Foodie Friday: Food For Fathers

This Foodie Friday has men in mind, specifically, my guy, "Mr. Shop This." If you don't know by now, one of the ways to any man's heart is through his stomach. If all you do for dear ol' Dad is cook him a good meal, you will earn a gold star. This recipe roundup throws caution and diets to the wind with over the top desserts, spicy sides, and cocktails to toast your man of the day.



HERE: 16 Dad Approved Dishes

Oven Fried Chicken and Red 
Velvet Waffles
Let's begin with a hot stack of waffles and crunchy chicken. The whole thing has been drenched with a cream cheese icing. You can keep the chicken, but I'll take the waffles.
Say Grace

Surf & Turf 
Not just any Surf and Turf. This recipe features a spicy roasted garlic chimichurri butter. I for one, feel that chimichurri elevates everything. It begins with rib-eye steaks. Who wouldn't enjoy this meal?
Half Baked Harvest

Grilled Sangria
If you haven't grilled fruit, you are missing out. The process makes limes, lemons, and pineapple ever so juicy. The caramelized sugars will add richness and smoky-sweet depth to every sip. 
Saveur

Strawberry Cheesecake With Pretzel Crust
With a crunchy and salty crust, this looks like the perfect Summer dessert.
A Dash Of Texas

Crunchy Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
A popper for Pop! The perfect thing to go with an ice cold beer. These are made with Ruffles potato chips, and that's where the crunch comes into play.
Bakers Royale

The Perfect Michelada 
This recipe is for beer lovers. It's a cross between a bloody and a beer.  You'll notice a hit of heat that is balanced by the the brightness of lime.
Serious Eats

20 Minute Crispy Honey Ginger Salmon
This recipe leaves the skin on, which I never do. Maybe I should reconsider because the recipe swears that the crispy skin is really good. What sounds better to me is the sauce. It is a simple base of honey, chiles, a little soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and lime. Yum!
Half Baked Harvest

Cake Au Lait
Proof that you can drink your coffee and eat your cake, too. Even if Dad isn't a coffee drinker, he will want a bite of this. It features Chocolate cake, Vanilla cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Donuts and of course espresso beans. Over the top for coffee lovers.
The Cake Space

Cilantro Lime Flank Steak
I keep hearing about how good flank steak is, but haven't tried it. There' something about having to marinate and pound a cut of meat to make it tender. I do marinate to infuse with flavor. This dish looks so good, that I may change my opinion on flank steak. The author says it is great hot or cold.
How Sweet Eats

Boozy Lemon Mojito Cupcakes

What dad wouldn't love a cocktail dessert? P.S. the booze is rum....Yum!
Broma Bakery

Burrata Pizza
I know a Dad that loves pizza. So did mine, but he never had anything like this.  Burrata. Prosciutto. Basil. Pizza Sauce. Red Pepper Flakes. That’s it. Done. Nothing more to say, except what time is dinner?
What's Gabby Cooking

No Churn Key Lime Pie Ice Cream
Such a clever idea! As mentioned in past posts, I always make my own ice cream. The no churn method is so very simple. A good loaf pan as shown here is essential in my view. Dad and everyone at the table will just love 
this unique recipe.
Once Upon A Chef

 Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich
I know a Dad that would choose this over steak.  It does look good, doesn't it? It's made with Dr. Pepper and in the Crockpot.  This sandwich has Dad's name all over it.
Brit + Co.

Baby Back Ribs with Bourbon-Black
 Pepper Sauce
Haven't made ribs yet this season, but this recipe is tempting. In fact it had me at bourbon.
Williams Sonoma

Chocolate Caramel Bacon Milkshake
Forget dad. This mom wants a straw and a spoon pronto to taste test this treat. It's said to be one of the most decadent milkshakes ever. 
Around My Family Table

Easy Greek Chicken Kebabs
Kabobs are a favorite on the grill. The skinless chicken breast grills up quickly and can be marinated in as fast as 14 minutes. Perfect for Dads that do not do red meat.
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Wedding Wednesday: Fabulous Etsy Finds

{ Via: Loverly }

It's wedding season, and right about now the June brides are busy with all of their finishing touches. If you are looking for something special and unexpected, Etsy, is the place to start. Why shouldn't you look there? Your wedding planner certainly is. Looking for marble or Sea Glass place cards? Find them at Blu3 Designs. How about Vintage Postage Stamps for your invitations? Verde Studio is the perfect source. I think that you get the idea. Etsy is a treasure trove of fabulous finds. Scroll down to see some of the best.

