friday links

Happy Friday!

Last week I finally got some time to head out and spend time with my surfing buds.
78 degree day with no tourists and full on sun.
Was nice to have that time off.





Using the very last of my large stash of wild maine blueberries in a super-charged smoothie.
I tried the new chocolate flavor of Tera's Whey and I love it!



I received a copy of Baked Occasions, the newest book from the Baked Boys.
And can I tell you this is their best work ever!
This book is jam-packed with a years worth of celebrations! Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito offer cookies, puddings, whoopie pies, cakes, brownies, and more to commemorate holidays both expected and unexpected. Rum-infused Hair of the Dog Cake for New Year’s Day and Peanut Butter Sheet Cake for Texas Independence Day join Praline Ice Cream Cake for Mardi Gras, Chocolate Pop Tarts for Halloween, and 12 Days of Cookies for Christmastime. With 65 gorgeous photographs and 75 unique recipes, you’ll have everything you need to create a wide range of sweet treats for quirky festivities and traditional holidays all year round.
Seriously, take a small look of what's inside....these guys amaze me!

rainbow icebox cake with homemade chocolate cookies


The book is laid out with monthly dessert celebrations of special days and occasions.


Blood orange tiramisu, black velvet conversation heart cakes, gonzo cake...


easter coconut sheet cake
I cannot recommend Baked Occasions enough.  There is over 75 recipes, very easy to follow instructions. Nothing is too fancy pants to make, all recipes are easy to make, easy to follow along with. If you are looking for THE cookbook for your foodie friend this is it!
I will be making something soon.
I'll leave it up to you to decide, choose one & tell me in the comments below:

- Baked Ultimate Birthday Cake
- Buttery Pound Cake with Salty Caramel Glaze
- Chocolate Pop Tarts with PB & Jam Filling
- Pistachio White Chocolate Cheesecake

around the web:

chewy peanut butter-apple granola bars
smuckers has a wonderful kitchen makeover giveaway #spreadalittlesunshine
apple pie cake
DIY football cupcake toppers
twizzlers caramel-apple filled twists
20-minute sweet & sour chicken
is there arsenic in rice?
pumpkin magic cake
4 ways to manage depression naturally
the amount of caffeine in Starbuck drinks! (ut oh)
"worry about yourself!" (well said August)
how to froth milk in the microwave?
is pea protein really the best all-around protein supplement?
wait your turn at the new swing playground in Boston
melatonin for more sleep & better bones
pumpkin cheesecake ice cream from Ben & Jerry's is here
pumpkin spice peanut butter cookies
best brunch recipes from Martha Stewart
3 steps to perk up your posture
how to make proper scottish shortbread
the ramen donut is here
want to boost your willpower? sip lemonade
frustrated restaurant owner posts stupid sign
soy consumption linked to tumor growth in breast cancer
always hungry? this could be why
study links potassium to fewer strokes in women
one yoga pose to do no matter how busy you are
5 healthy food pairings to supercharge health & diet
slow cooker italian pot roast w/ sun-dried tomatoes & kalamata olives
woman gets 3rd boob--why?
gorgeous photography of trey ratcliff
5-year old with autism paints stunning masterpieces
strangest playgrounds

Have a wonderful weekend!