Meet Chico. He is an important feature of our household. Do you know why?
He opens beers.
In a nod to our independence, and a last HUZZAH for Jason’s birthday:
German Chocolate Brownies.
German chocolate cake is Jason’s favorite. Since I already have a tried and true gluten free brownie recipe, I went with it. My brother in law ate five while sitting right in front of the platter, talking about how these are the most amazing things he’s ever eaten and I better open a bakery.
As this is a BIG dream of mine, we ended up in a long conversation of All Things Bakery.
We cannot have a gathering in the summer (where fresh basil and tomatoes grow right out my door) without having some bruschetta.
I also made more roasted tomato cashew dip. You’ve seen my photos of that. I’ll show you what we dipped in:
We also cannot go a grilling round at our house without this:
The apples didn’t go on the grill, but the romaine did.
Nom.
Some good balsamic + olive oil =
This is so easy and SO flavorful.
Jason commented that Chico seems to have a permanent place on the counter this summer. He doesn’t get back in the drawer. I’m good with that.
My permanent place for the summer? Our pool. That’s where you’ll find me!
FUN THINGS !
Kristen is giving away Beanitos bean chips at her fun blog Change of Pace. These sound awesome.
Ilana (happy birthday, sweet lady!) is celebrating her fabulous blog makeover with a giveaway that I really want, because it includes an “I <3 New York” t shirt. Love.
Lisa is GIVING AWAY CHOBANI on her fabulous blog (she’s one of my favorites… she’s in my blogroll –>)!! Jason and I eat the chobs every day for breakfast, and would LOOOOVE to win this. GAAH. 
…and a post from My Favorite Blog, Hyperbole and a Half. Seriously. She is The Best. Hilarious. I love her. and not just because she has A Dog Who Licks Everything, like Basil. But maybe a little more now. More favorites of Allie? The Awkward Situation Survival Guide. Also? When this guide was published, it was popular and liked with several of the naturopathic docs whom I call coworkers and friends.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
your bird bottle opener is sooo cool!!
Yum, grilled romaine. Love it!
Also, love Chico. My bottle opener is less impressive, but also gets a lot of use.
Thanks for including my giveaway in your post today! Cute little bottle opener. I like that you’ve given it a name.
Fun things overload! I play! I love it!
I also love that bottle opener.
I never thought to grill romaine. I love the smokiness that grilling lends to foods, though, so I totally see myself doing this.
Chico looks like quite the party animal.
Hah. Love it.
By the way! I’m passing a blogger award onto you. I seriously LOVE your blog (wow, that’s the third time I’ve used the word “love” in this comment…am I feeling all fuzzy or what today?) and look forward every day to reading it and get all excited when you update.
The details of the award are on my blog. -pokes-
OMG how awesome are YOU ??
I feel the same way about your blog… it’s one I check first, no kidding! 
what you said in your award is so cool and sweet – thank you – especially the Warped Sense of Humor – because YES I feel the same way!
you will NOT, however, run off with Basil.
You can be his friend. from HERE. My House.
where you, my friend, are welcome anytime 
P.S… can I use one of my awards back to YOU ?? I think I shall.
You’re so sweet to me. xD I’m blushing so pink right now. <3
We really do need to plan a blogger meetup someday soon! Portland would be the perfect city for it, too. Can you imagine a bunch of blog nerds like us running amok around Powell's or something? x) Then we could all invade Trader Joe's and and and…! It would be such a blast.