Friday Favorites
The best fish delivery, the show I just binged, and a fringey-fun shirt dress
Welcome to Friday Favorites! This quick glimpse of my week goes out to all subscribers (free and paid). I include a fan-favorite recipe we made in a cooking class, something I’m watching, reading, or listening to, a recent find, and a win for the week.
What I’m Cooking
This week, I had an online class for my Smart in the Kitchen School members and an in-person class for my 6-week Basics students. The recipes that were cooking in my classes this week were Quick Vegetable Stock and Lasagna Soup, a protein-packed Baked Oatmeal, Mushroom Risotto and Farro Risotto, the Pantry Pasta from my cookbook, Simple Sheet Pan Roasted Veggies, Sundried Tomato and Any Greens Pesto, and my grandma’s Zucchini Chocolate Chip Bread, which is on my “to be shared ASAP” list for subscribers, I’m tweaking the zucchini bread recipe to get the sugar down a tiny bit and have it turn out just as good. As it is now, it’s gluten-free and insanely delicious. Maybe I’ll share the “old school” version as well as the new and improved version.
You can find all the SITK recipes I’ve shared on Substack in my Recipe Index.
I’m a big fan of Fish Fixe, and when I opened their Sunday night email this week, I was super excited to see they had shared a photograph of one of my favorite recipes, Parchment Paper Fish Packets. They extended a discount to all of you and also offered to give away a box of seafood in my March online cooking class for members. If you want to check out my online cooking class membership, I’d love to have you join us on March 19 at 5 PM CST. Here’s the info to join the school.
What I’m Watching and Listening To
On my morning walks, I’ve been listening to The Let Them Theory audio book by Mel Robbins. If you want to check out the concept before committing to purchasing the book, you can listen to the podcast episode where she first introduced the idea. I’ve been using Bookshop.org to download my book purchases to my Kindle, but since I wanted to listen to this book and hear Mel read it, I had to purchase the audiobook on Audible. It wasn’t cheap because I just cancelled my Audible membership, but worth every penny!
I stayed up WAY past my bedtime watching a new Netflix series, Running Point, with Kate Hudson. It was a fun brain escape, and I loved watching her wardrobe evolve in the series (and became a little obsessed with her oversized blazers). You can watch the trailer here. I’m such a Max Greenfield fan, who stars as Kate Hudson’s fiance, and it’s produced by Mindy Kaling, one of my favorites.
What I’m Coveting
It’s rodeo season in Houston, which means the annual livestock show, the BBQ cookoff, the wine competition, nightly concerts and the carnival (which, thank goodness, I get to avoid now that my kids are older. I have the perfect outfit for ya’ll (I can say that now that I’ve lived in Houston for two decades). The Marcia Western Fringe Midi Dress is a fun, fringey creation by Lyndsey Zorich, owner of Mason’s Daughter and The Avenue. I also recently attended the store opening for Kendra Scott’s Yellow Rose store in Houston (pictured above) and there were tons of options for suede fringed skirts, denim jackets and turquoise jewelry. Last but not least, I caught up with my girls from Fraulein Boots last night, and MAN they have the coolest pop-up that will be in Houston for the next month. Their whole aesthetic is vintage Western vibes and very cool. Plus, they have great boots. I own this turquoise pair and wear them all the time. For those of you who don’t live where “Western chic” is something you might see as suggested party attire, just plan a trip to come out to the rodeo or the Round Top Antiques Show. Or better yet, attend my retreat at Kitchenette Farm in April.
Let’s Do This Together!
Attention business owners, creatives and entrepreneurs. My friend Candace Nelson is running a 4-day challenge next week to help you uplevel your personal brand. She is guaranteed to have amazing tips and insight on how to stand out and create a brand story worth sharing! Join me (I signed up, too!).
This Week’s Win
Guys, this week was touched with sadness and joy. I’m ending the week thinking about the women I know who are courageous of heart, full of love and emanating joy. In a bible study I attend, I wrote down, “Courage is being brave in the face of uncertainty.” It sounds very similar to a Brene Brown quote and reminds me that sometimes the bravest and most courageous thing we can do is keep showing up: Show up for your family, your friends, your community, those who are lonely, etc. I don’t do a perfect job of this, that’s for sure, but one day at a time!
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Engaging with Substack writers by reposting, liking and commenting, even as free subscribers, is a valuable way to show your support. Your involvement makes a big difference!
GIFT CARD
Looking for a birthday or “just because” gift for your best friend, mom, sister, or aunt Sally? I have the perfect idea! You can gift a subscription to my Substack! The annual subscription can start whenever you want!
Order my award-winning cookbook, Dinner is Done! It includes over 100 weeknight and family-friendly recipes, including chapters on meatless mains, fish and sauces, appetizers and snacks, cocktails, desserts and more.
