Baby, it’s HOT outside! We had our first good run of high 90° days, and can I say, I’m like those who say after Christmas, “I’m done with winter; I’m ready for spring.” That’s how I feel about summer after the 4th of July. But, can I also say how grateful I am for air conditioning! My problems are truly first-world problems.
In today’s newsletter, we’ve got two smashing new breakfast recipes! Be sure to check out my hand model! While my son and his girlfriend were visiting, I used her beautiful, graceful, and young hands when I took pictures of these breakfast recipes.
We also have the winners from last week’s cookbook giveaway, a video on how to make the most amazing chocolate chip cookies, some of my classic recipes, how to get rid of fruit flies, great sales, a remodel update, and, as always, I leave you with a bit of hope and encouragement.
What I’m Makin’ | Diced Hash Browns & Vegetarian Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Ever wanted those perfectly roasted, crispy and oh-so-flavorful home fries or diced hash browns you get in restaurants? I’ve got them for you, only tastier! Plus, a tasty and easy vegetarian tater tot breakfast casserole — the best part is you can make this baby the night before, or even freeze!
Crispy Diced Potatoes Hash Browns Recipe with Bacon
Today I’m sharing my top tips for the most flavorful, crispy diced hash browns recipe. My testers raved about the amazing flavors and simplicity of this sweet potato breakfast hash! Did I mention it has crispy bacon in it!
Easy Vegetarian Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
This vegetarian tater tot breakfast casserole takes just 20 minutes to assemble but also feeds a crowd and makes meal prep a breeze. Loaded with veggies, eggs and cheese over a tater tot base.
Cookbook Giveaway Winners
I loved reading your bacon inspired recipes! My bacon bill might have gone up at the grocery store this week!
Our lucky winners are Colleen, Kathy, Penny, Maureen, and Kim! I sent you all emails; if you didn’t receive it, email me!
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies (with 1 ingredient you probably have at home!)
This post goes crazy every summer! I wrote it a few years back when our house had become a fruit fly motel! I recently updated it with more tips and additional ideas if you don’t want to use this method.
Best DIY Gnat Trap for Getting Rid of Fruit Flies
In this post, I will show you how to make a DIY gnat trap that works using a few household items in just minutes! This solution easily traps pesky gnats and fruit flies with or without apple cider vinegar!
In the here and now | Real-life stories
I visited my mom and bonus dad last weekend, she cooked an amazing brunch, and we belatedly celebrated our birthdays (we are two weeks apart); it was so good to see them both. I wish she didn’t live an hour away. I cherish every moment I have with them.
I have a group of girlfriends that get together to celebrate each one of our birthdays, sometimes we go out to eat together or someone hosts — how I value these women in my life, we’ve been doing this for about the last 10-12 years. I am so blessed by the deep friendships I have.
Yesterday I took a few hours off and met a couple of girlfriends at the pool; we got caught up, chatted, bobbed and floated, and even did a little treading water for exercise.
Main Floor Remodel Update #2
Friends came to my rescue to help move our “beast of a china cabinet” into the garage for the flooring, how grateful I am for generous, strong, and giving friends and our boys!
Plumbing was done last week, framing finished up, and in the past two days, drywall has gone in — it’s starting to take shape! The texture will happen next week, then the paint and flooring. I lose my washer and dryer tomorrow; I am scrambling to finish all the laundry before that happens. Then it’s back to my college days, laundromat time!
Old Recipes You Should Try (don’t judge them by the pictures)
I am in the process of reshooting some of my old recipes. I have learned a lot about photography and writing a post compared to the early days of the blog, they are all a little clunky, but they just so happen to be some of my favorite recipes!
I will start sharing them with you before updating them because I’m imperfect like that! LOL!
The Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Spread (aka Liz Bread)
This recipe has been in our family for our entire marriage! It’s requested every Thanksgiving because that’s when “Liz” whom it’s named after would make it for us! It’s SO good!
Best Sweet Cornbread Recipe {Buttermilk Cornbread}
A deliciously succulent sweet buttermilk cornbread with a slightly sweet and tender crumb; serve warm, dripping with butter and honey. A great side with chili, barbecue, soups, or stews. Remember Marie Callendar’s cornbread mix? Yeah, kinda like that!
Coconut Lime Chicken
Moist, bursting with flavor, this grilled coconut lime chicken is sure to please. Freezer and kid friendly, perfect for your next BBQ. Whole30, Paleo, Keto, Gluten & Dairy Free! And the taste, AMAZING and moist!
What Caught My Eye | Sales and Deals
More Sales!
- Check out this beautiful Etsy Shop with Vintage Fabrics and these beautiful state flower embroidered pillows.
- Love these Snapware glass storage containers, these linen tea towels.
- Do you like the fanny pack trend, I would consider this one. How about this cute tiered t-shirt dress with pockets (on sale for $10.98!) with these Birkenstock dupes (way cheaper)!
- I love this Large Rustic Round Wood Tray, it would be so cute with these wood beaded coasters, by Mud Pie.
- In love with this bubble glass mixing bowl, this handcrafted vase, and these beautiful frosted candleholders.
Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale – July 17- Aug 3
- Would you wear these faux leather leggings? Apparently they are the rage, and on sale!
- Have you tried these sneakers; people rave about them!
- I always stock up on my bra’s during the half yearly sale! Love this brand and this one and need some comfy, TV watching bras too.
- I’m considering these big buckle Birk’s
Check out all of my finds HERE! Plus, previous week’s deals! No gimmicks, I promise.
BROWSE MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Copycat Crumbl Cookie Video
Watch how easy it is to make these chocolate chip cookies that hundreds are raving about! Check out the recipe and the video!
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Best Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
This classic Crumbl chocolate chip cookie recipe is a perfect copycat of the real thing. Packed with milk chocolate chips, this no-chill copycat Crumbl cookie recipe will become a family favorite. Learn how to make these incredibly popular cookies right at home!
Weekly Inspiration | Breath Prayers
I bought Breath as Prayer after my husband’s accident, and I love it. Short daily devotionals that include a focused breath prayer for the day. I have been struggling with waking up at night worrying about a variety of things — and having a few of these breath prayers in my memory helps me to give my anxieties and worries to the Lord, allowing me to fall back in a peaceful sleep.
Here’s a brief explanation about the book:
Find hope amid anxiety through the spiritual practice of breath prayer in this beautifully illustrated and practical guide to connecting body, mind, and spirit during times of stress.
Breath as Prayer will lead you through the practice and the proven health benefits of Christian breath prayer: intentional prayers centered around Scripture that focus our minds on Christ as we calm our bodies through breathing.
from Breath as Prayer
It’s my book of the year, I have been giving this book to everyone!
Stay tuned for exciting updates, recipes, and tips in our next Fresh Fridays newsletter. Until then, get out there and tell someone you love them; and give them an extra hug today!
P.S. If you missed last week’s Fresh Fridays, recipes, sales, tips, ideas, and more!
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