Friday Faves

Hey friends. It has felt like a tough week over here… I got the really sad news late last week that a good running buddy of mine, Paul, passed away suddenly (not covid related). Paul and I met at our track workout group back in 2013, and we’ve been run buddies ever since – he got me through many a long run during my marathon training days and my long time readers will probably remember me mentioning him. He was the perfect running buddy because he had a seemingly endless supply of funny stories to tell.

My track coach hosted a small “Memorial 5k” for Paul yesterday morning at the track, and also invited us veterans who no longer go to the track workouts to come back out and remember Paul. 

It had been a really long time since I saw the sunrise from a track. Beautiful.

It was really special to be out there and to celebrate him. We will miss you so much, Paul. 

Alright, in an effort to buck up, I want to share some Friday favorites and things that are making me happy lately.

Because I think we could all use more things that make us happy these days, right? 

1) Riese turns 3 next week! 

Matt’s parents are going to drive down on Sunday and spend the week here so they will be here for Riese’s birthday and also Thanksgiving. It will be special to be together (and yes, covid tests are happening on both sides before the visit). 

I’m sad we won’t be able to do a big party with Riese’s friends, but it will be special to do a small family get together instead – and let’s be honest, all Riese really wants is cake. 🙂 My mom likes baking so she offered to make a homemade chocolate cake for Riese, and Riese is PUMPED.

2) The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

I’ve been reading a TON lately (pretty much all fun vs. educational books, because I need something relaxing/an escape before bed) and I’m going to put together another book post soon, but in the meantime, the best book I’ve read recently was The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. 

It was so good… it really drew me in with its creative and engaging storyline, and it was beautifully written. Highly recommend! 

And if you want more book recs now, here are my most recent book round up posts: Fiction Books I’ve Read Lately and Non-Fiction Books I’ve Read Lately

3) Soup! 

Soup is making me really happy lately. It’s so cozy and nourishing.

Matt used the homemade chicken stock we made last weekend from rotisserie chicken bones to make a really yummy chicken, rice, and veggie-packed soup. It was simple and really delicious. 

4) There are two new flavors of my fave Gone Rogue High Protein Chips. Ranch and Taco! (sponsored)

Their chips are awesome as an on-the-go snack or post-workout protein rich refuel. I really like keeping them in the car so I can have some on the drive home from runs.

They also make an excellent picnic lunch addition – I always throw a bag or two in my backpack when Riese and I go for outdoorsy morning adventures and have a picnic lunch before coming home. They are perfect because they are high in protein but also shelf stable, so you don’t have to worry about keeping them cold while you are out and about. 

5) The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix. 

Matt and I just watched this show over the past few weeks and it was so good! It seems everyone is watching it right now. If you’ve seen it, what are your thoughts? 

6) My mom made me a double batch of my Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. (see also: she likes baking, which is awesome)

They have been such a great snack to have on hand. I hadn’t had them in too long.

And that’s all I have for you today! I hope you all are hanging in there and that you have a nice weekend. 

I will leave you with some link love from around the web:

• 45 Small Businesses to Support in 2020 – I love this holiday gift guide that features all small business products (vs. Amazon, who has enough of all of our money). Also includes a lot of Black Owned businesses. 
• This Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board is MAJOR goals. I love how the post tells you exactly step by step how it was made to look so pretty, too!
• DIY Grazing Boxes – another cute charcuterie appetizer idea, or would even be a great holiday gift!
• 10 Books I Read Recently and Loved – my friend Julie and I have similar taste in books so I always really love her book round ups, and she just posted this one last week!

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Please note there are affiliate links in this post.