Hello and happy Friday.
Most weeknights you’ll find me at home making a dinner like the riff above on my go-to pasta. But last week I broke with routine when I attended a press dinner at Deer Valley Resort, where the chefs were previewing the meal they will be serving at the James Beard House in New York City in a few weeks. It is quite an honor for them to be invited to the James Beard House again, and an honor for me to get to be a part of such a special night.
While noshing on apps and drinks before sitting down to the 6-course dinner (see! another reason to follow my Stories on Instagram!) I I happily caught up with my friend and fellow blogger Erin. Our chat started with the standard question of most any conversation when she asked me, “How have you been?”
My answer was simple. And somewhat surprising to both of us when I sort of blurted out, “I’m happy.” Whoa. Where’d that come from? “Things are actually really great, and I’m really, really happy with where I am right now. I’m just…happy.”
She looked at me with what I saw as a bit of wonder. And I was 100% with her. And I realized that in that moment that it was absolutely true.
But why am I so happy? Have I reached the pinnacle of my personal goals? No. Am in the best shape or achieved my better health intentions? No. Are there relationships I need to work on and self-care work I need to do? Yes. But I’m okay with all of that. Right now I feel satisfied, content, and lucky to be where I am. With the people and pets I love. And proud of the work that’s gotten me to this spot. And that makes me happy.
How are you feeling today? Are you happy? Because I want you to be.
But enough about me, let’s dig into this week’s Friday Faves.
4 daily routines that will help you reach your goals.
Her father was the one man in the 1 in 833 that will get diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
I got my mammogram this week. Have you gotten yours? #breastcancerawareness
Make more time to:
And here’s a holiday cocktail conversation starter: This is why aluminum foil is shiny on one side and not the other.
This salad is all the healthy with all the fall crunch.
A delicious Greek pasta comfort food favorite.
A healthy sweet and spicy salmon you’ll want all week long.
Southern style chicken n dumplings. I am so there.
Chicken meatballs and peppers and yum.
Baked mac and cheese with a crabby crust.
More for the eatin’: Egg roll in a bowl.
Pumped for pumpkin:
- How to make pumpkin purée.
- Creamy pumpkin pasta sauce.
- Pumpkin cream cheese muffins with a healthier twist.
- All hallow-ween! Chocolate pumpkin brownies.
- Love ya sugar: Pumpkin snickerdoodles.
- A fireplace, center kitchen island, and huge closets and crown molding. WHAT? You’ve got to see this camper.
This might be the easiest Halloween decoration of the season. Plus, a free download to make them yourself.
A Halloween costume only a food blogger could love.
Are smartphones smart while homeworking?
What’s new in the latest Mac OS update and bye bye iTunes.
How to get Instagram’s new dark mode.
The French girl trick for making cheap things look expensive.
Like, these trendy snake print boots that won’t feel bad about when they go out of style.
8 chic AF outfits to copy for fall.
How I’m getting the best nights sleep:
- We switched our bed over to our micro fleece sheets and now I REALLY can’t get out of my bed in the morning. (we love them so much we have them on all four beds in our house.
- This is one of my favorite nighties. Cozy.
- But these pajamas look perfect too.
- When I can’t sleep I take these supplements and don’t ever get a hangover.
- Or if you can’t sleep, listen to the ASMR boyfriend.
That’s it for this week. Enjoy it!
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Brenda
I love to hear that you’re in a happy spot >>> cheers to that!! (+ all those pumpkin recipes!) Thanks for the egg roll in a bowl love!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Enjoy! Thanks Brenda!
Whits@amusebouche
You are speaking my language of love.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
YES <3
Sandi Gillespie
I seem to be having problems with finding the recipe that is published on Fridays. You picture it, but not a name or recipe is included. I sent a comment last Friday but I received no reply. I don’t mean to be pushy I would just like the delicious dishes you picture please
Not a problem Sandi! My link under the photo may have been a little hidden. Here is the recipe: http://www.foodiecrush.com/sausage-and-marsala-pappardelle-pasta/. I made it this time around with rigatoni and a dollop of ricotta. I hope you like it!
Erin
SO GOOD to see you (and seeing you happy makes ME all the happier). Loving your finds, as always. Have a fabulous Friday! xo
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thanks Erin!
Reina
Hello, Where is the recipe that goes along with the Friday Fave picture? Looks like rigatoni wit meat sauce and ricotta cheese and looks delicious but I can’t find the recipe anywhere in the blog.
Dennis
Looking for it as well
Alba
I’m wishing for this recipe also please!
Hi everyone, apparently my link to the recipe isn’t prominent enough where I wrote “my go-to fave pasta” (under the photo :) ) so here it is! http://www.foodiecrush.com/sausage-and-marsala-pappardelle-pasta/
In the photo above I used rigatoni instead of pappardelle and I added a dollop of fresh ricotta. Maybe it needs its own post :) or, you can switch up the original like I did.
Enjoy!