Since I stepped away from the computer and unplugged on Thanksgiving, I didn’t get a chance to share what I’m thankful for this year with you guys and while I’m not planning on turning today’s Things I’m Loving Friday post into a long, mushy-gushy post, I would be remiss not to share at least one of the MAJOR things I’m thankful for which would be YOU. You and your continued readership and support of this blog mean more to me than I could possibly express in words and I wanted to take a moment to reiterate, yet again, how much I truly, truly appreciate each and every one of you. I love blogging and sharing this little light-hearted corner of the internet with you guys every day brings me so much joy. Thank you for reading and for your kindness. I am so very grateful for you!
Okay, I promised not to make this post totally mushy-gushy, so let’s get right into your regularly scheduled Friday post where we chat about things that make us smile each week. As always, please feel free to play along in the comments section!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Thanksgiving with Family
I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that 99 percent of you knew this would be on my list today! Amazing food + Amazing people… How could it not be!? Thanksgiving at my mother-in-law’s was wonderful and wonderfully delicious. We had such a wonderful afternoon with family and friends and spent hours at the table and outside playing cornhole after a big Thanksgiving lunch. It was wonderful and I’ll be sure to share more about our visit soon! (And yes, Ryan is participating in No Shave November.)
- Running with Ryan and Sadie
Right after we woke up yesterday, Ryan, Sadie and I went on a five-mile run together and I quickly remembered how much I love running with those two! Even though Ryan’s speed is about 10,000 times faster than mine and I have to ask him to slow down every mile or so (which I’m sure is so delightful for him), we chat the whole time and I just love being outside and doing something active with my little family. Plus, Sadie has a ball, which is always fun to watch!
- Okra
I started buying this delicious veggie two weeks ago at Whole Foods and I can’t get enough of it! I simply toss it in olive oil and sprinkle it with seasoned salt or garlic salt and roast it. It’s simple to prepare and my go-to vegetable at the moment!
I shared this one on the PBF Facebook page last weekend, but it’s worth a share here, too, because it makes me laugh out loud every time! If you love dogs and their complete ridiculousness, you will love this!
- My Latest Stitch Fix
My latest Stitch Fix knocked it out of the park! I’ve never done a full Stitch Fix review on the blog where I break down a box I’ve received, but I love reading them on other blogs and pinning items I want to request in future fixes which I highly recommend doing because once I started doing this, I noticed that my stylists started getting a much better feel for my style and sending me better fixes. Anyway, I wanted to highlight my two favorite items from the fix I received on Tuesday morning: The Look By M Jackie Faire Isle Print Infinity Scarf and the Market & Spruce Chaplin Lined Hooded Anorak Jacket. (I couldn’t find the exact jacket online, but this one from Old Navy is similar and on super sale right now 50% off for Black Friday!) I loved both of them the moment I saw them in the box but once I tried on the jacket, I could tell the quality was great and knew I’d get a lot of wear out of the lightweight jacket. Instant keeper! The scarf is so cozy and warm and I know it will be a wintertime staple.
I love this blog post from my blogging buddy and registered dietitian, Anne! It includes a few of Anne’s favorite tips for “enjoying what the holiday season has to offer food and drink wise – without stressing yourself out, feeling guilty, or waking up with sugar or alcohol hangovers.”
…And it is hilarious.
- Black Friday Sales
As I’m sure you’re well aware, today is Black Friday which means there are some pretty stellar sales going on right now. You know I love a good deal, so I wanted to pass along some awesome sales of note:
- Old Navy: 50% off everything (I’ve loved their compression leggings for years and am eyeing this extra-long zip-up jacket!)
- Reebok: Reebok Skyscapes are only $29.99 with code BLACKFRIDAY. I LOVE these shoes and have them in pink and gray and bought my sister the pink pair as well. They feel like slippers!
- Athleta: 20% off with code FIT20 (The upside jacket is adorable!)
- GAP: 50% off site-wide with code BLKFRIDAY (So many cute puffer vests!!)
