Friday Favorites

Hellllllo and Happy Friday!! Long time no blog! I hope everyone's 2021 is off to a decent start. I must've really let myself relax over my winter break because I struggled to find my motivation these past two weeks! I've been letting myself ease back into reality hence not posting for a bit. But have no fear, I am back and ready to blog all year long! To start this year off right, I'm sharing some things I've been loving lately in today's Friday Favorites post.

Not the best/most flattering photo, but her One-Pot Cheesy Chili Mac was a favorite last week for dinner! It's now going to be part of our usual dinner rotation.

Emily Bites Blog
If you're looking for some delicious new recipes that are also on the lighter side, check out the Emily Bites blog. I've been a fan of her recipes for awhile now without even realizing it! John and I made a goal to make 24 new recipes in 2020 (which we crushed!) and a few of the recipes we used were from her. We have a similar goal for 2021. I'm hoping to make even more of her recipes this year! They are total comfort meals without being too high in calories.

21 for 2021 List
If you're like me, then New Year's resolutions might not be for you. Every year I pick a handful of resolutions that I usually forget about by February. For the past couple years I've also been making a list of things to do in that year that corresponds with the year and that has proven to be the most successful for me! This idea came from one of my favorite authors, Gretchen Rubin. Instead of resolutions, I pick concrete tasks I'd like to accomplish that year. I like this idea because I absolutely love the idea of crossing things off a list which is possible with a 21 for 2021 list. Some examples on my list are "get a new passport," "update resume," and "re-do our filing cabinet." So nothing too exciting but makes me feel like I accomplished tasks that I've been putting off. If you'd like a printable of a blank list, click the link above which will bring you to Gretchen's blog post about this.

Little Fires Everywhere was the first book I read on my Kindle! I give it 5 stars because it was a great story and had me thinking the whole time but I was a little disappointed with the ending.

Kindle Paperwhite
One of my Christmas presents from John's parents was a Kindle. I own the original Nook, but a few years ago Barnes & Noble announced they were no longer supporting that Nook so it virtually became useless. I had been missing having an e-reader so I was thrilled to receive this as a present! It's a major upgrade from my Nook as it has a touchscreen and the background lights up so I'm able to read at night without disturbing John. With the help of a fellow blogger, I even learned how to rent e-books using my library card! Now I can really work towards my goals of saving money and simplifying my life since I won't be tempted to buy every book I see.

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

{December} Currently

Happy Wednesday! I’m over here trying to wrap my head around the fact that Christmas Eve is Friday and 2020 is almost over. The past couple weeks have just flown by! I’ll be spending tonight and tomorrow morning prepping to have my family over for a little Christmas Eve dinner. I’m really looking forward to that and then a very relaxing Christmas Day. Before I log off for a week or so, I’m sharing my monthly ‘currently’ post! I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday season!!

I am currently...

Eating

Caramel popcorn! An Instagram friend of mine shared an amazing caramel popcorn recipe with me last week that I was so eager to try over the weekend. It turned out phenomenal and is the best Christmas gift for John and I's co-workers!

Wearing

Alllllll the fun Christmas earrings! I love working in elementary school because they're always a hit with the kids.

Reading

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I just started it but have heard so many good things about it. I’m eager to have more time to focus on it now that my holiday break has started!

Watching

Emily in Paris. This was suggested to me by so many people so I finally caved and started watching it on my snow day last week. I am almost done the season and so far I really like it! It's the perfect mindless show to watch after work.

Drinking

Hot chocolate. Something about this time of year has me craving hot chocolate almost every day!

Listening To
Taylor Swift’s new album, evermore. I’m seriously obsessed with it. I’ve had it playing in my car and on my phone while I run since it was released! I’d have to say my favorite song on it is champagne problems. If you’ve listened to the album yet, let me know which is your favorite!

Question of the Day: What is something you’re currently eating, wearing, listening to, etc.? Pick one :)

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday before Christmas! I've been really soaking up any bit of free time I've had lately and letting myself relax or prepare for the holidays. It's hard to believe that Christmas is already next week but I surely am ready for it! We have a little over a week off from school for winter break and then my district will be all remote the few weeks following the break. It'll be an interesting start to the new year but I know it's the safest option!

It's been awhile since I've posted a Friday Favorites so I figured I'd hop on and share a couple things I've been loving lately!

B&BW Kitchen Lemon Hand Cream
I picked this up at the Body Care Sale last weekend at Bath & Body Works and I am so glad it made it into my bag of goodness. The lemon scent is phenomenal and while the consistency is a little thicker than I normally prefer for a hand cream, it soaks in quickly and keeps my hands super moisturized. I keep it on my desk in work and use it after every time I wash my hands.

