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?

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?

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!! 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

 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?

Friday Favorites

Happy First Friday of Fall! The weather has actually been very fall-like lately which I hope continues. We have a busy weekend ahead of us! Tomorrow we are going to a winery to celebrate one of my best friend's birthdays with her, her boyfriend, and another couple. On Sunday we are going to my sister's house to celebrate her birthday with family. Lots of birthdays over here! Before I log off for all the festivities, I'm sharing a few things I've been loving this week.

Pumpkin Pie Hummus
Okay okay, I know I've been bombarding you all with pumpkin flavored items for weeks now but unfortunately, expect this until about November, haha. But seriously, my mom got me this pumpkin pie dessert hummus at Aldi last week and it takes everything in me not to eat it by the spoonful! I've been pairing it with pretzels and having it as an afternoon snack all week. I swear, it's like pumpkin pie in hummus form! It's the first dessert hummus I've ever had that I'd believe isn't really hummus and is the actual dessert. I think other brands may make a pumpkin hummus, so if you don't have an Aldi near you, check your local grocery store for other brands that might make it!

Bath & Body Works Stress Relief Soap
First off, I love anything stress relief scented from B&BW so you can always win me over with those products. I replaced the soap in my guest bathroom (the bathroom next to my WFH office) with this hand soap as soon as I started working from home this year because work is just a tad stressful. I love using this throughout the day because it leaves my skin soft, while also leaving the stress relief scent on my hands to help calm me down. Maybe it's just me, but I really believe that the scent relaxes me. I had it in a wallflower in my college dorm and it always made me feel less stressed when it was plugged in. If this scent isn't for you, I highly suggest any of their foam hand soaps as they are just the best in my opinion!

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

Friday Favorites

TGIF! I've probably said this a million times before but I am feeling the 'thank goodness it's Friday' vibe more than ever! As of now we have an open schedule for the weekend and I'm hoping to keep it that way. Work is keeping me super busy so some down time would be great. The weather has been fantastic around here which means time outside will be a must! I hope you all have a great weekend!

Nuun Instant
Nuun Hydration released this new product a couple weeks ago and I finally got around to trying it! Nuun Instant is added to your drink to help you rapidly re-hydrate, 2-3 times faster than regular water. Unlike typical Nuun Sport, Instant comes as a powder in a small sachet as opposed to the tablets. It dissolves in water super quickly, making the ability to re-hydrate even quicker. They come in 2 flavors, lemon lime and watermelon, which are both delicious! My recommendation is to make sure it's super cold in order to bring out the best flavor. I drank this after a long, hot run and felt great the rest of the day when normally I'd feel dehydrated later in the day. I'm planning to keep this on hand for long run days and also days when I have a bad headache. Oh, and they offer a sample pack so you can try it without committing to a whole box!

Chai Latte Wax Melts
I don't care what anyone says, fall is in the air! This means that I have brought out all the fall scented candles and wax melts. While in Aldi last week searching for the highly coveted 3-wick candles, I found these wax melts instead. I'm a huge chai latte person so I had high hopes for the scent. It's probably the closest to smelling like a chai latte than a real chai latte itself! I've had it in my wax melter I have in my office all week and I don't plan on swapping it out for another scent anytime soon.

Pairs well with wine!

Dr. Teal's Foaming Bath
The beginning of the school year has been wild which means self-care has been a must for me! Last Friday I stopped at Wal-Mart on the way home from work to pick up a new bubble bath. I went right to the Dr. Teal's section because I know that brand is great. The Relax & Relief type jumped right out at me because that is exactly what I needed to do! The eucalyptus and spearmint scent is so relaxing while the pure epsom salt leaves my body feeling relieved from all the stress of the work week. It also bubbles up a good amount! I would highly recommend this foaming bath, along with all the other types of foaming bath and epsom salts that Dr. Teal's has to offer!

