I’m recovering rather nicely from the crud that hit earlier in the week.  And for those of you wondering…Maxim claims that his ribs are feeling much better, as well.  (For the record, I think we all know that I had a little one who experienced his first day of skipping school.  Don’t tell the administration this.  But I think we all know that he just had the Monday Blues and wanted to be home with his mama.)

In other exciting news, football is wrapping up and wrestling and basketball are just beginning.  Hold on folks.  It’s going to be a busy season of running here and there for sporting events.  But we wouldn’t have it any other way.  We just love watching our boys play and compete in sports.  The tricky part will be getting to practices on time.  Because tardiness.  People.  If you know me well, then you know this is one of my weaknesses.

Now, on to my Fun Friday Favorites.

 

1.  Aroma Stainless Steel Milk Frother –

I’m curious to see how this frother would work at home.  If it can whip up a warm cup of Pumpkin Pie Latte that tastes just like Coffeesmiths.  Or a Pumpkin Spice Latte like Starbucks…then, I’m SOLD.  I tried some of the PS Latte packets last year that Starbucks sold at Target and it tasted NOTHING like what I bought at Starbucks.  I have a theory on this.  I believe it’s in the frothiness.  So, if you have a machine like this OR you go and buy this reasonably priced one from Target, please let me know how it performs.  Because frothy lattes taste so much better than unfrothy lattes.  (Or something like that.)

 

2.  Alphabet mugs from Target –

Aren’t these coffee mugs cute?  I think they’d make great Christmas gifts at only $4.99 per mug.  Throw in a coffee shop gift card or a box of Keurig cups and you’ve got yourself a nice little gift for that coffee lover on your list.

 

3.  Midi Sweater Mossimo Dress from Target –

I saw this dress at Target and instantly pictured it with some tall black boots.  Or perhaps black tights and little black booties, like the model is wearing.  And of course, black and gray…everyone loves this color combo.  A reasonably priced dress to wear to work, church, or a wedding.

 

4.  Stripe Tissue Knit Cardigan from Nordstrom –

I think this cardigan is just perfect for a nice fall day.  Skinny jeans and boots.  Or leggings…it is so versatile.  Click online at the Nordstrom website and you’ll be happy you bought this darling fashion staple that can be worn all fall and winter long.  My theory:  One can NEVER have too many cardigans.  Who else agrees with me?  Anyone?  Anyone?

 

5.  BOO decorative pillow from Nordstrom –

Isn’t this just presh?  I think so.  I am a BIG FAN of burlap.  I just love the look!  Now, if you don’t want to purchase online and have it sent right to your doorstep (as in the easy way to shop) and you feel all crafty…then, whip up something similar to this pillow and call it good.  (Oh.  And while you’re at it, would you whip one up for me?)

 

6.  My new “go to” salad –

You all.  I am addicted to this salad.  And usually, I’m addicted to things like soft chocolate chip cookies, gummy Lifesaver candy, or pumpkin shaped Reese’s Peanut Butter cups.  But this.  It’s very tasty.  I have eaten the Chicken Cobb Salad at Panera and love it.  Well, I can’t eat at Panera every week, so I made this and it is delish.  Plus, do you know ALL of the benefits of eating avocados?  Avocados are a nutrient-dense FRUIT.  (Yes, I had no idea it was a fruit.  Anyway.)  I like knowing that I’m filling up my body with folate, lutein, and monounsaturated fats.  Wow.  I sound so intelligent.  Like I’m some nutritionist or something.  Just trust me, this is a better lunch choice than say…two or three brownies (which I may or may not have eaten for lunch this week).

Angela’s Cobb Salad

spinach

avocado

Ken’s Steak House Chunky Blue Cheese dressing

Sure, you can add chicken, bacon crumbles, feta, or whatever, but this is what I’ve been doing.  Because it is easy and simple.

 

7.  Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies –

It wouldn’t be right of me to just blog about a delicious salad recipe and not share a divine fudge brownie recipe with you.  That would not be your typical Angela.  The sweet-tooth, chocolate loving gal that I am.

So, I made these bars this week and it’s hard to stay out of the pan.  The layer of peanut butter, with the homemade chocolate frosting makes them soooo yummy.  Using a brownie mix makes these bars easy to whip up, yet those layers of peanut butter and homemade frosting give it the WOW factor.

Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies

Brownies:

1 box of Betty Crocker fudge brownie mix

1/4 cup water

2/3 cup oil

2 eggs

1/2 cup or so of creamy peanut butter w/ about 1 TBSP of oil added to make it spreadable

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup cocoa

6 TBSP milk

1 lb. powdered sugar

Make the brownies according to the box.  Once you’ve baked them, let them cool and begin to make the frosting.  Cook the butter, cocoa, and milk over medium heat.  Bring to just a boil, then remove from stove.  Add 1 lb. powdered sugar to the mixture and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.  Spread the peanut butter/oil mixture on top of the brownies.  (It’s easier to spread this layer if the brownies are still warm.)  Drizzle the chocolate frosting over the peanut butter layer.  (I drizzle as much as I can because it can be hard to spread globs of frosting without smearing the peanut butter layer.)  Chill in the fridge to “set the layers”.  Very rich, but oh, so good!

 

Hopefully, I’ve inspired you to try a new recipe or make a crafty fall pillow, or just get out and shop!  Whatever you do, do it well and have fun!  Have a wonderful weekend!