Friday Favorites – December 1st, 2017

The Family Archivist

Happy Friday! Today has been a whirlwind week but it is ending on a wonderful note as today is my 34th birthday! I’m still in disbelief that I’m 34 or that life has changed so much over the course of the year. Bo and I are celebrating together tonight with a date night at Grand Army. A local restaurant that has been on our list for over a year, I’m looking forward to lots of seafood and a fun cocktail, or two. Due to birthday celebrations and catch-ups with friends, this weekend is going to be busier than normal.

Now, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

  • One of my dear childhood friends, Mallory, recently opened an Etsy shop. Her shop, The Family Archivist, includes gorgeous, hand-painted traditional keepsakes including ornaments and silhouettes. We just received the above, beautiful, Lilly Pulitzer inspired silhouette that matches Katie’s nursery.  She is offering readers 10% off any orders with the code HAPPYHEALTHY as well as giving away two $50 store credits.  To win, please comment on this post sharing what you would purchase with the credit. I love her First Christmas Custom ornaments and think they’d make a great gift for my fellow mom friends!  I will choose a winner at 10pm on Sunday.  UPDATE – Winners chosen – Liz T and Erin P! Congratulations! 
  • I bought these sweatpants on Black Friday in gray when they were 60% off and am so in love with them that I ordered a pair in black this week! They are cozy and have quickly become my favorite pair of pants to change into each evening. Unlike most joggers, these run long, so they work with my long legs. The soft material and relaxed fit make them perfect for evening playtime and bath time with Katie.
  • I love Gina’s Advent Calendar Workout so much that I not only pinned it for future reference but I also printed it out for inspiration.  Most of the items don’t require a gym and can be done anywhere, which make them perfect for anyone!

  • Last night’s impromptu wine night with girlfriends reminded me that it’s more important to be present than perfect. My sweet friend Liz organized a mom’s night out to celebrate my birthday but forgot to put me or Bo on the email. Unfortunately, since Bo had a work event and we didn’t have a babysitter organized, I almost cancelled the event. But, then, quickly realized that getting the opportunity to catch up with friends while enjoying a glass of wine could still be enjoyed as long as I hosted it at our place. We laughed for more than two hours while enjoying our festive holiday decorations.
  • If you’re still trying to find some great gifts under $25, I loved the ideas Julie shared in her gift guide this week! In case you missed it, here is my under $30 gift guide!
  • The Cranberry Bliss Bars at Starbucks have always been a guilty pleasure of mine during the holiday season and this SkinnyTaste recipe makes it look SO easy to recreate a healthier version at home.
  • I love the pop of fun these tassel earrings give to any outfit and it seems like others do too as I always get compliments when I wear them!
  • I’ve been listening to Christmas music non-stop this week in my home office. My current playlist includes lots of Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, and classics like Bing Crosby. What is your favorite Christmas album?

 

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

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Gift Guide – Cyber Weekend Deals

Cyber Weekend Deals

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have evolved over the past few years. When I was growing up, every few years my mom and I would wake up and head to the outlets in Bluffton, South Carolina to work our way through her Christmas list for every one of our friends and family members. I remember the excitement of listening to Christmas music in the car as we drove 45-minutes to the outlets in the darkness, arriving at the first store when it opened at 6am.

These days, I do most of my holiday shopping online, quickly clicking back and forth between websites and referencing a notes page on my phone which I populate throughout the year.  In fact, this evening while Katie was taking her short, cat nap, Bo and I spent 45 minutes doing all of our Christmas shopping for friends and family members.

Have you already finished your shopping? Are you team in-store or online shopping? If you plan to spend time online tomorrow or Monday, here are a few of my favorite sales and items.

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Friday Favorites – February 24th, 2017

Friday Favorites Coffee

Am I the only one who feels this short week was actually the longest week ever? My inbox and to do list is out of control but luckily, there are just a few more hours until I can relax and unplug. This weekend is all about spending time with friends. Tonight I’m heading to XTend Barre for an evening workout with Melissa and Heather then tomorrow morning a group of us are working out at Orangetheory together before catching up over brunch. What are your weekend plans? 

Now, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

  • Two different friends shared this one-pot chicken recipe on Facebook this week which means it’s been added to my weeknight list of meals. Since I’m traveling next week, I won’t be making it until the following week but is it crazy to say I’m already excited? It brings together some of my favorite flavors – shallots, dijon and white wine!
  • Speaking of next week’s travel, I took everyone’s recommendations and stocked up on RX and GoMacro bars to keep me fueled during the long days of conferences and meetings.  What is your favorite high protein bar? 
  • As a runner, I’ve lived through the roller coaster of emotions when running has been tougher than normal. Whether it’s due to outside stress, lack of training or other drivers this list of 10 Non-PR running goals is a great way to bring the fun back to running while ignoring the watch.

baublebar conch tassel earing

  • You guys, for years I’ve been obsessed with accessories. These days my typical wardrobe tends to be a bit conservative since I’ve had a hard time finding fun, colorful maternity clothing, but with a pop of color and fun via accessories suddenly that outfit can go from traditional to trendy. I’m in love with BaubleBar’s Spring collection including these statement earrings, this layer necklace  and these fun shell earrings.  I just ordered these to add some pizzazz to my maternity outfits this Spring and Summer. If you’ve never shopped BaubleBar before, you get 15% off your first order!
  • Bo and I have both made a concerted effort to cook at home more often so we have healthy, delicious dinner and lunch options easily available. This round-up of 20 healthy dinners you can prep on Sunday is a great source of inspiration if you need that final kick to start meal prepping.
  • Since reading the articles about Cookie Do NYC I’ve wanted to try this new, fad food but can’t stomach the idea of spending two hours in line. This morning I discovered that Blank Slate NYC sells the small and medium sizes of four different Do flavors! If you want to try the dough and avoid the lines, I highly recommend stopping in this adorable coffee shop.
  • I’ve really enjoyed reading about Julia’s pregnancy journey thus far and hope that she continues sharing her fashion tips and journey with readers. How adorable is she in this Vineyard Vines maxi dress?

 

 

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

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