2-Ingredient Bagels
Yesterday was a snow day for me so I took advantage of the quiet morning and made myself some homemade bagels using 2 ingredient dough. If you've never heard of 2 ingredient dough then listen up because it's a true game changer. To make the dough, you use a cup of self-rising flour and a cup of plain Greek yogurt. Once mixed, you can use it for whatever you want! I typically make pizza with it (which I did Wednesday night during my snowed-in night) but it works for bagels, too. After kneading out the dough, divide it into 4 chunks that you then roll out and shape into bagel shapes. Top with an egg wash before popping them into your air fryer at 350* for 10 minutes. You can also add a topping with the egg wash, like Everything but the Bagel Seasoning or cinnamon! I linked the recipe I follow above so you can get all the details.

evermore 
I couldn't forget to talk about my new favorite Taylor Swift album! Taylor Swift blessed us all with her second album in the past FIVE MONTHS last week and I am just still amazed by that fact. I downloaded it the second I woke up last Friday morning and had it on repeat all day. After my first listen, I liked it but wasn't in love just yet. After a few days, I can now say it may be my new favorite! I'd have to say my favorite songs off the album are champagne problems and no body, no crime but that could change at any moment haha.

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

28 Things I’m Grateful For

 Today is my birthday! I don’t normally make a big deal out of it most years but in 2020, I’m leaning into anything that gives me joy! I was trying to think of something to post for my birthday, and after some thinking, I decided on a list of things I’ve been grateful for in the past year. The majority of the year since my last birthday has been spent in quarantine, away from friends and family. Somehow I’ve been able to really focus on what I’m grateful for in this time and today I’m sharing a list of 28 of those things in honor of my 28th birthday! These are in no particular order.

1. My husband, John, who puts up with all my shenanigans 
2. My supportive family
3. Comfy clothes to lounge around in
4. Take out food
5. Taylor Swift and her music
6. Colorful pens
7. My students and their sweet families
8. Social media to stay connected
9. Clean water to drink
10. My snuggly cats
11. My two sweet nephews
12. Poshmark for both buying and selling 
13. My priority planner
14. Rachel Hollis’ motivation
15. Gretchen Rubin’s books and motivation
16. 7 minute workout app
17. Video chatting
18. Fun masks
19. My kind coworkers
20. Dunkin’ iced coffee
21. Running
22. Books
23. My cozy house
24. Grey’s Anatomy
25. My new car
26. The Happy Headband Co. headbands to give me cute hairstyles on crazy hair days
27. Revel Nail dipped manicures
28. Hot or iced chai lattes

Question of the Day: What are you grateful for?

LittleRunnerEm's Gift Guide

Hello everyone! I'm sure most of you, like me, are either at the height of your Christmas shopping or still trying to figure out where to begin. If that's the case, then you've come to the right place! I spent the past week or so rounding up a list of all the things I love that I think most people would love the receive as gifts. I've broken the list up into two sections: for runners and for anyone. I'm always sharing things I love for running so I thought it'd help to compile those into a list for any of the runners in your life (or even yourself!). This list is a mix of specific items and small businesses or companies I love.

For Runners

Any item on this list for running safety. I shared these items on my blog the other day and I highly recommend them for gifts!

FlipBelt. A super comfortable way to carry your phone, fuel, keys, etc. on a run.

Momentum Jewelry. A little dose of motivation in the form of a bracelet.

Run Fast. Eat Slow. or Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow cookbooks. A recipe book written by Olympian Shalane Flanagan and chef Elyse Kopecky.

Sarah Marie Design Studio. Adorable running themed clothing and accessories. Use the code LITTLERUNNEREM for a discount!

Believe Training Journal. A beautifully bound journal to track your workouts with room to take notes about each one.

Paincakes. An ice pack that sticks to your skin so you can go about your day with it on.

Senita Athletics. Comfortable, cute activewear with POCKETS! If you use the link provided you will get 10% off your first purchase!

Aftershokz. Bone conduction headphones to keep your runner safe.

For Anyone

MudLove. From homemade bracelets in many styles to personalized mugs, you won't be disappointed! Each purchase provides 1 week of safe, clean water to someone in need.  I'll have a discount code later in the week for this weekend so keep an eye on my Instagram!

The HappyHeadband Co. The cutest headbands that come in a few different styles and tons of designs. Each purchase goes towards buying books for classroom libraries across the country! If you use the link provided you will get 10% off your first purchase!

Start Today Journal or Priority Planner from the Start Today Brand. The STJ is a gratitude journal that also helps you start working towards your dream. The Priority Planner is perfect for any of your friends and family who love to plan each day by the hour!

KG Designs. Handmade unique jewelry and ornaments.

Shop This One Life. Embroidered sweatshirts and hats that can be personalized.

Simple Sugars. Amazing sugar scrubs that come in a wide variety of scents.

Cold Brew Coffee Maker. For any iced coffee/cold brew lovers that want to start making their own drinks at home.

Erica Sara Jewelry. Personalized engraved jewelry that will not disappoint!

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. The perfect gift to pamper someone who suffers from dry lips. The price may seem steep for such a small jar, but a little goes a long way so it lasts a long time!

Yeti Tumbler. You can choose your tumbler based on the recipients drink of choice! All yeti's keep your drinks hot or cold for hours.

Dr. Teal's Products. If you're looking to put together a self-care gift for someone, I highly recommend any Dr. Teal's products, from their foaming bath to epsom salt soaks. 

Knockaround Sunglasses. Comfortable, affordable sunglasses that came in all sorts of styles, designs, and colors. You can even customize a pair!

