This week just felt like the start of summer! We were outside pretty much every hour of the day working on projects and getting the pool ready to go for this weekend!

Today, I’m linking up with some of my favorite bloggers to share some Friday Favorites with you all!

Cotton Candy Dipped Cone from DQ

Okay, this is the most refreshing little treat! I normally love the cherry dip cone, but THIS – DELISH!

Fun fact: I used to work in at Dairy Queen strictly decorating cakes for nearly 8 years! Our store was in the Top 3 of most cake sales in the country!

Primetime – My Recent Amazon Purchases

This week I shared some of my recent Amazon Purchases. A LOT of randomness that’s for sure but definitely some things I’m looking forward to getting most of the things set up outside!

Handheld Milk Frother

I LOVE this little gadget! I am obsessed with frothy, smooth and creamy coffee and this little gizmo does the trick. I have a Nespresso machine that comes with a milk frother, but you can only make hot milk.

With this tool, you can froth up almond milk, your favorite creamer – I love using this frother for my iced coffees.

Retractable clothesline

I plan to run this between the pool and our side fence. It will be perfect for hanging our towels after swimming, but a also look forward to line drying all sorts of things – delicate hand washables, winter coats (about to store those until next year!), sheets, bath towels, bedding – the list could go on and on!

Retractable Gates

We have an above ground pool and we have been thinking of ways to create a barrier that is not to clunky (like a metal gate) or too permanent that gets in the way of access/jumping from the deck into the pool.

I thought a retractable gate would be nice – thing is, we have a lot of area to cover, so I will be attaching 3 separate units with these zip ties

I got this idea from a retractable gate site that was charging $150 per gate (I would need 3…yikes) so I found similar ones for half the price and will just link these up the same way they do!

Coffee Bar Stir Sticks

You know I love swapping out my coffee stand seasonally, and these stir sticks will make the perfect addition to my summer decor!

Sausage potato Hash

This recipe I created to mimic an amazing hash I had at a brunch spot in Denver. Since I didn’t have the luxury of swinging by to enjoy this meal, I HAD TO RECREATE IT!

I ordered chorizo in mine, but we used sausage at home because I have that on hand typically.

YUMM! I could use a bowl of that right now!

Aldi Finds

For Thrifty Thursday I shared these tall rattan planters from Aldi. They are seasonal and back in stock now – R U N! When you compare these to the price and style of other rattan planters on Amazon (for example), these are literally dirt cheap in comparison ($103 v. $16.99)

There are $16.99 a piece at Aldi – again, excellent quality and the perfect size!

Last year, I purchased five of these containers and put one on our back patio, 2 flanking our front door, one next to the pool steps and one on the pool deck.

Here they are holding my Boston Ferns. Need an updated picture for you once I get my planters potted up today!

Another Aldi Fav Food Wise…

We LOVE their bagged brussels – normally we oven roast them with balsamic, olive oil, salt & pepper, but you could steam them or cook them on a skillet

Also, this Chicken Lo Mein meal is incredible! We served with chicken egg rolls – super easy dinner!

Fav pictures from the week!

Wishing you a restful and fun LONG weekend! Happy Memorial Day!

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