Friday Favorites-January 3, 2025: Favorite Meal, New Fave Sweater, Gentle Cleanser, Southern Charm and New Podcast

 

Welcome to the first post of 2025! I took off from December 24th through January 1st and it is probably the most vacation time I have taken in many, many years. Re-entry is tough with some year-end numbers due and a new Congress being sworn in today but I do think the time off was totally worth it.  Today I am taking a moment to link up with Erika and Andrea and share the simple pleasures that brought me Joy this week. I am sharing my favorite meal of the year, my new favorite sweater, a gentle cleanser for winter, Southern Charm is back and a podcast we are really loving right now. Settle in for the first 

1. My Favorite Meal of the Year

We went to Hilton Head for a few days after Christmas and it was a very Good idea. We didn't get there this summer due to college orientation and all of the freshman year prep. We even brought our dog and he loved island life.

This also meant that was able to have my favorite meal of the year. You can keep your Thanksgiving feast, all I want is the gluten-free clam strips at Skull Creek Dockside. They are fresh, sweet and crunchy just as a clam strip should be. They use cornmeal for the breading and that is why they are gluten-free. I barely even touch the fries because all I need are the clams.

2. Ribbed Boyfriend Sweater from J Crew Factory

I needed a new grey sweater and was looking a bunch that were at least three times the price of this one from J Crew Factory. We had a rainy day on our trip so we spent about an hour at the outlets. This sweater is super soft and feels like cashmere but is machine washable.

I wore this with jeans this week and I also plan to wear with a white blouse and my Quince washable silk skirt and boots. 

This has a slightly oversized fit. I purchased the small and love the way it fits. It comes in several other colors so you can stock up too!

3. Exuviance Gentle Cream Cleanser 

I have been a fan of Exuviance products since they first sent me some products to try a few years ago. They are now part of my skincare routine. With the winter weather I have been wanting to try a cleanser that would help with my dryer skin. The Gentle Cream Cleanser got my face really clean and the aloe in this cleanser makes your skin really soft. I also feel like my skin is very balanced without a lot of shine.

4. Southern Charm

Southern Charm is back and with the news of Paige and Craig breaking up (#TeamCraig), I am definitely going to be looking for signs here and there that may have led to their breakup. 

I don't dislike Paige, but I have actually met Craig and he was super personable. I think she just tired of him and Craig was ready to get married. We were actually in Sewing Down South earlier this week and he has really built a beautiful company.

5. Need a Lift? Podcast

Running Daddy and I like Rob Lowe's podcast Literally for a long car drive. The guest on a recent episode was Tim Shriver. In addition to serving as the Chairman of Special Olympics, he has a new podcast called Need a Lift? He spoke on Rob Lowe's podcast about working to disagree without being disagreeable. This is definitely something we need more of in today's climate. 

I have listened to two his Tim's podcasts, one with a Special Olympian who has run 26 marathons and another one with Michael and Nicole Phelps on the Fear of Losing. The conversations are calm and thoughtful and really what I need right now. If you are looking for discussions with some pretty amazing people who have had challenges in life in a lovely tone, this is the podcast for you. 

While I shared some fun distractions today, I do want to take a moment to acknowledge the tragedy in New Orleans. It's heartbreaking, scary and senseless. I hope everyone will keep the victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers. Please also pray for the law enforcement working to find answers and the medical professionals treating the wounded.   

Have a Good weekend Besties and stay safe.