Friday Favorites

 Happy Friday!! It's been a minute since I've posted on here and that is because life has been a bit crazy for me (when isn't it?!). As a quick recap, my students started in person last Monday, which is going super well but is extremely exhausting! On top of that, last Friday, after a rollercoaster of a week, my grandpop got a liver transplant! I don't share much about it, but he has been sick for awhile now and just in the last few weeks got much worse. This liver came at the perfect time and we are hoping for a good recovery for him! Needless to say, life is wild but it's going.

This weekend (AND the week long break I have next week) is much needed, so I'm eager to jump right into it! Before I sign off, I'm sharing a few things I've been loving this week.

Reusable Ziplocs
These were a Prime Day impulse buy that I was glad worked out! If you're looking for a reusable ziploc bag that won't break the bank like Stasher does, try these out. I bought them in a pack that had 5 snack size, 5 sandwich size, and 2 gallon size bags. They hold up pretty well, the zipper part is easy to open and close, and they're easy to clean! The only downside is they're not dishwasher safe. The number one selling point for me was that I was able to get 12 reusable storage bags at the cost of almost just one Stasher bag! Don't get me wrong, Stasher is great and I have a few, they're just pricey.

Scunci Hosiery Elastics
I've been trying to find a good ponytail holder option lately that won't pull at my hair. I picked these up while in Target last week because they looked like a good choice. They are made out of pantyhose material that won't damage your hair and keep your ponytail in place. I love how soft they are which makes them comfortable to wear on my wrist. I like that they don't leave marks on my wrist after wearing it all day! They come in a pack of 6 for $3 at Target.

Sonoma Super Soft Cardigan
A few years ago, I got this sweater at Kohl's in grey. It has become my go-to sweater that I wear with absolutely everything. I got the idea the other day to look it up to see what other colors it came in. The Kohl's website shows it in white, black, and a light purple. I found it in black on Poshmark last week and now I want to order the light purple one off the Kohl's website to complete my collection. They are so soft, not too thick but still warm, and have pockets! One plus is that they are on the longer side so I can wear them with leggings to work.

Question of the Day: What is something you've been loving this week?

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! For once, this week didn't seem to drag on too much. Maybe it's because students are coming back into the building on Monday so we've been working nonstop to prepare? Who knows, but I'm not complaining! We don't have anything officially on the agenda for this weekend but we've been talking about a few different things to get ourselves out and moving. As much as I love a lazy weekend, I do like to do a couple things to feel like I actually had a weekend come Sunday night. Here are a few things I've been loving this week!

Sharpie S-Gel Pens
I am an office supply obsessed teacher so when I saw some people sharing these pens on TikTok lately, I knew I had to have a pack. At almost $6 for a pack of 5, it took some internal convincing in the school supply office at Target to finally splurge on the pack (treat yo' self!). Let me tell you, they are worth the hype and the price! They write so smoothly, have a comfortable grip, and do not smear, which was the selling point for me. I bought the medium point size and I feel like that is the perfect thickness for me.

Olay Daily Facial Wipes
I received a free sample of these in the grapeseed extract version and knew once I tried it, I needed to buy a whole pack. I ended up buying the sensitive skin version when I went to pick them up at target but I believe both are great. These cleansing wipes do the work of a cleanser, make up remover, toner, scrub AND a mask! To use these, you wet the cloth with water and then scrub it all over your face. It makes such a nice lather and leaves my skin so smooth once I rinse it off. I've been using these on nights when I am way too lazy to do my full nighttime routine.

Pumpkin Spice Granola
You didn't think I'd post a Friday Favorites without a pumpkin spice related item, did you? I picked up this granola at Aldi when I saw it was nut-free. I've been snacking on it plain all week but I bet it would taste amazing in yogurt. It's hard to explain, but I think the texture is a little different than most granola I've tried. Almost a little softer than usual but still crunchy, if that makes sense. The flavor isn't too pumpkin-y and there are even pumpkin seeds mixed in to cut the sweetness down.

Question of the Day: What is something you've been loving this week?

Self-Care Ideas

It's no secret that life has been a bit rough lately for some people. Personally, remote teaching has me stressed beyond the max most days. After spending the first few weeks of school feeling like I was going to go insane, I started to really focus on myself with some self-care. Self-care can be so many different things to each person. I have been compiling a list in my journal over the past week or so of things that I can do for self-care. My plan is to eventually write these ideas on popsicle sticks and start a self-care jar! Today I am sharing a portion of my list with you that might help you start writing your own list of things that personally make you feel happier.

