Home and Food Reads | The Social Home & Nine + Sixteen

Hi everyone! Before I launch into into my third day of my favorite home and food reads, I wanted to tell you that somehow I’ve been nominated for Apartment Therapy’s “The Homies” awards.

I’m humbled and so appreciative to whomever nominated me for these blogger “Oscars.” I’m honestly not entertaining any delusions of winning – I currently have three votes and the big guns at the top of the list have upwards of 200 – but a big thank you to whoever you three voters are, and the rest of you, well if you want to pop on over to add to my “3”, please click here and I’ll send you out a big virtual thank you hug. You have to sign up with Apartment Therapy to vote, but it takes a mere moment and is free to register.

Now, my Wednesday faves! My home favorite for you today is The Social Home, written by the fabulous and funny Jen. I first came to Jen’s blog through the feature another Jen, of I Heart Organizing, did on Jen’s pantry-cabinet overhaul.

And a little bonus that makes this gorgeous pantry even more amazing? It was done almost entirely with dollar store supplies. Wow, right? And if you love those labels, well do I have some good news for you. Jen offers these and other lovely printable options in her Etsy store, The Paper Society.

The Social Home isn’t just a home blog, though. I guess you’d call it a lifestyle blog because there’s a little interior design, a little DIY, a little fashion, and a little food. Jen recently started following a vegan lifestyle and I practically saw the light bulb go off over my head when she posted recently about homemade “Larabars.”

I won’t be adopting veganism anytime soon, but love following along with Jen as she talks about healthy eating and her beautiful, contemporary home. Plus, she’s a total sweetheart. We first became “blog friends” when I e-mailed her about Vancouver “must dos” before my trip out west the end of this past summer. She sent me some great ideas that helped make Scott’s and my visit to her home city that much more fun. She’s been such a supportive friend and I hope you’ll stop over and see all the great things she has to offer here in blogland.

My food favorite for you today is Nine + Sixteen by Tessa. Tessa and I share a deep love for all things Barefoot Contessa, and much like the fabulous Ms. Garten, Tessa’s food is simple, comforting, and delicious. She recently shared her mom’s potato leek soup, which I haven’t tried yet, but is calling my name.

And homemade soft pretzels? Ummmm…YES.

I love the way Tessa talks about good food, enjoying life, and appreciating moments with her husband and two sons. Stop over and see all the delicious offerings at Nine + Sixteen!