Friday Five

Oh, Friday! Another week, another joyous celebration of the incoming weekend. I’m back in west Tennessee right now, but my wanderlust already has me dreaming of new destinations. Have any fun travel plans coming up?


1.I’ll be heading out to Puerto Rico this summer and I’m already eyeing Erin’s food and drink recommendations! Do you have any to add?

2. Complete with ricotta, prosciutto and a few other tasty bits, this tartine sounds like an amazing appetizer at your next party! However, I’m thinking it sounds like the perfect dinner for one..

3. Remembering that one time the romantic and the hubs were packing for their RTW trip and still feeling envious about their trip. And a little mad I wasn’t invited.

4. A no-bake chocolate torte recipe that’s also vegan!? Okay, I’ll admit I’m very curious!

5. Heading on a long flight? Peak these things to make it a little easier. Number five though!

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Playing Tourist: A Napa Valley Picnic

It’s been a while since I’ve played tourist in my hometown of Napa. The weather has been a bit more consistent and warm, so I’ve been itching to get outside. As usually happens with my life, I’m either booked up on the weekends or need a really, really good reason to get outdoors.

Enter UncommonGoods, a Brooklyn-based company specializing in unique items for your home, gifts, or yourself. I was invited to check out their extensive kitchen + bar tools section and pick my top favorites to try out. As someone who works at a nonprofit, I was absolutely swooning when I learned they’re a founding B Corp, which means they use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. How could I say no? 

Friday Five

Happy Earth Day and happy Friday! Are you as overjoyed that it’s Friday as I am? Tonight, my bestie Charise is heading to visit all weekend long. I cannot wait! Do you have anything fun planned?

 1. Speaking of wanting to get out in nature, this post by Csaba and Bea of Our Wanders on great hiking spots in northern California make me want to explore my backyard a bit more!

2. My darling friend Kortni has been updating her recent home purchase DIY-style on. her. own. I absolutely love following along on her adventures, here.

3. After reading Silvia’s post on 7 ways Norway isn’t as expensive as one might think, I’m itching to get to Norway!

4. This Ricotta cheesecake? I die.

5. And this recipe for ramen noodle pork tacos from Andrew at Cook In Dine Out?! Dominique Ansel had better watch his back.

 

 

Friday Five

I can’t even tell you how happy I am that it’s Friday! I’m looking forward to a weekend of delicious food, sleeping in, and lots of pajama time. What are you up to this weekend? 1. We all have expectations of our travel destinations, don’t we? I was dying scrolling through this list comparing expectation to reality for 10 destinations across the world. Can you relate?

2. My news feed constantly has quick food videos featuring tips or tricks for tasty recipes. Usually, I pass them by. But this one dish slowcooker recipe sounds amazing!

3. The lazy travelers went on a luxe vacation to the French Riveria… with a baby!? See how they kept it extra luxe and extra lazy here.

4. Recently spotted on the FoodGawker Insta feed: these delicious looking chocolate toffee bars.

5. Loving this list of tips for packing for a weekend trip! Now to use these tips in real life…

1, 2, 3 Cookies: Chocolate White Chip Cranberry

It’s been an interesting couple of months weather-wise here in Napa Valley. Highs in the 90s one day and hail storms on others. Is it winter? Is it spring? Sprinter?

When it’s hot out, I want nothing to do with the kitchen. I want a big fresh salad and a glass of sauv blanc on the patio, please. But on days with clouds or rain, I want to be cozy in the kitchen, baking something tasty. And thankfully, it doesn’t have to be anything terribly difficult. I usually just create a new version of my favorite 1, 2, 3 Cookies, like I did here.