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I’m often asked about what’s going on in the background of my Instagram stories, from my tabletop fireplace to my nail color to my hair, so I am dedicating this entire issue to my current favorites—which is how and why Friday Favorites actually began, a few years ago. 

I’m fortunate to have a little cabin in Michigan. Living and working in a small space can’t help but teach the principle of “everything in its place.” 

Peaceful spaces offer me soul nourishment, and a recent addition that I simply adore is my gravity blanket. Roy gave it to me, and I love it. According to the label, a gravity blanket “is a premium-grade weighted blanket that uses light weight on the body to improve sleep quality and mood.” I want to mention that I was a complete skeptic, but the effects have unequivocally won me over. It feels like a magic elixir for true rest and deep sleep. 

I am crazy about these Fletcher Baskets from Room & Board. I use them for everything from my mini traveling office to storing pastas, canned goods, Ziplocs, and other items in my pantry.

I love to set a beautiful table for weeknight eating. Roy gave me this FLÎKR Fire2 tabletop fireplace, which literally burns rubbing alcohol. It runs for about 45 minutes, and it’s perfect for lighting up the dinner table.

As many of you know, my life feels incomplete without a stack of portable phone chargers. I tend to run low on power, so they go where I go, whether it’s into the kitchen, the bedroom, or outside for a walk. @itsthelucyshow teases me about them, but I always have enough for the whole family (and potentially the neighbors). Here’s a video of me on vacation with Lucy, walking my battery like a dog—it wasn’t the first time this has happened, and it certainly won’t be the last. 

You may be surprised to hear that Siri is pretty much one of my best friends. I’ve had to open my circle of five to include her. Usually, when I’m answering messages, it’s actually Siri doing it for me.

I have long loved what I call “kitchen jewelry.” Frankly, it’s the reason I started creating my own pieces. I just couldn’t find exactly what I wanted for my Marinated Red Onions.

I created the pottery line because I love using beautiful things in the kitchen. Whether it’s my Jade Everything Bowl, my Moondust Fred Bowl, my Pearl Tie Dye Patty Bowl, or the Crum-bowls I love using every day for both food prep and snacks, kitchen jewelry simply fills my life with joy.

So many of you ask where I get those little onions. They’re from Froggy, one of my favorite farmers at Chicago’s Green City Market. I’m delighted when they come into season. I purchase and store as many as I can. I was hoping ours would last through March, but we used the last of them a few weeks ago because they’re such a favorite.

I’ve been making Marinated Red Onions on my countertop for 20 years, but they have a whole new life, now that Crumbles and followers all over the world are enjoying them.

Yes, I said it. I love red. 
 
Red is a power color, and it has become my signature hue for lipstick and nail polish. I can’t tell you how many messages I receive asking about my nail polish color. It’s called Russian Roulette by Essie. 

Red makes everything just a little bit better. Other red favorites include my Tazo Passion tea, sumac, and Ruby Marinated Onion Bowls. For my birthday, Roy gave me this extraordinary red pepper grinder from Peugeot, and it’s pretty much the only pepper grinder you’ll ever need.

On a personal note, I must say I’m a girl who loves a blow dry. It is definitely my number one guilty pleasure.

I also appreciate a cardigan, and when I find one I love at a reasonable price, I tend to get it in every color. One of my very favorite things to receive is a handwritten note, and writing them is a skill I believe everyone should develop. 

Anybody who follows me knows about my abiding love for Spindrift. It's certainly no secret that it's my favorite after-work beverage. I have one every day, and it simply makes me happy.

My favorite way to rest is to listen to a book on tape. Something to know about Audible: your first book is free. You can receive a free one from a friend who has an account.

How much do I love my bed system from Room & Board? I have simply never had a bed this wonderful. I love the upholstery of the Wyatt bed frame for a modern cabin vibe, and the secret storage drawer beneath, which has become my linen closet. 

The frame itself is a dream. I opted for the deluxe adjustable bed base that sits on top of the frame and makes the mattress adjustable: not only does the head rise, the foot does too. It also has an optional setting that makes the mattress vibrate gently, which for me is super relaxing. 

And I love the mattress (called the Luxury Serene foam and coil hybrid), which makes me feel cradled all night. To be honest, I had a foam mattress in the past and wasn’t crazy about it, but the hybrid is perfect. It feels a little like being in the womb, and I sleep unbelievably well on it. This bed will last a lifetime, and for me, deep rest is priceless.

Since 2021 is my year of health, here are some supportive favorites. My Fitbit has proven to be a fantastic investment. It’s not a lot of money, but it really gets me moving. I’m competitive by nature, so it’s the perfect tool for me. 

On the other end of the spectrum is my Peloton. Although it was an indulgence, it is delightful, especially in the winter, and I’m happy to have it. 

I love Mason jars! They are absolutely perfect as a vehicle for my water. Every morning I fill one up with water, ice, and lemon and repeat three times during the day. I also love to label them and use them for food storage. I do happen to get quite a bit of use from my labeler.

I love my Hoka shoes. They’re so comfortable and offer some amazing support whether I’m walking or cooking. They are absolutely my go-to shoe. I buy the same pair on repeat, and I usually have a couple of pairs tucked away.

A big welcome to a new set of followers who are as excited to be here as we are to have you! Did you know we’ve got a pretty spectacular podcast? If you can believe it, we have 68 episodes of the Table Talks podcast over three seasons! If you don’t know where to start, I’ve picked some from each season below to help you get launched. I’ve had lively conversations with a variety of guests, from thought leaders to friends to Olympians, actors, artists, bloggers, bakers, farmers, and even financial consultants. We cover not just food but life itself—including parenting, grief, joy, social justice, and creativity--offering plenty of down to earth inspiration. A couple years ago, I sat down with my own @itsthelucyshow to talk about some of our favorite topics including LGBTQ+ issues, and it was so well received that a podcast was born. We certainly don’t have all the answers, but we sure do ask the right questions. Listeners have loved my conversation with Devi Brown, Chief Impact Officer at Chopra Global (season three episode five), season one episode 11 with TikTok sensation @the.korean.vegan, season two episode seven with divorce lawyer Laura Wasser, and season two episode 19 with celebrity photographer George Lange. The first episode of all three seasons features my second-born, @itsthelucyshow, who is always a treat. Listen on your favorite podcast platform.

I'm absolutely delighted about our new Sumac Spicy Roast Chicken, baked on a bed of sweet potatoes and parsnips. It's easy, delicious, and we can't wait for you to get cooking.

This cookbook is incredible and has so many delicious recipes! Teri is one of a kind and is always available to help with questions.

Adrienne
@Akhaaj
River Edge, New Jersey