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

Friday Favorites

How is it already September?! We've had some nice weather here in Jersey so I am definitely getting the fall vibes. Most of the fall vibes come from the fact that I am back in school. Although we are starting remote, I've been in my school the past couple days for in-service days. I'm eager to start with my kiddos next week!

Although it's been a busy week here for me, I still managed to put together my typical Friday post. I hope you have a great Labor Day Weekend!

Lemon Blueberry Granola
I ventured out to Aldi last week in search of some snacks to keep on hand now that school is starting. Somehow I snack more throughout a work day more than ever... I came across this granola and was happily surprised when I saw it didn't contain any nuts (I believe it was processed somewhere that also processes nuts so if you have a super sensitive nut allergy then this might not be for you). The lemon blueberry is delicious and the dried blueberries are the perfect addition. I've been enjoying it all week both plain and mixed in yogurt!

Cerave Eczema Creamy Oil
Someone had told me about this creamy oil months ago but I hesitated to buy it in fear that it would be super oily. Plus it's a little on the pricey side. The word "creamy" really is the best word to describe the oil (I guess that's why they put it in the name haha) because it's more like a very thin lotion rather than an oil. I've been using it every night after my shower and it has done an amazing job of keeping my Eczema flare-ups at bay. It soaks in fairly quickly so you aren't left with a greasy residue. I'd suggest this to anyone with any type of dry skin, not just Eczema.

Marshmallow Fireside Candle
I've had this candle from Bath & Body Works for over a year now but have just recently started to appreciate it. The scent of this candle is a fantastic mix of a smoky campfire and sweet toasted marshmallow. I've had it lit almost every day this week since the not-so-sweltering-hot weather has been giving me fall vibes and it just gives me such a cozy feel. I have the 3-wick candle of this scent and it has lasted me awhile.

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

Friday Favorites

 Happy Friday! This is my last official Friday of summer as I start in-services on Monday. Our school is currently starting remotely so we'll see how that goes! I have a busy weekend ahead of me! I'm going to visit my friend Rachel for her birthday on Saturday and on Sunday we are getting together with John's best friend for a belated birthday celebration for John. It should be fun! Before I sign off and start this last summer weekend, I'm sharing a few things I've been loving this week.

Gatorade Endurance Energy Gel
I did a long run on Wednesday and figured I should probably bring some fuel with me. I grabbed a gel I had gotten during the Philadelphia Marathon last year (it was their course fuel) without knowing how it would be. Luckily, it ended up being great! It was apple pear flavored and had a thinner consistency than most gels, such a GU. I liked the fruity flavor which surprised me because I'm a die-hard S'mores GU fan but I just felt like it was much easier to digest when my stomach was already a bit wonky from the heat. I haven't tried their other energy gel flavors (vanilla, blackberry, and mango) but now I want to!

Honey Mustard Pretzels
I picked up these honey mustard pretzels at my local Amish Market last week to try and switch up my snack options. I was hooked from the first bite! They're the perfect salty snack to have on hand throughout the day, but fair warning, the honey mustard powder coating can get messy! My dad said they reminded him of Snyder's Honey Mustard and Onion pretzels so if you don't have an Amish Market nearby, I suggest picking those up! I'm planning to grab a bag on my next grocery trip to compare them.

Weighted Blanket
I've been eyeing one up for a couple months now so I figured it was the perfect purchase to use an Amazon gift card I had been holding onto on. They can be pretty expensive but I ended up finding a decently priced one on Amazon and bit the bullet on buying it the other day. I went with the queen size and it came to $40, which I learned after some research is fairly cheap. I've only had it for a few days now but I just had to include it in today's post because I am OBSESSED! I mainly bought it in hopes it would help me fall asleep faster at night. Let me tell you, it works! I was asleep so quick the first night I tried it. The next morning I decided to push off my run until later in the day and I fell asleep as soon as I changed my alarm, which never happens. Once I'm awake, I'm up for the day usually so this is a game changer. The material it is made out of is super soft and doesn't get extremely hot like I expected.

