And then it was September...

Back to life, back to reality....

Hello my merry friends! I hope that you had a wonderful long weekend and that getting up and out this morning wasn't too brutal. To kick off the shortened week and the month of September, I thought I'd share some goodies from around the web of the food-loving variety... because nothing lifts my spirits like some tasty grub. Happy munching:)

THESE 27 "food hacks" are going to blow your mind!!!

Holy COW!

Get in my belly!

THIS recipe for "Creamy Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese" from Cooking ala Mel looks absolutely incredible 

(and is absolutely on my dinner "to do" list!)

Another simple, tasty way to get some quinoa into your diet: with spinach and goat cheese (YUM!) 

Full recipe via Pass the Yum HERE).

This is gonna get juicy!

Can't get away from the BBQ just yet? (I don't blame you!) 

Here are 5 alternatives to the standard burger bun which I think all deserve a try.

Just Dip It.

Let BBQ season commence!

Happy Monday my merry friends! I'm fresh off a great work/family combo visit to Atlanta and hoping you all enjoyed meeting the lovely (parent)thetically speaking while I was gone (and that your homes are now all filled with thick and chewy chocolate chip cookies!) Even though it's still an entire work week away, I'm already thinking about the gloriousness that is Memorial Day Weekend - early Friday office closure, Monday off, BBQ, swimming pool and all. A serious summer lover, NYC's recent cooler weather has distracted me from just how close my favorite season really is. And what better way to prep for your first official BBQ weekend of summer than by checking out a few dip recipes perfect for wow'ing your guests (or making you the MVP "I brought that appetizer" BBQ attendee)? Dip it here and waiting for that first tray of burgers and dogs to come off the grill won't be a big deal at all!

Dip numero uno.

Titled "Out of this World Corn Dip" this recipe requires only a few basic ingredients and makes a "ginormous" serving size. Plus, with the suggested vehicle of Frito Scoops instead of the expected potato or corn chip, I think it's safe to say this dip will blow minds. Click HERE for Pinterest and HERE for the full recipe.

Dip 2

Hot dips can definitely be tricky for a summer BBQ, but the "lighter" ingredients of this  ricotta-based baked dip (in particular the always summery lemon) make this a perfect pre-dinner treat. Enjoy with some whole grain crackers or a fresh baguette before moving on to grilled strip steak and vegetables (just a suggestion!) Pinterest HERE, full recipe HERE.

Still dipping!

I must confess, whenever I serve queso, it comes right out of a jar, but this simple queso blanco dip seems like some seriously next level cheesy goodness. The extra effort will be worth it when people are licking the inside of the serving bowl clean (not that I've ever done that before!) On Pinterest HERE and full recipe HERE.

Veggie delight

Lastly, I thought I'd share this basic serving idea as an alternative to the standard crudite tray. Though not exactly environmentally friendly, these individual veggie-and-dip cups mean people don't have to linger near a platter and double dipping is a complete non-issue. Leave a tray of naked veggies and more dip next to these pre-made cups so people can easily come back for refills!

Hump Day Distractions

Obviously humpback whales think Wednesday Rules.

Well hello there Wednesday, nice to see you again!! I'm feeling very merry this week and I'm grateful for the exchange of major ho hums for some of life's beachy/bachelorette-y/family filled/wedding-y/niece-playdate-y fabulosity. When things are good we must appreciate:) And speaking of good, I think these distractions will have you smiling while you hump the day. Get it.   

* Though I'm more of an English girl, this tuckered out Frenchie brought a big smile to my face.

* The perfect DIY for the MVP at my next theme party

* Grab your (wo)man and make it a date night

* All Dr. H tested, Dr. H approved (though he discovered he is not a spaghetti squash man)

* This season of Mad Men may be over, but here are some fabulous factoids to keep Sterling Cooper Draper Price on your mind (via CupofJo)

* Some cutesy, crafty printables for your next BBQ

* SOON

Fire up the grill!!

Throw another shrimp on the bar-bay!!!

Summer eating rocks. Plain and simple. Not only are "summer foods" awesome (bring on the hot dogs!) but you get to enjoy warm sunsets and nights under the stars while chowing with family and friends. Here are a few ideas for bringing summer eats into your home (and how to look fabulous while doing it!)

Grilled shrimp are an awesome BBQ app
Nice and easy = a little olive oil and Old Bay Seasoning
Feelin fancy = This simple recipe

Serve up your hamburgers & hotdogs in style with this
simple crafty DIY from OhHappyDay (plus bun recipe!)

Take this classic summer side dish to the next level with a
simple recipe that gives Diablo Royale a run for it's money!

Since you can't all get invited to Staten Island for my Uncle's
SICK lobster roll, check out this recipe, or road trip to one of these:)

You don't need a grill to cook up this BBQ classic...
City dwellers rejoice, your crock pot pulled pork is here!

Can't ruin that adorable sundress...
Be a Grill Masteress in style