondies.

Oh yeah.

4.  This Star Wars Craft book from ModCloth.

My nephew would LOVE THIS!

5.  Kinfolk Magazine.

Food, friends, and beautiful images.  Inspirational on many levels.

Happy Friday!!!

1.  Hammond’s Candies. 

They carry everything from Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich chocolate bars to cocoa/tea stir sticks.  Be sure to check out their “Oops! Candy” section for great deals!

2.  I’m a little bit obessessed with felt balls right now.

Specifically, felt ball GARLAND.  Love.

3.  Golden Edibles.

Chocolate-covered bananas.  And marshmallows.  And Rice Krispies.

4.  Xocolatti.  Specifically, their slates.

The one featured above is the Masala Milk Slate which is made with saffron and cardomom, pistachios and almonds in silky white base.  Yum.

5.  The 125 Best Fondue Recipes by Ilana Simon.

Happy Friday!!!

1. Chobani Bite – Raspberry w/Dark Chocolate Chips.

Even though it’s yogurt, it feels as indulgent as ice cream.

2.  Lincoln.

It’s been out since November but I didn’t see it until last weekend.  Awesome, awesome movie.

3.  Bad James Vintage.

Cutest vintage clothing selection on Etsy.

4.  This sterling ring would make for the perfect gift.  Don’t have to worry about sizing, under $100…

5.  Modcloth Sale Coats & Jackets.

Picked one up myself for $34.99 (70% off!!!); they are going fast but there are some great deals to still be had!

Happy Friday!!!

1.  Craft-a-Day: 365 Simple Handmade Projects by Sarah Goldschadt.

I would eat this book up!

2.  Printstagram.  I love small square prints and it is so difficult finding a place who will make prints that are smaller than 4 inches.  This place does!

Also available are mini albums, stickers, calendars & more!  Total love.

3. Oakdale Carmike Cinema.  Why Oakdale? you might ask.  They make their very own CARAMEL CORN on site.  Yum.

If heading out to Oakdale simply isn’t in the cards, you could pop in a DVD and whip up your own batch of homemade caramel corn using the Food Network recipe link above!

4.  This Wizard of Oz themed birthday party by Bubble and Sweet is THE CUTEST idea I have ever seen!

The farmhouse cake even has a rainbow inside!!  You must check it out… click HERE for a direct link to the post.

5.  Undaunted by Christine Caine.

Incredibly moving book that will inspire you to make a difference in this world!

Happy Friday!!!

1.  White Lace Cakes – Patisserie & Cake Parlour.  My husband Tony spotted the unassuming storefront while out on errands and was sure it would attract my sweet tooth.  We made plans to visit White Lace Cakes over the weekend and oh my goodness was it an experience to behold!

I am a lover of details and this sweet shop is oozing with meaningful, personalized touches.  Flavorful macarons, delicate pastries, French press coffee (their own house blend), and the shop’s delightfully feminine decor makes it the perfect place to meet up with your best friend, sister, or mom.  During our visit, owner and designer Deborah Wright extended a warm and gracious welcome to everyone entering the shop, offering mouthwatering pastry descriptions when anyone asked about the day’s offerings.  While Deborah has been designing wedding cakes for years, the Oakdale shop has only been open since November.  Using only high-quality (and oftentimes imported) ingredients, Deborah creates little works of art that are truly TO DIE FOR.  Her Vintage Teacup Cakes are a perfect example.  They are available by special order and would be so very lovely at a bridal shower or ladies luncheon.  The teacup is to keep, making it a unique keepsake as well.

As far as wedding cakes go, here are a just few of the numerous flavor options:  Pistachio-Cardamon with caramel mousse filling, Apple Butter Spice with ginger buttercream filling, and Dark Chocolate Fudge with clementine marmalade filling.  I may need to order one for our 20th wedding anniversary!

2.  USB Mix Tape. 

Remember the days of mix tapes?  Well, theyyy’rrrre back!  Click HERE to find this uberly cool USB stick on Amazon.

3.  Hoosier Momma Bloody Mary Maker - SPICY variety, of course. 

4.  The Book of Doing by Allison Arden.  I was hooked with the tagline:  Ready to Unlock Your Creativity & Find Your Joy?

You fill find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.

5.  Heart Patches.

Happy Friday!!!

1.  Check out these ADORABLE knee high socks!

2.  I have a few friends battling cancer right now and these caught my eye:

You can find them on Etsy (Baby Puppy Designs) by clicking HERE.

3.  Along those lines wouldn’t these be adorable bridesmaid gifts?

I imagine using them as table markers at a bridal shower.  So very sweet.  Same designer (Baby Puppy Designs), same Etsy shop as above!

