Unfortunately our grand plans for this weekend had to be canceled. I’m really disappointed because Ryan planned a surprise trip to New York City for us and bought us tickets to see HAMILTON last night as a Christmas gift. (Yes, Hamilton! Ugh.) To say I was bummed to have to cancel such amazing plans is a severe understatement and I hate that such a special trip had to be scrapped at the last minute.
On the VERY bright side of things, my family seems to have remained healthy and avoided the flu so far which is wonderful. I’m hoping and praying for a healthy Christmas in our house and for good health all around for all of you as well!
Since I wasn’t able to do much of anything this past week, I missed several work-related deadlines so much of this weekend will likely be spent playing catch up. The good news is I’ve been fever-free since Wednesday afternoon and apparently the flu is no longer contagious once you’re 24-hours removed from a fever, so if my energy levels pick back up, I’m hoping we may be able to do some fun holiday things this weekend as well. We’ll definitely be playing it by ear.
Now after that looong intro, let’s dive right into your usual Things I’m Loving Friday post! I hope you all have a fun and HEALTHY weekend!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Charleston Girls’ Weekend
I spent last weekend in Charleston, South Carolina with six of my best friends from college and we had the most incredible time eating, drinking and exploring such a beautiful place. The trip went by in a flash and thankfully I felt healthy for most of it up until Saturday evening. (The drive home on Sunday was miserable and I had to stop six times in four hours… clearly the flu hit.)
We all arrived in Charleston on Friday around lunchtime and wasted no time checking into the house we rented, grabbing drinks and changing for dinner at The Grocery. We spent the night out at The Belmont and The Commodore which had great live music! Saturday began with brunch at Hominy Grill (the she crab soup was fantastic), followed by an afternoon tour of the Boone Hall Plantation and drinks at Prohibition. My friend Merri and I didn’t make it out on Saturday night because we were both feeling under the weather and while I was sad to miss the final night of fun, my body clearly needed the extra rest. I had no idea what was about to hit!
Even with some sickness sprinkled in, Charleston was a BLAST and I loved every second with my girlfriends. Truthfully, I feel like we barely scratched the surface when it comes to seeing everything Charleston has to offer and Ryan and I are talking about making a spring trip to Charleston to see more of the historic sights, eat plenty of delicious southern food and enjoy a weekend away.
- Popsicles
When you have an incredibly sore throat, not much feels good to eat other than ice cold popsicles. I lived on popsicles for the first few days of the week this week and loved these mango, strawberry and coconut pops from Helados Mexico. The size was perfect (they’re mini) so I could eat one when I wanted something to soothe my throat or enjoy a few if I wanted my sweet treats to last a little longer.
- The Holiday and Love Actually
The first few days of the week I was so tired and achy and had such a roaring headache that I couldn’t even watch TV and just laid in bed or on the couch with an eye mask on for most of the day. By Wednesday, I was up for TV again and tried to put a positive spin on the flu and took advantage of my inability to do anything and watched two of my favorite holiday movies that I knew wouldn’t interest Ryan in the least. A small perk of being sick!
- DRINKmaple Organic Raspberry Lemon Maple Water
A week or so ago, I received a package of DRINKmaple’s new organic raspberry lemon maple water and the timing could not have been better. I’ve tried to prioritize staying hydrated as much as possible this week and this water made it a little bit easier when I wanted something flavored but not too sweet. Maple water contains antioxidants, minerals, electrolytes and natural prebiotics and tastes fantastic. I first fell in love with maple water years ago during a trip to Canada and love it as a delicious, lower-sugar alternative to coconut water.
- Zumbo’s Just Desserts
This show was a recent Netflix discovery and one Ryan and I enjoyed watching together. Cooking and baking competition shows typically fall under the umbrella of shows that appeal to both of us and we had fun watching the contestants compete and create some beautifully intricate sweet treats that often had our mouths watering. We’d typically fast forward through some of the longer competition scenes (the beauty of Netflix!) but the show was a nice way to unwind at the end of a long day.
- Around the Web
Food: Spiced Butternut Squash Muffins / Grandma’s Peanut Brittle / Healthy Garlic Scallops / Vegan Eggnog
Fitness: 20 Minute Butt + Legs Workout / Beginner Interval Workout
Sales and Holiday Savings: Extra 30% off sale at Kate Spade with code EXTRATREAT + free shipping (love this wine-color crossbody) / Nike Gifts Under $50 (the strappy back on this breathable tank is adorable and I have this sports bra and love it for low-impact workouts) / Everything on sale up to 60% off at Old Navy (awesome prices on toddler winter clothing)
- $350 VISA Gift Card Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Marie, the winner of RetailMeNot’s $350 VISA gift card giveaway! Marie said, “I love the 50% off at Walgreens so I can finally get my Christmas cards printed and sent! Nothing like waiting til the last minute! I also printed the Christmas Tree coupon – I love that store!!” Marie was emailed first thing this morning. Thank you so much to all who entered!!
