Happy Fri-YAY my beautiful friends! I hope you guys have some fun plans on the agenda this weekend, especially if you will be celebrating Easter on Sunday! After so much travel last weekend, we are looking forward to keeping things low key around here. The weather is supposed to be mostly sunny with temperatures in the 70s in Charlotte, so I have a feeling we’ll be spending the majority of our time outdoors.
Now I think it’s time to move onto your weekly Things I’m Loving Friday blog post! Below you will find a short list of some of the things I’m loving this week and, as always, I’d love to hear a little bit about what is making you smile in the comments section of this post.
Have a lovely weekend and Happy Easter to those celebrating!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Mimi’s Knot Ring
I feel quite lucky that my grandmother and I have the same size ring fingers because my mom gave me a couple of her beautiful rings to wear after she passed away last summer. I think of Mimi all the time and miss her very much so I love looking down at my hand on days when I am wearing one of her rings, knowing she’d love to see me wearing her gorgeous jewelry with pride. Mimi always had the most phenomenal taste in fashion and accessories and her delicate gold knot ring is one I’ve been wearing non-stop for a few months now. I love it very much but I love that it reminds me of her even more.
After Chase was born, my love for coffee climbed to new heights but I feel like my new way-too-consistent coffee habit has left my teeth looking a little stained. Well, last week a friend of mine shared a picture of her morning cup of coffee on Snapchat and she had one of these handy lil’ Koffie Straws in it. I immediately Googled the straws and found a set of two on Amazon that claim to help prevent coffee stains on your teeth. I ordered the pink straws (they also come in blue and a java brown color) and have been using them for a couple of days now. I’ve always loved drinking out of straws anyway, so I was instantly a fan. And if the Koffie straws help keep my teeth a little whiter, that’s all the better!
I already own a handful of Victoria’s Secret bikinis and think this is due, in large part, to the fact that I prefer ordering bathing suits online and trying them on at home rather than in a dressing room with horrific lighting. As I placed an order for a couple more of my favorite v-neck t-shirts earlier this week (I accidentally ripped a hole in my light green when I got it caught on something last weekend, so that’s my justification…), I got sucked into the VS baking suit abyss and ended up buying a handful of mix-and-match bikini tops and bottoms to try on now that summer is around the corner. I ordered the three suits you see above and while I’m not planning to keep all of them (unless by some miracle they all actually fit well), I love the combination of a dark bottom with a bright top!
Apparently VS got wise to the fact that so many people were mixing and matching their tops and bottoms because they created a tool on their site to make it even easier to see what different tops look like with different bottoms. It’s awesome… but not for my wallet.
I first blogged about theSkimm back in the summer of 2014 (<— TILF #37 throwback!) but feel the need to include it in today’s post because it’s one of the billions of random emails I get every day that I almost always open. I know it’s become hugely popular, but just in case you aren’t a Skimm subscriber, it’s a daily email newsletter that shares snippets about current events in an easy-to-read and often quirky, entertaining way. It removes a lot of the “fluff” and gives you a basic rundown of what’s going on in the world every day. And if you aren’t into receiving daily emails, they post the daily Skimm on their website here.
- Your Snaps on Snapchat
To everyone who told me to get on Snapchat years ago, I get it now. It has quickly become my favorite form of social media (and also probably why I’m neglecting my Instagram account… I need to get back on there). One thing I love most about it is connecting with you guys! (My username is juliepbfingers.) I initially had my feed blocked from receiving snaps which I totally didn’t realize, but I fixed that last weekend and have loved seeing your pictures and chatting with a bunch of you! Thanks so much for following along and tolerating an overload of pictures and videos of Chase, Sadie, behind-the-scenes blogging, workouts, food and more.
- Holiday Weekend Sales
Shout out to some stellar sales happening this weekend!
Nordstrom Rack (Extra 25% off clearance)
Macy’s (Extra 20% off with code EASTER)
Express (Extra 40% off everything)
J.Crew (Extra 25% off purchase of $125+ with code SHOPMORE)
ASOS ($50 off $200 with code MARCH50)
Forever 21 (Up to 40% off with code EXTRA40)
- Blue Apron Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Kris, the winner of last week’s Blue Apron giveaway! Kris was emailed first thing this morning. Thank you so much to all who entered!
- Friday Flashbacks
Easter Rice Krispie Treats (A simple and festive recipe to enjoy this Sunday!)
