Friday Favorites

August Edition (The Cozy & Cheesy One)

Hey sweet friends, we made it! Another week down, and I’m bringing you my handpicked mix of happy things, little wins, and tasty obsessions. Think of this as our weekly catch-up — the kind where we swap ideas, drool over recipes, and maybe laugh a little too loud.

Friday Favorites #productreviews #fridayfav

🌟 Favorite #1 — Late-Summer Skillet Suppers

If August had a flavor, I think it would be cheesy, saucy, and just a little bit spicy — which is exactly why my Skillet Chicken Enchilada Bake has been on repeat here.

Why I love it right now:

Minimal dishes (because who wants to scrub on a hot summer night?)
Perfect for using up leftover grilled chicken from the weekend.
Doubles easily for when the kids’ friends “accidentally” stay for dinner.

💬 Let’s talk: Are you Team Red Sauce or Team Green Sauce when it comes to enchiladas? Drop your vote in the comments — I feel like this could be a serious debate.

🌟 Favorite #2 — The Cutest Back-to-School Find

Confession: Back-to-school season gets me almost as excited as a new candle collection drop. This year, I found lunchbox notes on Amazon— little cards with silly jokes, daily affirmations, and colorful doodles.

Kid reaction report: Day 1 joke about a chicken crossing the playground? Giggles. Day 2 “You’re one smart cookie” note? Came home asking for cookies.

💡 Try this: Even if you don’t buy cards, write on the peel of a banana or stick a Post-it inside their snack container. Instant lunchbox upgrade.

🌟 Favorite #3 — Trader Joe’s Seasonal Gold

It’s Hatch Chile season, friends, and TJ’s has brought back their Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese. If you know, you know.

Serving ideas:

As a side with BBQ chicken or burgers.
Scooped into little ramekins and topped with breadcrumbs for mini mac bakes at your next gathering.
“Kimberly hack”: Stir in chopped rotisserie chicken and a can of black beans — dinner in 10 minutes.

📢 Your turn: What’s your all-time favorite Trader Joe’s product? Tell me, because I’m not above planning a shopping trip based solely on your recommendations.

🌟 Favorite #4 — Cozy Reading Nook Upgrade

It’s still summer outside, but my heart is sneaking into early fall. I swapped out bright summer pillows for chunky knit covers in warm beige and golden hues. Add a soy candle and a good suspense novel, and suddenly my corner chair feels like an invite-only club for me and my coffee mug.

🪄 Make it interactive: Snap a pic of your coziest reading spot and tag me on Instagram — I’ll share my favorites in Stories next week!

🌟 Favorite #5 — The Show I’m Bingeing

Okay, I finally started Only Murders in the Building, and I’m obsessed. It’s witty without trying too hard, a little quirky, and has just the right amount of mystery to keep me folding laundry “for one more episode.”

📺 Reader challenge: If you’ve already watched, give me your spoiler-free verdict. And if you haven’t, let’s start it together this weekend — like our own virtual watch party.

🛒 Quick Grocery Hack of the Week

Fresh herbs looking sad after two days? Put them in a glass jar with an inch of water, cover loosely with a plastic bag, and stash in the fridge. It’s like a spa day for your parsley.

💬 Bonus tip: If they’re on their last leg, chop them up, mix with olive oil, and freeze in ice cube trays — instant flavor bombs for soups and pastas.

📆 Weekend Challenge — The “Three Little Joys” Game

Before Monday rolls around, jot down (or snap a pic of) three little things that made you smile over the weekend. They don’t have to be big or Pinterest‑perfect — think:

The way the sunlight hit your kitchen table at breakfast
Your kid’s goofy dance while unloading the dishwasher
That first sip of cold lemonade after mowing the lawn

When you’ve got your three, pop back here and share them in the comments (or tag me on Instagram if that’s more your style). Not only will you notice more of those tiny sparks, but you might just inspire someone else to find theirs.

Bonus points for sharing at least one joy that’s food‑related — because we all know snacks make everything better. 🍪

📚 Currently Loving (Non‑Food)

Sometimes the little extras outside the kitchen deserve a spot in the spotlight, too — here’s what’s been making my week sweeter:

The Coziest Throw Blanket 🛋 — Found one that’s so soft it basically hugs you back. Mine lives on the couch now and occasionally travels to the porch for evening sunsets.

A “Sun‑Kissed Citrus” Hand Soap 🧼 — It’s the scent equivalent of opening the windows on the first warm spring day. Turns boring hand‑washing into a tiny mood boost.

My Current Read 📖 — The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking. It’s like a manual for adding pockets of coziness to your everyday life, and it’s short enough to enjoy in sips between loads of laundry.

💬 Final Thought

This week is basically a hug disguised as a blog post: comfort food, cozy corners, and little joys that make everyday life sweeter. My challenge for you? Pick one thing from this list to try before next Friday — then come back and tell me how it went.

💌 Until Next Time…

Thanks for hanging out with me for another round of Friday Favorites, friend. I hope something in here made you smile, gave you an idea to try, or just reminded you that the little joys matter. Whether you’re diving into a new show, whipping up something cheesy in the skillet, or cozying up with your favorite blanket, I’m cheering you on from my little corner of Spanish Fork. Here’s to savoring the weekend and making it as sweet (and maybe as sprinkle‑covered) as you can.