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Good morning friends. I cannot let the events of yesterday go unremarked, 12 U.S. Marines and one Navy Medic lost their lives alongside 90 or more citizens of Afghanistan(many children) and 18 other soldiers have been severely injured and flown out of the country. An ISIS suicide bomber(s) killed himself as well as all of these innocent people. I am devastated for the families of these people and my prayers are with them. Hug your family and friends and tell them that you love them, life can change in an instant.
How was your week? Did you send your kids off to their first day of school or are you an empty nester? Are you “over” summer and ready to move on to all things “pumpkin spice?” I am ready for cooler weather, it has been beastly here. I remember as a kid going back to school in August and wearing a wool uniform, it was horrible. I am looking forward to baking and nesting and getting ready for the holidays.
For those that have asked about the renovations, they are at a standstill. Our painter left to do another job that he had previously scheduled and our builder/contractor is working on the “numbers” for the bathrooms, kitchen and floors. As for the landscaping, we won’t even get the plans back for another 2 months. Honestly, I needed a break, it is hard to live in the midst of any sort of remodel and work and have 3 dogs barking all day long. As I have said before, we are resigned to a long renovation and we are ok with that.
On to the post, I have lots to share this week(when don’t I) so settle in and let’s get too it.
Food
In case you missed it this week I shared this easy and delicious Peach and Blueberry Crisp.
For those of you who are over run with tomatoes and cucumbers from your garden you might want to try this refreshing, easy recipe for gazpacho.
Traditionally you would make euros with meat that is cooked on a spit but with this recipe(which looks scrumptious) for Grilled Chicken Gyros you don’t need too.
Do you like taco’s? Shrimp? If so you will love this recipe for Spicy Shrimp Taco’s for Two.Â
If you don’t like seafood(I do not) you will might enjoy Crispy Cauliflower Tacos!
Next to pizza and pasta I love Poblano queso. and chips
With 10 minutes of effort this weekend you can have Earl Grey Scones for breakfast or tea.
Country Living calls these The Absolute Best Cupcake Recipe: Chocolate Chunk with Swirled Frosting FTW! I am going to have to bake them to find out.
This coffeecake is a delicious treat to make this weekend, it is blackberry, fig and peaches but you can add any fruit that you like!
Articles
Thoughts of Work Invaded My Life—Until I Learned How to Unplug
How to Work with Someone Who Creates Unnecessary Conflict
The Clickbaitification of Netflix
How to fight malaria during a pandemic
Photographer Shows How to Break 50 of the Strangest Laws Across the U.S.
Incredible Drone Photos Offer Bird’s-Eye View of Giza’s Ancient Egyptian Pyramids
Francophile’s you will enjoy, 7 French Artists to Listen to Now
The Middle East Is Becoming Literally Uninhabitable
This is so interesting. The death of the job What if paid work were no longer the centerpiece of American life?Â
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Why People Who Brush Still Get Cavities.
Why Do We Need Dolly To Be A Saint?
Who knew? ‘World’s Worst Invasive Weed’ Sold at Many U.S. Garden Centers.
Mad for Mushrooms. One woman goes deep in an exploration of her favorite fall fungi.
A stunning second act! Meet the people who changed course in midlife – and loved it. If you are looking for guidance to try your second or even third act my friends Diana of Third Act Quest is amazing and can help guide you to your new future.
Books
If you were not one of the fortunate people to take Zoom baking classes with American ex-pat Molly Wilkenson who is currently living in Versailles, during Coovid,  you can still make all of her scrumptious treats using her new cookbook French Pastry Made Simple: Foolproof Recipes for Éclairs, Tarts, Macarons and More . If you would like to know more about the book and Molly you can read an interview with Molly here.
If you are a fan of Edd Kimber,  The Boy Who Bakes you will want to order his first cookbook which is on sale for .99! And pre-oder his second book which is coming out in October!
Elizabeth and Her German Garden,  currently reading with Kindle Unlimited
The Scent Keeper is my favorite book that I read this summer.
The Bookseller of Florence: The Story of the Manuscripts That Illuminated the Renaissance, currently reading.
You can find more of my book recommendations on “My Bookshop” Pinterest Board.
Finds
Love this  It is only $12.99 fromÂ
Aren’t thesecute?
And thisI think this is a great transition piece for summer and fall.
Beautiful floweredThis is another favorite! If you have not shopped atlately then you should hop over and check out the new Fall offerings.
I hope that you found something to enjoy and that you will share your “Friday Favorites” with us as well. Have a safe and happy weekend.Â
The sadness around the world and here in our country is overwhelming. Blessings to you Elizabeth has you deal with the renovations 🙂
Always so many great suggestions! I struggle with not ordering so many great things! Oh, my! Thanks for always filling the world with much to contemplate and beauty to embrace. Have a great weekend, my friend!
Leslie, you are so very kind. Thank you! I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.
The events that took place this week are horrifying. I always enjoy your Friday favorites and have so many tabs open on my computer.
Thank you Paula!