15, 30 or 45 Minute Treadmill Workout (A great workout to keep in your back pocket when you aren’t sure how much time you’ll have to work up a sweat!)
- Around The Web
Interesting Reads: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Baby, Breaking Your Worries Into Categories to Ease Your Mind
Fitness: 100 Rep x 6 Booty Workout, Mastering the 10K: A Guide To Your Best Race,
Food: Easy Chicken Pad Thai, 7 Common Nutrition Myths, Delicious Ideas for Avocado Toast, Best Easter Recipes Around The Web
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you are loving this week?
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snapchat for the win! i gotta check out those coffee straws! thansk for the pad thai love 🙂
Yes!! Love your snaps! Especially the ones of Chase! 🙂
My mom drinks coffee out of a glass straw! I like the idea of a silicone one though – I may get a pack for William as he loves drinking out of straws! Can you put them in the dishwasher?
They are dishwasher safe and also come with a little straw cleaning device. 🙂
I totally don’t get the snapchat thing. Isn’t it just like Instagram?
I feel like it is a LOT less curated and more casual/informal than Instagram. To me, Instagram has become almost TOO filtered. People seem to share MORE on Snapchat without all of the Instagram fluff. There’s no “liking” snaps and they don’t publish the number of followers you have, etc. so it seems like people are less filtered and just share whatever they want versus overthinking photo shares. Plus, it makes sharing a quick video super simple! Also, people can click to see what you share on Snapchat versus Instagram where they always see what you share automatically in their feed if they follow you.
Those straws are awesome! I love drinking from a straw even if the beverage is super hot! I think things taste better that way!
I love your snaps! But maybe you could extend the length that they show; they go so quickly before I have a chance to look at the photo and read your caption. And I love that ring of your grandmother’s. So special and it is beautiful! I love delicate rings like that. I bought a small opal ring when I studied abroad in Australia during college and plan to pass that down in my family.
oh thanks for the tip!! my friend Brittany just said the same thing to me the other day! i’ll definitely start doing that today. so much to learn!
I don’t get snapchat, but I will try to follow you! I’ve started drinking coffee, only decaf, so I think I need those straws! They look super cute. Have a lovely weekend!
I love that you are able to treasure the memory of your grandma even more so through her beautiful jewelry.
I always get picked on for drinking my coffee through a straw, so it’s nice to see others are jumping on the bandwagon. 😉
And, thank you for posting about The Skimm. I heard about it once before and forgot to look into it.
Happy Friday!
I love your ring! It’s even better when you get something really beautiful that has special meaning also! I need to show those straws to my sister! She refuses to drink anything but water because she doesn’t want her teeth to stain! Great find!
It’s funny that you mentioned thinking your teeth were starting to get yellow because I was watching your snapchat story the other day thinking “how on earth did she get her teeth so white?” The straws are an awesome idea for coffee and I will be giving them a try.
hey thanks!!! and i think i’ll chalk that one up to the snapchat filter! 😉
Ive never heard of the skimm ill have to check it out. Those straws are cool! I’ll have to get some–i drink a lot of coffee too. have a great weekend!
I love those Easter rice krispy treats. They look so yummy! 🙂
I use a metal straw I got on Amazon and I can tell the difference for sure!
I actually bought metal straws a few months ago but felt like they got way too hot when I drank my coffee! Do you ever have that problem?
N/a ON amazon.ca — but I use a metal straw I purchased there and I can tell the difference for sure!
Thanks for the shout! I have to make that pineapple dish asap 🙂
I’m a huge fan of the Skimm too! I feel much more informed about what’s going on in the world, without having to browse a huge number of news websites. Plus, they have book recommendations which are usually pretty awesome : )
I am looking forward to some puppy love with my sister’s new German Shepherd puppy & eating (not the entire pan) some Chex treats that my friend made for me. So much better than Rice Krispie treats!
I love the Victoria Secret mix-and-match bikinis! I just bought two new tops and three new bottoms (the cheeky ruffle are my favorite). It’s nice that you can make several combinations out of just a few pieces. And, because I know how they fit, anytime I need a new bathing suit I can always just order another piece to add to the collection! Do you have a favorite top and bottom combo?
Those coffee straws look awesome! I always get nervous about using the plastic straws at coffee shops because of the bad health effects. Thanks for sharing all of the awesome sales going on this weekend – I might need to check some of them out : ) Have a great weekend!