Question of the Day: What have you been loving this week?

Friday Favorites

 Another week has come and gone so here is another Friday Favorites post! Work will be starting up shortly for me which means I'm really trying to soak in these summer days. I spent a lot of time this past week seeing some friends while also getting things done around the house in preparation for a crazy school year. This weekend is John's birthday but, as of now, we don't have any set in stone plans. All I know is we are celebrating tomorrow with his parents and Sunday (his actual birthday) just us. Before I sign off and go get wrap up his presents, I'm sharing a few things I've been loving this week.

Dunkin' Pumpkin Iced Coffee with Oat Milk
As of August 19th, pumpkin is back at Dunkin'! I know a lot of people think it's too early but it's been a rough couple months so please just let us pumpkin lovers have this, haha. Anyway, along with pumpkin, Dunkin' also released a few other new items, one being oat milk as an option! I was all over this as any real dairy can mess with my stomach. I went the other day and got my usual pumpkin iced coffee, but instead of cream, I got the oat milk. Holy moly was it yummy! I'd compare it to the creaminess of regular cream but without the stomachache after. I highly recommend a pumpkin iced coffee with oat milk or any of your favorite Dunkin' beverage with oat milk!

Dunkin' Mocha Latte Cereal
Sorry to my non-coffee loving friends, but another coffee related item! Post recently released a Dunkin' line of cereal. They currently offer two flavors: caramel macchiato and mocha latte. While at the grocery store on Wednesday, I caved and picked up a box of the mocha latte cereal. Of course I came right home and poured myself a bowl. Guys, the flavor is phenomenal! The combination of coffee and mocha flavors is spot on and the little marshmallows are a much-loved touch. Now I'm eager to try the caramel macchiato flavor!

Special Edition Gunmetal ROADiD
This week ROADiD released a new finish option for the 19mm wrist ID- gunmetal. As an ambassador, I got first dibs at getting one and I jumped on the chance! There are five amazing band colors to choose from- bubble gum (the color I chose!), swim trunks (blue), tennis ball (bright yellow), charcoal, and sidewalk (kind of like an off-white). I'm pretty sure I let out a squeal when I opened the box and saw how pretty the gunmetal grey hardware looked against the bright pink band. SO. PRETTY. Like all ROADiD wrist IDs, the quality of both the silicone band (which is adjustable for all wrist sizes!) and hardware is wonderful. Plus, I feel safe going on a run knowing all my emergency information is right on wrist if needed! If you're interested in buying one, or any ROADiD, use my code EMILY_2020 until October 1st for a discount!

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

Friday Favorites

Happy First Friday of August! I have a love/hate relationship with the month of August. I love it because a lot of important dates fall during this month but then I hate it because it means work starts back up very soon. One of those important dates I've mentioned is our wedding anniversary this Sunday! As of now we have a low key weekend planned that may or may not involve waffles & ice cream 😉 Anywho- another Friday, another post with some things I've been loving!

My New Car

On Tuesday I finally traded in my 2001 Honda CRV for a 2017 Honda HRV EX-L! I am over the moon excited over here! We've been planning to get me a new car for awhile now, then covid-19 happened and our search came to a pause. We picked back up last week and during our search came across this beauty! It is the perfect car for me and has so many great features, most importantly being heated seats and power locks (you'd understand if you ever were in my old car). I highly recommend this car for anyone in the market for a smaller size SUV. 

Nuun Tank Top

I saw this new Nuun tank top pop up in my Nuun Ambassador Facebook group last week and knew I just had to have it! I'm currently doing a runstreak so all my running clothes are really taking a beating. I used that as justification for treating myself to this! This tank top is super soft, the pink is very eye-catching, and it has a very flattering fit. It's Bella + Canvas brand, which is one of my favorites! All proceeds of the sales benefit the organization &Mother, an organization who breaks down barriers
"that limit a woman’s choice to pursue and thrive in both career and motherhood."

