freitag favorites + shorter days

The darkness and short days of the coming winter are already here and, though it isn’t too cold yet, I’m already having trouble adjusting my routine around daylight hours. I’m not a fan of running in the dark and so my whole evening schedule in the last few weeks has evolved into more couch time in the evening than I’d like. I guess that is just one more reason that I love the weekend, and I’m even more thankful when the forecast still is sunny.

Since it’s Friday, I’m just looking forward to a few more days when I don’t have to think about beginning the the real battle to climb out from the cozy covers and re-establish my return to regular, early morning gym visits. Besides a sense of accomplishment and a few sore muscles, the most exciting benefit will be that if I do get up in the dark starting next week, my trip to the gym will take me past the best Zürich Christmas lights called “Lucy” along Bahnhofstrasse. They were lit up last night and I’m already missing them so far since I don’t commute home through town anymore.

Last night the first of the Christmas markets also opened, lighted trees are popping up around town, and next week is already our Christmas party at work. So, while we haven’t seen any snowflakes yet, holiday season is really here and I’m excited to turn on the Christmas music, as soon as I finish catching up on Serial.

Hope you also have some delicious holiday plans for Thanksgiving week, and have a great weekend! Once again, I’ll leave you with my favorites from this week…

• I spent one afternoon last weekend assembling Paper Source’s succulent wreath, but now I wish I could also make this beautiful felt winter wreath from Purl Soho.
• I baked this Swiss Chard Lasagna and it was easy to assemble and delicious. The swiss chard really added a different flavor than your average vegetarian lasagna, and it was also a big hit with Martin.
• I had to laugh a bit at this week’s Into the Gloss post on smoky eyeshadow quad compacts as I always love the idea of holiday makeup palettes, especially when it comes for travel or the gym, but I have found that it is not always possible to use all the included shades.
• We’re having just 7 adults and one toddler in total for Thanksgiving this year and I’m struggling with what to make for dessert besides a pumpkin pie. I’m leaning towards Salted Chocolate Pots with caramel sauce (as pinned by my sister), but this rustic apple pie also looks good.