Welcome to Friday Favorites, a weekly series where I share interesting articles, books, fashion finds, recipes and more.
Good morning friends, happy Friday Favorites No. 523!
It’s a gray, rainy morning. A drizzle really; that isn’t doing much to wash away the inches of green pollen that cover every surface outside and manage to coat the inside as well. I was hoping for the sort of rains that seems to wash away the grime of the world.
We have a low key weekend planned. Tonight we are going for cocktails and dinner with friends. Then tomorrow, we are headed to a new to me, antique store to look for lithographs. I am very excited because they have several by botanical artist Elizabeth Blackwell. Although I am not in the market for botanical art I cannot wait to see her work after reading so much about her over the years.
Saturday night my niece is coming for dinner, dominos and a sleepover. I am sure there will be a dance party as well.
What are your plans for the weekend? Did you wake this morning to snow? My mom, in Wisconsin, sent me a a winter wonderland.
Ok, enough about me, let’s get to all of the delicious recipes, interesting links, and finds I discovered this week.
Friday Favorites No. 523
Food
This smothered chicken looks like a hearty comfort food for the cold days still ahead.
Chicken Pozole Verde is a Mexican stew that will warm you on the cool days of Spring.
Irish cheddar and caramelized onion scones, are on my list to make this weekend. My husband loves scones and these sound delicious.
If scones are not your thing you might want to try these Hawaiian Roll Breakfast sliders.
Chocolate Pretzel Magic Bars anyone?
Links
22 Things You Should Have Learned in High School and Where You Should Learn Them Now
Van Dyck Painting Bought for $600 Sells for $3 Million at Auction
The Vipp Pop-Up Palazzo: Scandi Minimalism in an Italian Baroque Setting Turned Temporary Hotel
You Can Stop Worrying About Finding Yourself
In Defense of Worn Out and Used Handbags
The Weird (and Wired) Truth Behind What’s Really in Coca-Cola
The Case for Spoilers: Why Some People Are Happier Knowing How the Story Ends
Does Anyone Mend Clothes Anymore?
3 Easy Ways to Dry Flowers for Decor
A German garden filled with a spectacular display of tulips
Books
I read this book yesterday and loved it.
Forty years ago, aspiring writer Ann Fawkes left the United States for a Mediterranean adventure that opened her heart to travel and love. After a chance encounter propelled her into the publishing world, she released her first novel, an instant bestseller—and the last book she ever wrote.
Now, Ann lives a reclusive life in the San Juan Islands, hiding from the public and its probing questions. But when podcaster Maggie Whitaker convinces Ann to sit for an interview, Ann agrees on one condition: Maggie must keep her story off the record.
Determined to change Ann’s mind before she loses her job, Maggie agrees. But as she learns about Ann’s life—particularly the love affair that inspired her novel and the decisions she made in its wake—Maggie realizes Ann’s story intersects with her own in shocking, life-changing ways.
A sweeping, heart-wrenching novel that spans decades and continents, Halfway to You explores the distances we create between ourselves and the ones we love most and what it takes to finally bridge them.
n 1760, Deborah Samson is born to Puritan parents in Plympton, Massachusetts. When her father abandons the family and her mother is unable to support them, Deborah is bound out as an indentured servant. From that moment on, she yearns for a life of liberation and adventure.
Twenty years later, as the American colonies begin to buckle in their battle for independence, Deborah, impassioned by the cause, disguises herself as a soldier and enlists in the Continental army. Her impressive height and lanky build make her transformation a convincing one, and it isn’t long before she finds herself confronting the horrors of war head-on.
But as Deborah fights for her country’s freedom, she must contend with the secret of who she is―and, ultimately, a surprising love she can’t deny.
On my wish list
Great Houses, Modern Aristocrats
This stunning book presents the intriguing stories and celebrated histories of some of the leading families of Great Britain and Ireland and the opulent residences that have defined their heritages. The history of England is inextricably linked with the stories of its leading aristocratic dynasties and the great seats they have occupied for centuries. As the current owners speak of the critical roles their ancestors have played in the nation, they bring history alive. All of these houses have survived great wars, economic upheavals, and, at times, scandal. Filled with stunning photography, this book is a remarkably intimate and lively look inside some of Britain’s stateliest houses, with the modern-day aristocrats who live in them and keep them going in high style. This book is perfect for history buffs and lovers of traditional interior design and English country life.
