Friday Favorites!

Favorite Appetizer:  My sister and brother-in-law (plus Haines) are coming to visit in a couple of weeks.  Summer Crostini with Whipped Garlic Goat Cheese is in the running as an appetizer.  The only thing holding me back is the fact that our corn isn’t ready for harvest yet!

summer crostini

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor:  Big Guy and I got a new ice cream maker as a wedding present and we’re dying to use it.  Bring on the Toasted Almond Fudge Ripple Ice Cream.  

i scream, you scream…

Favorite Beach House:  One day I will have a beach house of my own.  And this is what it will look like.  I must add, there will be a pool.  And yes, you’re more than welcome to come spend a weekend with me.

ocean front property

Favorite Season:  Duh.  Who doesn’t like summer?

i love summer.

Favorite Jalapeno Recipe:  Our garden always produces way too many jalapenos.  But not this year.  I plan to use them all.  Some will be candied.  And then sprinkled over nachos that are drowning in fontina.  And I’ll serve margaritas on the side.

candied jalapenos

Favorite Read:  This is on my list to read.  I adore all of Mary Kay’s books.

summer reading

Favorite Cocktail:  I will most definitely have a cocktail especially for Maggie when she visits.  That means no rum.  (I know – but that means more rum for me another weekend.)  So how about an Island Girl?  Or Strawberry Basil Champagne?  Or just go to my Pinterest page and pick one off my Cocktail Time! board.

island girl

strawberry basil champagne

Cheers!  It’s a summer weekend.  Enjoy it!!!!

Grilled Brie and Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, Avocado and Lime

Saturday was a good day of eats indeed.  From lunch to our appetizer to an amazing side dish (the best brussels ever), I “mmmm”-ed my way through the day.  Not too shabby of a Saturday, if you ask me.

While we were in the big city, we made our way to The Fresh Market to grab a few items I needed to make dinner happen.  Unfortunately, Fresh Market did not have brussels (apparently they’re out of season – something I knew – but refused to believe) and I almost had a nervous breakdown in the store.  Okay, not quite a nervous breakdown but it got me frazzled because brussels were on the list!  Being the great husband that Big Guy is, he took me the Whole Foods where I found myself some brussels.  Oh and ripe avocados (Fresh Market disappointed me Saturday – but that was the only disappointment of the day).

Having a Saturday at home is a reason to celebrate.  And so, we had “appy” hour with some grilled brie and an amazing jar of preserves from Fresh Market (okay, they weren’t a total disappointment).  The brie was found at Whole Foods and was a local wheel.  Sooooooo good.

my grill master

If you have never grilled brie, please try it!

appy hour

I served the brie with some (gluten-free) bagel bites (glutino brand – super delicious).  This wheel of brie had no chance with us.

And for dinner, steaks with avocado, bacon and lime brussels.  I tried a new steak marinade and it was good, but not my favorite – it didn’t let the steak get a crust and I love a good herb crust on the outside of my steak.

But the brussels.  Oh the brussels.  I’ve made a lot of brussels in the past few years and I can honestly say this is my new favorite recipe.  Avocado was made for brussels.  In a weird, “I-would-have-never-thought-of-that” kind of way.  I pinned the recipe a while back because I was intrigued and now I’m annoyed it took me so long to prepare the dish.

brussels

I’m seriously obsessed with the combination now.

Now go and find you some brussels (I stumbled across some at Walmart of all places Sunday) and add some avocado.  And lime.  And bacon.  Please add bacon.

 

Friday Favorites!

Three cheers for Friday!!! No big plans this weekend – except for the fact that this will be the first time I wake up in our bed on a Sunday morning since the wedding.  You have no idea how exciting that is.  We go-go-go all the time and I am more than thrilled to have no HUGE plans this weekend.  Well, except getting the remaining items off our registry from Crate and Barrel.  And I’m sure we’ll fire up the grill with a cocktail in hand.  Now that is a perfect Saturday.   Enough about my upcoming plans, here are my Friday Favorites…

Favorite Cocktail:  Strawberry-Mint Sparkling Limeade will be happening Saturday night.  In a new champagne glass.

sparkle

Favorite Daydream:  I know we just returned from paradise a little over a month ago, but I can’t help myself.  (I know, I know – I still owe you a full review of where we stayed.)  Bora Bora is on my list of places to go before I die.

paradise

Favorite Way to Big Guy’s heart:  Grilled Burgers with Troublemaker Wine Sauce and Blue Cheese.  Seriously – I think this is what his Heaven looks like.  And yes, Big Guy, we can make these soon.