   

HERE: 12 Fab Finds

Giant 36" Balloon
Big and little kids love a good balloon moment. If used artistically, they can make a big impact at your wedding. Tassels and Balloons are sold individually, but you must have both!
Revelry Party Company

Swarovski Bridal Tiara
You don't have to be royal to wear a tiara, thanks to this beautiful Etsy shop. They are all handmade and beautiful!
Eden Luxe Bridal

Ivory Flower Girl Dress
Have you ever? This fabulous and fluffy find is handmade just for your little ones.
Shabby Chic Tutus

Crystal Liv Wedding Garter
It doesn't get more elegant and simple than this. A gold leaf bridal garter featuring crystal rhinestones strung along a hand-wired golden branch. Available in gold, rose gold, or silver, this wedding garter is finished with satin elastic. Handmade just for you.
Davie & Chiyo

Liv Hair Vine
Keep the elegant simplicity going with the Live Hair Vine that matches the 
Liv garter. 
Davie & Chiyo

Table Numbers
Of all of the weddings I have attended, there was never anything like these. Table numbers are a must, and life is too short to have boring ones. These are affordable and available in 4 different colors.
Lovely Day Print Shop

Batwing Sleeve Wedding Dress

Oh this reminds me so much of my own gown. It is created with silk chiffon, which is the dreamiest fabric for your special day. All of the details are gorgeous, but the sleeves are just beyond. Click the link to view the dress from every angle.

Cathy Telle

Luxe Calligraphy Place Cards

Ohh la la, these are fabulous! A tassel makes a statement every time. I can imagine these artistically hung from tree branches, chandeliers, and more. 

Karamele Stationery

Set Of  Six Bridesmaids Robes
For your bride tribe. These are picture perfect for those getting ready photo ops. Also available is shades of grey.
Love and Peony

Mini Tambourines
These made me smile. Maybe because we had a tambourine dance "thing" at our wedding. And surprisingly, everyone got into it. Do that with these, or have the guests make some noise at the end of the ceremony or at their grand exit. They are a pretty prop that's a bit unexpected.
That Perfect Party Company

Biodegradable Wedding Confetti
Paper, delphiniums, larkspur, confetti petals, oh my! A beautiful personalized addition to you ceremony. Present the pretty packages in a basket for guests to grab.
Confetti Cone Company

Acrylic Menu Cards
So clearly chic and unique! Best yet, if you have a custom design in mind, Katie loves trying out new ideas.
Blue3 Designs Shop

   

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Your Big Day

Road Trip'n: Everything You Need To Get There In Style

School's almost out. Are you hitting the road? Mr. "Shop This" and I did a big road trip recently, from Chicago to Williamsburg, Virginia. It was a great bonding experience. We had most of what we needed except for a proper cooler. You'll find one of those in this roundup. Besides these great ideas, you need a good playlist. Thanks to Amazon Prime Music and iTunes, we sang and grooved our way across the country. Shop these travel essentials for your next road trip.

HERE: 14 Car Travel Essentials

Tumi Mansion Carry All
One of the inspirations of the post. I recently saw this bag in a luggage store window. And even though only the handles are leather, it looked very luxe. The gold metal trims and zippers add a touch of noticeable glam. It is super roomy, sophisticated, feminine, and on sale. What more can a girl want?
Shopbop

Hotlife LED Mirror
I wouldn't dream of traveling without my own travel mirror. You just never know what your hotel is going to have. Travel & Leisure Magazine has named this magical mirror The best travel mirror made. "It’s everything a travel mirror should be: affordable, durable, versatile, compact, and accented with battery-powered lights (four batteries are included 
with your purchase)"
Amazon

Zippered Sport Coordinates
Mr. Shop This and I still dress up for travel. Of course more so for flights than road trips. I'm always looking for the upgrade either on the plane or at the hotel. You have to know that a good smile, good baggage, and a chic outfit gets you the first class treatment. This set is road trip appropriate. Stylish and most importantly comfy. Available in five fab colors.
Beyond Proper

The Only Automatic Cordless
 Tire Inflator
This could be a life saver. Ideal for inflating low tires during daytime or nighttime roadside emergencies—as well as inflatables, bicycle tires, and sporting equipment. It's a great grad or dad gift, too.
Hammacher

Dual Travel Organizer

Here's a smart solution for the savvy traveller. One product plays double duty with an organized space for both jewelry and lotions and potions.

