This week has been killing me. To put it simply, I have 4 HUGE assignments due Monday/Tuesday, including probably the biggest project/presentation of my entire college career. Plus the week after Thanksgiving always sucks because being home is such a tease. But, it is the beginning of December (aka the best month of the year) and in between all my work, I had a little bit of fun too. There may have been some lows this week (doing laundry on a Saturday night, having a mini breakdown in Garey Hall, it raining for 2 days straight), but here are some of the highs.

Recipes, Courtesy of Baci

My Polish grandmother, Baci, passed away in August (Click here to read about her, she was a super cool lady). On the Friday after Thanksgiving, my family went to clean out her house a bit and get it organized. While I was there, I stumbled old pictures of my dad when he was a kid, picked out some jewelry of hers to keep, but most importantly, I found her pierogi recipe. Every Christmas, my Baci would make this traditional and extremely delicious Polish dish. Considering I’m the only grandchild who got the lesson on how to make them, I’ve decided to take over the pierogis this year. I feel better having her original recipe, however I’m sliiiiightly nervous I’m going to mess up the staple of our Christmas dinner. Stay tuned.

Fancy Cheese and Crackers

Not sure what got into me,  but I felt super bougie this week when I was food shopping and decided to buy honey goat cheese and “fancy” crackers. Over the summer, I had both with granny smith apple slices and decided now was as good as time as ever to have it again. Which I guess is why I left the supermarket with a few college staples (peanut butter, Bagel Bites, coffee K-cups) and honey goat cheese. I decided to add cranberries to the combo and had it for dinner that night. Pinkies up people, this girl is fancy.

Monday Mimosas and Jimmy Fallon

On Monday night, a small group of friends celebrated my friend Meg’s 21st bday. To pregame the pregame, my friend Tony and I decided to drink mimosas and watch funny YouTube videos. I highly recommend you start pregaming this way as well as watch this segment from The Tonight Show with guest star Jennifer Lawrence. It will not only confirm that JLawrence is the most perfect human ever, but also inspire you to ask people to dance like she does.

Cracklin’ Candles

My roomies and I reaaaalllyyy like candles. Maybe it was because they were banned in the on-campus dorms/apartments, regardless we constantly burn a candle while we all hang out in the living room. To get in the Christmas spirit, my one roomie Julie and I decided to buy a holiday-scented candle from HomeGoods. Well. We stumbled upon this one candle that smells like Christmas tree (aka the best smell) that has a WOOD wick which means it CRACKLES while it burns! Probably one of the most relaxing sounds ever. Want one too? Check it out here.

Care Packages from Karen

Lucky for me, care packages didn’t stop after freshman year because I literally have the best mom ever. I got a surprise package from the lovely Karen which basically made my whole week. Who doesn’t love homemade banana bread, Starbucks gift cards and fuzzy socks? That’s the epitome of happiness right there.

Liking that Nova beat St. Joe’s today (#gocatz) & Favoriting getting more than 5 hours of sleep tonight.

The week of Thanksgiving not only means Tuesday feeling like Friday (what up 5 day weekend), but also that I get to listen to Christmas music without getting too many guilt trips (My friends are super strict about waiting until the day after Thanksgiving, but I just can’t wait that long. I started last week, shhhh…). Oh and of course there’s that whole Thanksgiving dinner thing with friends & family, turkey & gravy, food comas & football. Over all, I like Thanksgiving week, but here are some specifics.

The Philly Marathon

This past Sunday, I attended the Philadelphia Marathon to watch my father run his 10th (read it again, 10th) marathon. I can’t fathom running more than 5 miles, let alone 26.2 TEN times. We only got to see my dad once on the course (we missed him in the crowds at mile 6 and were too late at 13), but we did see him cross the finish line. The look of relief, happiness and pride on my dad’s face, much like the dozens of runners we saw crossing that line, was nothing short of inspiring. Made me want to run more. Maybe.

Feeling Funky, thanks to Bruno

I was driving home from class and Mark Ronson’s (ft. Bruno Mars) song “Uptown Funk” came on. With a little Michael Jackson feel and some pretty groovy beats, it became an immediate jam. I showed it to my sister, the music guru. She likes it. So it must be good.

Black Friday

I’m not the biggest fan of shopping with thousands of people (does anyone really enjoy that?), but I have been checking out some DSW boots that I wouldn’t mind fighting the lines for. Plus, retail’s best (or worst?) day is the perfect inspiration for funny gifs and even funnier commentary.

Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

This past weekend, my friends and I had our annual Friendsgiving. (Click here to read about last years!) Like always, I made my sweet potato casserole, with marshmallows and all. It’s always a fan favorite with my family but I didn’t expect it to be a hit with all my friends! Considering I had a number of people ask me how to make this super-easy-yet-delicious dish, here’s the recipe if you wanna impress your mom by offering to cook something for tomorrow.

Finding out Blanket Scarves Exist

I was Pinteresting (obviously) and stumbled upon this beauuuutiful plaid scarf that I immediately fell in love with. Upon clicking on it, I found out that it was a BLANKET scarf. Yes, a scarf that keeps your neck warm and then your whole body warm. Scarves are one of the few reasons I like winter (disclaimer: I really hate winter), and now that I know that there’s something so stylish that can also keep me warm =Game changer. Your move winter.

Liking Thanksgiving break & favoriting writing this by a fire.

Welcome to Likes&Favorites, my newest addition to Ampersand! I’ll be posting once a week about things that I like (and favorite) in the rare chance that you’ll favorite (or like) them too! Expect random article links, things found on my Pinterest, funny videos, catchy songs, maybe some recipes, and witty and entertaining banter from yours truly.

Here’s to me liking things & you favoriting them.