- Friday Flashbacks
Large Batch Holiday Puppy Chow (The perfect festive recipe to make during the holiday season when you want to spread a little joy to a lot of people.)
Hot Holidays At Home Workout (No equipment required!)
Question of the Day
What is one thing that is making you smile this week?
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So sorry to hear how sick you were and missing out on NYC. When I have extra time around the holidays, nothing beats festive movies. I love Love Actually and The Holiday, too.
Lovely friday pins 🙂 Have a nice weekend
I’m so to hear that you’ve caught the flu 🙁 I hope you’re recovering well! I love those helados – my favorite is coconut. We get the big box at Sam’s club!
That sounds awful! Did Ryan take some time off to be with Chase? As a fellow SAHM of a 2 yo, being that ill is one of my fears! My husband doesn’t get a lot of leave and I’m not sure what I’d do.
Oh gosh so sorry you’ve been so sick!!! That sounds awful!!! Hoping Chase and Ryan stay healthy!! Bummer you had to cancel NYC, but definitely the right call. I’ve been sick with stomach bugs on vacation before and it’s just not fun, ha. Definitely best to rest up this weekend so you’re all set for Christmas!!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
I’m so sorry to hear you had the flu, it is the worst. Glad you are feeling better.
Uh I’m so sorry you caught the flu and have to cancel your plans this weekend. But hopefully you’ll be able to visit NYC another weekend when you’re feeling much better. I got the flu shot last year and still managed the get the flu, uh it’s awful.
And those are two of my favorite christmas movies! Totally want to watch them now this weekend.
Oh no! I’m so sorry you have to miss your trip to New York City. I live in the area so I would have loved to give you some restaurant recommendations! I hope you can reschedule the trip and see Hamilton another time.
So sorry to hear how sick you were this week! Glad you are feeling a little better though.
Had to comment on your Charleston trip– it is one of my favorite cities! You are so lucky you live within driving distance. I’ve been twice and still feel like I could go back and go to completely different places to eat/drink. Such a foodie city! If you go back in the spring check out Eli’s Table for brunch and Harry’s Seafood for dinner (their shee crab soup & shrimp and grits were to die). Also, Pearl’s Oyster Bar if you like raw bar. Shem’s creek is an adorable area outside of the direct city with tons of good restaurants as well!
oops– its called Hank’s Seafood not Harrys haha
Glad you’re feeling better but what happened to the Hamilton tix?! I must know!!!
So sorry to hear you had the flu. My dear friend’s two year old died from it last year, and she has made it her mission to promote flu shots since they discovered his cause of death. Your platform would greatly help her spread her message (Chelsea Clinton has tweeted about it!). I would be so appreciative if you’d take a look, and spread the word if you can! It’s For Jude, For Everyone (forjudeforeveryone.com #forjudeforeveryone) Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Ugh, I am so sorry that you’re feeling so under the weather still! And that you had to cancel your plans to NYC!! Such a sweet idea from Ryan, and I’m sure you’ll get to go another time! Rest up.
So sorry to hear you were so sick – that sounds miserable. But like you said, thank goodness the rest of your family stayed healthy through it! Charleston sounds like a really fun place – my husband and I would love to take a trip there next year. And I have also been sneaking in a bunch of Christmas movies my husband doesn’t like while he is at work and I’m working from home… 🙂
I had the flu when I was in high school (about 13 years ago) and it was BRUTAL. I have never been so sick in my life. My fever was actually so high for such a long period of time that the taste buds on my tongue burned off (which was a benefit to my family since I’m such a picky eater LOL). I reallly hope you’re on the track to feeling better and your family manages to dodge it! Please take it easy this weekend, even if your fever subsides, the rest of your body could benefit from a few extra days of rest. Feel better soon!
We LOVE Zumbo’s! We just finished the first season last night!
Glad you’re feeling better! Love Actually and The Holiday are in my Top 5 favorite movies of all time–I actually live for the nights when my boyfriend goes to bed early so I can watch these and cry my eyes out haha!
The flu is the absolute WORST. I actually caught swine flu in college and it was the most terrible couple weeks of my life. I didn’t think I would ever feel better!
So glad Chase and Ryan are staying healthy!
Waking up to your email made me smile BIG! Thanks again!!
Sorry to hear you were sick, the flu is the worse. I got it when i was 7 months pregnant, it was awful! Glad to hear you are on the mend. 🙂
The Holiday and Love Actually are my two favorites!! That maple water sounds very cool!
