Friday Faves

Hey hey and happy Friday friendlies.

Does anyone else feel like November has already been 63 days long? So much, so much, so much. So much change, yet so much that is still the same Every.Single.Day.

In addition to fall sweaters, snowflakes in the forecast, and slurping all the soups like the one above, Thanksgiving planning is here. The food. The coziness. The much more intimate gatherings to look forward to this year. But me? I’m already looking ahead to Christmas. It’s my favorite time of year. The lights. The gift giving. The spirit. The togetherness.

Every Christmas I have the best intentions of sending out Christmas cards, and yet I don’t. When AliSmudge was a baby, and even before she was born, I always sent out Christmas cards. I hand made cards from Asian joss paper, designed, printed, scored and folded holiday cards with our dogs photoshopped in Santa hats, conned photographers for the magazine I worked for to take holiday pics of Smudge in her Santa gear, and more.

Somewhere along the line I fell off the card giving Polar Express train. Things got too busy and I always seemed to be running late. Judging by the dwindling number of cards in my mailbox, I’m not the only one—or maybe everyone was done sending when not receiving. Last year, knowing I would be behind the eight ball once again, I even stocked up on Happy New Years cards. They’re still sitting in my cupboard, boxed and undelivered.

But just like so many things about this year, I feel different about this Christmas. Where in recent years I allowed myself to give up on trying to catch up (somethings gotta give!), this year I’m feeling more disconnected from friends and family. Thanks a lot 2020. Now, I’m feeling a major urge to reconnect, to catch up, and get a peek at how everyone else is faring while sharing how we’re doing too.

A lot of you are patting yourselves on the back knowing you have that holiday photo already chosen, the cards are ordered, and the envelopes may even be addressed. To you, I say kudos. For the rest of us, I say it’s not too late! The photo doesn’t have to be perfect, and I’m thinking a form letter with a short personal note might be just right to fill everyone in on what’s up with us. Connecting with others doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to happen.

If you’re writing holiday cards this year, this post has good ideas for addressing the time we’re in. I’ll be following the tips for sure.

And BTW, yes, my Christmas tree is up and ready for spreading holiday cheer—even if it’s only my little family who sees it. At least I’m not lagging there!

But enough of what might be happening in the future. Let’s dig into this week’s Friday Faves.

OMG! I love pie but holy crap! These pies are literally works of art! Some people are beyond…

and…

These food photos leave me laughing and scratching my head at the same time.

This spot has been on my bucket list for 3 years, and this Instagram account is the escape from reality I need right now: Beach + dogs!

An Instagram friend of mine started this fun November challenge. Happy to be a part of it!

My sister said I need to watch this Netflix series. She knows me so well.

No workouts, no Crossfit. Yet they have some of the longest longevity rates in the world and obesity is rare. Here’s how Japanese people stay fit for life without ever visiting a gym.

but…

If you are going to work out, science says all you need is 7 minutes.

I always love her gift guides.

My husband is a cookbook geek too and he LOVES this guy so had to buy his cookbook.

I had a question from a reader in the U.K. about using rock salt in my turkey brine recipe instead of kosher salt. Here’s the difference.

This rice bowl is next level yum.

This stuffed squash dish would make a fab veggie dinner.

and…

This meatless bolognese will make all the meat eaters swoon.

Since we aren’t going out, making this ethnic feast at home is on our radar.

Did someone say sausage balls ?? !!

These veggie enchiladas would make a super fast weeknight dinner.

You know I love my mac n cheese and this white cheddar version looks primo.

I’m always up for another stewy chicken recipe.

These roasted sweet potatoes make a play for mashed.

My husband would go bonkers for this cheesecake.

Start with the moonshots…why a monster long to do list might be the best to do list. 

I’ve said it before, but if you poop, you need this.

My favorite outdoor Christmas decoration!

I bought my mom one of these robes for Christmas years ago. May be time to replenish her stock.

Looking for a unique gift? My niece in NYC told me about this cool designer who makes jewelry out of real flowers and fruit cast in resin. V. cool.

My Ali Smudge smells so good since she bought this new scent, so good that I’m wearing it right now. It’s the 000.

Picked up this sweater in black and oatmeal and now I’m set for the season. Until next Friday Faves.

This game is pretty funny and will give you a reason to look forward to those awkward holiday moments.

My daughter turned me on to this game, and while I’m not really one for games on my phone, I can totally see the mindless yet mindful appeal.

If you like taking photos—and who doesn’t these days—become a better photographer by finding your voice.

And that is it for this week. Have a great weekend everyone, WEAR A MASK, and BE SAFE!

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