SOCIAL MEDIA

Friday, May 25, 2018

Friday Favorites

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Thank goodness for Friday and a three day weekend! We are going camping tomorrow and it is supposed to rain today and tomorrow. Ugh, rain go away. But I hope it isn't too bad and we can cozy up in my parents massive trailer if it does rain. What are your weekend plans?

ONE. Yesterday I mentioned that Nordstrom as having their half yearly sale and earlier in the week, I was browsing Nordstrom looking for all.the.things. I found the cutest dress and I am hoping that it is on sale today because it will be in my bag if it is. So cute. You can pair this dress with a cardigan or jean jacket and either sneakers or wedges. It is super versatile and I NEED this in my closet. Do any of you ladies have it?

TWO. I recently tried Starbuck's Cold Foam Cascara Cold Brew and I LOVE it. When I drink coffee, I put a lot of creamer in it. I always feel like I have coffee with my creamer. But the nitro cold brew with a splash of vanilla and cold foam is incredible. Seriously, my new favorite drink there. I also tried the iced blonde espresso cold foam cappuccino and loved it. Definitely my new go-to drinks there. Have you tried it? Am I totally late to the cold brew/cold foam love?
iced blonde espresso cold foam cappuccino

THREE. I installed a new theme for my blog as I am sure you have noticed. I was tired of my old one and the photos were always all wacky. Plus I wanted a cleaner look to my blog. Please let me know if you find any bugs or things I should fix.

FOUR. I was asked by a few people on how I prepare my artichokes. I was going to do a recipe post on it, but it seems like the "recipe" is too easy. So I thought I would share here and if you still have questions, then I will do a post about it.

I prefer my artichokes steamed unless they are the mini artichokes. Then I like them split in half and grilled with lemon.

Let me back up with picking out my artichokes. When I am at the store, I look for ones with a large/thick stem. This means the heart will be bigger. I also peak into the leaves to make sure there isn't a lot of damage from bugs or too many bugs hanging out in there. It happens. I have found earwigs which really creep me out. But mostly, I find little guys that get washed out in the process or cooked and I don't eat that leaf.

To prep them, I take off any tiny leaves at the bottom. I just snap them off. Then I take a pair of scissors or kitchen shears and I clip off the tops of each leaf to remove the poky part. I do this to all leaves except the very top part. I just turn the artichoke on its side and cut them off. Then I cut off the stem so it is flush with the bottom of the artichoke (where the leaves start). Then I take my artichoke and place it in my sink and turn on the water, over it. I let the water get out all the bugs, dirt and clean it out for me.

I can fit two to three large artichokes per pot. I use a big soup pot and fill it half way with water. Once my artichokes are washed, I dump the excess water out and put a good amount of salt on the tops of each artichoke. Then I place each artichoke in the water. The artichokes do not need to be submersed completely. Then I cover the pot and bring the artichokes to a boil. Once they are boiling, I turn down the artichokes to low or a simmer for an hour to an hour and 15 minutes.

To check the done-ness of the artichokes, turn an artichoke over and stick a butter knife in the heart of the artichoke. If it is soft and removes easily, it is done. Simply drain the water, put your artichokes in a bowl and serve them with your favorite topping....butter, mayo, aoli, etc.

FIVE. I am on the lookout for a new purse. I recently bought one from Ivy and Fig after receiving a code for 30% off from a friend. And I don't like it...Like at all. It took 3 weeks to get from placing my order until it arrived at my door. Why? Because it was sent from China. The shipping time isn't what upset me or that it was from China. It is the bag quality which is REALLY poor. The inside of the bag has a bunch of frayed edges where it should be sewn together. Then the outside just looks extremely cheap and the studs are all scrapped. I have paid less money for something that looked and functioned better than this purse. So send me some purse recommendations. I wanted something that was reasonably priced until I could go to a Kate Spade store later on or until my birthday in August.
Ivy and Fig Runaway With Me Tote

I am linking up with AprilA Little Bit of EverythingMeet @ the Barre and Cup of Tea.

Have a great weekend!

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36 comments :

  1. I need to try that coffee. I’ve not heard of it!! I also need to check out the Nordstrom sale. Have fun camping!!!

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    1. Oh they are both the best. I am hooked. They didn't have the long cardigan on sale last time I checked. Ugh.

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  2. Loving the new theme! I think it looks great :-) My boyfriend likes the nitro brew from Starbucks and I've had a few sips but never get it myself. I like Dunkin's cold brew though with a splash of caramel creamer as a treat (I usually drink my coffee black). I hope the rain stays away for you guys!! Have a great weekend!
    xo
    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams

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    1. Thank you so much. I am having trouble with the comments right now which sucks, but otherwise I am really happy with it. I can't just have the cold brew without the cold foam and splash of vanilla. It really makes it. Oh I wish I could drink black coffee, but it is too bitter for me that way. I hope you have a great weekend too.