So glad you’re feeling better! The flu is no fun at all. I’m loving the fact that my niece & nephew will both be home from college tonight
Here’s to hoping you kick the flu! That’s no fun! My friend was also in a Charleston last weekend and loved it 🙂
Yikes! I’m glad you’re on the mend, girl! I had mono a few months ago and that was some of the worst pain I’ve ever felt while sick! It was horrible!
I’m so sorry you aren’t feeling well and you had to cancel your trip to New York City! I actually just went there with my husband for a couple days, I hope you get to plan a trip there for another time. I’m glad to hear you are finally on the mend, the flu is no joke!! One thing that is making me smile this week is for sure my nephews, they are just so sweet and their snuggles and laughs make every little worry disappear! Have a great weekend, Julie! Xoxo
The flu is pretty miserable. I still haven’t gotten my flu shot yet, I really need to get that done ASAP. I’m glad you’re feeling better. You must be so thankful that no one else got sick in your family.
I am SO sorry you have to miss Hamilton. Is there any chance you can reschedule? You are being a real trooper about the whole thing – I can’t imagine how disappointing that must be. I hope you feel better!
I’m curious how you handled being sick while watching a 2 year old. Did someone help you out? I have a 2 year old and can’t imagine having the flu AND entertaining a toddler. Although my daughter goes to daycare so I’m sure she would still go as planned while I stay home. Glad you’re feeling better!
ugh, I’m so sorry you weren’t feeling well and that your trip had to be cancelled!!! I hope you feel 100% soon so you can enjoy the weekend! and your girl’s trip sounded incredible – i’ve been wanting to go to Charleston forever! I think my parents may retire in SC so hopefully I can go soon 🙂
Sorry you’re not feeling well! Sending you hopes for a quick recovery. Did you get a flu shot this year?
SO sorry you had to cancel Hamilton! Were you guys able to reschedule your tickets? Felix and I saw it this past August, and even though the original cast is gone, the show is still rock solid. I hope you guys can see it, and I hope you’re on the mend!
Oh MAN! Being down with the flu is miserable enough as it is, but having to miss Hamilton as a result?? That’s just downright mean. I’m so sorry you’re not going to be able to go, and I REALLY hope you get to do a make-up trip sometime in the future – it’s truly the best show I’ve ever seen.
I’m so sorry you missed out on the trip to New York and Hamilton due to the flu! I definitely feel your pain!
Last week I finally won the ticket lottery in Chicago and got to see it! It was just… unbelievable! I’ve listened to the soundtrack for a couple years, but seeing the show in person was just mind blowing and took my appreciation for it to a whole other level!
I know what’s it’s like to miss out on a chance to see the show, though. I actually won the lottery in September, but missed the 60 minute window you had to claim your tickets back then (and I was just DEVASTATED). Thankfully it’s a bigger window now and I got to take my sister with me!
Oh my goodness. To miss a trip to NYC and see Hamilton…I’m so sorry you were that sick! I had a friend who had tickets to see Hamilton but her husband got sick with kidney stones. He was so sick and could barely walk, but he wanted to go see Hamilton instead of going to the hospital. The hospital won out and my friend ended up taking her son to the performance. 🙂 The poor husband.
Glad you’re on the mend. Feel better…the flu is no joke!
omg i’m so sorry to hear about your missed trip! i hope you get back to see it soon!
glad to hear you’re on the ups and hope you continue to feel better and better.
xo
Glad you’re on the upswing now and that it didn’t ruin your entire trip with your friends! Those Popsicles look delicious…was any dairy added? I’ll have to look for them if not!
Love The Holiday! I also can’t let the season go by without watching Polar Express and Elf at least once each.
‘Tis the season to be jolly. I am smiling from ear to ear because I will see my military husband next Saturday … it will be a great xtmas.
I saw Hamilton twice in Chicago this year. I am on the verge on tears for your loss.
So sorry to hear you were so ill! I saw your instastories a few days ago and was bummed that you had to miss out on so much! When I was 19 I got the worst virus and ended up sick for over a month (!!!). I mean, down for the count, not working and not going to school sick for more than a month. So every year since, I’ve gotten a flu shot. I know needles are scary for you though, not so much fun! And sometimes you can get a strain (a “less popular” strain that isn’t in the shot.) I hope this weekend has you feeling so much better than you’ve been feeling. (It’s kind of the yin and the yang when, after you’ve been ill, you feel just how great it feels to be “normal”. You’re like, wow, this whole feeling normal thing is amazing!)
If you’re working when you see this – hiii! Happy weekend! ANd cheers to feeling so much better. 🙂 Loved your recap as always.
I hope you’re feeling better lady; the flu is the worst! And thanks so much for including my butt + legs workout in your Friday Fav’s!