I Heart HGTV

I clearly have cupcakes on the brain. It’s been two baby showers in two weeks for me. While cupcake mania may be on the wane nationally, they still make the cut at most parties I attend. If I’m going to make them, and it seems I am, I want to make them cute. Fortunately, Liz has more cupcake decorating ideas.

I think this guy is my favorite for springtime.

Normally I fight the exclamation point. I say to our writers, “If you woudn’t yell it, a period will do.” But I would yell, “salsa!” today because we finally crested 80 degrees, tomatoes are planted, decks and patios are primed and salsa is one of the greatest pleasures of summer.

First up for me: I am going to use this salsa fresca recipe 100 times.

Then when I need to mix it up: I’ll try this fresh corn and avocado salsa recipe.

When summer is winding down and I can’t bear that it’s almost over: I will learn about canning salsa.

Where is your bowl? This one is all for me.

I am told that ducks are the new chickens. Must be true because I see a little spike in people searching with “What do ducks eat?” We’re here for you, people. You duck people.

Ducks love Swiss chard. That was news to me.

I cannot live in all of the cool houses. Sad but true. I love to look, though.

FrontDoor’s Cool Houses Daily serves up one unique home per day, every day. Not all of them look like a space ship, but this one does.

Bob Hope lived here.

For those curious about celebrity homes (so, basically, nearly everyone) it’s a must-have in the blog roll.

Roasting is my go-to way to cook a vegetable. My husband roasts broccoli with olive oil and garlic cloves and I cannot stop eating it until it’s all gone. Seriously, so delicious. Please try it. It will make you a happier person.

I’m coming to the realization that it’s not just for fall. Now I need to figure out what springtime produce can star in this roasted vegetable recipe. Tomatoes? Okra? I’m taking suggestions.

I want to stick my face in this forever.

This is exciting! For those who don’t know, the Webby Awards honor the very best of the web. Former winners include the likes of Al Gore and Prince. The best part: All acceptance speeches must be five words or less.

I’d love to see what Laurie March would say. She’s our very own House Counselor and a nominee for the people’s choice award in the DIY/How-To video category. Check out her videos and, if you agree with me that she is fantastic, please consider giving her your vote. If she wins, I’ll make her come over to I Heart and deliver her acceptance speech for you.

Vote! (Please)

This house. This pool. These chairs. The pillows. Even the fruit bowl. They could all belong to you. Mary has the the details on how you can win the HGTV Smart Home.

Please invite me over for a pool party.

I got married more than five years ago, but I still adore a chance to window shop for this particular big event. Our gardening site just published 9 beautiful wedding bouquets. This monochromatic stunner is my favorite.

Picture this beauty in front of a white wedding gown.

Want an up-close look inside this classic shingle Florida home?

Care for a tour?

Mary’s got the details on the Dreams Happen blog.

Yesterday I was all about a pool. I’m having second thoughts today, as I admire this Aspen ski estate:

For this I could learn to ski. Maybe.

It’s for sale! ($47.5 million, FYI) So are all the celebrity homes, amazing retreats, clever cottages and urban design shrines you’ll find on the fresh new FrontDoor.com. All the ogling, none of the closing costs.

I hope you’ll check it out and let us know what you think.