Big Guy’s Burger

Favorite Outdoor Accessory:  These drink-stands for corn hole are genius.  Now I need to find someone to build them for me…

drink and play

Favorite Inspiration:  This week I got my bridal portrait back from being framed.  Now that I have that all I can do is think about redoing the master bedroom.  But I’m so confused as to what color I want for the wall.  The bedding will be white and our bed frame and other furniture are dark brown.  The below picture is one of many color-inspirations that I have on Pinterest.

master bedroom

Favorite Dip:  An “everything” bagel meets hummus.  I want this and a handful of crackers now.

“everything” hummus

Favorite Appetizer:  As soon as our okra grows, this will be happening.  Grilled Okra Stuffed with Jalapeno Goat Cheese.  Shut up.

stuffed okra

Favorite Bag:  It’s not a bag that I “need” – but isn’t the lobster adorable?

Milly Lobster Tote

Favorite Quote:  No explanation needed.

a beautiful life

Favorite Salad:  I ran across this recipe yesterday morning and I’m contemplating making a large bowl for next week’s lunches. It sounds so refreshing and full of flavor and texture .  I can’t stand it.

I love salads.

Favorite “That’s Brilliant”:  No words.

ice cream sandwich

Happy Weekend, friends!

Friday Favorites

Today is the last day of May!  Can you believe it?  I can’t.  May flew by.  And I’m sure the rest of summer will, too.  So I’m going to try and soak up each and every moment.  Especially the weekend moments.  Those are the best.

Favorite Party Idea:  Big Guy loves a Low Country Boil.  And guess what?  We’re having one this weekend.  We’re jointly hosting a little birthday boil with a few friends.  Shall be a grand time.  My best friend Kat told me earlier this week she had never been to a LCB.  Say what?  I’m not sure we can be friends any more.  That’s a lie.  But seriously?!?!?!

LCB

Favorite No-Bake Pie:  I made this White Chocolate Key Lime Pie last weekend at the beach.  It was a huge hit.  Don’t tell anyone it’s so easy to make.  Just remember to make it ahead of time – it needs atleast 8 hours in the fridge.

white chocolate key lime pie

Favorite Small Bite:  This will most definitely be happening as soon as my cherry tomatoes start growing.  Home grown tomatoes along with home grown herbs can only mean deliciousness.

marinated cherry tomatoes with whipped ricotta

Favorite Side Dish:  I personally believe that these Bacon Bourbon Baked Beans would go perfectly with almost anything that comes off a hot grill.  Hamburgers.  Ribs.  Chicken thighs.  You name it, you can eat baked beans with it.  Well, maybe not pizza….or maybe.

bacon bourbon baked beans

Favorite Dip:  Pair this Guacamole with Goat Cheese, Jalapeno and Pepitas with a margarita and I’d be set.  I might even call it dinner.

guac

Favorite Bling:  This is one of my favorite colors.  And well, I simply adore these little studs.

coral studs

Favorite Sip:  Weekends require cocktails.  It’s a rule.  A Strawberry Riesling Slushie sounds like quite the thirst quencher.

strawberry riesling slushie

Now…let the sun shine and the laughter last all weekend long!

Friday Favorites, Memorial Day Weekend edition.

Happy Friday to you!!!  I cannot tell you how excited I am about the weekend.  As cheesy as it is, I am so excited to hang out with my family as a married couple.  This week has seemed extra long so a long weekend is just what I need.  Here are my Friday Favorites that are inspired by the beginning of summer beginning this weekend (at least in my mind).

Favorite Dessert to Share:  I pinned this dessert and immediately after I pinned it not only did my Momma re-pin it, but my sister re-pinned it, too.  I’m pretty sure that’s a sign that the Bell women need to find a way to prepare this dessert for the group this weekend.

Strawberry Crunch Cake

Favorite Bag:  So summery, so beachy, so me.

Betsey Johnson flamingo tote

Favorite Cocktail:  I can’t pick just one.  But I can promise you that at least one of these will be tasted this weekend.  Mark my word.

First up, Coconut Creamsicle Margarita.  I can taste it now…

Coconut + Creamsicle

Second option, a Sparkling Grapefruit Sangria.  I’m almost 100% sure I’m mixing this up for the ladies of my family to sip on Sunday.  It sounds so refreshing, and who doesn’t love a sangria?

pour me a glass now

And my final option, a mojito!  But not a traditional one, add in some orange and basil to make this one special.

so many decisions!

