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?

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

 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?

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

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

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

TGIF! Today wraps up week 9 of remote teaching. It was a long week of meetings and preparing for the rest of the year. It still hasn't hit me that we won't be returning to school this year but I'm sure it will soon enough. I'm planning to have a relaxed weekend after such a mentally exhausting week. A hot bath and fuzzy socks are calling my name! Today I'm share a few things I've really been loving this week so enjoy and have a great weekend :)

KG Designs Initial Necklace
I have been wanting a necklace with an H on it since John and I got married to represent my new last name. Before Christmas, I did some research and found a lot of good options. I didn't end up getting one so I was super excited when I found out one of my best friends had a friend who made them! I ordered my necklace a few weeks ago and was thrilled when it came in. It was everything I ever wanted. I may never take it off now!

KG Designs makes the most adorable jewelry by hand and I insist you go check out her shop!She offers necklaces, earrings, and rings for spectacular prices. Some of her pieces are even made using recycled materials so that's a winner in my book!

Priority Planner
You will be hearing me talk about this planner for the rest of my life because it is PERFECT! If you don't know Rachel Hollis, author of Girl, Wash Your Face and Girl, Stop Apologizing, then I highly suggest taking some time to peruse her Instagram and website. But anyway, I'm here to rave about her Priority Planner. The Priority Planner is a 3 month planner that helps you map out your days in order to help you achieve your goals. This has been key for me during quarantine due to a lack of schedule and sometimes motivation. I map out each day in my planner to see what needs to be done and when. I am currently working on towards a goal relating to my Poshmark shop and this is helping me tremendously! I feel like my description is not doing this planner any justice, so if this sounds like something up your alley, watch these videos on Rachel's website to get a better idea of what I am trying to convey to you guys!

Belcorva Shorts
Since I'm so in love with my Belcorva capris, I decided to check out their shorts selection as the weather is beginning to warm up. I learned that they sell both biker shorts and running shorts with the pockets I have grown to love. I instantly fell in love with the Runner's Dream 5 Pocket Shorts due to the 5 inch inseam and the fact that the pockets are part of the inner compression liner. Because I wasn't sure if they would be perfect for me and I didn't want to shell out the money before knowing, I hopped on Poshmark and found the exact pair I wanted for a fraction of the price. Now that I've worn them for a couple runs and have confirmed they are just as great as the capris, I plan to order more pairs! They are the perfect length so they don't bunch up and the pockets in the inner liner hold my phone perfect. It's a little annoying that I have to pull up the outer layer to get to the pocket but if anything, it stops me from pulling out my phone constantly!


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