Friday Favorites from Fox Valley Foodie, The Cookie Rookie, Simply Whisked and More

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Good morning! Happy weekend to you. Spring is in the air here, daffodils are popping up, pink blossoms from Cherry and Redbud trees are floating on the wind and the temperatures are rising. We are going to a party Saturday and other than that I am not sure what the plans are. What are your plans?

I hope that you enjoy my finds for the week. 

Food

This Brat Burger from Fox Valley Foodie is a great alternative to a traditional burger. 

Coconut Braised Chicken from The Cafe Sucre Farine or 

Baked Chicken Caesar from The Cookie Rookie are both easy, delicious and comforting. 

Warm, creamy Garden Vegetable Soup from Simply Whisked is perfect in any weather. 

Chocolate Loaf Cake from Nigella Lawson.

Articles

Wellness Versus Wellbeing: What You Need to Know

7 Self Care Habits to Develop at Work

New Studies Link the Arts to Crucial Cognitive Skills

Turn Back Time: What it Means to Wear a Watch in the Era of Mobile Phones

40 Life Experiences You Will Never Forget

Bikes and Books in Afghanistan: Improving Literacy with a Mobile Library

If you are interested in more information about MEXIT, here are More Details About Harry and Megan’s Exit From the Royal Family.

Where Women Rule: The Last Matriarchy in Europe in Pictures

Everything You Need to Know About Chocolate

Stop Doing These 35 Things.

Music

If you like cello music than you will enjoy Classic Hauser(FREE streaming with Amazon Prime.

 Classic Cuts(, Music your pets might enjoy, when you are away( free streaming with Amazon Prime). 

Books

The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want By Being Present in the Life You Have. 

A new edition of the #1 NYT’s bestseller by Mark Nepo, who has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time” and “a consummate storyteller.”

Philosopher-poet and cancer survivor Mark Nepo opens a new season of freedom and joy―an escape from deadening, asleep-at-the wheel sameness―that is both profound and clarifying.

His spiritual daybook is a summons to reclaim aliveness, liberate the self, take each day one at a time, and savor the beauty offered by life’s unfolding. Reading his poetic prose is like being given second sight, exposing the reader to life’s multiple dimensions, each one drawn with awe and affection.

The Book of Awakening is the result of Nepo’s journey of the soul and will inspire others to embark on their own. He speaks of spirit and friendship, urging readers to stay vital and in love with this life, no matter the hardships. Encompassing many traditions and voices, Nepo’s words offer insight on pain, wonder, and love. Each entry is accompanied by an exercise that will surprise and delight the reader in its mind-waking ability.

Finding the Gift: Daily Meditations for Mindfulness

In Finding the Gift, Angela Howell has captured 366 unique meditations to help us see life from a greater perspective so we can really “get the lesson” and apply new insights to our own lives. With just the right touch, Angela guides us to live with more passion, purpose and impact. As we embrace mindful living and improve how we show up in the world, the world becomes a better place for everyone.

The Scent Keeper 

Erica Bauermeister, the national bestselling author of The School of Essential Ingredients, presents a moving and evocative coming-of-age novel about childhood stories, families lost and found, and how a fragrance conjures memories capable of shaping the course of our lives.

Emmeline lives an enchanted childhood on a remote island with her father, who teaches her about the natural world through her senses. What he won’t explain are the mysterious scents stored in the drawers that line the walls of their cabin, or the origin of the machine that creates them. As Emmeline grows, however, so too does her curiosity, until one day the unforeseen happens, and Emmeline is vaulted out into the real world–a place of love, betrayal, ambition, and revenge. To understand her past, Emmeline must unlock the clues to her identity, a quest that challenges the limits of her heart and imagination.

Lyrical and immersive, The Scent Keeper explores the provocative beauty of scent, the way it can reveal hidden truths, lead us to the person we seek, and even help us find our way back home.

If you have not read The School of Essential Ingredients

or the Lost Art of Mixing they are both fabulous!

Vanilla

Vanilla is a remarkable spice with a truly remarkable history.

Brought to Europe by Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés in the 16th century, vanilla became something of an obsession for Queen Elizabeth I. Later known as ‘black gold’, for vanilla’s rarity was more precious than gold, it has in recent years lost its luster and become synonymous with all things bland. This book seeks to re-establish vanilla’s lofty perch as one of the most exciting and cherished ingredients on the planet. This book will show you how to use this wondrous spice in a fantastic array of cakes, such as Elderflower and Almond Cake as well as delicious desserts like Persian Rice Pudding. Why not sit back and enjoy a rich, velvety Vanilla Hot Chocolate from the drinks section? You can also inject a little bit of magic into teatime treats with the heavenly Vanilla Scones. If you’re looking for something a little different, why not try one of the sensational savoury dishes to delight and surprise your dinner guests? These dishes showcase the extraordinary versatility of vanilla—truly the king of spices.

Finds

If want to add some vibrant glass beads to your decor TJ Maxx has some beautiful cobalt blue. If you find them in the store they are a few dollars less than if you purchase them online. 

I am starting to add a few touches of Spring to my house and wardrobe. This Laura Geller nail polish is a great color for Spring and Summer. 

If you are looking for a new scent for Spring try Aqua di Parma Peonia Nobile. You can find it at TJ Maxx for $99.00 and you can find the same size and perfume at Saks for $210!

Have a great weekend.