Friday Faves

Happy Friday and Happy New Year’s Eve!

We’re almost there, the new year, and once again I’m caught wondering where in the world did the past 12 months go? You feeling it too? Above all, I’m grateful my family and I made it through 2021 relatively unscathed, and fully empathetic to those who fought the hard battles and hopefully won. My heart goes out to those who didn’t.

I’m so thankful for you, the readers and community, that make FoodieCrush what it is. Whether you’re someone who pops in on occasion (thank you Google) or an ardent fan (I’m looking at you mom), YOU are the reason I keep this little piece of the internet chugging. I know there are a million other spots on the web and social media to capture your attention, so I’m just humbled you’ve chosen to land here. Thank you.

A few things I’ve been thinking about:

I’ve been on a social media sabbatical since the middle of December and I am so much better for it. I haven’t posted or mindlessly scrolled Instagram or FB, and it’s amazing to realize what I haven’t missed and the time I’ve gained instead. If you haven’t tried a social media time-out, I suggest following these tips for a digital sabbatical.

I’ve been cooking—for fun. My holiday goal of making THE BEST cinnamon rolls (seriously to die for) and salty rosemary focaccia made it fun to play in the kitchen. I’m still tweaking the focaccia recipe and will share it at some point later on. Homemade pasta, you’re next on my list.

Wear an apron. If you aren’t wearing an apron in the kitchen (I like this one because you can adjust the neck), you’re missing out on one of the best preparatory steps to get you in the mood to cook. Look at you! You’re a real chef! Plus, there’s that keeping clean thing…

My word of 2022: Unjudge. It’s in my DNA to be judgey and outspoken. It’s not a trait I always love and I’m pretty sure neither do those around me. Whether it’s a situation I want to make better (try cooking it this way, etc.), politics (can’t we all just get along?), or my critique of others (did you see what he did and can you believe it?), in 2022 I’m going to work on being less judgemental and learn from others’ viewpoints. We may not agree, but we can be understanding and respectful of one another.

When is the best time to take down Christmas? Here’s when they say for tradition, but I don’t know if I can wait that long.

Okay, on to the rest of this week’s Friday Faves.

The hacks her therapist taught her to make 2022 the best year yet.

Did you know solitude can actually help regulate your mood? I’m making space for more of this in 2022.

The 25 best TV shows of the 21st Century. How many have you seen?

31 recipes for healthy comfort food meals.

How to store champagne and sparkling wines for more bottomless bubbly.

What will be your first meal of 2022? These foods are said to bring you good luck in the new year.

and…

These black-eyed peas with cornbread dumplings are pure lounge-about-on-Jan1-luckiest-of-the-lucky food.

A little hair of the dog for your New Years day:

• The perfect mimosa
• The internet’s favorite bloody mary
• A tequila sunrise to make your new year sunny
• This immune-booster green smoothie to keep all that gunk at bay

You’ll be feeling virtuously healthier when you make this salmon dinner.

This easy chicken and sausage dinner has all the one-pot moves.

Duuuude, this cocktail-inspired cake looks incredible. (Get the reference?)

Feeling the need to cozy up to a bowl of this pudding.

These popcorn chicken bites could become my daughter’s favorite meal.

and…

This chicken pot pie has a healthful twist.

The one ingredient you should always buy at your farmers’ market.

There’s some good nuggets in here: Epicurious’ most popular articles, hacks, and advice of 2021.

If you’re making your way back to the office, here’s how to take some of your best work from home practices to create a better ‘homing from work’ office routine.

These living room shelves would be pretty easy to DIY.

12 decor trends we’ll see in the new year. That home bar though.

Nordstrom half-yearly sale is on until Jan. 2 and here’s what you need:

• My favorite cast iron dutch oven is half off.
• I have this same set of pots and pans and they’ve changed the way I cook. And they’re also half off.
• These are the only brand of placemats I’ve used for the past 20 years, and I love this color.
• If you’ve thought about taking up knitting, this beanie-making kit is for you (at 40% off).

This sweater is such a good color to be dressed up or down.

The perfect nap dress (that’s on sale).

New joggers, ordered!

I have this cozy, warm nightshirt and love it so much I bought another.

If you’re planning on upping your supplement game in the new year, be aware that this list of supplements could put you in the E.R.

10 winter skin saviors. I swear by this one and it’s on sale (or you can get a 3-pack if you’re a Costco member).

and…

44 at-home activities to keep you occupied this winter.

Okay, on to the new year! Enjoy and be safe!!!

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