Friday Favorites~a weekly series where we share our favorite books, decor, fashion finds, recipes, podcasts, articles and more.
Good morning friends, how was your week? This is like a broken record. But it’s been another sad week, the Maine shootings, the escalation in Israel, the weather and storms. Lately, it seems rare to read the news and see something uplifting and positive. I cannot go without acknowledging these events, and all who are affected by these tragedies.
What are your plans for the weekend? Will you be attending a Halloween party? Halloween isn’t my thing, I do not like scary, creepy things. But I do love to carve pumpkins, pass out candy(maybe eat some too)and see all the cute kiddies. All of that is to say, no Halloween costume party for me this weekend.
If you are attending a party, what is your costume? And what is your favorite Halloween candy? I like Reese’s pumpkins and ghosts, and those little peanut butter candy in the orange and black wrapping, not sure they even have those any more.
Ok, let’s get to it, I have lots to share today on Friday Favorites.
FRIDAY FAVORITES NO. 556
FOOD~RECIPES TO TRY
Grilled cheese bagel breakfast sandwich with sliced apple, pear, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, arugula, and sunny-side up egg. Yes please! I love a good breakfast sandwich.
Sort of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, starts with rotisserie chicken making it easy and delicious.
Taquitos are the perfect snack to make for game day.
Virgin Mojitos, a refreshing mix of limes and mint. Make this non-alcoholic cocktail at your next party.
An easy last minute Halloween treat, chocolate covered pretzels with Halloween sprinkles.
LINKS TO READ+WATCH+LISTEN
Why are cafes, restaurants, and even towns banning influencers?
60+ Small Talk Questions to Get Real Conversation Flowing
It is either the best time in the world or the worst time in the world to be thirsty and indecisive.
How to Plan Your Own Murder Mystery Party
Why are we so bad at getting better?
How to Create an Interesting Plate Wall
Shop Round Top Antiques with Courtney.
The 40 Coolest Neighborhoods in the world.
The Best Books for Understanding the Israel-Hamas War
BOOKS
A Beautiful Blue Death
Equal parts Sherlock Holmes and P.G. Wodehouse, Charles Finch’s debut mystery A Beautiful Blue Death introduces a wonderfully appealing gentleman detective in Victorian London who investigates crime as a diversion from his life of leisure.
Charles Lenox, Victorian gentleman and armchair explorer, likes nothing more than to relax in his private study with a cup of tea, a roaring fire and a good book. But when his lifelong friend Lady Jane asks for his help, Lenox cannot resist the chance to unravel a mystery.
Prudence Smith, one of Jane’s former servants, is dead of an apparent suicide. But Lenox suspects something far more sinister: murder, by a rare and deadly poison. The grand house where the girl worked is full of suspects, and though Prue had dabbled with the hearts of more than a few men, Lenox is baffled by the motive for the girl’s death.
When another body turns up during the London season’s most fashionable ball, Lenox must untangle a web of loyalties and animosities. Was it jealousy that killed Prudence Smith? Or was it something else entirely? And can Lenox find the answer before the killer strikes again—this time, disturbingly close to home?
(FREE with Kindle Unlimited)
Begin the cozy mystery series that will have you trading sleep for one more chapter!
Beneath the grandeur of her newly inherited castle, ancient secrets and peril await.
Down-on-her-luck history professor, Cate Kensie, is thrilled to be thrust into a world filled with family history after a startling inheritance. Nestled in the heart of the misty Scottish Highlands, where ancient legends and modern living collide, rumors and dark tales swirl about Cate’s new castle.
Cate finds her once peaceful, private life upended by hidden secrets and puzzling enigmas. Driven by her passion for history and an insatiable curiosity, Cate embarks on a journey that not only unravels the mysteries but transforms her into a formidable sleuth. Guided by a cryptic note from her predecessor, she deciphers veiled clues and generations-old secrets. With each step, Cate is drawn deeper into a web of intrigue that not only risks her own safety, but the fate of a hidden legacy that could reshape history.
