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Friday Favorites~a weekly series where we share our favorite books, decor, fashion finds, recipes, podcasts, articles and more.
Good morning friends, happy Friday Favorites. There are just 10 more days until Christmas, are you ready?
This weekend we are taking it easy, our holiday guests, including my mom arrive on Monday and then for 10 days after that we have a full schedule. We are going to a party one night, The Christmas Carol another, an open house and of course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations. In between there will be last minute shopping, wrapping and prep.
I am looking forward to a few quiet days at home reading and relaxing. What about you?
Ok, on to Friday Favorites, as per usual I have lots to share.
FRIDAY FAVORITES NO. 563
Food~Holiday Appetizer Ideas
Baked Gruyère in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic, oh my goodness! This looks amazing and I cannot wait to make it.
7 Layer Loaded Hummus Dip is an appetizer that I make often to tan not parties. It is easy and delicious!
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Whipped Goat Cheese with Bacon & Dates, another easy and delicious appetizer for your holiday entertaining.
This mini-cheese ball appetizer is great for parties, appetizer, dinner(with salad) and is just fun.
We made these Christmas Cosmopolitans last night with friends and they were delicious! Add them to your holiday cocktail rotation.
LINKS TO READ+WATCH+LISTEN
Interesting: Survey: America’s Favorite Modern Christmas Dishes for 2023
12 Sassy Comebacks For Every Annoying Question Your Family Asks During The Holidays
How To Ask For No Gifts This Holiday (And What To Do With Gifts You Don’t Need)
This Is What Happens to All the Stuff You Don’t Want
Why Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ became so popular — and stayed that way
How Parents Can Learn Mental Health First Aid (and Why You Should)
Step inside LOVISA’S COSY SWEDISH COUNTRY HOME AT CHRISTMAS.
Christmas with Skye McAlpine in a romantic Venetian palazzo
How to Make Stress Your friend.
Love this Champagne Wishes Holiday Home Tour and Story.
Books~ On my list and my bedside table
Strangers flock to Miracle Springs hoping the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. If none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked “comfort” scone, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That’s Nora’s special talent—prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person’s deepest pain. So when a visiting businessman reaches out for guidance, Nora knows exactly how to help. But before he can keep their appointment, he’s found dead on the train tracks . . .
Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to earn redemption by helping others. To join, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place. Now, determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cozy bookstore. And as they untangle a web of corruption, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge—proving it’s never too late to turn the page and start over . . .
Life doesn’t always serve up the perfect dish, but second chances are always on the menu
There’s nothing quite so beautiful as Paris in the spring; and when you add in the chance to learn the French way of food, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, who can resist? Not Gabi Picabea or Kate Evans who have come from Australia to Sylvie Morel’s Paris Cooking School.
Both are at a crossroads, and learning to cook the French way in Paris, far away from all their troubles, seems like the perfect escape.
Still bruised from a shocking betrayal by her ex-husband, Kate is trying to find a new place for herself in life, and emotional peace, while French-Australian artist Gabi is struggling with a crippling creative block.
Meanwhile, Sylvie herself is facing challenges of her own—a mysterious harassment campaign against the School and a reassessment of her relationship with her commitment-shy lover Claude.
For each of the women, that extraordinary April in Paris will bring unexpected twists and transformations that will change the course of their lives.
A delectable novel about love, hope and the consolations of the perfect strawberry tart, The Paris Cooking School is a treat for the soul.
Husband and wife GPs Alan and Heather Winterbottom have worked side by side in their idyllic rural practice for over forty years but now they’ve decided to hang up their stethoscopes and retire. Joy! Celebration! Or not . . . Heather dreams of exploring the Greek Islands, of escaping the shackles of her routine life and embracing an exciting new adventure. Alan dreams of growing his own vegetables.
When things come to a head at a family lunch, Heather announces that she has decided to take a year off. From her old life, from her marriage – from Alan. Alone in beautiful Greece, Heather embarks on her very own odyssey – complete with unforgettable experiences, pitfalls and temptations. But could what’s waiting for her back in Netherwood be Heather’s biggest adventure yet?
Charm School would make a lovely Christmas gift.
MORE BOOKS
If you have already read these books or missed something I have featured before on the blog check out My Bookshop on Amazon.
FINDS~SHOP FOR THE HOLIDAYS
OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
Sequins is everywhere over the holidays and you can dress it up or down. The same with a fair isle sweater. Here I paired a beautiful skirt with a warm sweater, but you could change it to a white blouse or a plain colored sweater. Swap the boots for slingback. All of the pieces can be dressed up or down and all of them will be in your closet for years!
UNTIL TOMORROW
I hope you enjoyed the recipes, links and books I discovered this week on Friday Favorites. If you did please share the post on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!
If you have missed a Friday Favorites post you can find them all here.
Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow for Weekend Meanderings with Kim and Juliet. Have a wonderful weekend.
This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
SALES Finds
It’s Time for Amazon Prime Days!
Monday Musings No. 125
Friday Favorites No. 577 from Foodess, What’s Gabby Cooking, Butter Your Biscuit, and more.
Friday Favorites From Hampton Hostess, Hello Lovely, Aspiring Kennedy and More
Cold and raining here, so not planning on going out. It’s at about this point in December when I’m looking toward January and winter! And reading!
Brenda
These recipes look amazing, Elizabeth. I’m excited about all your plans for the holidays. They sound like the perfect way to celebrate the holidays! Thank you for the book recommendations. It makes being in the car and traveling so much easier when you have something fun to listen to. Thank you so much for sharing my champagne wishes holiday home tour. I really appreciate it! Can’t wait to dive into all these links. Sequins feel like a good idea any day of the week! Wishing you and your family a Happy Christmas filled with love and laughter, CoCo