Friday, February 12, 2016

Friday's Feature {2/12} + Giveaway

Is everyone ready for Valentine's Day?? I don't overdo this holiday (like I do the others) but Derek and I always do something (or somethings) to celebrate.  Last night we kicked things off in the city - which by the way was freezing - I don't think I'm ready for this cold we have in store this weekend (low is 1 degree).  We have some friends coming in to visit this weekend so we're all grabbing brunch Sunday morning then Derek and I are enjoying a night in to avoid the crowds.  There are few things I hate more than crowds.

Valentine's Day Blondies: {via}
When picking what to bake for the holiday I knew I wanted to use a trusty favorite (as it was an excuse to enjoy - we've laid off the baking AND the sweets since the holidays) and I wanted it done in advance to enjoy leading up.  Although, I did actually make a second batch last night too.  I was planning on sharing this earlier in the week (but then had too much fun enjoying the Super Bowl) so if anyone is looking for some extra holiday baking... you can whip up some of mine (and I think everyone's) favorite dessert - blondies.  I've tried a few different versions and I think this recipe will stick.


Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup M&M's

Directions:
+ Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together.
+ Melt 1/3 cup butter.  Add the brown sugar and mix well.
+ Add a beaten egg and vanilla to the butter/brown sugar mixture.
+ A little at a time, add the flour mixture.
+ Mix in 2/3 cup M&M's.  Spread into a baking pan (square or circle).
+ Sprinkle 1/3 cup M&M's on top.
+ Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  Enjoy!

Favorite Valentine's Links:
A lot of blogs have been sharing some great Valentine's Day posts in the recent weeks. Katie shared some great date night ideas (big and little) that would be great if you're still looking for something to do this weekend - or anytime.

Sarah shared a delicious and festive dessert trifle for the end to any Valentine's Day dinner (or lunch!).

I *think* Derek's finished up his shopping but like most guys he tends to be last minute.  If your man is still looking for the perfect gift for you BianaNatalie and myself put together some Valentine's Day gift guides.

For the fashion side of the holiday, Kristina posted about a great valentine's day look.

I've shared this before but I am obsessed with decorative toothpicks - they add the perfect touch to an appetizer, dessert, anything really.  The gals at The Sequin Notebook always have the cutest accessories also including these galentine's day conversation heart printables.

Giveaway:
For the holiday of love, I wanted to share some love with all of you! One of my favorite new necklaces plus a matching bracelet.  Enter via the rafflecopter below and remember every link is one chance closer to winning. The giveaway will run through Tuesday, 2/16 and the winner will be notified via email.  Lots of love and luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cheers to the weekend & a very Happy Valentine's Day to all.

Linking up today with the Friday linkups -

45 comments:

  1. Enjoy your weekend girl! I think a brunch and night in sound perfect! We did brunch last year to beat the crowds and it was amazing!!! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  2. Those blondies look sooo good. I really haven't been into baking like I usually am, but I kinda want to give these a try!

    Christina :: Simple and Delish

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  3. Yum, the blondie looks delicious! and I love that necklace and bracelet!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

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  4. Yum, those blondies look super good...and I think I have everything to make them at home already! That necklace and bracelet are gorgeous. Enjoy your weekend - I am not a fan of crowds either, so we are actually going out to dinner tonight! Happy Friday!

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  5. Those blondies oh my gosh I need to make them ASAP! Yum! I hope y'all have a great weekend!

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  6. Um, YUM on those blondes! We don't go all-out on V-Day like we do for other holidays, either, so a heart-shaped pizza and some cookies are being consumed this weekend! :)

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  7. We're not huge celebrators of Valentine's Day either, but we do enjoy a night out together to celebrate a little. I remember seeing your blondies on Instagram and thought that they looked so delicious and festive for the holiday! I hope y'all have a great weekend with friends and a great time celebrating on Sunday!

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  8. Oh my goodness those blondies look so yummy!!

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  9. your weekend sounds great! minus the cold. i mean no thank you. just have to drink more mimosas on sunday haha. and those blondies - so cute and delicious i'm sure! have a great weekend girly!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  10. My mom used to make us blondies ALLLLLLLLLLLL the time. What a fun Valentine's day giveaway.

