Hello, and welcome to this week’s bittersweet Friday Faves.
I took this quick selfie of my mom and me on November 1. I didn’t know it would be our last one together. Early Monday morning, a few days after a hard fall and complications of Lewy body dementia, I gave my sweet mom a final kiss, a never-ending hug, and said goodbye. It’s been a long and frustrating road for her. Dementia is no joke. But through it all, our biggest cheerleader remembered all of us, stayed positive and kind, and always worried more about others than herself. My mom wasn’t a risk-taker, but I am. She taught her daughters to be independent and strong, and supported us through thick and thin. So when I told her I was quitting my very good 9-to-5 career to work full-time (and more) on this thing called a food blog, she could not imagine why. But that never stopped her from believing in me. Her confidence gave me the drive to work harder than I ever had before, and have faith in my ability. 15 years later, I’ve built a business that supports our family and grown a community that has provided more opportunities than I could ever imagine. If you knew my mom, you know she was proud of her family, and she wasn’t shy in sharing why. What she wouldn’t tell you is how proud we are of her! She was everything we emulate to be, and a role model the world needs now. This weekend I’ll be making her famous spaghetti, thinking about her and my grandma’s potato salad for Thanksgiving, and dreaming of her family-favorite Christmas casserole that will be coming up fast. Oh, Miss P., what am I going to do without you? I guess the only thing I can: To carry on in your shadow, as only a loving daughter could. XOXOXO I love you, Mimi.
Thanksgiving is already just around the corner. This guide I put together will totally streamline things for you so they are easy peasy and less stressful.
Some turkey day sides change year to year, but this one is a mainstay in our house.
One thing’s for sure, everyone will be fighting over these pillowy-soft, buttery rolls!
These pumpkin cheesecake bars are a strong contender for Friendsgiving.
Fluffy pancakes that pack a protein-punch.
This is my kinda soup right here.
I gasped when I saw this classic French dish—it looks mouthwateringly good.
I love my classic mashed potatoes, but these look killer.
Bookmarking this party app for New Year’s—YUM.
This creamy white chicken chili is calling my name.
Nordstrom’s tomato soup (IYKYK).
A fun mashup of two of my favorite bites.
Whoa, these caramel brownies look to die for.
Loved listening to these two foodie queens in conversation together.
A genius ingredient swap for Caesar salads. Game changer.
Speaking of salads, I’m obsessed with these cool salad servers.
An excellent guide on how to build a better cheese board (lots of great tips in here, just in time for the holidays!).
A really cute way to store your garlic.
17 trips you should book a year in advance.
A great gift guide for someone who LOVES to travel.
Love this holiday gift guide for tweens and teens.
39 stocking stuffers that just might steal the show.
A $15 pain relief cream that actually works.
My favorite, plush, quick-drying bath towels would make an excellent Christmas gift.
I’ve had my eye on this fleece jacket (and it’s on sale).
Love this vintage-style sweatshirt.
Also, this sweater is on my wish list.
So is this water bottle (which comes in so many cool color combos/patterns).
The coolest earrings, at a stellar price.
Grab the popcorn and cozy throw, these are the best movies on Netflix right now.
Looking forward to digging into this book that I have heard the best things about.
That’s it for this week. Hug your loved ones, call your mom, and make your favorite food!
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