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sunrise view from the washington liberty high school track
November 20, 2020

Friday Faves

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Hey friends. It has felt like a tough week over here… I got the really sad news late last week that a good running buddy of mine, Paul, passed away suddenly (not covid related). Paul and I met at our track workout group back in 2013, and we’ve been run buddies ever since – he got me through many a long run during my marathon training days and my long time readers will probably remember me mentioning him. He was the perfect running buddy because he had a seemingly endless supply of funny stories to tell.

My track coach hosted a small “Memorial 5k” for Paul yesterday morning at the track, and also invited us veterans who no longer go to the track workouts to come back out and remember Paul. 

It had been a really long time since I saw the sunrise from a track. Beautiful.

sunrise view from the washington liberty high school track

It was really special to be out there and to celebrate him. We will miss you so much, Paul. 

5k around the track

Alright, in an effort to buck up, I want to share some Friday favorites and things that are making me happy lately.

Because I think we could all use more things that make us happy these days, right? 

1) Riese turns 3 next week! 

Matt’s parents are going to drive down on Sunday and spend the week here so they will be here for Riese’s birthday and also Thanksgiving. It will be special to be together (and yes, covid tests are happening on both sides before the visit). 

I’m sad we won’t be able to do a big party with Riese’s friends, but it will be special to do a small family get together instead – and let’s be honest, all Riese really wants is cake. 🙂 My mom likes baking so she offered to make a homemade chocolate cake for Riese, and Riese is PUMPED.

2) The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

I’ve been reading a TON lately (pretty much all fun vs. educational books, because I need something relaxing/an escape before bed) and I’m going to put together another book post soon, but in the meantime, the best book I’ve read recently was The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. 

It was so good… it really drew me in with its creative and engaging storyline, and it was beautifully written. Highly recommend! 

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by [V. E. Schwab]

And if you want more book recs now, here are my most recent book round up posts: Fiction Books I’ve Read Lately and Non-Fiction Books I’ve Read Lately

3) Soup! 

Soup is making me really happy lately. It’s so cozy and nourishing.

Matt used the homemade chicken stock we made last weekend from rotisserie chicken bones to make a really yummy chicken, rice, and veggie-packed soup. It was simple and really delicious. 

homemade chicken rice and veggie soup

4) There are two new flavors of my fave Gone Rogue High Protein Chips. Ranch and Taco! (sponsored)

Their chips are awesome as an on-the-go snack or post-workout protein rich refuel. I really like keeping them in the car so I can have some on the drive home from runs.

They also make an excellent picnic lunch addition – I always throw a bag or two in my backpack when Riese and I go for outdoorsy morning adventures and have a picnic lunch before coming home. They are perfect because they are high in protein but also shelf stable, so you don’t have to worry about keeping them cold while you are out and about. 

gone rogue high protein chips

5) The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix. 

Matt and I just watched this show over the past few weeks and it was so good! It seems everyone is watching it right now. If you’ve seen it, what are your thoughts? 

6) My mom made me a double batch of my Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. (see also: she likes baking, which is awesome)

They have been such a great snack to have on hand. I hadn’t had them in too long.

peanut butter oatmeal cookies

And that’s all I have for you today! I hope you all are hanging in there and that you have a nice weekend. 

I will leave you with some link love from around the web:

  • 45 Small Businesses to Support in 2020 – I love this holiday gift guide that features all small business products (vs. Amazon, who has enough of all of our money). Also includes a lot of Black Owned businesses. 
  • This Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board is MAJOR goals. I love how the post tells you exactly step by step how it was made to look so pretty, too!
  • DIY Grazing Boxes – another cute charcuterie appetizer idea, or would even be a great holiday gift!
  • 10 Books I Read Recently and Loved – my friend Julie and I have similar taste in books so I always really love her book round ups, and she just posted this one last week!

—

Please note there are affiliate links in this post.

- anne
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18 comments
  • Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
    November 20, 2020 · 8:35AM:
    I'm sorry for your loss. This is an especially hard time to lose someone due to the isolation/inability to gather for memorials and such. My BIL passed away suddenly the day after the election. I keep thinking 2020 can't get worse and then it surprises us in bad ways... I will be very glad to turn the calendar to a new year in January. Glad you can celebrate Riese's bday with the grandparents! Our son is already talking about his birthday and it's 3/1! I think alot of kids in his class have been turning 3 so he's very focused on that. We have already talked about his cake - he wants a cookie cake. He's not a big cake person but loves cookies so it seems like the perfect solution. It's hard to believe our kiddos are turning 3, though. Doesn't seem like so long ago that I was reading your pregnancy posts!
    Reply
    • Anne
      November 20, 2020 · 10:04AM:
      I know, time flies, right? And thank you <3
      Reply
  • Jen November 20, 2020 · 10:59AM:
    Boxwood in Alexandria is another great small business which supports local artisans. Highly recommend for Christmas shopping and holiday decor!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      November 22, 2020 · 10:07AM:
      Great, thanks for the tip!
      Reply
  • Tori November 20, 2020 · 12:36PM:
    Anne, I am sorry for your loss. I absolutely remember all the times you mentioned him in posts and what a good friend he was to you. I’m glad you were able to memorialize him with a track workout. My condolences to you and his family and friends. Thank you for the favorites! I’m always looking for some new things to eat, read, have fun with.
    Reply
    • Anne
      November 22, 2020 · 10:07AM:
      Thank you Tori <3
      Reply
  • Tori November 20, 2020 · 12:38PM:
    And a very Happy 3rd Birthday to Riese! Three already!
    Reply
    • Anne
      November 22, 2020 · 10:07AM:
      I know, time flies!
      Reply
  • Ana November 20, 2020 · 3:06PM:
    So sorry about your friend. :-( We don't know how much time we are given but it sounds like he lived his life well and will be memorialized through the fond memories of his friends. I'm glad you have a happy birthday occasion to look forward to! Happy #3 to Riese!
    Reply
    • Anne
      November 22, 2020 · 10:08AM:
      Definitely. Thank you <3
      Reply
  • Marta white November 20, 2020 · 3:20PM:
    Happy Birthday Riese !!??????????. So great to see you hiking and getting out in nature! You are a happy little lady!! Great “stick” picks. I also have a walking stick and walking pole’s .
    Reply
    • Anne
      November 22, 2020 · 10:08AM:
      Thanks Marta!
      Reply
  • Roadrunner November 21, 2020 · 9:37AM:
    Very sorry to hear about your friend, Anne, but wonderful to remember him by gathering with friends to do what he enjoyed doing with all of you! I am still enjoying the Gone Rogue chips as a great/quick source of protein after a draining workout; thanks for that tip! And enjoy the birthday party and Thanksgiving -
    Reply
    • Anne
      November 22, 2020 · 10:08AM:
      Thank you!
      Reply
  • Tracy November 21, 2020 · 4:46PM:
    I'm reading Addie LaRue right now. It's so good! I don't want it to end!
    Reply
    • Anne
      November 22, 2020 · 10:08AM:
      I didn't either!!
      Reply
  • Haley Schwartz November 21, 2020 · 7:28PM:
    So sorry to hear. I remember reading about many runs with Paul. Sending good thoughts and love to all
    Reply
    • Anne
      November 22, 2020 · 10:09AM:
      Thank you Haley <3
      Reply
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about Anne

anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

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