Friday Favorites (11)

A BLOG SERIES DEVOTED TO ALL MY FAVORITE THINGS – BOOKS, HOME DECOR, TV SHOWS, RECIPES AND MORE!

You may remember that I started this series to feature a few of my favorite things from clothes, to paints, to food, and things to do with the kids. If you missed any you can see them here.

This post contains affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure policy here. If you purchase via a link I may receive a portion of the sale but it will not increase the price you pay. Thank you for supporting my blog in this way.

Favorite Vacation Spot

This year we stayed home! We vacationed in Scituate and I shared all about it earlier this week here.

Favorite Books

I’ve been reading A LOT lately which makes me so very happy. I’ve been reading Floret Farm’s books as I’m dreaming of growing an area for cut flowers behind the pool house next year. I’ve found these books so helpful here and here.

I love finding out how people got to where they are. If you enjoy reading about people’s paths, too. I think you will love Work in Progress by Steve and Leanne Ford. I love their show – Restored by the Fords. This book resonated with me because I feel like the path to follow my passions hasn’t always been linear. Guess what?!? That’s okay. It’s totally okay to follow one passion and then move onto a new career or something else that interests you. I love design and it was so interesting to read how both Leanne and Steve found their current roles.

A quote I loved from the book:

“I hear them constantly, the what-ifs: “But what if it doesn’t work? What if we don’t like the color? What if I buy a rug too small? What if I buy furniture that’s too big? What if.. .”

Why are we so afraid to fail? Who taught us that fear? We aren’t born with fear. Have you ever seen kids’ artwork? It’s amazing-free of all inhibitions and worry. Why do we stop painting like that? When do we stop trying out new ideas? Or a new rug, for that matter? When do we start worrying?

And what is failure anyway? What if failure is just a loving and kind nudge for us toward where we were supposed to be in the first place? What if it’s just a plot twist?”

– Leanne Ford

Another person who’s work I adore is Susan Branch. My husband bought me this book by her for Christmas a good number of years ago. I loved learning about her travels to England by boat. One of my favorite parts is when she talks about visiting Beatrix Potter’s home, but I didn’t realize she’d written other books. I just read her Autumn book and Conor and I are looking forward to making some of her recipes. She has a homemade brownie recipe that sounds wonderful and garlic shrimp in the microwave. I’m currently reading Martha’s Vineyard: Isle of Dreams and loving it. It’s the story of how Susan arrived on the Vineyard after a heartbreak and how she met her husband (owner of the Black Dog) and became a well-known watercolor artist. I love it because I spent my sophmore summer on the island, working at the Black Dog Cafe, and it’s reminding me of that wonderful summer. Each book has her watercolor illustrations and beautiful hand lettering. I think you guys will all love her if you don’t already know about her work!

Favorite Art

John, our son, painted a portrait of my husband for his birthday. He surprised him with it last week.

He painted one of me for my birthday and it really is so special. Luke is going to make white oak frames and we’re going to hang them in the kitchen where everyone can enjoy them!

Favorite Podcast

I’m a huge fan of Jo Malone and absolutely love all her perfumes. The one I wear every day is Sweet Bluebell. I’ve worn this fragrance for many years. I never knew Jo’s story, though, until I listened to her on How I Built This, here.

Listening to Jo speak about her life. She shares her successes, her cancer battle, and how she launched a new brand. This is another one I think will inspire you guys. It inspired me! She has a new brand – Jo Loves – and I’m eager to try some of her new fragrances.

Favorite TV

I’m really loving light TV currently. One guilty-pleasure show that’s perfect to watch while folding laundry or sipping wine with Luke after the boys go to bed is Selling Sunset. I really love seeing inside these multimillion dollar homes in California.

I also love watching House Hunters International since we can’t travel right now.

I forgot to mention Hamilton last month. We watched it on Disney + and Conor listens to the soundtrack non-stop. He knows every single word.

Favorite Way to Eat Tomatoes

In this easy to throw together Caprese salad; it makes a lovely lunch or dinner.

Well, I think that’s it for this Friday, what are you guys loving lately?