Friday, November 8, 2013

Friday Favorites and Links

There's been so much floating good stuff around the web recently that I haven't wanted to lose by throwing out via Twitter - I know I don't do this often, but let's share some Friday favorites and links, shall we?  We'll kick off with the new 2013 John Lewis Christmas advert and, if you're like me, you'll need to have a box of tissues to hand.


Yes, Christmas is approaching and Halloween is over, but do you know the story of Stingy Jack?  This is one you want to remember for next year...

A recent Pew Research Center Study on Judaism in America has been getting a lot of press for revealing that an increasing number of Jews identify with Jewish culture rather than Jewish religion, and this New York Times Room for Debate conversation asks what religious leaders of all faiths should take from the new statistics.  I especially like how JJ Goldberg points out that "in most understandings of Judaism, belief is far less important than action, participation and belonging."  Most of the other participants across religions talk about the power of community, too, though Adam Greenway of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary provides the lone uncomfortable exception.

These are the 41 most British things that have ever happened.

Along the same lines, a friend posted something on Facebook that I think you'll get a kick out of: the temporary rules for the Richmond Golf Club in 1940.  (Richmond is just outside of London.)  It gives a whole new meaning to the mantra "keep calm and carry on."

Miley Cyrus has been Doo-Wopped.

I went to a cookbook talk with Joan Nathan, Yotam Ottolemghi, and Sami Tamimi the other week, and one of the things they talked about was how no one should be buying pre-made hummus from the store.  Thank goodness Emily posted a hummus recipe for us!

Speaking of Emily, I think her Cliff might give my Charlie a run for his money when it comes to eating things that aren't meant for him.

I'm commissioning a painting from an artist friend of my sister, and we're having a lot of fun talking through different styles and colors and techniques and things.  She's making me a still life of flowers and I've been refamiliarizing myself with the classics as we refine the project.  (I thought I'd be leaning towards something reminicent of 17th century Dutch oils, but I actually prefer the style of Henri Fantin-Latour, a 19th century French artist, for our purposes.)  While down the rabbit hole of the internet, I found these absolutely gorgeous photographs by Jennifer Causy - the composition is breathtaking!

I think I'm going to have to jump on the bandwagon and get a donut pan.  These, these, and these look simply too good to resist.

My friend's company has produced a new app that you travel lovers need to know about: HITLIST!  You tell them where you want to go and they'll alert you when the best deals come available.  Go download it now, and thank me from somewhere exciting that you got to cheaply.

The first J Crew in London officially opened today!

And, because it it technically Frock Friday and I've been pinning up a storm on my style & fashion board, which is unusual for me, here's my favorite autumn look right now:

via
What else do you have to share with us today, dear readers?  I have a lovely empty weekend ahead of me to lose in your recommendations!

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11 comments:

  1. When we are finally settled somewhere I really want a painting done of me and Fredrik and then other personalized paintings, it is so wonderful to be able to have unique are in the the home.

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  2. Jess Gerrow / The Stroke BlogNovember 8, 2013 at 10:29 AM

    The British have perfected the art of the Christmas ad. Love that John Lewis spot! I never thought an animated bunny and bear could make me cry ;)


    Also, Jennifer Causey's work! So beautiful! Thanks for the introduction :)

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  3. I love that fall look! And how exciting to commission your own unique piece of art! I would love to do that once our house gets closer to completion!

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  4. So the John Lewis ads are seriously one of my favorite parts of Christmas. LOVE THEM! The one from 2 years ago with the kid who couldn't wait for Christmas to come all so he could give his parents their presents? The best!

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  5. I too am totally obsessed with Emily's hummus recipe. I really never knew it was THAT easy. Happy Friday, love!

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  6. Thanks for the hummus recipe! My roommates made some this weekend and I might be addicted... and speaking of recipes, I know this is technically a summer paella, but I can't resist trying it out with eggplant http://naturallyella.com/2012/07/06/zucchini-summer-paella/


    might be a good one! who knows?

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  7. and Peter loved the 41 most British Things Ever, by the way!

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  8. Lily Allen has such a good voice, particularly when it's such a simple song.


    The 41 Most British Things had both Paul and me laughing. Lots.

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  9. The 41 most British things that ever happened is hilarious and oh so true! Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Hey! That first link is ME! (that made me ridiculously happy, thank you)


    Love that look - I already pinned that pin from you :)

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  11. The John Lewis ad is too much! I managed to make it until the alarm clock bit before welling up.

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