Hello weekend! I’m excited — what’s new with you?
This weekend I’m celebrating at one of my best friend’s bachelorette parties. Yesterday we had a full spa day — my first ever — and it was incredible. I left feeling like a walking puddle of relaxation. Later that night I experimented with soaking gummy candies in spirits (Coke bottle gummies in spiced rum, watermelon gummies in tequila), so things may get silly. Snap me if you want the play-by-play: my Snapchat is howsweeteats.
Local friends in Pittsburgh: I’ll be speaking Thursday morning at Pittsburgh Social Media Day. Registration is free — come by and say hi and join me for donuts.
P.S. This post is a little popsicle-heavy since #popsicleweek is wrapping up — there have been so many good ones this year!
Now, on to the tasty finds:
A major brain explosion: Nutella-stuffed chocolate hazelnut dream cake — absolutely decadent and worth every bite.
A vegan Cobb salad featuring coconut “bacon” — a creative, intriguing plant-based take on a classic.
Coconut-acai bowls that are as beautiful as they are refreshing — perfect for hot mornings or a healthy treat.
Blackberry basil buttercream — a bright, floral frosting that’s both elegant and surprising.
The cutest idea: hosting a backyard movie night. It’s cozy, simple to set up, and a great way to gather friends.
A dreamy Kahlúa coffee soda — light, fizzy, and perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up with a boozy twist.
Even more Kahlúa goodness: coconut cream affogato popsicles — indulgent and refreshing all at once.
Simple and pretty zucchini “pizza” — a great low-carb option that still hits all the right flavors.
Strawberry and avocado salsa — sweet, creamy, and bright; it’s one of those unexpected flavor pairings that works every time.
S’mores banana bread — I can barely contain my excitement about this mash-up of gooey chocolate, toasted marshmallow, and tender banana bread.
Raise a glass to the weekend with a strawberry basil margarita — fresh, herby, and perfectly summery.