Old Navy Linen Shorts

I bought a pair of these shorts last year because I needed some new shorts for my honeymoon. They've since become my favorite casual shorts and I'm not sure why I don't own them in every color yet. They're lightweight, have a drawstring to tighten them around the waist, and aren't super short, making them very comfortable! I'm hoping I can find a few pairs on clearance as the summer comes to an end.

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

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday & last day of July! Where has the time gone?! It's crazy to think that my summer break is quickly coming to an end. This summer has definitely been very different compared to other years but I am really enjoying it. There isn't much on our agenda this weekend besides an ice cream party at my sister's on Sunday. We have been trying to do little family get together's on a weekly basis to make up for the past few months. Maybe we'll even squeeze in some pool time at John's parents at some point ;) Now for what you came here for, my Friday Favorites! Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Badass Lady Gang Virtual Runs

I'm not even sure how I stumbled across this on Instagram, but I'm so glad I did! As part of the Run, Selfie, Repeat podcast, the Badass Lady Gang hosts weekly virtual runs. Each week is a different workout in which you can listen to through the podcast. Kelly guides you through the workout so all you need to do is listen and run. Not much thinking is involved so that is right up my alley! I did the workout pictured above yesterday and oh man, was it a spicy one! If you're looking for a way to switch up your running routine, I highly suggest trying one of the many guided runs that they have to offer!

Sweet Magnolias

After many suggestions, I finally caved and watched Sweet Magnolias. I must've really loved it because I binged it over the course of just a few days! The Netflix series follows the lives of 3 women in a small South Carolina time who have been friends since childhood. They are by each other's sides through everything when it comes to romance, family, and their careers. It's such a sweet show that is a nice break from all the really intense shows out there! I happened to finish it as soon as they announced there will be a season two so that is exciting!

Skinny Banana Bread Muffins

I had a couple of really ripe bananas sitting in my fruit bowl the other day so I decided to whip up some banana bread muffins! I did a little google search and came across this healthy-ish recipe that required little sugar. They were super quick to whip up and taste amazing! I made some with chocolate chips and while the plain ones were good, the chocolate chip muffins really knocked it out of the park! This may be my new go-to banana muffin recipes now!

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

Friday Favorites

Hey everyone! It's hard to believe we are already nearing the end of July. Summer is really flying by for me! I've been finding ways to keep myself busy without working this summer which has been nice. I've been spending a lot of time with my sister and nephews lately and let me tell you, those boys can really tire an auntie out! I'm not sure what is on the agenda for this weekend yet, but I'm sure John and I will figure something out. Before I log off for the weekend, I'm sharing a few things I've been loving lately. I hope you all have a great weekend and stay cool :)

Bodum Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Being home 99% of the time means I don't have much of an excuse to stop for Dunkin' iced coffee and I really shouldn't be spending all that money anyway. After doing some research, I found this super reasonably priced ($12.99!) cold brew maker at Target. It's simple to use and makes brewing your own cold brew a breeze. To make a pot of cold brew coffee, you use the scoop that is included to scoop your coffee grounds into the pot and then add water. I use 1 cup of water for every scoop (it seems to be about a tablespoon). Once you have the water and coffee grounds mixed, you put the regular lid on and pop it in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Once you're ready to drink it, you put on the lid with the plunger for pressing down the grounds. It's just like a French press! I've been making a pot of it in on Sunday or Monday and drinking it throughout the week. I even add in some fun flavor syrups so it feels like I'm at a coffee shop!

Jordan Essentials Lotion Bar

A few weeks ago I was part of some online Facebook party for my friend who sells Usborne books. She was partnered up with a consultant for Jordan Essentials, which is a skincare line. With my history of horrible skin, I was intrigued with the items. I caved and bought they most popular item, and the product that launched this business, a lotion bar! I chose the Lavender & Eucalyptus scent and it's divine! It's about the size of a bar of some and does so many things such as moisturize your hands, heal cracked heels, and more. It comes in a tin to store it in, which means I've been taking it everywhere with me. It uses beeswax and coconut oil (along with other oils) to help moisturize. My skin has been loving it!

