Friday Favorites~a weekly series where we share our favorite books, decor, fashion finds, recipes, podcasts, articles and more.
Friday Favorites No. 665
Good morning friends! Happy Friday to you, are you having a good week? It’s been a busy week at the house. It would not be Christmas if we didn’t have a house project going on.
We have lived in this house 4 years and for 3 of them we have had some sort of renovation going on at the holidays. Last year it was the repairs from the tree and two bathrooms. This year we are having a fireplace installed in the former dining room now living room.
Unfortunately it’s not a real wood burning fireplace but it will still look beautiful and in my opinion complete the room. The fireplace surround and mantle will be the same dark blue as the room and will be installed where the table to the right of the tree is. Obviously it is not ideal to have work going on with people visiting over the next few weeks but it is what it is.
After the fireplace is installed, the room is getting repainted, the new curtains will go up and then the search for the perfect chairs will start. That could take awhile as we have been looking for 5 years and have never found the “one” that Bill likes, its either too tall, too small, sits to deep or some other issue.
Aside from that, we have been working, baking, wrapping gifts and just enjoying the season. I have been putting off a trip to the post office, that is a Christmas nightmare that I have to work up to. What about you? What did you do this week?
I have lots to share this week so let’s get to it.
FOOD
In the winter I crave comfort food and pasta is at the top of my list. This bolognese is at the top of my list to make this month,
What could be better than a one pot pasta meal? This One Pot Spicy Pesto Cheese Baked Rigatoni is for nights when you’re craving Italian, but also need something simple and easy to prepare. Everything Tiegan makes is delicious and this would be a great dish to serve when you have holidays guests.
What is on your Christmas morning menu? We usually have cinnamon rolls but this year I am looking for something new, this Christmas Star Bread might be just the thing. Made with fluffy yeast dough and filled with cinnamon and nuts.
Cranberry shortbread bars are a must at Christmas. This recipe could not get any easier, the crust and the crumble are the same dough, it’s all madden one bowl!
LINKS TO READ+WATCH+LISTEN
Here are the 2026 Golden Globe nominations
Ancient Greece to Turner v Constable: Seven of the greatest rivalries in art history
Professional Organizers Share How to Declutter Your Home Without the Stress
Shoppers loved the ‘fabric queen’. Then, order by order, her story fell apart
How “Cozy Lit” Became the Latest and Most Shameless Form of Digital Escapism
Why Your brain needs everyday rituals.
Willie Nelson is 92 and Feeling Lucky
It’s So Hard to Resist Overspending at Christmas – Here’s How to Reinforce Your Willpower
BOOKS
A Winters Dream
Liberty has never been a risk-taker. She loves the routine of her quiet life in the charming village of Willowbrook, with her Labrador, Charlie. But the arrival of a mysterious gift prompts Liberty to make some changes: starting with a daily challenge to say yes to everything for the month of December…
Fearless and independent, Alex could hardly be a less obvious fit for peaceful village life. But after an accident cuts short his promising motorcycling career, he finds himself in Willowbrook in search of new direction.
When the pair become unlikely housemates, sparks fly at Damselfly Cottage. Will living together prove impossible – especially when the first snow falls? Or, cut off from the outside world, can they help each other find what it takes to be brave this Christmas?
A Merry Little Christmas
In the snowy market town of Wetherly, Merry is about to take on her biggest project yet – the arrival of a new baby. She has always dreamed of being a mother, since losing her mum at a young age. Everyone is so excited, so why is Merry feeling terrified? And why is she struggling to open up to business partner and best friend Nell, whose help she needs at their thriving candle shop more than ever?
What Nell desperately wants for Christmas is a baby with husband Olek. But when she uncovers a shocking truth about Olek’s past, dreams of a family are turned upside down. Nell feels she has no-one to turn to, as Merry is wrapped up in her own plans for the new baby.
A Poem for Every Day of Christmas
A Poem for Every Day of Christmas is a splendid collection of thirty-one poems, compiled by award-winning anthologist Allie Esiri, to take you through the month of December.
Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with friends and family, this book is the ideal companion for the holiday season. It features festive poems and carols by Brian Bilston, Robert Burns, Wendy Cope, T. S. Eliot, Christina Rossetti. E. E. Cummings, Dylan Thomas, Clement Clarke Moore and many more.
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
A bright red sweater is perfect for not only the holidays but to add a pop of color to the cold winter days. Pair it with a white t-shirt or blouse, a pair of jeans and add a little plaid for a festive outfit.
Click the images to see the outfit separates
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, Juliet is taking a few weeks off.
I hope that you have a wonderful day, thank you for spending part of it with me.
Before you go, tell me what was the best things that you read, watched or did this week?
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On My Radar
Stocking Stuffers
More Plaid Shoes
Hostess Gifts
Good morning! Enjoyed your links today. I found the story about the Fabric Queen to be quite interesting. What a shame for all the people who did not get the fabrics they were promised.
Deanna, I thought the Fabric Queen was interesting too. So sad for the large amounts of money that so many people lost. Many of whom were small businesses.
HAve a wonderful week and thank you for reading the blog.
I had never heard of the fabric designer from the story, but I found it very interesting and sad for all of the customers who may never see their money. You always provide some interesting links!
Paula, thank you! I appreciate you saying.
Have a wonderful week.