Friday Favorites

Is it just me or did this week fly by?  I guess that’s what happens when you’re busy. Speaking of, can you believe I still have to sort through the results from the reader survey? I feel like such a slacker. Eeesh.

I’m hoping to have that done by next week so that I can share them with you but for now, let’s focus on today. It’s Friday which means it time to par-taaaaaaay! For me that means kicking back with a warm blanket and several glasses of red wine. I’m just crazy like that.

Whatever the weekend has in store for you, I hope you get to stop and enjoy every last minute! Until then, sit back, relax and enjoy some of my recent favorite finds!

 

Favorite Destination: Oneonta Gorge, Oregon. Brandon and I are planning on taking a road trip to Oregon in the summer and I can hardly wait! From what I’ve seen in pictures, it looks like a breathtakingly beautiful state. If you have any recommendations on things to see or do (or eat!), please share them with me!

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Favorite Winter Meal: Portobello Chili with Shiitakes and Fennel. I’m always hesitant to try recipes that use fennel because I’ve never been a fan of the flavor of fennel seeds. But then again I’ve never tried cooking with fresh fennel so I feel like I might be missing out on something really great.

If there’s any meal that makes me want to give it a try, it’s this chili. Come.to.mama.

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Favorite Cookbook: At Home in the Whole Foods Kitchen by Amy Chaplin.

I gifted myself this for Christmas and it is one of the best cookbooks I’ve ever seen. The author does a ridiculously thorough job explaining everything that you should have in your pantry, the nutritional benefits of each one, and how to store and cook them. Plus the recipes are simply gorgeous! I felt a huge wave of inspiration come over me after paging through it.

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Favorite Fashion: Gap Knit Sweater. First of all, I’m not pregnant. I just love how cozy and warm this sweater looks. Wouldn’t the whole look be cute with a pair of ankle booties too?

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Favorite Animal: Labrador Puppy. Because my favorites wouldn’t be complete without puppies. We rescued Coco from the shelter when she was almost a year old so we never got to see her as a baby. I can imagine she looked pretty similar to this one though. Makes me want to reach through the screen and give it’s little face a million kisses!

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Favorite Song: Kansas City. I heard this song on a Showtime commercial while watching this past season of Homeland and it instantly won me over. Marcus Mumford is the lead vocalist and I love how raw his voice sounds in it. I can’t help but dance whenever it comes on!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MwOarNpBcw

 

 

Favorite Kitchen: Sag Harbor Cottage. Now this is what my dreams are made of. How beautiful are the exposed wood beams and the skylight? LOVE.

Elizabeth Cooper's Sag Harbor Home – Lonny Magazine

Favorite Photograph: Top 10 Travel Moments of 2014. I recently found Tuula’s blog and the photography is utterly awe-inspiring. She’s a model that travels the world in the latest fashion and showcases each stop on her blog along the way. I have to warn you though, if you visit her site, you will get bit by the travel bug. Really hard.

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Favorite Beauty: 7 Natural Makeup Brands to Try Now. If you’re like me and you don’t appreciate seeing a scary long list of chemicals in your makeup, then I’m sure you’ll find something interesting in this article. I’m in need of a new mascara so I’m going to give this one a try next! 549321156b67ea7dc2e0061376512363b63010d1

 

Favorite Homemade Takeout: Vegetarian Pho from Scratch. Confession: I’ve never tried pho. Everyone is always raving about how good it is and I’m dying to see what all of the commotion is about. Karen’s version look like the perfect recipe to try making my own at home.

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Favorite Tip: Hanger Turn-Around Hack. Please tell me I’m not the only one who hoards clothes that I never wear?

To solve the problem, this article suggests turning all of your hangers around and then once you wear something, turn the hanger for that piece of clothing back around. That way you have a clear idea of what you’re actually wearing and what you’re not. Genius!

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Favorite Funny: Perfect Timing. That face!

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Favorite Taters: Chana Masala Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. This one comes from my favorite organic farmer who has a flair for making meals that taste great, are super healthy, and are also easy to throw together. I’ve made several of her recipes and they never let me down. This one is next on the list to try!

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Favorite Dessert: Chocolate Layer Cake with Cacao Macadamia Mousse and Coconut Whip. Um yeah, she had me at cacao macadamia mousse. <insert wide eyed emoji here>

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