Friday Favorites~a weekly series where we share our favorite books, decor, fashion finds, recipes, podcasts, articles and more.
Friday Favorites No. 667
Good morning friends, happy 2026. Did you have nice New Year’s eve? We had a quiet evening at home and were in bed reading by 9:00. What can I say, I am worn out after the month of December and all of the holiday fun.
You will find me home all weekend enjoying the last few days of my favorite time of the of the year. The time between Christmas and the New Year, in this case the first day back at “work” January 5th, has been relaxing.
We have had nothing on the agenda, in fact, there have been days when I have worn pjs all day. I have organized a few drawers and closets, purged some paperwork and broke out my new agenda. This coming week I will hit the ground running so I am resting up.
What about you? Have you enjoyed the last week? What are your plans for the weekend?
I have lots to share this week so let’s get to it.
FOOD
Hoisin Cauliflower and Coconut Rice Noodles, a delicious and easy bowl meal of rice noodles topped with crispy cauliflower & roasted brussels sprouts.
Small batch chicken poblano soup with shredded chicken, poblano pepper, and black beans.
Golden healing soup is one of my all time favorites, especially for this time of year when lots of people are falling ill with colds and flu.
This high protein cheesecake has me intrigued. I cannot wait to make it.
LINKS TO READ+WATCH+LISTEN
Why Are Modern Sober Women Pissing Everyone Off?
Seasonal Sickness on the Rise. Tips to Prevent Winter Germs
The Emerging Science of Being Hangry
4 Signs it’s Time to Bring Your Family to Therapy
Can we save travel’s most beloved tradition?
How Esther Perel Became the Modern Relationship Whisperer
How the tv Yule Log Stole Christmas
Are You Enjoying Our Linguine? How American tourists took over everything.
BOOKS
Cold winter days call for cosy books by the fire.
Freya Fuller is living her dream, working as a live-in gardener on a beautiful Suffolk estate. But when the owner dies, Freya finds herself forced out of her job and her home with nowhere to go. However, with luck on her side, she’s soon moving to Nightingale Square and helping to create a beautiful winter garden that will be open to the public in time for Christmas.
There’s a warm welcome from all in Nightingale Square, except from local artist Finn. No matter how hard the pair try, they just can’t get along, and working together to bring the winter garden to life quickly becomes a struggle for them both.
Will Freya and Finn be able to put their differences aside in time for Christmas? Or will the arrival of a face from Freya’s past send them all spiralling?
Cliff’s End Cottage is a local landmark. Perched on the South Devon coast, its garden has begun slowly toppling into the sea, yet the elderly and infamously stubborn owner Stella refuses to leave her home. When Holly, a young journalist and single mum struggling to make ends meet, decides to interview Stella about her life, at first she’s given short shrift. However, helped by a slice or two of cake and a couple of friendly cats, a tentative friendship begins to develop between the two lonely women.
Stella and Holly may live different lives, but over the cold winter nights, as Stella shares her story, the two women discover more and more in common. Time is running out for the house on the edge, but perhaps, together, Stella and Holly can find a new way forward.
Once Upon a Winter
Snow is falling heavily on Holly Way. Inside her cottage, Hannah is trying to fake some holiday cheer. Freshly dumped, just in time for Christmas, her sister and niece have come to share the day with her and she owes it to them to put a brave face on things.
But as they sit down to open their presents, they are interrupted by a knock at the door.
On their doorstep is a handsome man with a nasty cut on his forehead, no coat, and no memory of who he is or how he came to be there.
Once their unexpected guest is safe by the fire Hannah starts asking him questions to jog his memory. But although she learns nothing about his identity, Hannah can’t ignore the warm feeling she gets when he smiles at her. And it has nothing to do with the mulled wine.
When the snow finally melts and spring flowers bloom, will the man who arrived at her door be just a funny story for Hannah to tell next Christmas? Or will he be the key to mending her broken heart?
Looking for 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.
SHOPPING~Outfit of the Day
The stores are filled with “resort wear” and spring clothing, I am firmly ensconced in winter. This weeks outfit is classic and casual, a beautiful fair isle sweater paired with jeans and comfy Chelsea boots. If you are heading out add this lovely burgundy coat which is perfect for casual and dressy occasions and don’t forget a roomy bag to carry all of your stuff.
Outfit Links
Follow My Shop for more outfit inspiration.
UNTIL TOMORROW
I hope you enjoyed the recipes, links and books I discovered this week on Friday Favorites. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for Weekend Meanderings with Kim and Juliet!
I hope that you have a wonderful day, thank you for spending part of it with me.
Before you go, tell me what are you most looking forward to in 2026?
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On My Radar
Please please consider changing your font. I can’t be the only person who just gives up!
It,s too thin
It’s too light
Its San serif and very very hard to read!
I really enjoy your posts,, they are so well done, but I have real problems reading the text on this site and have decided to speak.
Of course I have the same proper with Make Mine A Spritzer
Linda, I am so sorry! I had no idea the font was so small. I will fix it! Thank you for letting me know.
Happy New Year!
I just printed out the recipe for Hoisin Caulifower and Coconut Rice Noodles…it sounds delicious, and I’m in the mood for some good Asian food. Thanks!