Welcome to Friday Favorites, a weekly series where I share interesting articles, books, fashion finds, recipes and more.
Good Friday morning friends, how was your week? It was another busy one here, nothing exciting in the kitchen just a lot of finishing work on the gas lines, electricity and the dry wall. Our stone a I am happy for a little peace and quiet this weekend.
Today on Friday Favorites I have some scrumptious recipes for you to try, a pasta salad, lettuce wraps and a cocktail. Grab your favorite drink and settle in for to read the interesting articles and book recommendations and fabulous finds from around the web this week.
Friday Favorites No. 489 from Sugar and Charm, California Cravings, Paper & Snitch and More
Food
Image What’s Gabby Cooking
Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps are one of my all time favorite meals, although I will be honest I like to make them with ground beef. If you have never made these scrumptious Korean lettuce wraps pin this recipe so that you can add them to your meal plans.
A bevy of summer vegetables in one salad, Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad looks refreshing, delicious and like an excellent addition to your weekend menu.
Do you like watermelon salads? Try this watermelon rind salad with arugula and feta.
We are going to a happy hour cocktail party tomorrow and I am bring this hummus platter along with a dessert platter.
Italian Peach coffee cake, it’s what’s for breakfast! Add this coffeecake recipe to your weekend brunch menu, your family and friends will love it.
Friday night is cocktail night, tonight I am going to try this Gin and jam spritzer.
Interesting Articles
The Secret to Better Home Fries? Cook Them Like the French Do
Summer Really Is Getting Hotter — How to Prepare and Stay Cool
How to Keep Your Pets Safe in a Heatwave
I Stopped Reading the News. Is the Problem Me — or the Product?
The History of Ball Point Pens
The Secret Sounds of Notre Dames Bells
A Neurologist’s Tips to Protect Your Memory
Why a meaningful life is impossible without suffering
A Guide to Barbecue Around the World—in All Its Tangy, Spicy, and Charred Glory
There’s Nothing Fashionable About Being Late
Order of Operations in a Survival Situation
We know Greek statues weren’t white. Now you can see them in color.
Movies to Watch
I watched 3 great movies this week, I think you will enjoy them too!
Delicious (this was my favorite)
Books
Clara Kelley is not who they think she is. She’s not the experienced Irish maid who was hired to work in one of Pittsburgh’s grandest households. She’s a poor farmer’s daughter with nowhere to go and nothing in her pockets. But the woman who shares her name has vanished, and assuming her identity just might get Clara some money to send back home.
Clara must rely on resolve as strong as the steel Pittsburgh is becoming famous for and an uncanny understanding of business, attributes that quickly gain her Carnegie’s trust. But she still can’t let her guard down, not even when Andrew becomes something more than an employer. Revealing her past might ruin her future―and her family’s.
With captivating insight and heart, Carnegie’s Maid is a book of fascinating 19th century historical fiction. Discover the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie’s transformation from ruthless industrialist to the world’s first true philanthropist.
The Painter’s Girl(Free with Kindle Unlimited)
In case you missed my favorite Amazon Prime Days post I am sharing this book again as I really enjoyed it and think you will too.
Paris, 1860s. She could still see her little girl’s tiny hands; feel the smooth skin of her cheeks. She wanted to howl at the moon in rage and pain, but her throat was so tight she could hardly breathe. She would never see her daughter again.
For Mimi Bisset, survival is everything on the cobbled streets of the Paris slums. Every day she feels the secret pain of losing her daughter Colette: born out of wedlock and forcibly given away to a rich family. But Mimi’s world turns upside down after a chance encounter with handsome artist Édouard Manet. Boldly posing for portraits on Édouard’s chaise longue, Mimi feels a wild freedom – and soon a passion grows between them that breaks all the rules…
Desperate to forget her loss, Mimi throws herself into Édouard’s world. They dance all night at Paris’s new can-can clubs and drink absinthe at masked balls. But one day, strolling by the Seine on her lover’s arm, Mimi catches a glimpse of familiar green eyes… it’s Colette, with a family who Manet knew all along.
With the knowledge she kept her own child a secret tearing Mimi apart, she begs the man she loves to help win Colette back. With his money and connections, surely this is her chance.
But when Édouard betrays her trust, the only place she can go is back to the slums. Destitute and alone, can Mimi clear her name? Or will she have her heart shattered all over again by losing her daughter for a second, final time?
Spanish Sunrise(pre-order) Free on Kindle Unlimited August 16th.
A widowed father and his young daughter embark on a life-changing journey in a heartening novel of family and second chances by the bestselling author of The Singing Trees.
Adjusting to the death of his wife hasn’t been easy on Baxter Shaw—or on their eight-year-old daughter, Mia. Baxter has left his band and abandoned his dreams to focus on being a single father, but it’s not enough: Mia’s exhibiting escalating behavioral problems. And neither has been able to face the past head-on…until the past reaches out to them.
After surprising results from a DNA test, Baxter and Mia journey to southeastern Spain to connect with their mysterious roots. Staying in a centuries-old villa on a renowned olive oil estate, they come to know the family they never realized they had, including a woman whose strength and passion for the estate remind Baxter of the love he lost—and that it’s not too late to rekindle his own dreams.
