Sweet Potato, Bacon, Arugula and Pesto Pizza

The real name of this post should be, "Sweet Potato, Bacon, Chicken, Onion, Walnut, Pesto and Arugula Pizza." But, for some reason it just didn't have the same ring. Instead, I chose to focus on the stars of this pizza: sweet potato, bacon, arugula and pesto.

On Sunday, Tommy and I almost ate the entire thing...it was that good. The sweet potato + bacon + pesto combination is crazy delicious; it's slightly sweet, salty, and creamy. Then throw in some crunchy walnuts, onions, and spicy arugula? Yep, eating the whole pizza. 

Lemon, Honey and Ricotta Ice Cream

It's ice cream season! Not that ice cream goes out of season. But, there is something incredibly satisfying about eating an ice cream cone on a sunny day.

Speaking of eating ice cream cones, let's get our technique straight. This is important. Do not bite into your ice cream cone, because that's barbaric. Tilt your head slightly, and lick while rotating the cone.

Concentrate on the bottom to catch the drips, but don't let the top get too top-heavy. Keeping the scoop of ice cream even is important. Why? Well, because I'm OCD when it comes to eating ice cream cones...obviously :).

Honeydew and Coconut Popsicles

There was a time when my dad went through a major Otter-Pops phase. On dreary weekends, I remember him eating them like popcorn during movies. Of course I joined in occasionally, reaching mostly for the purple or red flavors. The best part was when the pop had melted a bit, and you got to suck the sugary-goodness out of the plastic tube. Ah, simple pleasures.

Lazy Sunday Links

Happy Sunday all! Today I'm going to be spending the day with my mom, grandma and sister to celebrate my (late) birthday. I'm also going to be putting together a post for some popsicles. Oh, and Game of Thrones season finale, but that goes without saying. Hope you have a great Sunday, here are some links to start browsing.

• Bourbon + ice cream = genius. I recently broke out my ice cream maker for the first time this year, and I can't wait to try this recipe. 
• These videos of dads doing their daughter's hair are so cute. Using a vacuum to create a pony tail is actually really smart! 
• I have become interested in soap making lately, and these Glycerine Soap Gem Stones look so beautiful and easy to make!
• Why Isn't Game of Thrones Uncool? Because it's the best, duh. 
• If you call a cake, "breakfast cake," does that make it an appropriate first meal of the day? Of course it does, as evident by this beautiful Blueberry Breakfast Cake.
• This tutorial for updating your knife block looks so easy, and is super cute!
• I have been trying to put together a gallery wall for a long time. It's tough to gather so much art that you really love, but I think this Floating Clouds print by Siiso will be a great colorful addition. 
• You've probably already seen the adorable "Dear Kitten" video by Friskies, but if not, go watch. It's pretty adorable. 
• Holy cow, this Hanging Floral Chandelier by Design Sponge is gorgeous!
• Lol, My Thesis is one of my favorite Tumblrs. 
• If you love Craigslist as much as I do, here are 18 Useful Tips Every Craigslister Should Know.
• Cookies that tell me I'm awesome and hot? New favorite cookie. 

Roasted Red Pepper, Basil & Salami Grilled Cheese

The past few weeks I have been trying to eat a lot healthier. I have also been going to the gym, and it feels great. But every now and then, you gotta indulge. Sometimes, you need to stop counting calories, and just enjoy something really decadent. Treat yo self, ya know?

Speaking of the gym, why is it so dang hard to go? I always enjoy it when I'm there, and I feel great it's over, but I really drag my feet when it comes to getting in that building. What helps motivate you to go to the gym? Wait, back to treating yourself!

Green Tea & Coconut Donuts

Aren't donuts just the cutest? They are such happy little morsels, and it makes me really happy to bake them. Watching them puff up in the pan, and then decorating them with frosting and toppings...yep, I love donuts.

These green tea donuts are incredibly moist, and full of green tea flavor. The toasted coconut on top gives them a little texture. I have been trying to incorporate more coconut oil in my cooking/baking, and it really gives these donuts some extra coconut taste.

Crispy Garlic Eggplant Fries

Burgers just aren't the same without crispy french fries nearby. While making burgers last night, I realized I had no potatoes. Crisis! So, I went for a healthier, lighter, fry-route. Incredibly easy to make (and even easier to eat) these eggplant fries are my new favorite burger companion.

Blueberry Lemon Bars + Spring Picnic Giveaway

I hope you all had a great Easter! Mine was pretty basic; I visited family, ate some ham and relaxed. I also made these monstrous blueberry lemon bars. When I say monstrous, I mean it in the best way! With a incredibly thick, creamy and tart filling, these lemon bars are the ultimate spring dessert.

I'm especially excited about this recipe, because it's part of a picnic menu put together by the awesome Lauren, of Love Lola. Below are four delicious recipes perfect for your next (and maybe first!) spring picnic.

Picnic Menu

• Appetizer: Avocado and Feta Salsa with Homemade Tortilla Chips  - Emily at Sweet to the Soul
• Beverage: Sparkling Cherry Limeade - Mary Beth at Annapolis & Co       
• Side Salad: Super Spring Salad - Meghan at Stir and Scribble
• Sandwich: Grilled Vegetable Sandwich - Lauren at Love Lola        

This Spring Picnic series not only features awesome recipe, but also includes a fun giveaway! Enter below to win your very own picnic basket, so you can safely transfer these lemon bars and other goodies to your picnic :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Strawberry Balsamic Cheesecake Bars

While I'm an autumn person through and through, it's hard to deny the beauty and warmth of spring. Flowers are blooming, temperatures are rising, allergies are thriving and my heat bill is going down. Also, berries are in season. Yay spring!

With berries becoming sweeter (and cheaper!) I was inspired to bake these bars. Balsamic vinegar and strawberries might seem strange to some, but it's a flavor combination that I love (example: this sandwich). Cooking fruit with a little sugar and vinegar brings out the sweet and tart flavors all at the same time. Throw in some cream cheese and a buttery crust...yup, it's good.

Really good.