Mark & Graham

Paravel Luggage
These chic carryalls are a new discovery. And though you wouldn't dare check them at the airport, they are perfect for checking in and out of your roadside hotel. Each case features removable shoulder strap, Italian leather top handle, and two-way lockable zippers. Best yet, they fold flat! They can be personalized with a monogram or a icon of your choice.
Paravel

Grab and Go Dog Dinette
Traveling with Fido? Tote and serve fresh water and food when out with your dog, with this compact, on-leash design. There's a wonderful short video to explain how this works. A must have for car rides with your furry friend.
UncommonGoods

Structured Nylon & Leather Travel Coolers
Boy did I ever need one of these for my last road trip. Due to a torn meniscus, icing the knee many times during at 14 hour road trip was in order. But besides necessities, you'll use it to keep the soda and beer cold. Or if you are like me, and just don't do roadie food. You'll pack your own.
 Several styles available.
Food52 

Mrs. Bodington's Studio

Set of 2 Composition Notebooks

Get them off of their devices, and ask the kiddos to document their travel day. Found at a fabulous boutique called

Maisonette

Vera Bradley Bags
Vera's bags are made for the road. Soft, quilted, and lightweight. They pack right and are a great gift for a new college coed. Iconic Campus Backback in Rose Gold, Lighten Up Foldable Rolling Duffel  Iconic Grand Weekender Travel Bag in water Bouquet. Shop all travel at
Vera Bradley

Extra-Large Single Silk DreamSack
You've seen the hotel room germ documentaries, haven't you? This silk cocoon makes so much sense to me. No need to touch those sheets. Bring this in it's own compact carrying case. 
Travel Smith

JOY Rich Leather Luggage Ensemble 

Get there in style and already organized, thanks to the built in drawers. If interested do click on the link or photo to view a video presentation. Many chic color combinations available. It is an unbelievable bargain!

HSN

Perfect Hair Day Travel Kit

Why shouldn't you have perfect hair on the road? This is the set that I travel with, and always have ready to go. It is also a great way to sample the brand. 

Living Proof

The Family Car Trip Device Charger

A clever device to keep passengers up front and in the back connected. It's ideal for family vacations. Mr. Shop This and I used something similar (but ours didn't reach the back seat) We had two iPads and two mobile phones powered at all times. Essential!

Hammacher Schlemmer

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Saturdays At Shop This: Ending On A Positive Note

What a sad week in life and news. First Kate Spade's tragic death, and now Anthony Bourdain.  What this world needs is more talking and most importantly more listening.....less shouting. Those who are hurting are usually the most quiet. Kate's voice lives on through her family and her company foundation, which provides grants to low income New York City women in tech, the arts and entrepreneurship. How fabulous! Learn more about this  foundation HERE. And get to know the beneficiaries HERE. Let's wrap up the week with some positive and helpful links.

“She Was Human Champagne”—A Mademoiselle Colleague Remembers the late Kate Spade. I would love to be remembered as champagne. How about you? Enjoy this Kate Spade remembrance at Vogue

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The phrase 'you are what you eat' couldn't be more true. In the book, "Spice Up Your Health," learn about the latest research on the surprising health benefits of herbs and spices. Find out how to make home remedies with spices that can help with common health problems. It's a great natural source for living your best life.
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A good dad has such a positive effect on his children's life. Father's Day is Sunday June 17th. Don't forget to thank yours, or your spouse. Take another look at the Shop This Gift Guide, with fab finds for all kinds of guys.
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Do you realize that a good night's sleep is one of the keys to happy health for your mind, body and spirit? Good bedding helps. Sweet dreams are made of the beds & bedding at Serena and Lily. Save 20% on the collection with Code: GOODNIGHT Ends 06/14 

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At Barneys Window: Behind The Design: Khokho Bags Prove That Building A Brand Takes A Village.  Each bag is woven from Lutindzi grass and vegetable-tanned leather, then finished with brass hardware and hand-carved cow-horn details. The international enterprise is supported by Nest, a nongovernmental organization committed to empowering 
women workers.
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Get sun-care savvy this season: Shop an edit of Mineral Sunscreens at Anthropologie. Your skin will be happier and thank you for 
treating it so well.
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Biohacking. Are you doing it? Here's a Beginner’s Guide to biohacking from head to toe. It is said to improve your day to day life. Biohacking is the idea that you can improve your physical and mental well being by “hacking” into your body’s biology, whether it’s by tracking glucose levels in your blood or controlling the bacteria in your gut. Learn more at AHAlife.
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When going through hard times, it is helpful to remember the good times with gratefulness and a smile. One of those for me was a very special birthday spent at The Carlyle Hotel in NYC. That experience makes me excited about the upcoming documentary "Always At the Carlyle." It's a look behind the scenes of the famous hotel with George Clooney, Naomi Campbell, and more. Read about
 it HERE.
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This weekend, we can make the world a better place, by reaching out to someone that needs a little help. Even a smile can change a stranger's day, because we never know what someone is going through. If you feel in need of help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is: 1-800-273-8255

XOXOX

Deb

Shop This