“Friday Favorites” a collection of my favorite books, recipes, finds and more from the past week.

Getting ready for some weekend baking.
Good morning my friends, a happy Friday to you. We are one week into 2022, can you believe it, how are you faring? Have you been sticking to your resolutions? Are you clearing out the clutter and organizing? If you need a few tips on starting the New Year right check out my 5 tips, they will help you can on track.

Friday Smiles Quote
The weather was crazy and the yard is a wreck as a result. So far we have cleaned for two days and we have not even made a dent in in the pinecones and broken limbs. Our landscape designer came yesterday to show us the plans, she was supposed to come last week but had an emergency, it was worth the wait. I am so excited with the plans and the plantings. There are lots of things to contend with here, including sandy soil and deer, but I was able to get the plants I love most including peonies, boxwood, holly, jasmine and the look of lavender without the deer eating it. My little cottage is going to look beautiful.
If you are new here you might not know this, but my dream is to live in Scotland, in a thatched cottage by a loch. As that is not a dream shared by my husband we comprise by visiting Scotland whenever we can and are trying to create a cottage in the new house. Yesterday we looked out the bedroom window and my husband pointed at the roof and said, “there is the thatched roof you dreamed of”, although not exactly a thatched, the roof was completely covered in pine needles.
Enough about me, grab yourself a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or wine and lets get to it.

Julia Child Quote
Food
Pasta is one of my favorite things to make and eat and this week I discovered an interesting recipe for Creamy ‘Nduja Pasta with Spinach.
Everything that Teighan from Half Baked Harvest makes is amazing. I have all three of her cookbooks and have never made a bad recipe. Tonight I am making her newest blog recipe for Korean Inspired Tacos.
This week I made Cashew Chicken from The Recipe Critic and it is delicious, easy and way better than takeout.
In case you missed it, yesterday I shared an easy roasted butternut squash and pumpkin soup that you might enjoy. If you don’t like squash you can find more comforting soup recipes here. Or you might enjoy this Creamy Taco Soup from Stacy Lives.

Home is a feeling
House & Home
What do you think of the Pantone color of the year?
Nancy Lancaster: Haute & Humble

Dr.Seuss Quote
Interesting Articles
The (Other) French Chef this is such an interesting article for fans of Julia Child and Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
The Tenacious Quest to Find the World’s Best Rice
DECEMBER 7, 2021 The Korean Temple Food Not Seen on Netflix
How South Korean TV Took Over the World
How Ireland Turned “Fallen Women” Into Slaves
Money Has Never Felt More Fake
We moved to a 4-day workweek last year. Here’s how it’s going
Who Can Afford To Live in the American West When The Locals Can’t?
Best Desert Botanical Gardens to Visit in 2022
50 Bucket List Ideas for Your Next Dream Trip
6 Ways to Delete Yourself From the Internet
It’s Time to Rethink What a Movie Is.
How to Make 2022 the Year That You finally Smash Your Goals
Temple Grandin is an Amazing Woman, if you are not familiar with her watch this video of her TED talk. Read one of her numerous books or learn even more about her life with Autism on .on her website.
Books

The Lobotomist’s Wife, a new book for the weekend.
The Lobotomist’s Wife: A Novel
Inspired by a shocking chapter in medical history, The Lobotomist’s Wife is a galvanizing novel of a woman fighting against the most grievous odds, of ego, and of the best intentions gone horribly awry.

Imogen Clark, Impossible to Forget
In this poignant novel from the bestselling author of Where the Story Starts, an extraordinary final wish brings five lives together forever.
Finds
I know that we just finished with Christmas but just in case you have a gift card to spend or are stocking up for next year here are a few things you might like.

Comfy plaid coat from Banana Republic
I could not resist this coat, because a). it’s plaid and b). it’s down and it is so comfortable. If you do not like puffer coats you might like this Italian wool coat instead. I think the rebranding of Banana Republic is a great thing. Make sure to go over and check out the beautiful photography on their website.
Review: I purchased the XS petite, not because I am petite but because apparently the regular sizes are sold out. I am 5’6 the coat is oversize and so the XS fits me great. It is soft, beautifully made and a great addition to your wardrobe.

