I’m ready for the weekend and am looking forward to spending time with family and friends. We have plans to meet up with my girlfriends and their families for a big baby playdate on Saturday and assuming Chase is back to his normal self, I’m looking forward to getting everyone together! (Our pediatrician said Chase is not contagious at all and is fine to be around others but I’m proceeding with caution!)
Other than that, I’m hoping to start a new book, spend time outside and get some work done because I’ve felt a little behind all week. I’m crossing my fingers for good weather all weekend, too!
Now let’s move things along and tackle your weekly Things I’m Loving Friday post where we all talk about what we’re loving most each week. As always, I’d love to hear a little bit about what is making you smile this week in the comments section.
Have a great weekend!!
Things I’m Loving Friday
Once again I owe you guys a big thanks for recommending another great novel to me when I was in search of a page-turner. I loved this book so much and stayed up WAY too late on Wednesday night because I absolutely could not put it down once the trial began.
The book is a courtroom drama that follows one attorney as he strives to prove his son is innocent after he is accused of murdering one of his classmates. The writer is witty and smart and the twists that occur at the end blew my mind. Such a crazy ending! It is a little slow to start but once Jacob’s trial began, I did not stop reading and ended up feverishly turning the pages until I was done. A great read!
- Your Comment’s On Tuesday’s Post
You guys are the best. I know I say that a lot, but I sincerely mean it and when I read comments like the thoughtful, vulnerable and insightful comments you took the time to share on Tuesday’s post about what I wish I knew before I had Chase, I simply have to say it again. Thank you for your honesty and openness. I am planning to go through your comments and publish a follow-up post featuring your feedback in the coming weeks because so many of them deserve more attention. Thank you for weighing in!
- Pampered Mommy Box (April 2016)
The latest delivery from my friends at Pampered Mommy Box was another hit! They always do such a great job of finding products that make me smile (and that I always use!) and this month’s package was such a nice little pick-me-up to receive in the mail. This month’s box included the most lovely smelling kitchen soap and lotion (I’m a sucker for anything coconut!), a super-conditioning lip crayon made with mango oil and shea butter, a ridiculously adorable pineapple oven mitt, a to-do list note pad and a packet of dried mango that did not make it into the photo because I ate it the minute I opened the box.
If there is a mom in your life who could use a little extra pampering one month (or maybe that mom is YOU), this box really is such a neat way to send someone a thoughtful little pick-me-up in the mail! They passed along a coupon code for me to share, so if you use the code PBFINGERS, you’ll receive 10 percent off a purchase.
This was a baby shower gift from my blogging buddy Brittany and it is so cute! With the onset of Chase’s first ear infection, we’ve been reading up a storm and cuddling a lot over here and I’ve read this book to him a few times over the past few days. The book is actually quite funny and does a great job of explaining blogging in a way that’s entertaining and humorous. I just wanted to put this book on your radar in case there is a blogger in your life who is expecting a little one. It was such a cute gift. Thank you, Brittany!
- Flashback Friday
Taco Pasta Skillet (For the nights when you can’t decide whether tacos or pasta sound more appealing!)
25 Minute Treadmill Interval Workout (My friend Laurel tagged me on an Instagram photo of her completing this workout last week and brought it to my attention again! It’s a tough one but the intervals keep things moving!)
- Around the Web
Interesting Reads: Stop Clutter: 15 Things To Get Rid Of Right Now / 12 Engaging Podcasts for Purposeful Women
Fitness: Jump Rope Workout / Bodyweight Workout / Pre-Run Warm Up / Battle Rope Arm Burner / 26.2 Side Effects of Marathon Training
Food: Homemade Sports Drinks / Chopped Chickpea Rainbow Salad / Maple Apple Breakfast Sausage / 35 Coconut Flour Recipes / Simple and Healthy Weekday Lunches
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you are loving this week?
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glad little man is feeling better!!
Me too! Thank you, Lindsay!!
I’ve been loving the podcast “Ask Me Another” after reading your recommendation of “Wait wait don’t tell me.” However I have to make sure not to shout out the answers when I’m at work. LOL
I hope Chase feels better and you have a great weekend!
There’s nothing like a good book! I’ve been loving my evening reading sessions as well.
Totally agree. I feel like I got out of the habit for a while there because I almost felt like if I was reading I should be reading about something baby-related since I always have so many questions/so much to learn about being a new mom, but I realized how much I was missing just reading for ME and my personal love for reading. Love it so much!
Pampered Mommy box sounds like the perfect gift idea for any new mom!! I am currently loving flavored coffee creamer–I just started drinking coffee again and the added flavor boost makes my mornings even brighter 🙂
Hope Chase feels better, ear infections are no fun!
I finished ‘Year of Yes’ and I’m still lusting over it days later! It was just so good! I haven’t read many fiction books lately so I may need to pick up a couple for a change of pace!! Other than that, I’m loving that I was able to get in a circuit workout with light weights and short runs which have both pretty much been out of the question while I’ve been dealing with potential adrenal fatigue/hypothyroid issues.
I actually JUST downloaded a TEDTalks podcast featuring an interview with Shonda Rhimes about that book! Now I’m excited to listen to it soon!
I loved Year of Yes too! It was inspiring and so interesting to think back on episodes of Grey’s Anatomy and see how Shonda’s thoughts/feelings/ideas had come through.
