Wish List Wednesdays: Pumpkin Fair Isle Sweater from Serengeti

Autumn apparel has begun to make an appearance, and as autumn is my favorite season I always look forward to shopping for fall clothing.  My first purchase this year was the Pumpkin Fair Isle Sweater ($59.95-$69.95) from Serengeti, and I could not be more delighted with it.  I have been looking for a fall-themed Fair Isle sweater similar to the popular wool versions from Kiel James Patrick, but without the spooky price tag, and I finally found one!

My sweater is a cozy, soft cotton/acrylic blend rather than wool, but I actually prefer cotton as I am slightly allergic to wool and also find wool sweaters to be way too warm most of the time.  The fit is neither too loose nor too tight, and suits my rather hard-to-fit body type of overly broad shoulders and long torso (I normally end up buying tops a size too large to fit my shoulders and torso so the sleeves are usually too long and the waist too loose, but that is not the case with this sweater).

I am looking forward to cooler weather even more now, so that I can finally wear this lovely sweater!

Foodie Fridays: Brussels Sprouts with Peas and Cashews

I am so far behind on posting recipes that this one is from Christmas of 2025!  I watched a PBS Christmas cooking special featuring Mary Berry, and just had to make these Brussels sprouts from the show for our holiday meal.  I often serve Brussels sprouts for Christmas, but this was one version that I had never tried, and it was really tasty!  True to my naturally lazy nature, I used short cuts (pre-cut Brussels sprouts and frozen peas) which decreased the number of servings slightly but did not affect the flavor.  (I also increased the amount of cashews because I love them!)  I have made this side dish several times since then and am never disappointed, so if you love sprouts like I do you should give the recipe a try.

Brussels Sprouts with Peas and Cashews

12 oz. bagged microwaveable halved fresh Brussels sprouts
2 T. butter
2 large or 4 small shallots, thinly sliced
12 oz. frozen peas, thawed
1/2  C. salted cashew halves
salt and pepper to taste

Microwave the Brussels sprouts according to directions on the bag until tender.

Heat the butter in a large sauté pan.  Quickly fry the shallots for a few minutes.  Add the sprouts, peas, and cashews and cook for a few minutes until piping hot.  Season with salt and pepper and serve at once.  Serves 6.

Holiday Hits: Happy New Year!

I hope everyone has a happy, healthy, prosperous, and fun new year in 2026! 🎉🐶🎉