- ASOS: 30% off with code TGIBF
- Saks Off 5th: 40-50% off with code BLACKOUT through Nov. 30
- Express: 50% off of everything (Love this black and white sweater dress! And just FYI, Express actually makes some really cute/functional sports bras. I have this strappy one and love it.)
- Kate Spade Saturday: 30% off full price items through Dec. 1 with code DEALME
- J. Crew: 30% off select full-price styles and additional 40% off sale + free shipping
- J.Crew Factory: 50% off everything plus free shipping with code THANKS (My sister and I love their cozy pajama pants!)
- Anthropologie: 20% off everything with code HOLIDAY25
- Madewell: 25% off sitewide through Nov. 30 with code GIFTON
- Banana Republic: 50% off 1 full-priced item with code BRFIFTY + 40% off sitewide with code BRFORTY (I already bought this for 50% off for Ryan for Christmas… And I made him promise not to click that link!!)
- Sole Society: 30% off all footwear
- TOMS: 25% off with code CHEER (I’m eyeing these for a wintery look… and for some reason I’m also liking the camo classics, though I’m not sure I could wear them with many outfits!)
- Nike: Additional 25% off clearance items through Dec. 2. (Standouts: Dri-fit long-sleeve running top, Dri-fit pullover, Running capris)
Questions of the Day
- Share one thing you’re loving this week below!
- Tell me about one thing you are grateful for today!
Disclaimer: Things I’m Loving Friday is not a sponsored post and simply features things that make me smile every week! Affiliate links may be included and I always greatly appreciate your support. Thank you!!
Linda @ The Fitty says
I like Okra too–it has a nice dewy texture inside.
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
For a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday! Have a good weekend. 🙂
Julie says
You too! And thanks for taking the time to read/comment on PBF regularly! I really appreciate it!! 🙂
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
You are very welcome! Thanks for your blog. 🙂
Anne (@fANNEtasticfood) says
Thank you for the link love, my friend! <3
Julie says
Of course!
Joanna @Makingmine says
You have a great list of things to be thankful for – I think you’re the first person I’ve seen mention okra though 😉
Skinny Fitalicious says
Let the shopping begin! I would love to shop but I think I’ll take hanging outdoors in our gorgeous Phoenix weather instead.
melaniem49 says
I’ve been wanting a pair of Reebok Skyscapes ever since you told us about them. I finally bought a pair after reading about the Black Friday sale! $30 AND free shipping?! SO happy!
Julie says
Woohoooo! You will love them!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
I’ve only ever had okra from a frozen bag in the veggie section. I should really try it fresh! Thanks for all the black Friday deal info!!!
Nicole @ Runs & WODs says
Great link love!! I did some serious damage at the Gap. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
aladygoeswest says
Hi Julie! I’m thankful for the healthy living blogging community and the fact that yours was one of the first blogs I read regularly before starting my own! And I must say, my Wednesday was much like yours. My husband and I drove 11 hours down from San Francisco to San Diego to my in-laws and it was a long trip, but worth it when we walked in the door. Hope you soak up the rest of the weekend, because I will be doing just the same! 🙂
Julie says
So glad you’ve had a great trip so far!
fitgirlprettyworld says
Happy thanksgiving weekend!! It’s so nice to be able to unwind, eat and be lazy with family. Enjoy!
Chelsea @ Raw N' Toned says
I’m loving all the time I’ve had with My Boyfriend this week. It’s been nice since we’re long distance and don’t get to see each other that often 🙂 .
Bonnie says
Thanks so much for sharing the Black Friday info and links to things you like/have talked about on the blog! We have similar taste so that makes it especially helpful. Glad you had a great Thanksgiving!
Sydney says
Love the Black Friday deals! Fabletics also has an amazing Black Friday sale going on with their tops and leggings!
Lori says
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m loving extra time spent with family, and so grateful I found your blog! Your attitude really brightens my day!
