My hubby and I were chatting this past Sunday about Memorial Day; he said, “I think it’s a week from Monday.” I was sure it was two weeks out, but nope, just like that—snap—the end of May is here, the unofficial start of summer! I did tell him he was right! 😉 Or, as our kids would say, “You’re not wrong!”
I hope that you will take some time this weekend to read up on why we celebrate this holiday. It’s not just for BBQs and weekend getaways; we celebrate because someone lost their life while fighting for our freedom and serving our great country!
A fellow blogger and friend from Two Sugar Bugs, lost her dad when she was a little girl, and this holiday is always hard for her. It puts the day into perspective for me.
Maybe at your BBQ, you can take a moment of silence to think and pray for all the families whose lives are forever changed by the sacrifice of their loved ones.
Today, I’m excited to share my favorite BBQ recipes, which I make on repeat, and the sides to go with them! Plus, a quick recap of a super fun time with a couple of blogging friends, a soggy concert, and more!
Plus, all of the usual stuff: In Real Life, What Readers are Saying, Fun Fact, sales and deals, and a little Encouragement for the soul!
Use the Table of Contents below to skip to what interests you most.
New in the Kitchen!
#1 Cinna-Mini’s (Mini Cinnamon Rolls)
These little bite-size beauties are the perfect way to kick off your long weekend!
#2 No Rise Pizza Dough
Got a pizza craving? Use this pizza dough for your favorite pizza, calzone or stromboli! Ready in about 10 minutes, makes enough for 2 pizzas and freezes great!
# 3 Crumbl Pink Sugar Cookie
This was the first Copycat Crumbl cookie I made and it’s taken second fiddle to my Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie, but it shouldn’t — this is for all of you frosted sugar cookie lovers out there!
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In Real Life…Visiting Blogging Friends
After a full weekend of celebrating our graduate (check out last weeks post if you missed it), we continue to enjoy fun times!
One of the gals from my MasterMind group and her hubby were visiting Colorado and invited us to join them for an evening at Red Rocks to see The Piano Guys. And let me tell you, it was an amazing, albeit very soggy concert!
My husband backed out because of other obligations so I asked a friend to go with me instead. The forecast was for 60% rain showers — and we felt every 60% drop of it! It started raining just as the concert was starting and continued throughout the entire concert, getting much heavier at times. Thankfully we were prepared, but did come home with slightly soggy behinds! LOL! What a concert!!!
The next day, Sheila and her husband came to our home, and our mutual blogging friend Eliza (also in our MasterMind and my blogging mentor) joined us for a mini mastermind retreat. Eliza made an amazing dinner, which we all thoroughly enjoyed! You have to try her Maple Bacon Baked Brie appetizer (see picture below).
My cup overfloweth – truly! These women are so precious to me!
Please check out both of these talented women’s blogs!
- Sheila – Life Love and Good Food – Nothing too Fancy Just Good Food
- Eliza – BENSA Bacon Lovers Society and Happy Simple Living – The Art of Easy
Family Favorite BBQ Mains
We love these BBQ dishes and they are typically on rotation all summer long!
- BBQ Recipe #1 – Totally Customizable, get your guests involved!
- BBQ Recipe #2 – A surprisingly fool-proof way to BBQ pork!
- BBQ Recipe #3 – A bison treat, our favorite burger!
- BBQ Recipe #4 – Our second favorite burger!
- BBQ Recipe #5 – When you want to BBQ, but really don’t want to!
Most Popular Side Dishes for Potlucks or BBQ
- Most Popular BBQ and Potluck Side Dish – and the must-try Crockpot version!
- These beans will have you doing the “boot scootin’ boogie” with everyone asking you for the recipe every-single-time!
- Smothered in honey butter — your family and friends will swoon!
- A new family potluck favorite — best when made ahead!
- Another make-ahead winner, ranch dressing never tasted so good!
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Fun Fact
I really dislike most leftovers, especially having oodles of containers with tiny bits of food in the fridge. I also don’t like wasting food! The only leftovers I enjoy are rice (hello fried rice), enchiladas, and pasta dishes (like these stuffed shells).
Then there’s the whole “clean out the fridge, science experiment discovery thing” going on! Who’s with me?
SOUPER CUBES
Meal Prep Like a Boss
If you must do leftovers, take it on with these Souper Cubes! I love these! Makes leftovers feel like less of a leftover!
What Readers Are Saying about…
Thai Chicken Soup (Panera Copycat)
I made this last night and oh my goodness is it good! I used rotisserie chicken which made it very easy. I also had some fish sauce which I used which was a good addition but I’m sure would have been just fine without it. I also like this because it’s so healthy! This is a recipe I’ll make again for sure.
Sheree
What Caught My Eye | Sales and Deals
We’re back with my favorite finds of the week – check them out plus previous weeks HERE!
- I’m a bit obsessed with this butter dish — but it’s pricey!
- I love these wooden spoons – olive wood is my favorite!
- My favorite non-stick pans! An investment but well worth it!
- Rechargable Instant Read Thermometer (15% off + $2 coupon)
- I love my new MEATER wireless thermometer! (30% off – makes a great Father’s Day gift) Check out this one for use over an open flame.
Summer Finds for Her
- Talbots is having a big sale this weekend. One item is 40% off, and everything else is 30% off. Use code “SUMMER” until May 27th!
- Wouldn’t these eyelet-trimmed shorts be darling for a summer BBQ?
- Loving this bateau neck ¾ sleeve t-shirt.
- Dress this gauze dress up or down!
- How about these scalloped hem crop jeans?
- You all loved this V-Neck Crochet blouse at 42% off!
I put a whole lot more in my weekly finds — be sure to check it out!
Fresh Inspiration: Strength in Your Weakness
“Our culture doesn’t celebrate weakness. Strength, ability, and achievement are the goals of this world. Independence and self-sufficiency are the qualities of high praise. Those perceived to be weak are overlooked and undervalued. They are often stepped over and pushed to the side.
But the kingdom of God is upside down. The last will be first. The weak are strong. The poor inherit the earth.
Your (and my) weakness is an opportunity for God’s strength to shine in your life. His power works best when we are weak. If we had the strength to get through our suffering on our own, we wouldn’t need God. Our weakness is what drives us to dependence on Him, which is where we find true strength.
So turn to God. Release the mistaken belief that you should be able to handle it all on your own, that you should be strong enough or brave enough to endure. God is already strong enough, and He is all you really need.
Breathe Deep and Know: Your weakness is not a failure but is instead the fertile ground for God’s strength to flourish in your life.”
Excerpt from my favorite book to gift Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker
I don’t know about you all, but I don’t believe we were made to carry it all on our own and I am so glad for my relationship with Christ to turn those things in which I am weak and struggling over to Him.
My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness…
2 Corinthians 12:9
I am so happy you joined me today, be sure to come back and rate and comment on a post if you try it! Have a beautiful weekend!
Coming soon…Iced Chai Latte, Hot Chai Latte, Lemon Lime Bars
P.S. If you missed last week’s Fresh Fridays, recipes, sales, tips, ideas, and more!
Check out my favorite things and more HERE! Plus, previous week’s finds!
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