Need more book recomendations?
If you have already read these books or missed something I have featured before check out My Bookshop on Amazon.
Finds
Outfit of the Day
bluebell flower dress//sandals//hat//glasses//bag//nail polish//bracelet
H & M has some great pieces for Spring. I love these napkins,
And this wrap! Add the pants too!
This flower dress is beautiful and so is this hat.
This poster would be great for kids.
UNTIL TOMORROW
Have a great day friends. I hope you found something to read, make or enjoy on Friday Favorites. If you make one of the featured recipes let us know how you liked it or if you have a book to that you think we need to read please leave it in the comments.
Thank you for spending part of your day with me, I always appreciate it. If you have missed a Friday Favorites post you can find them all here.
I hope to see you back here tomorrow for Weekend Meanderings with Kim and Juliet.
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Friday Favorites No. 525 from Once Upon a Chef, A Cookie Named Desire, Inspired by Charm and More
Kylemore Abbey, Resort Wear and More on Weekend Meanderings
Friday Favorites No. 524 from Well Plated, Creme de la Crumb, Simply Delicious and More
Friday Favorites from What’s Gabby Cooking, The Suburban Soapbox, The Forked Spoon and More
I have no clue where you find the great articles that you share! I taught many of those basic skills and I had to share it with a friend at KY Dept of Ed to make sure we are stepping up and covering some of these more in depth. Thanks for Friday Favorites. Always a great read!
Please tell me the name of the shop with the botanicals and the phone number please,thanks for another wonderful,post, Fondly, Jane Roscoe
Hello Jane, I visited the store this morning and they have lots of botanicals, including the Elizabeth Blackwells. They are a wonderful find and very rare. If you are interested in them call the store and speak to Patrick, he is the owner. I mentioned you would call. https://leclairsgeneralstore.com
I hope that you find something wonderful!
Those magic bars look like a recipe I used to make. I can probably recall it and maybe make them again. Thanks for the reminder! I don’t agree with the bed styling. Who needs that many pillows on their bed? That would frankly be aggravating to me. But to each their own. I love the cloth napkin and how it’s folded. Doubt I could repeat that. It’s a sunny day here and the birds are chirping.
Brenda
Hello Brenda,
I will be honest, some of the styling tips were over the top to me. On our bed we have a king pillow and a standard each. I like to sleep with both my husband only likes one.
Let me know about your recipe, I want to try it too!
Have a wonderful weekend.!
Those breakfast sandwiches look yummy. I just put My Way To You on my TBR list. Sounds like you have a fun weekend ahead!
Have a great weekend Katie!
The scones look good.
Thank you William have a wonderful weekend.
I just read one of the most interesting books “Upstairs in the White House” by J.B. West. It is an older book (published in 1973), but I had not read it before. Our book club really enjoyed it.
Beverly, thank you for the book suggestion! I am going to check my library and Amazon! I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!
Always love your Friday Favorites Elizabeth….so much to enjoy! I am thinking of the smothered chicken recipe…it looks so good! Wishing you a lovely week ahead…loving your ideas for planting a wildflower garden! xxx
I hope you enjoyed your visit to the new to you antique store, Elizabeth, and that you had a wonderful weekend. I’m going to try to get a copy of the book Great Houses, Modern Aristocrats. I think I would really enjoy it, and it looks so lovely. Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration you share. Have a lovely week ahead!
April, I think you would enjoy Great houses. I cannot wait to get my copy! I broke down and ordered it. Have a wonderful week April.
I can relate to your issues with pollen! We are covered in it here in FL!! It’s a constant battle this time of year! Those magic bars look so yummy and are similar to a recipe my Mom used to make all the time! Thanks for all the great links! Have a great week!
I never had a problem when we lived in Florida or Va, but these last two years I am really suffering. Hopefully we only have a few weeks to go Donna. May I ask, do you take anything for it?
I love Magic bars, they are so easy and delicious.
Have a wonderful week.
Saved the article about drying flowers. I have so many projects on the go but I’ve always wanted to do that!
Rachel, I think you can also dry flowers between the pages of books. Or if you find an old tennis racket cover, the wood ones with the screw, a lot of people use those to dry flowers.
Have a wonderful weekend.