That ring is beautiful. <3 And I need to check out those coffee straws! YAY for the weekend! 🙂
Happy Friday, Julie. Wow, your Grandma was fashion savvy with that thing ring — still so “In” today. I also have the same hands as my Grandma and have a few of her rings, which I LOVE to wear. Have a lovely Easter weekend. 🙂
That’s a beautiful ring, and a lovely reminder of your grandmother!
The Skimm is great! I was just thinking about re-adding it to my Friday post as well the other day but then forgot haha.
Thank you for the link love my friend! Always love your Friday posts! I think I originally found out about TheSkimm from you – love it now, too!
That ring is beautiful! When my grandma passed away last fall my sister and I went through a bunch of her jewelry and I think it’s so special to have a few pieces that are so meaningful!
My grandmother passed away recently and I also got a ring of hers that I love. I’ve never worn a ring on my right hand before but now I feel naked without it. What a special reminder!
Those straws are going on my next Amazon order for sure! I think my week has been a {not loving week}; I’m not loving 13.5 in of snow that cancelled an Easter egg hunt, a teething baby, lack of sleep + allergies (from the previously two listed), lol! Here’s to loving more next week!
I really love her ring as well, and what a wonderful piece to carry her with you! And those straws, ahh I totally need one!
That ring is so beautiful! And how sweet it connects you to your grandma! <3 I have to check out that straw!
I started reading theSkimm when you first recommended it, and I’ve never stopped. It only takes a minute and keeps me updated on all the day’s news. I love how it caters to millennials! Thanks for the awesome recommendation!
I totally need those straws! Thanks for sharing! And I love the Victoria Secret v-necks so much too! I’m really enjoying your snaps btw. 🙂 Chase is such a cutie.
I love that ring! What an amazing item to get from your grandmother! 🙂
I have been drinking my coffee with a straw because I am worried about staining my teeth too. The Koffie straw is awesome. Thank you for the tip. I love jewelry and especially the pieces my Mom has given me that were hers. Living so far away now when I wear a piece of her jewelry, I think of her.
I grew up VERY close to my grandmother (she was my next door neighbor as a child) And before she passed away she asked me if there was anything I would want that was her’s. I told her I always loved trying on her jewelry as a little girl, so something that would remind me of her and my Gpa and their amazing love story. My husband and I were engaged JUST before her passing and I inherited her wedding band to wear with my engagement ring. It’s a simple band that amazingly fits my finger and my engagement ring perfectly. I love it simply because it reminds me that true love will last forever – they are my reminders and role models in life, and I am honored to wear it every day.
Another thing I’m loving is PUPPIES! My pup came to visit me at work today, and then three adorable 5 week old puppies stopped by our offices for some cuddles and play time. I basically got NOTHING done at work today!
Also – thank you for being so interactive. We chatted a bit on snap chat this week, and I think I am going to go out and get the FitBit Surge! Thanks again so much!
I am totally going to have to check out the Koffie Straw. Like you, my coffee intake since my son was born has increased and I feel like my teeth are staining bad. Do you ever burn your mouth?
Sarah
http://www.mysimplemomblog.com
That ring is gorgeous! What a lovely reminder of your grandmother. And I think I’m going to have to check out theSkimm. Thanks for the rec and have a fabulous weekend!
I have the same coffee problem but most recently bought an ez-eco mason jar so I have been using the metal straw over and over again! I love victoria secret bikinis they are always the most flattering thanks for sharing xo C
the Skimm is a fab read. and the pad
thai recipe is bookmarked. 🙂
but my dermatologist says that straws
(like cigarettes) promote wrinkles around the
mouth! she sees it all. the. time. i’ve also
been told the very same thing when getting facials: ditch the straw.
ugh! no thank you to straws.
Beautiful ring – I love simple, delicate jewelry 🙂 This week, I’m loving Columbus in the spring – forgot how pretty and fun it can be after four months of grey skies and cold!
The koffie straw!! Such a GREAT idea. I’ve been drinking coffee consistently for at least 8 years, and it’s definitely stained my teeth. I think I need start using something like this!
My mother beverages espresso out of a glass straw! I like the thought of a silicone one however – I might get a pack for William as he adores drinking out of straws! Could you place them in the dishwasher?
yes! they are dishwasher safe!
I miss Chelsea Market of NYC! Just arrived on Tuesday and I’m so sad that my trip is over!