Friday Favorites

 Happy Friday, friends! It was another long week here but once again, I have a pretty open weekend ahead of me. The temperatures have really been dropping here in New Jersey so you'll find me bundled up on the couch with some hot chocolate for a majority of this weekend. Before I log on and have my Friday remote session with the kiddos, I'm sharing some things I've been loving this week!

Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice
I used to get this all the time in college and completely forgot about it until recently when my sister was asking for some non-coffee suggestions from Starbucks. Guys, this drink is amazing and so perfect for this time of drink! It's steamed apple juice with cinnamon syrup, whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you're looking for a delicious seasonal drink but either don't like coffee or aren't in the mood for it, order a caramel apple spice. You won't be disappointed!

Mental Health Remix Podcast
This was a recommendation from an Instagram friend who is a fellow runner and teacher. She shared a post the other day about the stress she has been under with work that was super relatable. Along with the post, she shared that she has been loving the Mental Health Remix Podcast. I started listening to it on the way to work (my true crime podcasts will have to take a back seat for a bit) and wow, is it great! Nicole Symcox, a licensed psychotherapist, is the host and she is just wonderful! So far I've listened to a few of her episodes about self care. I'm looking forward to listening to more!

I don't have a good photo of the whole tank so a stock photo will have to do!

Old Navy Luxe Tank Top
If you're looking for the perfect tank to wear with a cardigan, look no further! I picked up one of these tanks last summer while shopping for our honeymoon at Old Navy. I've been obsessed ever since! Last week I went on a little shopping spree there again (yay sales!) and ended up buying three more. I went with a fun leopard pattern, wine red, and a basic black. They are so soft and perfect for pairing with sweaters or other layers. I go with the high-neck version but they do sell them in a scoop neck style.

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?