4.  After getting stitches on my shoulder/neck last week, I have been real issues carrying purses and bags.  [Basically, I can't!]  As much as I love, LOVE my current camera bag, my thoughts have been drifting to one on wheels:

You will find this one and more at Jill-E Designs by clicking HERE.

5.  I really need to do some baking.  The kitchen has been calling me…

I’m thinking about a new scones recipe for our 2013 Spring Weekend Scrapbooking Retreat.  Yum!

Happy Friday!!!

1.  Viking River Cruises.

Needless to say, I’m dreaming of another escape.  What I love most about this company is that everything is included (much like the Disney cruises) even airfare, if you choose.  What an incredible way to experience China, France, Germany, or even Egypt!  The river ships are much smaller than regular cruise ships and the tours include a rich historical perspective.  How seriously cool would it be to visit the farmhouse where Claude Monet lived and worked?!!!  Or to visit the beaches of Normandy?!!  Must start saving my pennies.

2.  Spot It.  Best game EVER.

It is intense.  Very intense – by the end of the game, everyone is literally on top of the table!

3.  iPhone Plug-In Charms. 

I so wish I would have known about these in my pre-iPhone 5 days!  The plug location for my new iPhone is at the bottom instead of the top, leaving the critter upside down. 

4.  Dana’s Bakery.

For the love of all things macaron.

5.  The One Year® Bible reading plan by YouVersion.

The bible – it will change your life if you let it.

Happy Friday!!!

1.  Poor Boy Candy caramels.  These should come with a warning…

Once you start, you can’t stop eating them!!!  I sampled many of their delicious flavors:  Gingerbread, Espresso Infused, and Fleur de Sel (i.e. Salted Caramel) and they are ALL so good that I can’t even choose one as a favorite!

2.  Mexican Hot Chocolate.

It had been years since I last purchased this hot chocolate; we received a box as a gift on Christmas and I’ve been in sipping heaven ever since.  You will find it in the Mexican food section of your local grocery store!

3.  Lake Superior Barn Resort.  Ohmyohmyohmy.  I am determined to find 3-4 other families to join us on a weeklong vacation here.

Imagine the peaceful scenery, coffee overlooking Lake Superior, late night bonfires, Game Nights galore, reading and exploring – I love everything about this place.

4.  My cousin Mary introduced me to this very cool book and salon at the Winter Weekend Scrapbooking Retreat. 

To say I was “WOWED” by these makeovers is a complete understatement.

Staging Your Comeback is all about aging gracefully (you can find a copy of the book HERE).  Author and stylist Christopher Hopkins owns the ReVamp Salon Spa [located in Uptown] where you can undergo a makeover in person HERE.  You will also find some great tips on his website [The Makeover Guy] by clicking HERE.  (You will also find a whole slew of his  makeovers on YouTube under ”The Makeover Guy.”)

5.  Donnie Dirk’s Zombie Den.  Okay, so zombies really aren’t MY thing but my husband is all over this bar.  The owner is the same as Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge (which IS my thing) so I am sure it is totally worth checking out.

Happy Friday!!!

1. Cinnamon-Eggnog Scones.  I found the recipe HERE and made a batch last night (along with my homemade Mock Devonshire Cream, recipe HERE).

Several others recommended NOT substituting the egg nog flavor for vanilla – but really, why would you?  The whole point of making Cinnamon-EGGNOG Scones is for the eggnog!  Otherwise, you could just make the plain old Cinnamon Scones HERE.  (Don’t get me wrong, the Cinnamon Scones in the last link are awesome… but they don’t have EGGNOG!)

2.  I love the idea of handmade Christmas gifts but never seem to leave myself enough time.  Perhaps I should take on this tea towel project next summer or fall?

3.  Olive and Cocoa.  If you’re looking for some unique gift ideas, this website has a little bit of everything.

4.  I love, LOVE these video tips [from the Brave Girls Club] for dealing with difficult people during the holidays.

5.  BHLDN – the most amazing website for brides and more! Check out this adorable party dress:

Happy Friday!!!

1.  Order an album directly from your iPhone, iPod, and iPad with this slick app!

It’s called Mosaic by Mixbook – very easy to use, $20  for 20 photos that you’ll receive in an album in 4 days.  How cool is that?!!   [BTW, the fine photo of Tony and I (above left) - was captured by Tilly!]

2. Land O Lakes Cocoa Classics Arctic White Hot Chocolate Mix.

You can find it HERE on Amazon or locally at the Target off of Pilot Knob Road!

3.  The Looxcie LX2.

Using blue tooth technology and your Android or iPhone, this cool video camera is perfect for recording all of your adventures.

4.  Retro-style RED refrigerators!!!

I want this one for my laundry room.  Unfortunately, I’d have to sell a camera to get it.

5.  Lensbaby – Spark.

Click HERE to learn more about it. [I would have so much fun with this!}

Happy Friday!!!