• Go for a walk
• Curl up with a cozy blanket and read a book
• Do a face mask (Pinterest has some DIY ones!)
• De-clutter a room or area

Wine pairs well with a bubble bath!

• Take a bubble bath
• Deep breathing or yoga
• Journal
• Watch a movie
• Do a crossword or Sodoku puzzle
• Find a healthy new recipe to try

• Bake your favorite treat
• Unplug for a set amount of time (if you have an iPhone, utilize the screen time setting!
• Cross something off your to do list that has been on there for awhile
• Try a new exercise video
• List all of your positive qualities (start with the prompt "I am..." and just let the positivity flow!)
• Listen to a podcast or music

• Give yourself a manicure
• Catch up on a favorite blog
• Sit outside
• Meditate
• Make a bucket list
• Have a 1-person dance party!
• Start a list of your favorite quotes
• Take a nap
• Go window shopping
• Take some time to stretch your body

Question of the Day: What is something you would add to your self-care list?

Friday Favorites

 Hello & Happy Friday! I'm finishing up this week on a tired note. I have nothing on my agenda for the weekend so I'll be getting the rest I need! The teacher-tired feeling has been so real this year but I am doing my best to take time for myself, especially over the weekend. I hope you are taking time for yourself this weekend or doing something fun out in this beautiful fall weather! Before I power through this FriYAY, I'm sharing a few things I'm loving this week.

Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes
My mom mentioned these shakes to me last week so when I went to BJ's over the weekend, I picked us up some to try! I originally went intending to just get the chocolate flavor, but when I saw they also had vanilla, I grabbed that, too. I'm so happy I made the last minute decision to grab the vanilla because it's my favorite! With 30g of protein, this has been the perfect breakfast for me all week. I typically eat my breakfast once I get to work so a shake is the easiest option. Like all the Fairlife products I've tried, these shakes have an amazing flavor and are perfectly creamy. Both flavors taste like a milkshake!

PainCakes
I've seen these all over Instagram for a few years now, so when I saw them in the special buy section of my local Aldi, I knew I had to grab a pack (or two!). PainCakes come in 3 different sizes: large, mini, and a wrap (which I just learned about after some Googling). I grabbed one large and one mini, which comes with 2. PainCakes are ice packs that stick to your skin so you don't have to hold it there the whole time. I tried out one of the minis on my elbow the other day, after I stupidly hit it on something, and it was great! It stayed in place the whole time and made it so I could do some stuff around the house while it was on. Once you're done using the PainCake you just put the little cover back on the sticky part and throw it back in the freezer because they're reusable!

Question of the Day: What is something you're loving this week?

Friday Favorites

 I know I say this every Friday but TGIF! This week was long and uneventful, yet I am beyond exhausted. The only thing on the agenda for this weekend is we are going with a couple friend of ours to a local winery. I am so excited for that! Other than that, you can find me curled up on the couch watching TV, reading, or asleep. Before I start the last work day of the week, I'm sharing a few things I've been loving this week.

This is the best photo I have where you can see the jacket!

SO Utility Jacket
I had Kohl's Cash last week which meant I gave myself permission to do some retail therapy after a long week of work. I went into Kohl's on the search for new black leggings but ended up finding this adorable utility jacket instead! It's cute, lightweight, and the perfect layering piece for fall or spring. I went with the grey color but it also comes in black, olive, and camo. I was also considering the olive color so I might have to keep an eye on their sales over the next few weeks to see if I can snag it for cheap!

The Happy Headbands Co. Headbands
My sister and I were looking for cute headbands for every day wear as opposed to all the running headbands we already have. My friend suggested The Happy Headband Co. so we ordered some to try out. We both have fallen in love! They are cute, reasonably priced knotted headbands that come in a plethora of designs! I struggle to find headbands that will stay on my head and these do- score! It takes everything in me not to buy every single one I love. They have been perfect to wear for work lately since I've been wearing a lot of solid colors. They add a fun pop of color and design!

New Priority Planners
If you follow me on Insta then you may know I have a strong love for the Start Today Brand that was created by the lovely Rachel Hollis. Awhile back, Rachel created the Priority Planner which helps organize your goals and dreams into a 3 month planner. Overall it just makes me feel like I have my life together (even if I actually don't...). On Tuesday, the newest planners and Start Today Journals were released at Target and I am just so in love with the new designs! I pre-ordered 2 of them because I always have to have a back-up just in case, plus I couldn't choose just one design. If you are completely lost on what I am even talking about then click here to go to the Start Today Brand website where they have how-to videos about it all!

Question of the Day: What is something you're loving this week?