Friday Favorites

So I've committed myself to doing Elf on the Shelf this year. After a 4-year hiatus (our elf was packed away), Ellie the Elf is back and this mama has the challenge of coming up with clever ideas for our mischievous little elf for the next 23 days--thank God for Pinterest! I started yesterday, and seeing how excited my little girls were to see her made the effort more than worth it. I've adjusted the rules of the game a little (my angel babies are allowed to hug and kiss our elf), but otherwise I'll be finding new hiding spots for Ellie until Christmas Eve...I'm just praying I don't forget! Do you do the whole Elf on the Shelf thing, or do you have another way to count down the days until Christmas? I'd love to hear some ideas!

Enjoy your weekend, and God bless!

I've had two good friends lose a parent in recent weeks--this is a wonderful, and painfully true, reminder. 

Mushroom penne with walnut pesto is total comfort food for this cold weather.

Somewhere in Italy...(well, Ischia to be exact).

Bunny ears, Kate Spade style. 

Wonderful, wonderful,  WONDERFUL for the next 23 days!