Hello, Friday! Link Roundup

Happy Friday! Ugh ... this week. First, I was struck down with a mysterious headache/nausea for a few days, and then when that went away, I got a massive case of acid reflux. I'm still recovering from that lovely ailment.

My kind of taste test!

Well, now that I've given you way TMI about my boring health issues, let me tell you about something fun I did last weekend. I was invited to attend a panel discussion on olive oil at The Food Conference. It was really fascinating. The panelists talked about how olive oil production has changed over the years, and how that has affected the quality of the oil. Although there is good olive oil being produced around the world, there was a consensus among the panelists that most of the olive oil purchased at supermarkets and consumed at restaurants (even upscale ones) in the U.S. is not very good. One thing that I found really interesting is that most Americans consume only 1 liter of olive oil a year. I don't know about you, but I use olive oil for pretty much everything. I probably go through a liter every month or two!

After the discussion, we were able to taste four olive oils from Nar Gourmet. Each of the oils, which are produced in Anatolia, Turkey, had a distinctive, lovely taste. After the discussion and taste test, I'm really interested in learning more about olive oil.

On to my favorite links from the week!

Tomorrow is National Grilled Cheese Day, so don't forget to mark the holiday. I'd love to try any of these grilled cheese sandwiches: Roasted Apple and Brie with Thyme-Infused Butter, Artichoke Arugula Pesto, Tomato Basil, or Mushroom and Kale. Check out my Sandwich Pinterest board for even more ideas!

These DIY Beaded Candleholders from Homey Oh My are so pretty.

I love snap peas, and Foody Schmoody's Warm Snap Pea Salad caught my eye right away. It looks so good!

If you have a black thumb and are looking for easy-going plants, succulents are it. Pick up some plants and then check out The Golden Sycamore's super cute Painted Mason Jar Succulent Planter tutorial.

Chrysler Building and Grand Central view on a walk in Midtown.

Simply Gloria has a recipe for Huevos Rancheros with Fresh Tomatillo Sauce (one of my favorite breakfasts) that you need to check out.

Don't think you have time to get crafty? Try this 30 Second DIY Cuff Bracelet from Artzy Creations. It's seriously gorgeous!

According to Sweet Paul, this is the World's Best Cake, and I've never doubted him.

The idea of Christmas crackers fascinated me as a kid (how I even heard of them, I'm not sure), and I've still never had one. I may need to make the Easter Crackers from A Typical English Home to finally satisfy my curiosity.

I got new business cards - which I designed myself -  for my blog!

An awesome table at Dylan's Candy Bar!

Finally, a good cocktail is in order! My husband and I used to throw a Derby party every year and served Mint Juleps, of course. Have you ever had one? They are super strong, so just imagine the mayhem that ensued after a few hours of drinking those. Anyway, these Sparkling Mint Juleps from The Kitchen Is My Playground look like a fun twist on a classic. Cheers to that!

P.S. Follow me on Pinterest to keep up with everything that catches my eye!