The Friday Files

Hello, dear friends.  I hope that you had a good week.  The highlight of mine was yesterday when I attended my buddy, Anne's needlepoint luncheon.  Anne is one of the best cooks I know and entertains with style and grace.  She was kind enough to let me snap some pics on my phone.

As always, Anne's table looked beautiful.   There were about ten ladies that attended.  They are all lovely, and I was so happy to reconnect with them.

Anne made the best soup I have ever had.  It was an acorn squash soup with bacon.  

I asked Anne for the recipe, and she got it out of this cookbook.  Anne loves cookbooks and has a collection that rivals the Mister!

I tried to take a pic of the recipe but it didn't come out on my phone. 

Along with the soup, Anne also prepared a fabulous salad with her homemade dressing.  For dessert, she served homemade melt-in-your-mouth macaroons. 

I always walk away from Anne's gorgeous home with a full tummy, a happy heart, and a good idea.  This picture does not do justice to the arrangement in the silver vase.  When I asked her about it, Anne told me that she cut the branches from her backyard.

I'm going to be spending the remainder of the day in my backyard searching for beauty.  If I can't find it in mine, I'm sneaking over to Anne's.

Last but not least, Anne shares my good taste in men.

If you are interested in a home tour and living room renovation that I posted on Anne's home, you can find them here and here.

Here's a peek into Hawaii's most expensive home.

Btw... it's for sale.

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Here's a look at Los Angeles' most expensive apartment rental.

Table setting and etiquette tips can be found here.
Btw... I sent this link to my girls.

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Inspirational tips for the holidays can be found here.

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Easy-peasy Fall centerpiece ideas can be found here.

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I fell head-over-heels in love with this gorgeous French-inspired Maryland home.

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Now, this is what I call a lakehouse.

Can you think of a better way to begin your day in fabulous NYC than here?


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We've heard the good news that chocolate can lower blood pressure.  More research shows that it is good for this too.

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If you are looking for a fabulous Fall signature cocktail idea for your Thanksgiving celebration, there are 41 recipes right here.

Here is one more reason for me to love T.J. Maxx.


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Do you need to start getting organized for the holidays?
Here's a checklist that can help you.


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The good news:  you can spend the night in this beautiful department store.  The bad news:  (most of you) are going to have to travel to do it.

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Are you flying somewhere over the holidays?  

Here's the inside scoop on how to get upgraded to First Class.

Let's face it... we belong there.


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Did you grow up reading Nancy Drew books?  I just loved them, and I'm pretty sure I read every one.  Here is a short essay which is written by an accomplished attorney and one of my favorite authors detailing her reasons for choosing Nancy Drew as her role model.

Until next time...

This is Bandit, the beloved fur baby of Ayers, one of the sweet ladies I spent time with yesterday.  Here, Bandit is waiting for his Dad to come home.

Bandit is spoiled rotten by his two empty-nester parents and gives the term lucky dog a whole new meaning.