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  3. ADORE that purse! Oh rain rain go away. Hope your camping trip is GREAT!

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    1. I did too, but it is soooo awful in person. I wish it was better. I hope the rain goes away. It is pouring right now!!! Have a great weekend!

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  4. I just tried that coffee and I actually didn't care for it -- but I think I have strange taste in coffee! I'm not much of a cold brew fan, just regular old iced coffee (with caramel and skim). ;) I hope you get to go camping this weekend and enjoy it despite the rain! xo

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    1. Oh no. I adore that coffee way too much. But different tastes!!! I do like a good iced coffee with vanilla though. It is raining and thundering soooo much right now. But I hope it clears out by tonight so we can go tomorrow. Have a great weekend!

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  5. I haven't tried a cold coffee (in any form yet) yet but would love too - I think it should be up there with new things to try this month! Sorry to hear about the rain forecast - everywhere seems to be the same, including here! Hope you have a great camping trip (and the rain holds off!) x

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    1. Oh you should definitely try one of these out. They started bringing them out in Europe first, so I am sure you can find one if you have a Starbucks near. It is pouring right now, but hopefully it lets up. Have a great weekend!

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  6. Bummer about the purse!! Thank you for sharing the recipe, I want to make artichokes soon!! Have a good weekend and I hope the rain holds out!

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    1. I know. I am sooo sad about it. I hope they will take the return. They asked for pictures of it. Ugh. At least they are trying I guess. I love artichokes and make them a lot during the Spring through Fall. Have a great weekend too!

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  7. I’ve heard good things about that cold foam from Starbucks but I have yet to try it.

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    1. Oh it is sooo good. I am definitely hooked. Have a great weekend!

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  8. That starbucks drink sounds amazing - definitely going to have to try it soon! Hope you guys have fun camping! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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    1. Oh yes. You must. It is heaven!!! I hope you have a great weekend too!

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  9. so sad the pursue did not work out. Love the new blog look. I am meeting with a designer Saturday for an overhaul!

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    1. I am sad too. I was sad with how cheap looking it is. Lesson learned...only buy the expensive ones. Ha. Just kidding. And thank you. I like it so far as well! Oh I should have had a custom one done, but that will come in time. ha.

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  10. That coffee has been on my bucket list for a minute now - you've convinced me though. I'm going to try it! I'm sorry that bag didn't work out, by the way. I hate hit-or-miss purchases like that. It's such a gamble :/

    BUT - have a wonderful long weekend, mama!

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    1. You definitely should. It is the best and I am definitely hooked. Me too. Total gamble and I thought I could use it, but it is awful. I hope you have a wonderful long weekend too!!!

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  11. Too bad the purse is bad quality, it's cute! I love the new blog theme.

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  12. I havent tried those drinks at Starbucks either. I need to pick one up this weekend. I like those lids too.
    I like your new blog layout. It's easier to read too.

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    1. Oh they are soooooo good. I am way too hooked on them. I think it is easier to read for sure and I hope others like it as well. I hope you had a good weekend!

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  13. Totally going to order that next time I got through SB, that sounds amazing! I thought your blog looked different when I opened it. I was like wait, who is this that I opened? Haha! Looking good! Hope you have a great weekend!

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    1. It was soooo good. I hope you do order one. Haha. I am glad you like the new look. I had to change it up, make it cleaner and easier to read.

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  14. I love the new theme! That dress is so versatile, I might need to add that to my cart. I haven't tried that drink but may treat myself this weekend. I love steamed atrichokes! I have a little steamer basket with legs that I stick in my soup pot so the artichokes are over the water and not in it. Not sure if it makes a difference or not. Anyway, enjoy camping!

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    1. Me too. Such a nice change. Isn't it the cutest? I want one sooo badly. You should treat yourself. They are low in calories too. Oh I didn't think to use my steamer basket for them.

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  15. I have been seeing that dress everywhere - it's so dang cute! I bet it will look wonderful on you :)

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  16. That is too bad about the purse...so disappointing! Love the clean, modern blog design!

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    1. It is. I hate when it happens, but I did get a new purse this weekend.

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  17. I have been wanting to try the cold foam!!! Looks so good! And I am loving the new blog theme :) Happy Weekend to you!!

    Xoxo,
    Amanda
    Misslulupearlblog.blogspot.com

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    1. It is soooo good. And thank you. I needed a new change here.

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  18. So sorry to hear about the bag.. that is so disappointing.
    I have not tried the cold foam but it sounds great.. will try it next time.

    http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com

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    1. It is, but I am hoping they will fix it. I took photos of the bag and it is just bad. We shall see. It is a great drink option and not too many calories. Perfect for summer time.

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