Happy Friday! I’m so happy that the weekend is almost here. Bryan’s birthday is on Sunday and we have a jam-packed weekend ahead of us. On Saturday, we’re going rollerskating with Leslee, her boyfriend and a bunch of other friends. We’re actually all getting dressed up as if we’re going to disco. Lots of rainbow attire, hoop earrings and big hair ahead of me. It should be a lot of fun. On Sunday, Bryan and I are going out to dinner with my in-laws for Bryan’s birthday. We’re having Mexican food and I can’t wait. The restaurant has a lot of great vegetarian options. 

But anyway… I still have to get through today. Let’s take a look at my Friday Favorites.

1. Homemade Pasta Sauce. I’ve tried so many different types of store-bought pasta sauce, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I hate them all. Every so often, I make my own sauce using a jar of organic crushed tomatoes and a bunch of spices. I switch it up every time, but it’s usually a combination of red pepper flakes, chili powder, sea salt, basil and sometimes a pinch of cinnamon sugar. I’ll take my homemade version over store-bought sauce any day. 

2. Spending Time with Pete. This past weekend I spent a lot of time with the pup since it was snowing. The picture above was from Saturday afternoon. Pete loved watching the snow fall, and aside from barking constantly at people shoveling, he was pretty calm. Check out the little sparkle in his eye. He’s just so gosh darn cute. I can’t handle it.

3. Game Nights with Friends. Leslee and her boyfriend came over last weekend and we enjoyed a night filled with yummy food, craft beer, wine and fun games. I made my favorite appetizer – vegetarian taquitos. It’s Spanish rice, black beans, corn and Mexican cheese, all wrapped up in a soft taco shell, then baked in the oven for 8 minutes. I love game nights! 

 4. 365 Organic Mixed Berry Conserve. I picked up this jar of mixed berry conserve at Whole Foods this week after a cooking class. I mentioned the cooking classes in last week’s Friday Favorites. Bryan and I have been going basically every week now. They’re free and we learn a lot! This conserve is so delicious, and tastes great on crackers, toast and even mixed in oatmeal. 

Talk to Me:

• What are some of your favorites from this past week?
• What’s your favorite flavor of jelly?
• Do you make your own pasta sauce or do you have a favorite store-bought version?