Friday Favorites~a weekly series where we share our favorite books, decor, fashion finds, recipes, podcasts, articles and more.
FRIDAY FAVORITES NO. 625
Good Friday morning to you friends. How was your week? It was busy here with work, appointments and guests in town. I am looking forward to a quiet weekend.
This week the landscape architect came to assess the front beds. Sadly some of the original plants just never did well and have already been replaced once so we are pulling them out and others were damaged by the tree. I am excited for the new plans.
I also ordered my wildflower seeds, I think I am too late for the poppies as they should really be started in the Fall but I am sure the others will be colorful and beautiful.
What are your weekend plans?
Food
On busy weeks I like to make easy comforting meals, here are three I think you will enjoy.
I love a meal that is quick and easy to make, this citrus ginger chicken takes 30 minutes from start to finish.
Love French onion Soup? Meatloaf? How about a French Onion Meatloaf for dinner?
Rich, creamy, delicious sour cream beef noodle casserole.
Bar cookies are my favorite thing to make, you use one dough for the crust and the topping! Then you fill the inside with whatever fruit or jam that you have on hand. Why not try these roasted cherry shortbread bars.
LINKS TO READ+WATCH+LISTEN
8 ‘Micro-Habits’ That Can Help You Live A Happier, Healthier Life
Flushed Away The crappy lie Americans still believe about their toilets.
Your Boss Wants You Back in the Office. This Surveillance Tech Could Be Waiting for You
10 Life Choices You Will Regret in 10 Years (And Maybe Even Sooner)
Can spicy foods cure colds? A neuroscientist reveals the encouraging truth
Animals are more rational than you think
Huh? The valuable role of interjections
Books
The Woman in the Wallpaper
An atmospheric blend of historical fiction and psychological suspense set against the turmoil of the French Revolution, The Woman in the Wallpaper is Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingalemeets the historical thriller bestseller The Frozen River. When Sofi and Lara, two sisters uprooted by their father’s death, begin work at the famed Toile de Jouy wallpaper factory, they notice something chilling: a recurring figure in the wallpaper—a woman whose tragic history may now be repeating itself.
After leaving their family home in Marseilles, Sofi and Lara settle in a quiet village near Paris. But life at the factory is far from peaceful. At the heart of the wallpaper’s idyllic vignettes is the haunting image of Madame Justine, the factory owner’s late wife, whose untimely and suspicious death still casts a shadow. As Lara finds herself drawn to Josef Oberst, the enigmatic son of the factory owner, unsettling parallels emerge between her life and the tragic events depicted in the wallpaper. Dreams turn dark, suspicion deepens, and Lara begins to fear that her fate may be inextricably tied to the ill-fated Justine.
The recipe for a perfect summer…
Step 1: Mix together a group of mature students
Step 2: Add in a handsome host
Step 3: Season with a celebrity chef
Step 4: Bring to the boil at a luxurious cookery school in France!
Waltho Williams has no idea what he’s letting himself in for when he opens the doors to his beautiful French home, La Maison du Paradis. But with dwindling funds, a cookery school seems like the perfect business plan…
Divorcée caterer Caroline needs to be able stand on her own two feet. While warm-hearted Fran hopes to help her beloved husband fulfil his lifelong dream. And for food journalist Sally it’s a PR opportunity – until a certain celebrity chef gets under her skin…
But will the eclectic group be a recipe for success, or will the mismatched relationships sink like a souffle?
Whip out an apron, grab a wooden spoon and take a culinary trip to La Maison du Paradis…
Beach House Rules
The latest from friend and fellow blogger Kristy Woodson Harvey! Pre-order Beach House Rules!
When Charlotte Sitterly’s husband is arrested for a white-collar crime, she and her daughter Iris are locked out of their house by the FBI and—what’s potentially even worse—thrust into the spotlight of @JuniperShoresSocialite, the town’s snarky anonymous Instagram account. Cut off from her bank accounts and feeling desperate, Charlotte takes up an acquaintance’s offer to stay at a beachfront former bed-and-breakfast that’s home to a community of single mothers and draws plenty of gossip in the small coastal North Carolina town.
Charlotte and Iris find solace and are surprised by how much fun they’re having with the other families despite their circumstances. But when the women discover a secret link between them, it changes everything they thought they knew about the unconventional family they’ve created and leaves them wondering whether their coming together was a coincidence at all. Will the skeletons in the mommune closets help Charlotte and Iris reclaim their place in the Juniper Shores community—or shatter the sisterhood forever?
“Perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Jennifer Weiner” (Country Living), Beach House Rulesis a charming exploration of the joy of friendship, the true meaning of family, and reclaiming the power to reshape our own destiny.
Need More Book Recommendations?
If you have already read these books or missed something I have featured before on the blog check out My Bookshop on Amazon.
Window Shopping
There are lots of sales on winter separates which many of us will still be wearing on and off for a few weeks. But the stores and my carts are filled with Spring pieces.
This week I put together an out for spring and summer. A beautiful and classic blue and white skirt, paired with a white t-shirt and a cardigan for days when you need something to keep you warm in the morning and evening. Paired with ballet flats you already own and a tote! This tote can be used for days out, going to the farmers market, to the beach, pool and even as a carry on.
Outfit Details
Click the images below for all of the details.
Until Next Time
I hope that you found something to read, make and to enjoy on Friday Favorites. Don’t forget WEEKEND MEANDERINGS tomorrow with Kim and Juliet!
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On My Radar
Perfect posting for my day. All the books look great. I was going to make meatloaf tonight for dinner, and when I saw your posted recipe for French Onion Meatloaf, I was happy to find all the ingredients called for on hand. It’s baking in the oven now. Husband was just hovering over the caramelized onions. LOL. Have a great weekend!
Thank you Deanna! I would love to know how you liked the meatloaf.