Aura Cacia Rose Hydrosol Spray

I received this in an Influenster box a few weeks ago. I wasn't sure about it at first because it's just a refresh and renewing spray but I've come to be obsessed with it! Just like I said, it's used to refresh and renew your face whenever you feel like it's needed. I've been using it in the morning and other times throughout my day to feel and it really does make me feel a bit better.. It also smells super nice! Surprisingly, my face has seemed more clear since I started using it! I'm not sure if this spray is really the cause of it, but if so, score! 

Question of the Day: What have you been loving lately?

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! While each day feels like a Friday to me, I still look forward to the real Friday at the end of the week. We don't have anything on the agenda for this weekend yet but I'm sure we'll figure something out. Depending on the weather, maybe we will relax at his parent's pool. I'm not a pool person at all but lately it has been a nice escape. Before I get into full-on Friday mode, I'm sharing some things I've been loving this week!

The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women by Dawn Dais

Dawn was a woman who never thought she  would ever want to run, let alone actually run a marathon. She shares her experience, from the moment she signed up until the actual day of the marathon, in the most fun and entertaining way possible. Along with tips about gear, fueling, and motivation, she shares her honest thoughts throughout the process, which can make the experience a lot more bearable and fun.

I've had this book on my shelf for years and finally picked it up to read between the non-fiction books I've been reading. It had me laughing from beginning to end because Dawn was just so freakin' relatable. Although I'm a 4x marathon runner, I still found some of her tips interesting and definitely enjoyed reading her point of view on certain topics. Something I found funny was that it had a handful of low ratings on Goodreads from people who were mad that this wasn't a legitimate marathon training guide when I was honestly shocked on how informative this was while also being hilarious. I'm not sure how one would mistake this for a hardcore training guide when it says "get off your butt and on with your training" right on the cover, but maybe that's just me haha.

Customized Sweatshirt

Back in the beginning of quarantine (can you believe that was almost 4 months ago?!), I decided I wanted to treat myself to a new sweatshirt since I was spending a majority of my time in my office, which can get chilly. After many days of searching and thinking way too into it, I finally stumbled across an Etsy shop called This One Life that made customized sweatshirts using my favorite sweatshirt brand, Bella + Canvas. I reached out to the owner on Instagram and she was an absolute angel with helping me design my custom sweatshirt that would have "marathoner" embroidered on it. It took awhile to come in since it was handmade and then shipped from Canada, but I was so thrilled once it arrived that I didn't even care. The quality of the sweatshirt along with the embroidering is amazing! I love that "marathoner" is stitched into the fabric and not a screen print since it will last much longer. I've been wearing it nonstop since receiving it! It's perfect for this slightly chilly summer nights because it isn't extremely heavy. I highly suggest checking out her shop if you're in the market for a new sweatshirt that is amazing quality for a reasonable price!

Palmolive Soft Touch Dish Soap

Total adult moment over, but I had to open a new bottle of dish soap the other day and it was the first time in years that I was using something other than Dawn Hand Renewal with Olay. I'm picky with any type of soap because my eczema can be irritated so easily. This was the perfect replacement for my Dawn because it is just as gentle on my skin while also thoroughly cleaning my dishes. My favorite thing about it is the scent, Aloe + Citrus. It is so light and pleasant that it almost makes washing dishes enjoyable... almost.

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

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! Did you miss me? I'm hoping you didn't think that I was just abandoning my blog. To be honest, my lack of a strict schedule since school officially ended has really thrown me off. And then last week John and I took a 5-day trip up to the Poconos to relax and recharge. I spent this past week adjusting to my newfound freedom (I have either had marching band or worked every summer since the summer of 2007...) but now I am back and ready to blog the summer away because really what else can I do? 🤣

It's been a hot minute since I've posted a Friday Favorites so I have tons of ideas swimming around in this head of mine. I'll try not to bombard you with too many today haha.

