Welcome to Friday Favorites, a series where we share our favorite decor, design inspiration, movies, podcasts, fashion finds and more! And though it won’t all be French, some of it definitely will!
Well, it feels like summer is flying by! Can you believe it’s almost over? Usually I’m super excited for fall, but this year, I’m trying to prolong summer as long as possible. Though ironically, it’s only been in the 70s this week and it feels like fall.
I’m sure once it’s September and October it will be hot and I’ll be sweating while lighting pumpkin candles, haha!
This week on Friday Favorites I’ll be sharing all my favorite things. Everything from a great decor find, to a favorite movie, recipe, or podcast, to a wonderful thing to wear – anything that strikes me as interesting or fun or that you might love, too! 😉
THINGS I LOVE IN DESIGN/DECOR
This stunning home in Alabama is pretty perfect. The stonework alone has me drooling.
Creating a faux antique stone planter has been all over the blogosphere and Instagram lately and I’m dying to do it! The photo above is what first inspired me and I’m ready to try to recreate something that will give the look. This blogger breaks it down step by step.
I get a ton of questions on Instagram about my terra cotta pots – I think because they look vintage! They aren’t, but they age fast – like no other pots I’ve ever owned. After only a few weeks they get whitish water marks, subtle moss, and dark spots making them look like the perfect French antique! They come in shorter styles and taller options. I can’t get enough of them!
THINGS I’M WATCHING/READING/LISTENING TO
And in books, I read The Vanishing Half last fall and forgot to share it with you! Loved it – and it’s being made into a movie so read it before that happens!
Have you guys watched the show Ozark? It’s not brand new, but we only got into it last year during lockdown and it has me completely hooked. The first episode is quite violent, but don’t let that mislead you or keep you from watching. Most episodes aren’t like that, and Jason Bateman and Laura Linney are fabulous. It’s one of the best dramas I’ve ever seen and I’m eagerly waiting the next season!
Below I’m sharing a favorite game, but another ‘game’ themed thing I’m crazy about? The movie Game Night. I don’t know about you, but finding comedies my husband and I both like is tough, but this is one we both love! I’m a huge fan of Jason Bateman (since the above mentioned show) and he’s so good in this. Rachel McAdams (of The Notebook fame) plays his adorable wife. It’s great fun.
THINGS I’M WEARING/LOVING/WANTING
Sarah Jessica Parker in her wool sneakers!
Have you heard of All Birds? I bought my first pair about 2 years ago after reading all about them in Martha Stewart magazine, and I’m a huge fan. They are so comfortable, it’s like wearing a pair of your favorite slippers!
They’re made from a soft wool fabric that absorbs sweat. And even after years of wearing them with no socks, there is almost no odor because the wool is breathable and moisture-wicking. I love them! They are the ultimate casual chic.
I have the both the wool sneakers as well as the original wool loungers. And they also make them for men. My husband made fun of mine when I first bought them but guess who now thinks they’re “cool” and has a pair of his own? Yep. 😉
When fall comes I usually buy a new bag. I’m not a person who buys a lot of them or even one every season, but when fall rolls around it feels like the time to refresh. I always buy real leather and finding them at reasonable prices these days is tough, but I found two adorable ones that are both on sale! Bought this chocolate brown one and this black leather one is on it’s way!
If you’re a dry shampoo lover like me, I just discovered this new one and it’s a game changer. Works better than any I’ve used in the past and it smells great!
THINGS I’M MAKING/EATING/DRINKING
I’m not doing much cooking lately, (See above: husband out of town 😉 ) but what I have been making is lots of tacos. We love every kind so I thought I’d share the few I reach for again and again.
Chipotle chicken and cauliflower tacos are easy and surprisingly delicious. For fish tacos I use this recipe but we don’t fry the fish – we just grill it with olive oil and salt and pepper but the chipotle tartar sauce is amazing! And when I’m feeling especially lazy, I use this taco seasoning mix with ground turkey for a delicious but healthier riff on Taco Bell-style tacos.
Just made this ice cream for the first time and all I can say is, wow! My son loves blackberries and he kept begging me to make a blackberry ice cream and to be honest, I thought it would be boring. Far from it. It’s absolutely delicious! (I use this ice cream maker).
RANDOM THOUGHTS
We’re a big game family – from cards to puzzles, and every board game you can name. But Codenames is one that was new to me last summer and I love it!! It’s soo fun! Great for couples and families and for everyone from grandparents to older-ish kids.
By the way, whenever my husband and I play with other couples we always play men vs. women and the women always win. Might be why I like this game even more than most. 😉
I have another gorgeous Frenchy Instagram account for you and it’s soo good!
Smith’s Rosebud Salve is a cult favorite for good reason, and has been my go-to for about a decade now. Smells so good and works on everything from chapped lips to rough elbows. It comes in Minted Rose too which smells even more amazing!
Happy Friday!
Sheila
xo
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P.S.
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Oh and if you’ve missed any of the previous Friday Favorites, you can find them all here!
Anne Sanderson says
Hi Sheila, I have been reading Friday Favourites and love it.
I really relate to to this post and looks forward to it.
Please keep up the great work.
Sheila says
Aww thanks Anne – I appreciate that so much! 🙂
Sheila