This a collection of things I'm loving right now. I've included recipes that are perfect for this season and some of my favorite things. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and scroll through all the stuff I've enjoyed this week.
Early Black Friday Deals
There are already lots of sales happening. I've found some great deals on kitchen appliances and home essentials. These would make amazing holiday gifts!
Recipe Ideas for the Week
Instant Pot Beef and Vegetable Soup
Gluten Free Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Gluten Free Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
Stuff I Love
What I'm Listening To - Do you use Amazon Music? I like to stream music from my Echo/Alexa. You can ask it to play the station 'My Soundtrack' and you get music you've listened to or liked along with a selection of similar music.
What I'm Watching - There's already been several new Hallmark Christmas movies. My favorites so far are 'You, Me and the Christmas Tree', 'Christmas in my Heart', 'Coyote Creek Christmas' and 'Next Stop Christmas'. I also really liked 'Love Hard' on Netflix.
What I'm Reading - I'm reading The Sisters Sweet by Elizabeth Weiss and I'm really liking it so far. Twin sisters who perform a vaudeville act in the early 1920's are broken up when one sister runs away and they both make their own lives.
What I'm Loving - If you follow along with my stories on Instagram you've seen our basset hound Mario. He's the best good boy, but he sheds a lot. I just got this Kong Zoom Groom Tool and it does an amazing job of de-shedding his coat.
What I Want - I'm trying to be patient to see if my favorite planner comes in stock for 2022 (seems like it should be in store by now). If it doesn't show up I'm looking at this Rachel Parcell Peony Planner. Do you have a favorite planner?
New Gift Ideas
Favorites From Around the Web
I'm loving all the pretty wooden advent calendars I'm seeing this year. This wooden advent calendar has LED lights and is so pretty!
I really like the plaid holiday pajamas I'm seeing in stores. This pair looks warm and cozy. I also really like the pattern of this pair.
As the weather starts to get colder I've been looking at jackets. This green jacket looks super warm and comfy. I also like this classic pea coat for a dressier look.
I want a new Christmas tablecloth this year. There are some really pretty plaid ones. This dark green and red, this red with a little green and this red and black buffalo plaid are all lovely. This holly berry tablecloth is also pretty.
I loved the HBO series Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy. He has a new book out that I want to read called Taste: My Life Through Food.
Speaking of books, I also want to read Food Saved Me by Danielle Walker. This would make a great gift for someone with an autoimmune disease. Her story is really inspiring.
Articles I Read This Week
Step Up Your Grain Game: Here's How to Cook Rice Like a Pro - I like to cook jasmine rice on my stovetop. I put 2 cups of rice with 4 cups of water in a pot on my stovetop on medium high heat. When it comes to a boil I turn the temp down to low and cook covered for 14 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Astringent vs. Toner: What’s the Difference and Does It Matter? - This is a helpful read. With my rosacea I do best with a toner for my skin.
I'm A Nutritionist: These Are My 6 All-Time Favorite Foods For Longevity - I've been adding more legumes into my diet and I do think I've had more energy lately.
What To Look For In Hand Cream Formulas For Dry Skin Protection - I try to make sure I'm putting hand cream on 2-3 times a day as the weather gets colder. Especially if I'm in the kitchen a lot with my hands in water.