These Views

Like I said, we spent a majority of last week in the Pocono Mountains. We spent almost every day and night at the lake fishing since there wasn't much else to do with limited options. I really enjoyed being at the lake at night because the views were absolutely stunning! I snapped a couple good shots while we sat on the dock because I was just in awe at the colors and beauty of the sky. You don't see this kind of stuff that often where I live lol.

Smirnoff Ice Zero Sugar Original

My mom introduced these to me recently and they have quickly become my new favorite. I don't drink often because usually the drinks I enjoy are higher in calories and super sugary. These are the perfect choice because they are made me zero sugar but don't taste like it! John and I both agree they taste similar to Mike's Hard Lemonade, which is one of our favorites. I'll be sipping on these all summer long!

Yes, I still take ring pictures... ;)

Wifey Mug

Right before Father's Day I made my first trek into a Wal-Mart since before COVID. It was the only place that sold what I needed for my dad so I masked up and went super early in the morning to avoid crowds. That was a good idea because then I had the chance to wander around and find this beauty! Since getting married, I have been saying I wanted some sort of mug that either said wife, wifey, or Mrs. This mug exceeded my expectations because it is huge at 16 oz, I love the font of the word wifey, AND it was less than $5. Win! 

Voortman Sugar Free Wafers

Not to overload this post with sugar free items, but this is another awesome find that doesn't even taste sugar free! I found these at Dollar General for $1.50 but I am sure they can be found at other stores. First I bought the orange cream flavor and was amazed at how delicious they were! The orange flavor is strong without being fake tasting, if that makes sense. I thought the chocolate would taste bland since the actual wafer part isn't chocolate but I was wrong! Just like the orange, the chocolate flavor is strong but doesn't taste fake. I may have eaten this quicker than any human should... I also bought strawberry and vanilla wafers but have yet to try those!

Question of the Day: What have you been loving lately?

Friday Favorites

Another Friday, another list of things I've been loving! This week went by super slowly for me for some reason so I'm pretty pumped that it is actually Friday now! We have yet another chill weekend ahead of us. Tomorrow we are planning to have a window date with our nephews since Joey turned 1 yesterday! We may also try and have some sort of indoor date night either tonight or tomorrow. Other than that, you can find me relaxing :) I hope you all have something nice planned for the weekend!

Brookside Crunchy Clusters

Some of my coworkers arranged a "booze fairy" thing where we took turns "boozing" one another. The person who boozed me last week really spoiled me! Along with the booze, she also gave me some snacks, one of which were these Brookside Crunchy Clusters. They are a mix of crispy pieces and chewy berries covered in dark chocolate. They are dangerously good! It's took everything in me not to finish the whole bag in one sitting.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Kya Clark is a quiet girl who has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home. She is referred to as the "Marsh Girl" by everyone in the nearby town and is pointed to as the suspect when Chase Andrews, a well-known man, is found dead. The book intertwines two separate timelines that follow along with Kya's life as well as the murder case of Chase. 

This book was really hyped up for me by many people so I was happy when I got my hands on it. It wasn't a book I'd normally pick up on my own but I am so glad I got around to reading it. I was hooked from the beginning and stayed up late one night because I couldn't stop reading until I knew what really happened!

Our Patio Project

Awhile back John found a pin on Pinterest for a really cool lighting project we could do for our patio that used the string lights I'm obsessed with. We live in a townhouse so we lack a backyard where we can do cool stuff so our patio has to do. John and his dad worked on it for a few days but it may have been able to be done all in one day if they chose the fast setting cement. First we bought pretty barrel planters which they put 8 foot posts in and then set them in with cement. Once that set, we put soil in the planters which later we planted some pretty flowers in. The final step was to drill in hooks near the top and hang the lights! It was a fairly simple project and looks amazing on our back patio both during the day and at night! We have already spent many nights sitting out there and relaxing.