Yum that taco skillet pasta looks good! My husband loves those boxed skilled meals (like off-brand versions of Hamburger Helper) and this looks similar but without all the crazy ingredients. Adding that book to my reading list. Reading is my favorite way to relax and I’m trying to make it more of a priority. Thanks for the book suggestion!
I saw this and thought of you. I’ve never had oatmeal cookie chunk but am dying to try it because of your rave reviews!
http://www.benjerry.com/whats-new/flavor-graveyard-favorites/
I’m so glad Chase if feeling better. There is nothing more pitiful than a sick baby. Have a great weekend!
I read Defending Jacob last yer and for some reason I just couldn’t get into it. I liked the plot and everything but it just seemed to drag on for me! I just finished “Maybe In Another Life” and it was AMAZING. It takes you down two outcomes in a girls life based on one decision she made. I love thinking about the butterfly effect and this was a great book!
So glad Chase is feeling better! I’m hoping you will be able to enjoy your weekend with friends. Those are the best (: This week, I am loving sleeping in. I had a super busy beginning of the week and was able to slow down a bit yesterday. I let myself sleep in and it was glorious!
I, too, loved Defending Jacob! It was so engaging and definitely hard to put down. The ending wasn’t my favorite, but I did not expect it and was a great plot twist! Glad you enjoyed it too!
Sarah @ http://www.anotheryearanothercity.blogspot.com
The ending was crazy! I also didn’t love it but at the same time I feel like it fit the book in a twisted way.
So glad your son is feeling better. I had ear problems as a child and know how painful they can be. I started “My Name is Lucy Barton” last night. Could not put it down. It is about the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters. I am just enjoying the weather in Austin this week and getting outside as much as possible for a run or hike. Enjoy your weekend. xo Lauren
I have had Defending Jacob on my Goodreads “to-read” list for a while, and finally decided to read it once I saw you pick it up. I am listening to it on audiobook since I have a 1 hour commute to work, and so far, it is really good! I’ve noticed that we have a similar taste in books, so I will be watching for any other recommendations that you have in the future. 🙂
Thank you for the link love my friend! I hope Chase feels better soon!! xoxo
I love your #getafterit shirt!
I rarely comment on here, but I read your blog daily, and I really enjoy how cheerful and positive your posts are. Even when you discuss something tough (like parenting a sick baby!) it’s mostly upbeat. Not in a fake way – in a happy, look-on-the-bright-side way 🙂 So thanks for that!
Thank you, Jill! This was such a nice comment and I appreciate you taking the time to reach out! 🙂
Glad Chase is feeling better!! I hope you guys have a wonderful weekend!
I hope Chase continues to feel better! 🙂 This week I’m loving pumpkin chocolate chip baked oatmeal topped with melty peanut butter. I made it Sunday and it lasted for my work week breakfasts–so good!
william turns two on sunday!!!! so of course we started celebrating today with birthday candles in his pancakes!! 🙂
Poor little Chase, I’m glad to hear he is on the mend! And I’ve got a 2-year old birthday party tomorrow and a baby shower on Sunday — all with the same fun group of friends. Hoping for lovely weather! Happy Friday, Julie! 🙂
I’m loving that I finally bit the bullet and signed up for my first 10K race in June. After running a plethora of 5K’s and a brief knee injury in December-January, I’m excited that I’m pushing myself to the next level in terms of my running habits. Have a great weekend!
The thing I am loving most this week is the fabletics joggers you recommended! My pair came in this week and I cannot stop wearing them 🙂 happy friday!
Yay!!! I love those things! So comfy!
Glad to hear Chase is feeling better! Lol Sadie on your snapchat! My silver lab does the same thing! This is my last weekend of freedom before baseball season starts–so I’m lovin’ every free minute I have!
I have been loving all of the books you have been sharing on here & snapchat! Always look forward to your posts!
PS when are you sharing that recipe for the PB oatmeal bake you showed on snapchat?!
I hope to share it soon!! I just have to make it again and measure everything out!
This week I am absolutely loving the warmer weather here in Utah County. It makes me so excited for Summer and it makes me realize that I am due in 5 weeks! Crazy!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
I have that mug with an A on it! Will have to check out that book. 🙂
I have that book waiting for me on the bookshelf! Now you’ve gotten me excited to read it 🙂
Taco Pasta sounds so delicious, I have yet to try that combo. And love doing include and speed workouts on the treadmill. I can’t believe I used to just run at 6.0 for long periods of time, such a better workout with the intervals. Have a great weekend!
Quick question about the Pampered Mommy Box. My niece is pregnant with twins (!) and due in July. Having seen the box, would you recommend waiting until the babies are born to gift her with it or are there fun things she would enjoy now?
I’m on the other side of parenting (grown son) but I share your posts frequently with my younger friends. We all enjoy your quick and nutritious food ideas.
Hey Julie! Just wanted to say thanks so much for including a link to my list of podcasts! You have a wonderful blog – I’m excited to poke around more!
What’s the new book you’re planning to start this weekend?
That taco skillet looks deliciously indulgent! We actually had tacos tonight for dinner… next time I’ll skilletize them 😉
I still make your taco skillet regularly. We love it. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you SO much for sharing my chickpea salad recipe!!