Gorgeous and stylish fuchsia pants and cable knot sweater from Banana Republic.
I contemplated these fuchsia pink pants for the holidays next year but I decided against them because I already have too many clothes I do not wear. They are beautiful though.
You can find more of my finds below! By the way, if you love plaid, and frankly who doesn’t, a lot of the “finds” below are on sale.

Marcel Proust Quote
That is it for this week my friend, I hope that you have a happy and safe weekend. Thank you so much for stopping by today friends, I appreciate you spending part of your day here.
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Friday Favorites Pin
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Ha, I like your thatched roof story! There is moss growing on the roof of our garage (building separate from the house) which is cute in a storybook way when I look out the window, though I don’t think it is good for the roof shingles.
Cathy, I love the moss on the roof. I do not know if it good for the roof but it should die off when it gets hot, for now enjoy the storybook quality of it. Have a wonderful weekend.
Thank you for another totally fantastic post with wonderful links. The plaid coat!
Pine needle thatched roof makes me laugh!
Maywyn, thank you! The coat is fabulous!
Pine needle roofs? So true. Just didn’t want them to leave sap on our cars. Your yard sign sound beauttiful. Love spring in the south!
Linda, you are so right about the sap! Happy Weekend.
I almost ordered The Lobotomist’s Wife as my free Prime book this month, but opted for another one. I’d really like to read this book though.
Brenda
Brenda, I will let you know how it is. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.
I’d go for that pasta
I love that you woke up to a natural thatched roof! So excited for your landscape plans. Now that we’ve started the New Year, I fell like spring is just around the corner. Thanks for all the great weekend reading inspiration. I printed the taco recipe … looks so good. I love Half Baked Harvest too. Happy weekend! xo
Thank you for all of the links to enjoy.
Habe a wonderful weekend Paula.
Great post and so many lovely things to mull over – the coat is especially gorgeous but I just can’t buy another as I don’t even get to wear the ones I have too often!
Sounds like some serious, beautiful landscaping planned!
Teigan is amazing – her whole story wonderful!
Elizabeth, we just came in from taking a porch break with hot chocolate and a big fat reindeer marshmallow – a cute packaged Sur La Table stocking stuffer gift from granddaughter, but far too pricey – I think I taught her to only buy good quality items, lol!!!!! I wrapped a big knitted throw around me and as the sun was out it really wasn’t cold.
Same granddaughter left for a weekend in Asheville with boyfriend today – we managed to treat them to the last Candlelight Biltmore tour tonight – gosh how expensive that venue has become – so hope they enjoy!
Happy weekend dear.
MAry, I can picture you with a cup of chocolate and fat fluffy marshmallows on your porch. The weather here has been so strange as you know, hot and then freezing. I do not need another coat but when I see a plaid I have no sense of reason. I will have to donate a few of my coats in exchange. I love the Biltmore!!! You are so right, it has gotten so expensive over the last few years. Of course I am sure it is very expensive to keep the place running. Take care my friend!
I’m loving all the plaid! Thanks for sharing all the recipe links as well…now I’m in the mood for soup. One of my plans for the new year is to try some new recipes so this is a great start for me. Enjoy your weekend!
Shelley
There are so many great recipes from so many bloggers. I highly recommend Half Baked Harvest and Smitten Kitchen, everything I have ever made from their books and blogs are amazing.
So many fun and interesting finds! I think it would be so cool to live in Scotland, too. Thank you so much for sharing my creamy chicken taco soup. <3
Such a wonderful post, Elizabeth! I love this collection of fun finds!
How did I miss the butternut squash pumpkin soup. I jumped overf astt o Pin it.
My husband used to go to Scotland on business yearsa go. I loved thatched rooves.
Cindy, Scotland is an amazing place, actually my favorite place that I have ever visited. I hope that you enjoy the soup!