In this Sunday Funday Series, I share little tidbits and finds from my week that brought a smile to my face, in the hope that they’ll do the same to you!
1. White Chocolate Nutella Cookies
When I logged in to respond to comments on Saturday, I saw this note from Laura about my White Chocolate Nutella Cookies waiting in my inbox: “I just made these last night and they were actually SO GOOD!! I don’t normally make recipes from blogs because of bad results but these were actually amazing!!” I simultaneously smiled and blinked back tears. After finally quitting my day job to blog full-time, her words—and all of your comments—are really rewarding and reassure me that I made the right decision. Thank you!
2. Grande Caramel Frappuccinos
My local Safeway offered a special Just4U coupon this week: buy any Grande Frappuccino from the Starbucks stand inside the store for only $2. (Regularly $4.50!) Always a sucker for sales, I ordered the same customized Caramel Frappuccino for three days straight. Both baristas recognized me yesterday morning, and we chatted about baking and blogging while I sipped my drink. One of them even inspired me to make a new pumpkin dessert for Thanksgiving—recipe coming soon!
3. The Creamy Cauliflower Sauce Cookbook
Please, please, please… Do yourself a favor and buy Lindsay’s new cookbook! The author of Pinch of Yum developed, wrote, and photographed all 30 healthy comfort food recipes in 21 days. Just 3 weeks! She’s currently offering a discount here, and it’s worth every penny. I’m itching to try her Classic Shells and Cheese—yum!
4. Jack-O-Lantern Rice Krispie Treats
My guy rarely tastes anything I make. He prefers crunchy cookies (not soft), milk chocolate (not dark), junk food (not fruit). But he requested that I saved a few of these Jack-O-Lantern Rice Krispie Treats for him instead of giving all of them away. And he even smiled as he bit into them!
5. Aviary Photo Editing App
I downloaded this free app a few months ago, and I edit almost every iPhone shot with it. With lots of filters, frames, and effects to play with, even the most underexposed and poorly-lit photos turn out pretty! I used it on this shot, and this one, and this one, and… Well, you get the picture! (No pun intended?)
6. Dishwasher-Safe Measuring Cups and Spoons
After watching me wash dishes at least three times a day (and pitching in for a round or two), my guy drove me to Ross and searched all five kitchen aisles himself until he found sets of dishwasher-safe measuring cups and spoons. Isn’t he the sweetest? Since not all Ross stores stock the same inventory, I found the same ones on Amazon for you (cups and spoons). With so many new recipes to test, I just might buy a few more too!
7. Spooky Spaghetti with Eyeballs
I inherited some distant relative’s squeamish stomach, so I prefer a cute Halloween over creepy or scary. But once I realized the eyeballs in Laura’s Spooky Spaghetti were made from mozzarella, I breathed a sigh of relief—and my tummy growled instead!
8. The Big Bang Theory
My entire family obsessed over this show! My parents bought every season on DVD, then tacked up a Sheldon Cooper poster in their garage. At least once a month, my guy and I return one of their sets for another. We’re currently halfway through Season 5, and the smarty-pants quick humor keeps us in stitches every night!
9. Halloween Frankenstein Marshmallow Pops
Kelly of Just a Taste created one of the cutest, sweetest Halloween monsters you’ll ever find: Frankenstein Marshmallow Pops! Check out her recipe and tutorial photos. The treats would be perfect for any Halloween party you attend!
10. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Short Meditations
This book actually inspired me to leave my old job for full-time food blogging. The author designed the meditations (or “imagination visualizations,” as I call them) to relieve stress and increase inner peace and happiness—just 5 minutes or less. I usually start my day by reading a chapter and just letting my mind wander. By the time I take my first sip of coffee, a big smile always fills my face!
I must know what your customized caramel frap is! I love #1. on this list!! I am so inspired by you and your blog changes. I am in the process of trying to figure out small steps to move my blog forward..AH! I am loving all the Halloween themed foods on here!! AH I LOVE HALLOWEEN!
Aww Brittany, you’re the sweetest. Thank you for your encouraging words! I try to make my caramel frappuccino as “guilt-free” as possible so I can save my sugar for recipe testing! 😉 So it’s nonfat, no whip, sugar-free caramel, and the light base. (I’m not sure what the “light base” actually is though… Go figure!) Are you trick-or-treating this year??
I got that coupon too and forgot to use it!!!! And I am so addicted to Big Bang. Except we’re still on season 3 or 4, I can’t remember.
You still have time for the coupon!! It’s good through Tuesday. So now you just need an excuse to go to Safeway both tomorrow and the day after! 😉 The Big Bang Theory is such a well-written show; each season gets better and better!
Ah, sweet guy! It’s my dream to own, like, three sets of measuring cups and spoons. THAT would be the life! Haha. I’m currently using a set in which the handles are broken off the full cup and half cup. Grrr… Going for metal next time!
I know what I’m getting you for Christmas!! 😀 I, uhh, kind of… Well… Umm… I actually own four sets of each now. And it still isn’t enough. Eep!!