Favorite Motto:  Oh, Big Guy is going to get so tired of me…

amen.

Favorite Outdoor Space:  I wonder if someone can make this happen before this evening…

I would never leave.

Favorite Bite:  How perfect are these for a pre-dinner taste?  Watermelon, strawberry, basil and goat cheese - ahhh-mazing.

try to eat just one

Favorite Dinner Idea:  This chicken dish looks not only figure-friendly, but is also looks delicious.  I’d use chicken thighs instead of breasts to bump up the flavor even more.

yum!

Favorite Cover-Up:  I only wish my hair looked this fantastic after sitting in the sand and sun (and wind) for the day…

bright and bold

I hope you have a wonderfully beautiful and safe Memorial Day weekend filled with loved ones, laughter and delicious food!

Friday Favorites! Almost no time to pin.

The key word in the above title:  ”Almost.”  I haven’t been on Pinterest in quite a while but I managed to pull myself from working too hard and did a little pinning.  I couldn’t leave you without “Friday Favorites” for two weeks in a row.

Favorite Small Bite:  Chicken and Waffles.  Let’s just say that we had an epic breakfast last Sunday morning.  Four girls ordered the chicken and waffles.  One of my friends insisted that I recreate the dish.

these bites just need blueberry Tabasco syrup

Favorite Bucket List Item:  I’ve never been sailing.  I don’t think Big Guy is a fan but I don’t care.  It’s on my bucket list as of today.

sail away

Favorite Table:  At the same place that we devoured chicken and waffles on Sunday, I fell in love with reclaimed wood tables.  How gorgeous and rustic at the same time!

reclaimed wood table

Favorite Bauble:  In one word:  adore.

make a statement

Favorite Dips:  Dips are totally different than appetizers, right?  I’ll just keep telling myself that…

Fire-Roasted Corn Dip

Favorite Grilled Cheese:  It is National Grilled Cheese month, after all.  So I think that I’ll celebrate this weekend.  You in, Big Guy?  How about we combine two of my favorites:  grilled cheese and pizza?

grilled cheese, please.

Favorite Truth:  This past weekend was simply amazing.  A lot of people would think that putting 8 girls together might cause some cattiness.  But I can honestly say there was no tears or mean words.  And that is why I have the best friends in the whole wide world!

laugh!

Well it’s my last weekend of being a single gal…so to celebrate, I think I’ll have a glass of wine and a grilled cheese sandwich.  Totally normal.

Friday Favorites

The excitement is starting to set in!  One week and I’ll be getting ready for an epic “hen party” with 8 of my favorite ladies.  And in three weeks I’ll be getting ready for a bridesmaid luncheon and a weekend full of wedding bliss.  I honestly can’t focus on many things without my mind wandering to something wedding-related. But can you blame me?  It seems like yesterday we were 6 months away..

Here are some of my [random] favorites of the week!

Favorite DYI project:  Like I said, I have my upcoming girl’s weekend on my mind.  How awesome is this glittered champagne bottle?  I’ve gotta find a reason to do this.

pop the bubbly

Favorite non-Big Guy dinner:  Big Guy might not like salmon but I adore it.  I’ve seen this salmon recipe in my Self magazine, on Pinterest and a friend posted it on Instagram.  Basically, I gotta try Salmon with Sriracha Sauce and Lime.

Salmon with Sriracha Sauce and Lime

Favorite Stripes:  This dress is summer perfection.

s-t-r-i-p-e-s

Favorite Grilled Cheese:  In case you aren’t aware, it’s National Grilled Cheese month.  The thought of a grilled goat cheese sandwich with honey-roasted grapes and walnuts makes my mouth water.

grilled cheese, please!

Favorite Wear to Work:  I’m loving these red pants and stripes.  And that gold chunky necklace?  Amazingly perfect.

red + stripes + gold

Favorite Date-Night Idea:  Create a food passport!  Write down all the restaurants you want to visit  in a small notebook.  Throughout the year, when you can’t decide what to do, visit one of the restaurants and write down the date you went.

food passport

Favorite Honeymoon Essential:  I’ve pretty much bought/gotten everything I need for our honeymoon.  But how gorgeous is this bathing suit?

bathing beauty

Favorite Cocktails:  Every edition of “Friday Favorites” needs a cocktail…How about Pear & Bubbles?

pear&bubbles

Favorite Bedtime Ritual:  These face wipes are the best!  Not only do they take off all my makeup but their affordable (cheap) and easy to find!  Oh, and they smell amazing.

essential

Favorite Salad:  So light, so refreshing, so…avocados are involved!