As the mysteries of the past beckon, will Cate find answers or become the castle’s next piece of history?
The Traveling Tea Shop
The road trip of a lifetime teaches one woman that love isn’t always a piece of cake in this charming novel.
Laurie Davis has always followed her passion. After escaping family drama to start a new life in New York City, she’s up for whatever challenges life brings. So when an opportunity arises for her to use her travel industry expertise and serve as an assistant and tour guide for her idol, Pamela Lambert-Leigh, star of television’s Tea-Time with Pamela, she jumps at the chance.
But Laurie’s exciting adventure ends up entailing a lot more than scouting locations for the cake queen’s new cookbook when Pamela’s sassy mother and sulky, rebellious daughter tag along for the trip. As they cruise around bakeries in New England trading local delights like Red Velvet Cake and Whoopie Pies for British specialties such as Victoria Sponge and Bakewell Tarts, more secrets than recipes are revealed.
Now, in between rediscovering romance, learning to forgive family, and finding the best dessert on the East Coast, Laurie, Pamela, and the gang might find there’s nothing a nice cup of tea, a sweet treat, and a little bit of friendship can’t heal…
If you have already read these books or missed something I have featured before on the blog check out My Bookshop on Amazon.
Fashion and Decor FINDS & SALES
Outfit of the Day
The sweater in this outfit is one I have eyed for many years, and has rave reviews each time I post it on the blog. This year might be the year I add it to my Christmas list. Paired with your favorite white t-shirt, a pair of jeans and black loafers or ballet flats and you are ready for a day at the farmers market, a lunch date or a day at home getting cozy.
Here are the outfit details: sweater//white t-shirt//jeans//loafers//bag//perfume//nail polish//scarf.
The great thing about this outfit is you already have everything in your closet, maybe not the same items but something similar.
Are you a fair isle sweater fan? Me too, I love the classic look of them and there are so many to choose from this year. This one is a favorite as is this one.
It is never too early to think about Christmas, in fact so many people already have their boxes out ready and waiting for Halloween to be over! When do you start to decorate?
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, As an Amazon Associate, if you make a purchase I will earn a commission.
So many good links! A Beautiful Blue Death sounds like one I’m going to have to pick up! I love that Becca cardigan, too! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend! Happy Halloween
So excited to dive into these links, Elizabeth! Our family’s annual spooky soiree is on Monday and I’m going as Joan Collins. I have not tried hot rollers in about 30 years so we’ll see how it goes. It’s always fun to see everyone dressed up. Earlier this week I read a post talking about the difference between “hoping for” and “hoping in” and it was fascinating. I had never really thought about distinguishing the two before after the recent events in Maine and the Middle East it helped me put things into perspective. I’ll definitely be adding my prayers to yours. Big hugs, CoCo
Coco, I would love the link to read the post about “hoping for” and hoping in. It sounds fascinating.
I love the idea of your family party, I thought it was such a wonderful idea when you shared it a few years ago. I cannot wait to see and hear more about it. I am sure that you are going to look amazing as Joan Collins!
Have a wonderful weekend. xo Elizabeth
This is my first visit to Bev Cooks and her witty writing and recipe sound delightful. I am going to check out her blog more frequently & thank you for introducing her to me. Since my day off is Halloween, I just might start bring out the Christmas tree. I work on my cards as I answer the door for trick or treaters at night – like addressing & stamping the envelopes then write messages on the inside on Sundays all Nov. long – it’s my time to catch up with far away friends. Thanks for all the great links!
I just wanted to let you know that I as one of your many appreciative readers, I appreciate the variety and inspiration you bring to us through the book selections, recipes, decorating ideas, links, etc…
Just wanted to say thanks!
Paula, THANK YOU! I so appreciate you letting me know. It is a challenge after all these years to come up with new things but I try. I am so happy that you enjoy the variety.
Have a wonderful day!