Letterfolk. The cutest passports for anything you can think of from running to food to traveling. They also have letter boards, tile mats, and other unique home goods. 

National Running Safety Month

 As you can tell from the title, it is National Running Safety Month! I meant to get this post out earlier in the month but now is better than never, am I right?! With Daylight Savings, we may find ourselves running in the dark more than we would like. Because of this, I'm sharing some products with you that I personally use to keep myself safe while running in the dark, which these days can be right when I get home from work!

NoxGear Tracer360 Vest
I just had to start off with this product because it is by far one of the best purchases I've made! The NoxGear Tracer360 vest is a lightweight, light up vest you can wear over as many layers as you need. This vest makes you visible to anyone out on the road in any conditions. There are 5 multi-color flashing modes and 6 solid colors to choose from. The band that goes around the chest is also reflective for added visibility!

Headlamp
Not only do you want to be seen while running in the dark, but you also want to see the road beneath you and ahead of you! I'm fortunate to live in a very well-lit development where I do any of my in-the-dark runs, but whenever I trek outside of my development, I make sure to wear my headlamp! I can't find the exact headlamp I bought many years ago, but it's Nathan Sports brand so I've linked their online shop in the title. My one little tip for a headlamp is to actually wear it around your waist. This allows you to see beneath you and ahead of you without needing to move your head all around to see.

Go Guarded Self-Defense Ring
This is one of those items I bring with me on my run but hope I never ever have to use it! The Go Guarded ring is a heavy-duty plastic serrated-edge weapon that can be worn on any finger. This is a convenient, comfortable, and effective way to defend yourself if the unthinkable should ever happen out on a run.

I love the shoe ID because then I don't need to think about it before I leave to run!

ROADiD
Just like the Go Guarded ring, this is an item I always have on me on a run but hope I never need it! A ROADiD comes in all different shapes and sizes. You can get a shoe ID which attaches right to your shoelaces or a wrist ID that you can wear. Each ID (no matter which you choose) is able to be personalized. Most people put their name, date of birth, any known allergies or medical conditions, and their emergency contact information. I will promote this brand forever so I was super excited to be chosen as an Ambassador! If you ever go to order from ROADiD, reach out to me because I may have a discount code for you to use!

Question of the Day: How do you keep yourself safe while running in the dark?

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

 TGIF! I survived my first week back to work after a full week off and I think I'll celebrate with a relaxing weekend! It was a weird weather week up here in New Jersey with warm temps, humidity, and rain. Something about the weather really made me sleepy all week so here's to hoping to catch up on some rest during the weekend since, as of now, we don't have any plans on the agenda. Before I login for our Friday remote session, I'm sharing a few things I've been loving lately!

Yeti Rambler Lowball
I'm not one to spend much on something like this, but after receiving this Yeti free from ROADiD {ambassador perks!}, I think I'd put out the money for one! The Rambler Lowball holds 10 oz of hot or cold liquid and is $20. $20 seems like a lot for a coffee cup but I swear, it keeps my coffee hot for such a long time. The first day I used it I was trying to finish my coffee in my car before heading into work and I couldn't because it was that hot! I'm highly considering perusing the Yeti website and picking out some as gifts for Christmas.

Our Photo Wall
We've lived in our house for over 2 years now and you probably wouldn't even know it by the lack of things up on our wall. It took until about the middle of quaratine for us to finally hang a few wedding picture canvases. We finally took the time last week to hang a collection of frames I had bought last year that has a bunch of different family pictures. We also put a cute sign we received as a gift from John's best friend right above the collage. I absolutely love it! It just adds the perfect touch to our dining room.

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

{November} Currently

 Hellllo! Yes, I'm still here! I had all of last week off for NJ Teacher Convention Week so I used it as an opportunity to stray away from my phone and computer. Now I'm back and ready to get these blogging fingers moving! I had intended to write a more exciting post for today, but work ended up getting a bit hectic this week so I'm settling with a simple "currently" post. I think I might start posting one of these once a month.

I am currently...

Eating

An early Thanksgiving. I picked up a turkey breast for a good price over the weekend so we've been eating that for lunches. I've been doing turkey sandwiches while John has been making a turkey bowl with stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce.

Wearing

My Vans. Our dress code at work has been leaning on the more relaxed side lately so I've been wearing my Vans most days. They're so much more comfortable than flats and still look fairly nice!

Reading

Fewer Things, Better by Angela Watson. My sister sent me this book through Amazon a week or so ago and I'm really loving it. It's a book for teachers on how to lighten your load and focus on what really matters. What perfect timing for this book!

Watching

Gilmore Girls. John and I started binge watching this a few weeks ago and I am hooked! We are in the middle of season 3 right now.

Drinking

Lots of water! Wearing a mask while teaching means I have to talk much louder. That leaves my throat so dry which has me drinking water constantly, especially with a Nuun tab!

Listening To
Podcasts. These have been helping me survive my commute to and from work each day. I got a list of recommendations from a friend (thanks, Maureen!) and I'm slowly working through the true crime podcasts.

Question of the Day: What is something you’re currently eating, wearing, listening to, etc.? Pick one :)

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?