Alex @ get big, go to work says
I’m feeling very grateful today to be surrounded by loving and supportive friends and family who encourage and motivate me every single day! Have a great visit with your in-laws. Family time is the best.
ellie | fit for the soul says
Yes, definitely feeling WELL FED and LOVED! Though I’m glad I’m not “rollling” as much as past years from all the food, yay! Haha. And oh my….those discount links look so awesome! Gap, Madewell, Anthropologie?! ^_^
Melissa @ Sunburnt Saver says
I have never tried okra before, but that is exactly how I cook asparagus, so I bet okra tastes delicious! Thanks so much for that tip 🙂 Also, I LOVE Stitch Fix!! I just started getting clothes from them a month ago, and they already hit it out of the park with a dress… so excited to see what December brings 🙂 Your scarf is super cute!
Chelsea says
One thing I am thankful for is that faire isle scarf – I have the same one!!!! And I am totally in love with it too!! It’s soooo soft!!
Michelle Hunt (@PeachyPalate) says
I’m grateful for finally getting to bed! Long as double jobbing day…I’m thankful for the extra money towards Christmas presents! 🙂 LOVE the jacket, I have one just like! Infinity scarfs are my fave…so snuggly!
Sue says
I loving the awesome weather here in Colorado and I am thankful for you sharing a part of your life with us everyday!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
I love that picture of you and Ryan! And those StitchFix items! I’m glad you had a good Thanksgiving!
Kim says
Besides being equally-grateful-right-back-at-you for your blog, which I look forward to every day for the last many years, I’m UBER grateful for my husband – today is the 10th anniversary of the day we met – on a blind date! 🙂 Today we went back to the restaurant where we met, and without knowing about it, the waitress sat us in the booth we sat in way back when. Very fortuitous. And you know what we did during part of our dinner? I pulled up your “4 things” post with the questions on it on my phone and we went through and discussed them all. So much fun.
You are always smiling in photos, but the one with you and your hubby today – you look particularly happy in that one. Glad you’re enjoying your family as much as I have been enjoying mine.
Side note: I love Athleta skorts! They’re just so cute for even every day walkin’ around!
Happy Thanksgiving-weekend!
Julie says
Aw! This makes me so happy! We played the 4 things question game on our road trip to Sarasota so I could hear Ryan’s answers, too! 🙂
Kim says
It’s a fantastic getting-to-know-you OR re-getting-to-know you type little questionnaire, thanks for sharing it, we had a lot of fun with it! Also fun to see if you can answer for your spouse/partner.
Pua says
Happy Thanksgiving weekend! I am so, so grateful for the health of my husband and brand new son. We had a fabulous Thanksgiving with our friends and family, especially since it was the first holiday with our child. I’m looking forward to continuing this amazing weekend!
livitant says
I’m grateful for being with my family all weekend! Such a great thanksgiving!
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says
I’m thankful for okra too! TOO funny. I can’t get enough lately!!! And to think… it used to be a vegetable I wouldn’t go near!
rebecca says
Unplugging on holidays are the best!! Can’t wait to see that kitchen tour of yours!
bsprual2011 says
haha The unapologetic dog pictures were hilarious. I ended up having to show my whole family and we were all cracking up! Too funny
Janet Pole says
we love okra too ….
theregoesmollyrose says
And I am thankful for YOU Julie! Been following you for a few years now, and I continue to look forward to reading about your journey 🙂
Ummm, I love how nearly everyone was able to label Breaking Bad on that “US map” haha
Julie says
This is so sweet of you to say! Thank you!
Annette Perkins (@FitnessPerks) says
So glad you had/are having a fun time down in FL! Road trips are usually like that–soooo long, but then so worth it when you walk in the door 🙂 I felt like that about my traveling with my 1 year old when we both were a bit under the weather. Made it all worth it when we walked in my parents’ house!
Courtney! says
I’m obsessed with okra, but I rarely see it in stores in the midwest. I buy it whenever I see it!
The Kiss of Joy says
I love Okra. I normally cook it with rice and salted fish. Currently at the moment i’m loving the TV show “Selfie” on Hulu Plus sucks that they cancelled it though 🙁