Question of the Day: What is something your loving this week?

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday AND National Donut Day! I'm getting this out a little later than usual today because I honestly forgot it was Friday... sad, right? I just have lost all track of my days but now that I know it's really Friday, YAY! We don't have much going on this weekend besides hopefully finishing up a little backyard project we (read: mostly John and his dad) have been working on. I can't wait to share about it!Today I'm sharing a few things I've been loving lately. I've been doing a little online shopping lately so I wanted to share those things with you!

Senita High Waisted Rio Shorts & Hideaway Sports Bra

My friend has raved about Senita Athletics for awhile now so once I saw they offered shorts with POCKETS that were cheaper than I've ever seen, I had to really check them out. The high waisted Rio shorts have the perfect inseam length (3.75 inches) and don't ride up at all while I run. My phone fits in the side pocket and doesn't move around while moving. The hideaway sports bra also has a pocket on the back, as part of the racer-back. My phone fits in there and I hardly notice it while I run! Senita has completely sold me on their clothing. I'm already planning my next order ;)

ROADiD Elite Band

For being a ROADiD ambassador, I received an Elite ID with the clasp. When I first open the package, I was a little taken aback because I had to be the one to size it to my wrist. I was nervous at first because I didn't want to ruin it, but with some help from John and the videos on their website, we figured it out quickly! It was actually super simple and allowed me to get the best fit. I love the clasp closure because it's quick to take on and off. I never thought I'd like wearing a ROADiD on my wrist but I honestly don't even notice it's there!

Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

I had to run to Target the other day for a few things and while there, I noticed the Starbucks inside had reopened. I figured since I haven't been buying coffee out due to being home most of the time, I'd treat myself! My typical go-to is a chai tea latte but I wanted to be adventurous so instead I picked something off the menu I'd never tried before: the vanilla sweet cream cold brew. I worried the coffee taste would be too strong (I like the cover it as much as possible lol) but it was a perfect blend without being overly sweet! I brought it home to drink while reading on the back patio for a little bit :)

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

Friday Favorites

Another Friday, another Friday Favorites post! This week went by fairly quickly but this weekend is much needed. With the end of the school year approaching, the work is piling on. I'm looking forward to June 16th to be able to stop remote learning for good {fingers crossed!}. The weather around here looks iffy for the weekend but hopefully that changes and we get a little sunshine! I hope you all have a great weekend!

ONE Birthday Cake Protein Bar

I received this as a free sample a week or so ago and I finally tried it this week during a busy day of meetings. I'm a huge fan of birthday cake flavored foods and this did not disappoint in the flavor department! It has the same texture I feel like all protein bars have which isn't necessarily good or bad. The best thing about this protein bar is it is NUT FREE! As someone with a nut allergy, I struggle to find a protein bar without any sort of nut ingredients. I'll have to check out their other flavors to see if they have any other nut free options.

Not the most photogenic meal but it's much tastier than it looks!

Cheesy Fajita Chicken Bake

John found this on Pinterest a few weeks back so we decided to give it a try this week. It's a pretty simple recipe. You mix up cream cheese, salsa, and fajita seasoning, pour that over chicken breasts, and bake! It also calls for cut up green peppers to give it that fajita feel but we didn't have any in. It still tasted great without them! We had it both on its on and in a tortilla. We are definitely adding this into our recipe rotation! 

iPhone Screen-time Setting

This has been a thing for the  iPhone for awhile now but I'm just now hopping on that train. Quarantine has me on my phone for an embarrassing amount of time. For the past few weeks I've been utilizing the App Limits setting to limit my time on certain apps that I seem to get lost in. I can't tell you how helpful it's been! It's almost like a game each day to see how little time I can spend on those apps each day and never get to the 5 minute warning. If you are finding yourself spending what you feel is too much time on your phone, check out the screen-time setting!

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