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  11. Those blondies look delicious!!! It is going to be FREEZING here too so you are not alone. We have plans tomorrow night and we're doing everything that we an to limit our time outside. :-/ I have a necklace that is very similar to that bracelet too haha. :-) Anyways...I hope that you guys have a fab weekend!

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  12. The blondies look delicious! I may have to make those this weekend

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  13. I haven't had blondies in SO long but they are so yummy! Definitely need to make these this weekend! Happy Friday! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  14. Thanks for your comment lady - I love your blog!! And those blondies look so delicious - great giveaway too! Have an awesome Valentine's day weekend!!

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  15. Oh those blondies look so good!!! I could go for one right now. Have a wonderful weekend!!

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  16. Yum! Now I want to make those blondies! Very cute necklace and earrings. Have a great weekend, Christina!

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  17. Those blondies look yummy and festive!! Hope you guys stay warm this weekend and have a good one!

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  18. Those blondies look so good :) I hope you have a fantastic weekend and thanks for hosting this fun giveaway!

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  19. Those blondies look delicious! Girl, our low tonight is going to be below zero, so 1 is nothing. :) Have a wonderful weekend!

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  20. The blondies look so good! Thanks for the giveaway! Happy Valentine's Day!

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  21. Blondies are always the way to my heart - these look so good!! Thanks for sharing my link, too! :) Have a great weekend!

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  22. Those blondies look AMAZING!!!! And thanks for the awesome giveaway xoxo

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  23. 1 degree? Oh boy, stay warm this weekend! Those blondies look so good!

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  24. The blondies look delicious! 1 degree weather? We have an abnormal high of 80 here and I'm not sure I'm ready for that kind of weather - it's a bit confusing to dress for. Enjoy your Valentine weekend! :)

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  25. lol guys are always last minute aren't they! my birthday is today and i know my husband hasn't picked up my present yet. men ;) those blondies look delish! we are probably going to do breakfast / brunch and a movie on sunday. have a great weekend :)

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  26. Those blondies look amazing! Enjoy your weekend!

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  27. These are all awesome ideas! The blondies are super cute. Have an awesome Valentine's weekend!

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  28. Those blondies look amazing!! Have a fun weekend with your friends and good luck with that FREEZING weather - I don't know how y'all handle that! Thanks for the fun giveaway :)

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  29. I could not make it in that weather!! But, I'll be jealous of you in July when we're melting here in the south. Check out my blog today, I have a couple of recipes that would make great a Valentines dinner. Have a great weekend!

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  30. Those blondies look DELISH! Perfect Valentines treat! Stay warm this weekend gurlie <3
    Green Fashionista

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  31. omg, my mouth is watering just looking at these. Definitely making this recipe

    http://michellespaige.com

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  32. I love some blondies! We will probably make a festive dessert for Valentine's Day, too... I'm thinking maybe a strawberry cake!

    Enjoy your weekend!

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  33. These look delicious! I love the valentine's m&ms!

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  34. Those blondies look delicious and so simple! We almost always stay in for valentines day..don't like the crowds either! Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend! xo

    Belle in the City

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  35. Those blondies look delicious! We are doing our night out Saturday night because Sunday will just be too crazy. That will be a low key night at home for us too!
    Kelsey
    www.thepeacockroost.com

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  36. Those blondies are a must. Yummy. I want to make them for myself, my husband and girls (they need to be fattened up a bit since they got so sick). Loving that necklace and bracelet. So cute.

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  37. looks incredible and im def going to try and make them this weekend too! so glad i came across your blog in the linkup! hope you'll stop by mine! happy vday weekend friend!

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  38. cookie bars are the BEST-those look delicious!

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  39. Need those blondies in my life ASAP! Thanks for the idea-we are going to do some baking tomorrow!!

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  40. Those blondies look so good! I've never attempted to make anything like that. Love that bracelet in the giveaway. You rock!

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  41. Those blondies look so yummy! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Sarah
    http://mybowsandclothes.blogspot.com/

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  42. Those blo does look so good!!! Love the holiday theme!! Katie's date ideas were so cute!! I don't think we're doing anything but we shall see. I have a card and a gift for the hubs... and I'm going to pick up a little something for my mom too.

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  43. Those blondies look delish! Hope you have a great Valentine's Day! xo, Champagne&Suburbs

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