Friday Favorites

Welcome to another Friday!  It's hot, hot, hot around here now that summer is in full swing, so I'm cooling down today with a few of my favorite things.

Wiener Dog Plates

West Elm

It has been decades since I've eaten a hot dog, but these cute little plates almost make me want to load a plate with one.  Almost.   I mean, there's a dog in a hat and sipping a cocktail, what else do you need?

Bee Push Pins

Ballard Designs

It should be no surprise by now that I love things with bees on them, and these little push pins are no exception.  I imagine them holding up important things and to do lists on the cork board in my office...I just need to work on getting a cork board.  ...And office.

Magnum Gold?!

Via

The Magnum ice cream products are delicious and addicting.  I refuse to buy them unless they are a really good deal because they are somewhat expensive and not exactly healthy.  I had a coupon for the Gold bars though, so I thought I'd give them a try and holy happiness I am so glad I did.  They are a mix of wonderful, rich flavors (salted caramel swirl, anyone?!).  My only complaint is that they come three to a box, so Brian and I will be fighting over the last one (unless I eat it before he gets home tonight ;) ).

What are you loving this week?  Happy Friday and ice cream for all!

Summer Black Bean Burgers

Summer is the time of barbecues and cookouts, which is usually a problem for me because I don't eat the stereotypical barbecue food.  Just because I don't like hamburgers or hot dogs doesn't mean I don't want to participate.  Instead, I like to bring my very own black bean burgers for those that want a vegetarian option.  They're quick and easy and since I get asked how to make them often, I thought I'd share my recipe.

This is all you need.  Like I said, easy.

First, after you rinse and drain your black beans, mash them up.  You can use a fork if you have some aggression you want to get out, or you can be lazy like me and use the food processor.

Add in four tablespoons of the salsa of your choice.

Add in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs.  You may need to add more breadcrumbs if the mixture still seems damp, basically you don't want the mixture sticking to your hands.  You can choose to add optional spices at this time.  I usually add in about 1/4 tsp. of red pepper and 1/2 tsp. of cumin to give them a little extra kick.

Form patties with your hands.  This should make five to seven burgers depending on your desired size.

Cook them up!  They are excellent on the grill, or use your griddle skillet on the stove top if you're like me and don't have a grill but still want the marks.  I cook them all at once so I can have quick and easy lunches ready for the week.

Serve them with your favorite accouterments.  I prefer mine with cheddar cheese and avocado.  They will be a little drier than a hamburger, so you may need some ketchup or oil, depending on your tastes.

Enjoy!

And, if you prefer a more recipe style format:

Black Bean Burgers
15 oz. can of black beans, rinsed and drained
4 Tbs. salsa, your choice
1/2 c. bread crumbs (add more Tbs.
(optional spices)
1/4 tsp. red pepper
1/2 tsp. cumin

Mash up your black beans, add your salsa and bread crumbs.  Form into patties and cook on the grill or stove top over medium heat.  Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

What's your go to barbecue food?

Summer Lovin'

Happy first day of Summer!  Although I am sad to see Spring, my favorite season, be finished for another year, I'm trying to embrace this new, hot and humid season.  To do so, I'm focusing on the fun things I hope to do this summer.

1.  Use the rooftop pool at our apartment complex.

Our neglected pool

2.  Eat corn on the cob (yummm).

3.  Make honey lemonade.

4.  Go to a baseball game.

President's Race - My favorite part of any Nationals game

5.  Eat ice cream from a waffle cone.

6.  Get out of town . . . location tbd, suggestions welcomed :)

7.  Eat an entire watermelon by myself.  Yes, I can and I will.

8.  See some fireworks.

9.  Go on a photo safari.

10.  Make a fun summer drink.  I'm thinking something bubbly with fruit.

11.  Visit the Smithsonian museums I haven't been to.

12.  Visit Mount Vernon, it's been on my list far too long already.

Via

13.  Find a new summer dress.

14.  Explore a new area of DC.

15.  Enjoy the long days while they last!

What are your summer plans?

TV Reunions that Should Happen

There are a lot of reunions happening lately:  Arrested Development just came out with a new season, Anchorman is coming out with its highly anticipated sequel in December, and the internet blew up when Girl Meets World, a Boy Meets World reunion of sorts, was announced as in the works.  I blame the nostalgic in me, but I love a good reunion.  Seeing actors as the characters we love just makes me happy.  So, here's my list of shows that should have a reunion tour:

Full House

Fanpop

Ok, hear me out.  I don't want Full House of the early nineties, full of cheesy life lessons.  Instead, I'm imagining a well written, Modern family-esque, raunchy joke laden comedy.  After years of living it up in his bachelor pad, Danny Tanner's entire family returns after his teachings failed.  Self depreciation will be a major facet of the new show that those of us who grew up on Full House can truly understand and appreciate.