Grilled Shrimp Avocado Fennel and Orange Salad

Happy Friday!  I hope the weather is warming up wherever you are so that you can enjoy the weekend outside!  I’ll be on the hunt for a LWD all day Saturday…wish me luck!

Small Bites

Like I mentioned Wednesday, this past weekend I had the most perfect bridal shower I could ever imagine.  But today, let’s focus on the food.  The food was incredible (and all gluten-free!).

the spread

The hostesses totally out-did themselves.  I wanted to share the small bites because most of them come together in no time at all and I think they’d be perfect for any Spring gathering (it is officially Spring now…despite this cold weather).

apricot and brie bites

Daphne was responsible for these addicting nuggets.  From what I can tell, dried apricots (TJs has some fantastic ones) were cut in half and stuffed with brie, an almond and a sprig of thyme.  Quite the perfect bite.

skewers

Maggie was in charge of these pretty skewers.  On the left, there are skewers with pepperoni, olives and mozzarella.  On the right, skewers of grape tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.  Super easy and delicious.

avocado salsa

Daphne made this dish, too.  I know for a fact that it has avocados, tomatoes, feta and cilantro.  Whatever it is, it’s divine.  Daphne – can you share a link or exact ingredients in the comment section?  I think she originally found the recipe off Pinterest and it’s amazing.

There was also a platter of fresh fruit kabobs,  a cheese plate and some gluten free spinach ball with marinara sauce (from Pinterest) that were awesome.  Like I said, all the food was delicious.

Now go enjoy appy hour!

mimosa bar

Friday Favorites, Spring Edition.

I am so ready for Spring I can’t stand it.  I’m over these cold mornings and wind that slices through you like a knife.  Be gone!  I heard crickets the other evening and it made me smile.  Since Spring will officially be here next week, what better way to welcome it than a Spring Edition of Friday Favorites.  No more cords, no more Frye boots.  I want my sundresses and Jack Rogers.

Favorite Cover-Up:  Is this not fantastic?  Such a classic look but totally not boring.  I could see myself wearing this on the honeymoon (not to rub it in) while grabbing lunch poolside.

Favorite Use of Hard Boiled Eggs:  I still dye Easter eggs.  Big Guy dyes them now, too.  It’s a tradition.  But what to do with all the leftover eggs.  I usually make egg salad but this year, I think I’m making this twist on the deviled egg.

Favorite Cocktail:  This reminds me of my favorite sangria at Cantina 18 in Raleigh.  I want a pitcher of this Sour Apple and Pear Sangria on my back deck on the first day of 80 degree weather.

Favorite Sandal:  I love this strappy sandal.  You could pair it with white jeans (ohhhh, white jeans!) or a fun dress for date night.  Adore.

Favorite Spring Bag:  This sunny striped Michael Kors bag screams spring.  I would rock it all season long.

Favorite Side Item:  I love Spring time because that means I don’t have to cook inside on the weekends.  You can take it outside.  (I must note, we grill year round, but in the Spring it’s more fun because I can annoy Big Guy and sit on the deck with a cocktail while he’s grilling.)  Take your veggies outside and throw them on the grill!

Favorite Workout:  Walking in around those strappy sandals above means you gotta keep those legs lookin’ lean.  I plan on trying out this leg strengthening workout Saturday AM.

Favorite Thing (no matter the season):  Champs!!!!

Happy, happy weekend!!!!!

Friday Favorites, I haven’t stopped pinning.

Even though I didn’t show you my favorites last week, I haven’t stopped pinning.  Trust me.  So here are my favorites this Friday.

Favorite “Oh my goodness, I need that.”:  Brilliant.  Just brilliant.  Sometimes I don’t want to take the ironing board down for one little shirt.

 

Favorite Salad Presentation for a Party:  Individual salad bowls with the dressing in the center.  Must easier than people serving themselves.  Just grab and devour.  

Favorite Curb Appeal:  I adore the look of this home.  The stone, the balcony, the wrap around porch…

Favorite Bag:  This bag is a fantastic transition piece and it would match everything.

Favorite Space:  Nailhead trim stools, dark floors and island, white glass cabinets…the list goes on and on…

Favorite Salad:  A light, refreshing yet filling salad.  Perfect for spring.

Favorite Daydream: Pink umbrellas, gorgeous ocean, blue sky, toes in the sand.

Happy Weekend!!!!  Don’t forget to change your clocks on Sunday!!!