Happy Friday gang!

I couldn’t help but smile when I saw Well+Good NYC’s Instagram post this morning.  These people speak my language because man am I ready for the weekend. This week was a long one between some work travel and just overall busy week. Other than dinner plans both nights this weekend is quieter than normal – something Bo and I both need.  Tomorrow is our six year anniversary but after an almost constant stream of friends and family members these past three months we both are looking forward to celebrating it with relaxation – a gift we both need right now. We don’t have anything fancy planned just the promise of spending Sunday together – just the two of us.

As you count down the minutes until the long weekend begins, grab an afternoon pick me up or a glass of wine and enjoy this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

Our Thanksgiving menu is already 99% finalized so I’m not sure these will find a spot but you better believe I’ll be making them at some point over the next few weeks.  I love the addition of honey and almonds to this delicious crispy brussels sprout recipe.

Come Thursday morning, I’ll either be crying over this dessert or smiling with excitement. While I definitely have a sweet tooth and enjoy baking, I’m not the best at making crusts or other complicated recipes as I don’t have much practice. Thursday morning, following the Prospect Park Turkey Trot, my girlfriend Margaret and I are going to attempt to successfully make this decadent Salted Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Pie which combines America’s favorite Thanksgiving desserts – pumpkin and pecan pie.

Back when I used to head to Equinox for my daily workouts, I often wondered whether I should start with cardio or weights. If you find yourself wondering the same thing, this article breaks it down based on your goals.

If you’re a NYC local or spending time in the city this holiday season, these five bars are the most festive in the city. You can bet that I’m organizing a holiday bar crawl, based on this round-up, with my parents when they’re in town.

I rarely can pull off the at home manicure, especially with the dark Fall and Winter colors. Typically my hand looks like a hot mess after attempting to apply a base coat, color and top coat with my very non-dominant left hand. Then, if I do manage to make it look decent, my nails never have that “just painted” finished, gloss look. Last night, while hiding from the torrential downpour, I picked up a new topcoat, Essie’s Gel Setter topcoat. It requires no light to set it but results in the shiniest, fastest drying nails ever! Today, they actually look like I had them done at a salon!

Thank heavens for J.Crew’s pixie pant. For the past two years this pant has been my answer to “what do I wear” 9 months of the year. In the Fall I can pair the skinny pants with heels and a blouse while in the winter I can easily slide a pair of tall boots on and add a chunky sweater or vest. This year, I took a risk and snagged a pair of the Pixie pants with leather tuxedo stripe detail. They pair the thick, flattering material with a stripe of sass – perfect for any workday outfit or a fun evening out. Today I paired them with a silk blouse and faux fur vest!

Your turn: What is your favorite recipe this week?

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!