For Baxter and Mia, it’s a healing season in Spain, and the romance of the culture awakens a new outlook on life. But when long-simmering family secrets surface and the estate’s fate is called into question, Baxter must choose to let go of the past if he ever hopes to find love and live again.
Italy, 1945. ‘Where am I?’ The young man wakes, bewildered. He sees olive trees against a bright blue sky. A soft voice soothes him. ‘We saw you fall from your plane. The parachute saved you.’ He remembers nothing of his life, or the war that has torn the world apart… but where does he belong?
England, present day. Antique-shop-owner Susannah wipes away a tear as she tidies her grandmother’s belongings. Elsie’s memories are fading, and every day Susannah feels further away from her only remaining family. But everything changes when she stumbles across a yellowed postcard of a beautiful Italian stone farmhouse, tucked away in Elsie’s dressing table. A message dated from World War 2 speaks of a secret love. Could her grandmother, who never talked about the past, have fallen for someone in Italy all those years ago?
With Elsie unable to answer her questions, Susannah becomes determined to track down the house and find a distraction from her grief. Arriving at what is now a crumbling hotel by the sparkling Italian sea, she feels strangely at home. And after an unexpected encounter with handsome wine waiter Giacomo, she can’t tell if it’s his dark eyes or his offer to help solve her mystery that makes her heart race.
Together they find a dusty chest tucked in a forgotten corner of the building. The white silk of a World War 2 parachute spills out. And the Royal Air Force identity tag nestled in the folds bears a familiar name…
With Giacomo by her side, and before it’s too late for her grandmother, can Susannah discover the truth behind a shocking wartime secret at the heart of her family? Or will it tear her apart?
If you need a few more recommendations you can find all of my book recommendations on “My Bookshop” Pinterest Board
Finds
If you aren’t tired of shopping after Amazon Prime DaysI found a few things you might enjoy. Did you shop Prime Days? What did you purchase? I bought a lot of books, and this dress on the recommendation of several blog friends. I will let you know when it arrives.
Sun Dresses
I like this Blue and white gingham sun dress, you can add a white sweater to keep you warm inside or outside on cool nights. It comes in several colors, I like the sunny yellow and the small flower print.
At J. Crew summer style are an extra 70% off. This yellow block print dress along with these pajamas and these sandals.
I love these Mixed bead earrings, they look handcrafted.
Nordstrom Sale
The Nordstrom sale is open now to the general public. I purchased this pair of sunglasses, I resupplied my favorite shampoo, and hair care products and I am trying out this lipstick on the recommendation of several friends. Last but not least I ordered this blue and white sweater and this very popular cardigan.
If you are planning your Fall wardrobe this quilted Barbour jacket(on sale) it is a great addition to your wardrobe. I love Barbour jackets/coats and own several, they look great, last for years and are classic! If you prefer a more tailored look this belted version is on sale as well.
For vintage finds and one of a kind items check out the sale on Chairish!
Until tomorrow
That is it for today friends, I hope you enjoyed all of my Friday Favorite finds. If you have a book(s) or recipe that you have tried or read this week that you think we need to know about please leave it in the comments.
Also, tell me, what did you buy on Amazon for Prime Days? And are you shopping the Nordstrom sales?
Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow for “weekend meanderings” with Kim and Juliet where we share all manner of things that you will enjoy including travel, weddings, family favorite recipes, adventures and so much more.
Have a wonderful weekend my friends.
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Friday Favorites No. 508 from Foxes Love Lemons, Savor the Best, The Sweet & Simple Kitchen and More
Friday Favorites No. 503 from Inspired By Charm, The Forked Spoon, Choosing Chia, Feel Good Foodie and More
Friday Favorites No. 502 from the Endless Meal, Well Plated, Aberdeen Kitchen and More
Spring Green
Your book recommendations always make me smile, so heartwarming and enticing. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Rachel, have a wonderful weekend!
Those dresses are adorable. Interesting article about how hot is going to be and that, as the planet continues to warm, it will get even hotter. I’d like to try the pasta salad. I’m just into heavy meals these days.
Brenda
Brenda, I hope that you are resting and healing from your surgery. I could not agree more about hot meals on hot days, honestly I do not even feel like eating when it is hot. Have a wonderful weekend!
Peach coffee cake sounds good.
Thank you William.
I could so go for a piece of that peach coffee cake this morning with my coffee.
It would be delicious I promise! Have a wonderful day Rosemary!
I think you would love this recipe! Happy Weekend.
Did someone say peach coffee cake? Thanks for sharing!!
Lori, I hope you try it! Have a great day!
I always look forward to your Friday posts. You always have the best shares! Thank you! I hope you’re enjoying your weekend!
Hope you’re having a great weekend! Love all the recipes, shows, and books you shared this week! Now I just have to find time to make, watch, or read one of them! There are not enough hours in the day, so I’m pinning for future reference! Thanks!
Thank you Donna, have a wonderful week!