FRIDAY FAVORITES...BIRTHDAY EDITION

So much goodness going at cha this weekend!! April is arriving and my Birthday on Monday and please tell me, warm temps with it! Easter is here to celebrate the greatest gift of all! Unfortunately Mr. Nine and I had to postpone our Chicago trip until May. Lots of factors and while I'm a little sad, one night is a little short. We planned it before realizing it was Easter and the weather looks horrid and since we like to be outside most of the time we are there, It'll be smart to wait until alfresco dining type temps the end of May. Brunch on Easter at our favorite swanky establishment (one of the very few swanky establishments) will do instead. Hope no one is on my way at the Mimosa Bar!! LOL!! 

  

1. Birthday's Past

My Birthday always has me reminiscing on the past and how they were spent. One of my favorite pictures of all time, my 2^nd birthday on April 2nd also happened to Fall near Easter that year so our relatives were up to visit including my Aunt Robin, my mom’s baby sister who is almost exactly a decade older than me (Her Birthday was Monday). 

Notice my cake was a bunny!

 "3"

 "21" ~ I got a Hope Chest, do you remember those? 

"45" in the city often for me Birthday ~ Chicago!

2. BOGO Sandals

Speaking of Target, BOGO on shoes had me like oh yeah, 2 sweet pairs landing in my closet. LOVE both of these super comfy and like $20 for both.

 BUY HERE

 BUY HERE

3. Week's Attire

The Loft peplum top and jeans, Payless Wedges

Gap Jean Jacket, The Loft Camo Pants, Nordstrom tee similar Here, cuff and booties 

Nordstrom sweater, Zella leggings, Macy's Ralph Lauren slides HERE

4. Floral Sweatshirt

Mindy Mae Sweatshirts are adorable but this one is a third of the cost at my local Meijer. It is so comfy and I have gotten so many compliments in it. The perfect lil casual Spring outfit to wear round town.

PINK ADIDAS Tennis Shoes HERE

More Inspo

5. MISC. FUN

TBB ASKS ~ MONDAY 

Can you believe Monday is time for the link Up TBB ASKS! We are channeling every Spring vibe we can to get the season here faster with this fun filled “Spring” edition! Please join us!

Wednesday Fashion Link-Up Themes
And join us as we make Wednesday Fashion Link-Ups themed for a couple months. Join that stylish fun too!

CADBURY COOKIES 
If you are a fan of Cadbury Eggs, you will love these limited cookies. I first tried them last year and whoa…so good. Love to have just one (80 calories) with a cup of tea.


I'm going to now have a Cadbury cookie and get this party started. And I was told by my blogger friends, I can celebrate all week! 
You do the same sweet peeps! 
HE IS RISEN!
HAPPY EASTER!!

Linking up with  Amanda // Friday Favorites  // High 5 For Friday // 5 on Friday // Fashion Friday

xoxo

BUTTERFINGER BLISS BARS

 When I was pregnant, I craved Butterfinger Blizzards from DQ. 

I never eat them now but when I saw a package of Butterfingers, my baking wheels started spinning, so I had to try a sweet treat of some kind seeing as I have a house full of boys who love butterfingers! These were such a hit, they were all devoured within 24 hours. This recipe is old but love pulling it out from time to time, ya know, when the craving for a Butterfinger hits. 
Yum  

I am all about substituting ingredients to make these babies less calorie laden. And guess what, you cannot even taste the difference. My husband even thought they were better this less fat and calories time around.

Now, let me tell ya, there is bliss in less calories!!

What you'll need-the I Can't Believe it's Not Butter sticks are terrific, tender baked goods every time!!

BUTTERFINGER BLISS BARS

INGREDIENTS

Crust-

16 whole nutter butter cookies or any other PB sandwich cookie

1/4 cup melted (1/2 stick) "I Can't Believe It’s Not Butter"

Cheesecake Filling-

1 (8 oz. Brick) 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sugar/stevia blend (I use Domino and love!)

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg

1/2 tablespoon whole wheat flour

6 fun size Butterfinger chocolate bars

Topping-

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 tablespoons "I Can't Believe It’s Not Butter" stick

 DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9x9 or 8 1/2 x 11 square dish with parchment/waxed paper and set aside. Grind nutter butter cookies in a food processor until the consistency of graham cracker crumbs or be like me and put them in a gallon bag and smash with a meat mallet. Pour in melted butter and mix. Press into prepared dish and set aside.

In a large bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Stir in egg, vanilla and flour. Finely chop butterfingers and fold into the cheesecake mixture. Pour over top nutter butter crust and bake for 18-22 minutes or until cheesecake has set. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled.

Pour chocolate chips and butter into a small bowl and microwave for 20-30 seconds. If your chocolate is almost melted, don't put it back into the microwave, just keep stirring, the residual heat will melt them. Spread melted chocolate on top of the bars evenly and place back into the refrigerator 5-10 minutes to harden the chocolate. Remove from refrigerator and using the parchment, remove the entire block of bars from the pan. Cut into bars and serve.  I like to cut into 36 small bars. Store in the refrigerator. Grab one quick, they'll be gone before you know it!

P.S. I am so honored to be the Blogger Spotlight over at KitchenThy.Me. Go check it out! Lots of Great recipes on that site! 

HAPPY TASTY TUESDAY

Linking up with Tuesday Talk // Wonderful Wednesday's Blog Hop // Full Plate Thursday // Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday // Creative Muster Party // Wow Us Wednesdays // Thursday Favorite things Blog Hop // Handmade Hangout // Grace At Home  // Two Cup Tuesday // The SITS Girls // Snickerdoodle Sunday // Dishing It & Digging It // Feathered Nest Friday // Metamorphosis Monday // The Scoop  // Best Friday Features //  
Meal Plan Monday #107  // Foodie Friday // Delicious Dishes Recipe Party // Celebrate 365 Blog Party ~ Chocolate

xoxo