We are staying in town this weekend and I’m really looking forward to a low key weekend with my mom and Ryan. My mom actually arrived in town yesterday night (my grandma is thankfully no longer in ICU – thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!) and I’m looking forward to some quality time with her before she makes the drive back to Florida. But before I get too ahead of myself, it’s time for Things I’m Loving Friday!
Below you will find a short list of things I’m loving this week. As always, please feel free to play along and share something that’s making you smile in the comments section of this post.
Have a great weekend!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Essie Secret Lining Nail Polish
Essie Secret Lining is my current go-to nail polish! It’s a deep navy-gray color but the metallic flare makes it feel a little more festive during the holiday season. Dark nails? Who am I!?
- Girls On The Run Coaches’ Dinner
At the end of every season of Girls On The Run, a special dinner is held for the coaches and I attended the dinner for my chapter last night. I cannot believe this season is almost over! I’ve loved it so much and last night was such a fantastic way to round out the season. I enjoyed eating delicious food, spending time with my co-coaches and getting to know volunteers from other schools as well! We also listened to a guest speaker who shared the above quote from Polly Berrien Berends and I love it so much.
(Illustration by Jon McNaught)
This week a list of the top notable fiction, poetry and nonfiction books of 2014, selected by the editors of The New York Times Book Review, was published! Perfect if you’re looking for a great book to give someone this holiday season… or if you’re looking for a book to entertain yourself during holiday travels!
- Instrumental Christmas Music
Bring on all the Mannheim Steamroller and Trans-Siberian Orchestra I can handle!!! I’ve been blasting my Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD non-stop and can’t get enough. A few of my favorite instrumental classics:
Mannheim Steamroller – Good King Wenceslas
Mannheim Steamroller – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Carol of the Bells
Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Christmas Canon
- Pine Scented Candles
I am usually a big time sucker for cinnamon-scented candles around the holidays, but I think I’m slowly converting into a pine candle lover. Every time I light a pine-scented candle, the whole house fills with the glorious smell of Christmas trees and I instantly feel the Christmas spirit rise inside me just a little bit more.
I bought this oil-free moisturizer after a few of you mentioned it to me when I complained about my skin being the worst it’s been in years. I am so grateful for the recommendation because I absolutely love this stuff. It’s not cheap but I started using it with Image Skincare cleanser (I’ll post more about that later!) and am finally beginning to feel like my skin is improving. For the most part, blemishes are only popping up around that time of the month (standard for me) instead of what felt like every other day. Thank goodness! I love that this hydrator is oil-free and fights blemishes while also moisturizing my skin. I use it in the morning and before bed at night.
So beautiful. And this is coming from someone whose Pandora station severely overplayed the original “Hallelujah” to the point that I had to give it the dreaded thumbs down.
Question of the Day
- Share one thing you’re loving this week below!
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My roommate has a pine scented candle and it’s AMAZING!!
I’m loving the Oats ‘n Dark Chocolate Nature Valley granola bars and the Coconut Nature Valley granola bars. I’m not a HUGE coconut fan, but Julie, they are the best! I’m obsessed and can’t get enough of them. 🙂
Since you are in town this weekend…you probably already have heard about it but Christmas in Davidson is happening tonight and tomorrow night. It is one of our favorite traditions every year. Check it out, I bet your mom and you will love it!
Ever since we were little we’ve always played the same music at Christmas and Manheim Steamrollers have always made the cut and will forever make me think about Christmas.
Have a great weekend with your mom in town! So glad to hear your grandma is out of the ICU. Sending love and prayers to your family!
Here are some things I’m loving right now: http://daybydaymasterpiece.com/2014/12/05/fabulous-friday-41/
i am also lovinggg pine scented candles.
I am loving the rain. It has forced me inside and take time to relax. http://www.eatallovertheworld.weebly.com
I love Essie polish! My newest go-to color is “Berry Naughty,” a gorgeous deep red for the holidays! 🙂
I have been playing Pentatonix new Christmas album on repeat lately!! Ummm and they may or may not have included a bonus track of “Let It Go”. Amazing. Glad your grandma is doing better!! And congrats on finishing the GOTR season. I am hoping to secure a coaching position in Nashville for the spring season… think you’ll coach again?? Have a great Friday night!!
GORGEOUS Essie!
And I’m very curious bout that moisturiser!
Just wanted to say – glad your grandma is doing better. One thing I’m loving this week is all the creative work in the world that helps distract people from stress – like well-written movies and books, well-planned games, and funny people.
Have a great weekend!
I am loving mug cakes made from brown rice flour its been an everyday thing for me lately and I love it!
I’ve been loving deep dish pancakes lately. I buy the pre-made (amazingly delicious) mix from Great Harvest Bread Company, prep according to package, fill my little Corningware baking ramekin about half-full and microwave for 90 secs. Top with nut butter and/or syrup! Seriously yummy pancakes faster and with less clean-up.
I’ve really enjoyed reading about your experience on Girls on the Run. I tried to find a council near me but there is nothing within a 200 mile radius. Kinda bummed!
I bought the fresh basalm candle a few weeks ago and love it! It feels my apartment with the smell of Christmas!
Sorry to hear about the trouble you are having with your skin. Mine has been awful too. My esthetician recommended the Image line so I’m excited for your review.
Secret Lining is gorgeous!
you need to listen to this christmas version of hallelujah too! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LElO2ljc6KQ it is INCREDIBLE
Oooh, thanks for recommending that oil free hydrator! I actually need something like that, that moisturizes without being too oily. Gotta check it out! Add that to my grateful list 😉
I just saw Trans Siberian Orchestra live and it was the most amazing show I have ever seen. If they ever come near you jump on the opportunity to see them!
I had the same problem with blemishes and just 3 days ago I decided I wanted to change my foundation ’cause I felt it was that what was changing my skin…Because I don’t like heavy foundations (I prefer more a natural look), this lady at the store said CHANEL Les Beiges All in one Healthy Glow Fluid was my best option, besides it was going to help my skin to get better. I know it is a little bit pricey, buy If I were you, I would give it a try.
xo
One of my favorite holiday nails is to use a dark navy polish and then put gold sparkles over the top! LOVE!
Pine scented candles = YES! One thing I am loving this week is my GoPro!