It was a rollercoaster over here this week like I’m sure it was for many of you but I’m glad the weekend is upon us. In an effort to keep things normal in this space, I wanted to share my weekly roundup of favorites with you guys. Below are a few things that are making me smile right now and, as always, I’d love to hear a little bit about something that made you smile this week as well.
I hope you’re all staying safe and healthy. Sending you best wishes for a good weekend ahead!
Things I’m Loving Friday
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Spring in North Carolina
On a Zoom call with some friends earlier this week, we were talking about all of the emotions swirling through us regarding COVID-19 right now. It’s impossible not to get overwhelmed, scared, sad and feel helpless during this time, despite doing our best to follow instructions to shelter in place, donate to organizations doing incredible work (I’ve found CharityNavigator.Org to be a great place to start if you’re looking for highly-rated, reputable causes to support), help within our communities and stay on top of the latest developments. How are you guys hanging in there?
One thing that is really helping me take both a mental and physical breath of fresh air is spending time outside. The ability to get outside during one of the most gorgeous times of year in Charlotte feels like a big blessing through all of this and I am treasuring it so much. Feeling the sun on my face, watching the boys run through the soft grass and seeing Sadie stop to smell just about everything helps me appreciate nature in a way I haven’t in a long time. I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors but this is a new, deeper feeling I don’t think will ever subside once this pandemic is behind us. Thank goodness for sunshine!
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Leg Day Workout
After several back-to-back days where I skipped any kind of workout earlier this week, it felt good to carve out a little bit of “me time” for myself in the morning on Thursday. I headed into the garage and completed this leg workout before the boys were up for the day. I typically limit the number of sets I do in a strength workout to three but used slightly lighter weights and went through four rounds of some of the exercise and liked the change of pace. And my mini band booty workout always lights my glutes on fire so that was a great finisher for me!
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The Healing Kitchen Cookbook
A couple of weeks ago, I majorly lucked out at a neighbor’s garage sale and nabbed The Healing Kitchen cookbook. It’s packed with nutrient-dense recipes and I’m having fun making my way through everything from the garlic dill parsnip fries and mojo pulled chicken to the chewy trail mix granola and coconut milk fudge pops. I also really appreciate the fact that the recipes are EASY because, as someone who has purchased her fair share of “easy” recipe cookbooks, that often is not the case. This one really is packed with simple, healthy dishes and I’m loving it! Also, the author has a blog that seems to be packed with similar delicious recipes if you want to check it out at Grazed & Enthused.
Is anyone else baking up a storm now that so many of us are home 24/7? I love baking as it is but something about whipping up a little treat for our family always brings me joy and I think the boys and Ryan love it, too! Last week Chase, Ryder and I made these almond flour chocolate chip cookies and we couldn’t resist making them again when we had another rainy day on Tuesday. My friend Anna texted me about them a while back and her recommendation was a slam dunk. I love how easy they are to make and the simple ingredient list is a great perk. Another bonus: You combine everything in one big bowl so the clean up is minimal.
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Friday Flashbacks
Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quinoa (A warm and comforting breakfast perfect for slow mornings at home.)
Do Anywhere Workout (A decreasing reps bodyweight workout you can do in your driveway or living room.)
Question of the Day
What is one thing that made you smile this week?
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Thank you for sharing!!!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!
♡
For me, this week had a lot of ups and downs, but I agree with you about baking. For me, baking can be a real stress reliever and gives me something else to think about. Today I’m planning on making a quick banana bread muffin in a mug! I just saw the recipe posted earlier this week on SkinnyTaste blog and looks great and super easy!
I’m so glad you shared this chocolate chip cookie recipe! My husband was just diagnosed with celiac (just to add to the fun over here), and so my baker-self has had quite the learning curve over the past couple weeks. I braved the grocery store this week for the first time in a month and picked up some almond flour, so I think we should be good to try it out!
You guys will LOVE them! I am definitely picky with grain-free cookies and these were legit! They definitely hold their own against traditional chocolate chip cookies for sure!
I stumbled across the recipe on Pinterest when I bought a huge bag of almond flour… and then realize I had no idea what to do with it. ??♀️
These have quickly become my favorite “healthyish” cookies! And my friends love them to the point they request them at every get together!
Love this post and the workouts you shared! I am smiling big because the sun returned today, the temperature will reach 70*, and it’s Friday!
Thanks Julie-your posts are always something that I look forward to. This inspired me to do a little baking with my girls (we will call it homeschool) for today!
While I sincerely, truly try to empathize, I do find it funny the ups and downs everyone is going through being healthy and safe at home. I am 18 weeks pregnant and officially over Covid-19! My husband and I both work in NYC and we got it early. Him March 17 and me March 20 (I work in medical/pharma research, but he is a broadcaster and gave it to me!). My absolute worst fear was getting it pregnant (after a looong journey) and it happened. However, for some perspective I am SO HAPPY to a) not be feeling like death anymore b) to have survived the disease. It’s like a new lease on life feeling better, but also no longer having the anxiety.
If anyone has any questions, I am happy to answer them to at the very least provide my experience to help alleviate any anxiety. The number of people that have reached out for their own anxiety has been numerous and I hope to provide some comfort. This is so anxiety-inducing, but please be thankful for your health! I am so grateful to be a survivor right now to be on the other side. And my little guy hopefully comes out immune 😉 I am donating my antibodies to help future research too.
Just wanted to say thanks for continuing to post your regular Friday posts 🙂 It’s so nice to have some normality during this crazy time. I always look forward to them on Fridays – and it makes today feel a little bit more like Friday since all the days staying home seem like one big day haha.
Also, those chocolate chip cookies look amazing. I know what my next baking project will be!
I totally agree with you about the nice weather and the pretty trees! My husband and I have said over and over again that we can’t imagine if we didn’t have good walking weather during this crazy time. I have taken my four year old on a bunch of car rides (usually I will stop by a drive thru to support one of the local businesses that is still open). He is so used to being out and about and he loves seeing all the cars and trucks on the road.
Wednesdays are my favorite day because Survivor is the only show I am currently watching live. This season has been amazing so far with all previous winners!
Also, I am so excited for the Shoot and Share photo contest. I have entered every year excited for the first year. Anyone can submit 50 photos to a bunch of different categories. I cannot wait for the voting! It’s all anonymous and you can see such stunning photos from all over the world. Voting is so fun and addictive! It should start in a few weeks. 🙂
Have a great weekend with your boys!