The West Wing

Via

The West Wing is one of the most well written shows in television history and is ripe for a return to prime time.  (Side note-Brian has never seen this show, we are remedying that asap)  I would love to see the gang reunite to support a newly elected president, preferably C.J. (Allison Janney), Charlie (Dule Hill), or Sam (Rob Lowe).  Of course, the other characters would come back to support their old friend, including former President Bartlet who would make many appearances as a  trusted adviser.

X-Files

Fanpop

The truth is out there.  A reunion should be too.  X-Files had something for everyone; mystery, science fiction, and the slow burn romance between Scully and Mulder.  With Fringe off the air, there is a serious lack of shows in this genre on network television (vampire and werewolf shows do not count).  I'd love to see a continuation of the dark and mysterious happenings that made this show a hit.

Friends

Via

It would be a crime not to include Friends on this list, wouldn't it?  Fans went crazy a few months ago when a rumor surfaced that an eleventh season was in talks.  Unfortunately, the show's creator quashed those rumors (and our dreams) when she unequivocally declared it false.  That won't stop me from hoping our six favorite friends will reunite for situations that never fail to make me laugh and cry.

What show would you like to see have a reunion season?

Friday Flag Day Favorites

Happy Flag Day!  I know Flag Day is not the most popular holiday, and I feel that is just a shame.  There are so many fun, impractical ways to incorporate the flag into your everyday life.  Here are a few of my favorites from around the web:

Stars Sweater

Old Navy

I think Old Navy has the market cornered on flag themed paraphernalia.  Normally,  I find clothing that has a flag incorporated into it extremely cheesy, but this is sweater is patriotic without going over the top.  It's probably a little too warm to wear something like this right now, but it would be adorable as a cover up at night or for watching fireworks.

Patriotic Tart

Pancake Ninja

The best way to celebrate any holiday is with food (obviously) and this flag themed tart looks amazing.  Berries make this tart fresh, colorful, and slightly healthier than cake.

Stars and Strips Scarf

Picsity

I love that this scarf has a slight vintage feel to its with muted colors.  It reminds me of the flags we displayed at our house growing up, except those smelled musty and old and you wouldn't want to drape them around your neck.

Trinket Box

C Wonder

I believe you can never have too many trinket boxes, and I just love this little flag one.  I could see it holding keys, sunglasses, or other items that you don't necessarily want to see sitting out all the time.

Where do you stand on flag inspired products?  Happy Flag Day y'all!

Friday Favorites: Pool Party Edition

This weekend, we are heading to our first real 'summer' event--a pool party!  If I had more time, I would go shopping to find something fun and fashionable to wear.  Unfortunately, this event crept up on me (seriously, how is it June?!) and I'm out of time to shop for a new outfit.  Here are a few things I would consider purchasing for the party if I had given myself enough time.

Old Navy

I'm not usually a fan of shorts (or, more accurately, my thighs in shorts), but I could make an exception for this adorable coral pair.  The color is fun and could go with so many things in my wardrobe right now.  And, since they're from Old Navy, they are very reasonably priced.

Modcloth

A pool party requires appropriate swimwear and this retro inspired two piece fits the bill.  It's modest, but cute and is my favorite color.  Of course, I don't actually plan on swimming at this pool party (it's a work function more than a pool party), but if I did, this would be my pick.

The Limited Forenza Cutout Dress

My go-to outfit for parties is a fun dress; I immediately feel put together for any occasion.  A pool party calls for a more casual garment and this dress would be ideal for not appearing overdressed while staying cool due to the cutouts on the back (seriously, the back is the best part).

Anthropologie Taormina Sunglasses

I've always loved oversized sunglasses, thanks to my love of all things Audrey, and these are perfection.  Not only do they imitate my favorite fashion icon's style, but they are green.  Anthopologie, you have done it again.  Clearly, I must have these.  Luckily, they're only $30, so I'm hoping I can actually make these mine in the near future.

Banana Republic

Let's be honest, there's no way I would actually wear this hat.  I could see myself buying it, loving it, and then talking myself out of wearing it for fear of looking silly.  It would probably look out of place at a pool party, but perfect for frolicking on the beach (and it would look great with the new clothes I want to buy above).

What do you wear to a pool party?  Does anyone actually swim at these things?!

New Developments in Arrested Development

Last week, fans of the much loved series, Arrested Development, were awarded for their patience and perseverance with a brand new season on the show.  Like many fans of the show, I was a late adopter, only watching the show in 2007 after the final season aired in 2006.  As the rumors began circulating that a movie was in the works several years ago, I've been anxiously waiting for new developments.

Our Memorial Day weekend ended up being packed with work, so we had to wait until this past weekend to indulge in the fifteen episodes of Arrested Development waiting for us on Netflix.  The season started off a little slow for me, but once we watched everything, I can confidently say I loved it as much as the old episodes.  There were still a few classic things I missed, so here's my very loose review of the newest season.

*Note, there may be some spoilers ahead, you've been warned*