Friday Favorites~a weekly series where we share our favorite books, decor,  fashion finds, recipes, podcasts, articles and more.

Good morning friends, it’s Friday. Is it just me or does the month of December seem to be going by at warp speed? After this weekend I am slowing down to enjoy the holiday and gasp, make plans for 2024.

We are gearing up for a weekend of fun. My dad is flying in today with my sister to celebrate his 85 birthday. He said that the only thing he wants for his birthday is a photo with his 4 children. Such a simple and lovely request and something that hasn’t happened in quite some time.

Aside from celebrating his birthday we will be attending a few Christmas events, a dinner and having a game night. A busy but fun few days.

What are your weekend plans? Have you decorated your house? Baked any cookies? If you need a few recommendations check out yesterdays cookie exchange. My friends shared so many beautiful cookies that I think you will love and will be a delicious addition to your cookie tray.

Ok, on to Friday Favorites, as per usual I have lots to share.

FRIDAY FAVORITES NO. 562

FOOD~RECIPES TO TRY

Hot soup on a cold day is the ultimate comfort food. Add this fire roasted white bean soup to your weekly meal plan this winter.

Don’t these Loaded French Onion Baked Potatoes look scrumptious? I think this is a great recipe when you have a house full of holiday guest.

Tender Braised Beef Pappardelle with Creamy Burrata looks comforting and delicious! I cannot wait to make this.

Hosting a holiday party? Try this cranberry bourbon punch is easy to make and delicious! It might even become your signature cocktail.

Holiday Peppermint Espresso Martini, a twist on your favorite cocktail.

LINKS TO READ+WATCH+LISTEN

The Power of Believing that you can improve

What We Know About the ‘Mystery’ Dog Illness

Malls Get a Second Life as a Lifestyle Hub

Unpacking the psychology of gift giving.

Is it safe to use plastic take out containers?

A New Series Spotlights a Mysterious Art-Smuggling Ring with Ties to the Mafia

The Best French Films of 2023.

Christmas Links

Christmas in a Cotswolds Cottage.

Why the Elf on the Shelf is not welcome in my home.

How Muppets Add Meaning to a Mass Media Christmas

The 50 Best Christmas Movies You Can Stream Right Now

A Minimalist Guide to Christmas

Malls Get a Second Life as a Lifestyle Hub

BOOKS

Here are a few of the books on my Kindle and next to my bed.

Take Me Home(Free with Kindle Unlimited)

An expert at keeping moving, with her trusty motorhome and faithful dog Muffin, Sophie has built her life around keeping her loves and loyalties to a minimum.

Fabulous fifty-something Hattie Langford has kept her heart and past safely stored away too. But for reasons she’s only willing to share with a stranger, Hattie needs to tell the story her family has been hiding at Riverbend, their home in Sherwood Forest. There is a history of heartbreak and hurt that Hattie is now ready to face.

As Sophie helps Hattie uncover the secrets of generations of women who have lived at Riverbend, along with the stories of the men they have loved and lost, they start to see echoes in their own pasts. And as Riverbend shares its biggest secret of all, can Hattie and Sophie finally embrace the lives they’ve put on hold for so long, and risk giving their hearts to men who just might break the Riverbend curse?

On the First Day of Christmas(Free with Kindle Unlimited)

This Christmas, everything will change…

When Liv Latimer says goodbye to her fellow nurses and finishes work for the holidays, she’s looking forward to a Christmas to remember with her boyfriend Eddie.

But as she leaves the hospital, tragedy strikes and Liv is faced with a choice. Will she ignore her instincts and go home as planned? Or will she stay, and potentially change the course of her life as she knows it?

Whatever choice she makes, Liv is about to discover that fate finds a way…

Beyond the Cobblestones

Claudia lives in a very small town in Southern Italy where the cobblestone streets are so narrow you can’t have a car, not that there is any money for one. No money, no food and barely any education. All around her is poverty and nothing to do but marry a local boy and start a family of her own. But Claudia has a feeling that there’s more for her out in the world. One fateful visit from a distant relative and suddenly she knows what she needs to do. Despite all the obstacles she knows she will face, Claudia sets out on a very difficult and unknown journey that challenges her every step of the way. A journey that will either be the best thing she’s ever done or the biggest mistake of her life.

Beyond the Cobblestones is a heartwarming tale based on true stories told to the author by her parents. It reminds us that it is important to stay true to oneself; to follow one’s dreams. Readers will feel inspired by this story to take action in their own lives and follow their passions!

On my Christmas list!

The Cookie That Changed My Life: And More Than 100 Other Classic Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, and Pies That Will Change Yours: A Cookbook

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. 

Don’t forget to check out my Christmas books for kids, reading a book together  is a great way to make memories this season with your grands and your children.

FINDS~SHOP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

OUTFIT OF THE WEEK

A santa clutch is the perfect whimsical piece to add to your holiday outfit!Add a sequence skirt, a warm sweater and shoes and you are ready for a dinner party, a night out or Christmas!

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.

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