It’s Things I’m Loving Friday over here, so let’s dive into chatting about what we’re all loving most this week! Below you will find a short list of the things that are making me smile this week and, as always, I’d love to hear all about what you’re loving in the comments section of this post. Have a great weekend!
Things I’m Loving Friday
My absolute favorite thing this week is Burn Bootcamp… and their childcare! On Monday, I took Chase with me for his first experience at Burn Bootcamp’s childcare. You guys, I was so nervous (it was my first time leaving him with anyone other than Ryan and my mom), but I spoke with the two women who would be watching him and a bunch of other BBC moms and knew I just had to rip off the band aid and do it. Chase did amazing and I when I went to pick him up, he was asleep in Miss Lindsay’s arms. It was such a relief (even though I was literally right outside the door and away for only 45 minutes) and we returned two more times this week!
Aside from their awesome childcare, BBC delivers some kick-butt workouts! (The above picture was Thursday’s workout.) I absolutely love the circuit-style format and the trainers push you in the best possible way. I’ve only been going for a little more than a week, and I feel a serious BBC obsession beginning…
I mentioned this cookbook briefly in Monday’s blog post, but after making two more of Juli’s recipes for dinner this week, it deserves a spot on today’s Things I’m Loving Friday list, too! Though I don’t personally follow a Paleo diet, I appreciate how clean (and often veggie-packed) Paleo recipes are and Juli’s Paleo creations are some of the most delicious I’ve come across both on her blog and in her cookbook. If you enjoy Paleo meals, I highly recommend checking out her cookbook for some tasty new recipes!
- Mommin’ Ain’t Easy Tee
A few bright-eyed readers asked me about the t-shirt I was wearing in Monday’s blog post. It says “Mommin’ Ain’t Easy” and I am kind of in love with it. I’ve been wearing it an inordinate number of times since I bought it from Zulily a few weeks ago. It’s not currently available on the site, but a bunch of the sales featured on Zulily cycle through quite often, so definitely keep an eye out and if I notice it pop up again, I’ll be sure to let you know!
- Pumpkin Spice Coffee
Oh c’mon, you knew this was bound to pop up on the blog eventually! My flavored coffee-loving heart is so happy to see pumpkin spice coffee back on the shelves! Naturally every cup of coffee I’ve enjoyed this week has been a warm mug of pumpkin spice coffee. Since the dreary weather decided to stick around in Charlotte this week, my morning cup of coffee made things feel extra cozy in our house!
For the past month or so, I’ve been making a big batch of Tina’s breakfast potatoes on Sunday and using them throughout the week in my breakfasts and lunches. They really are SO good (and easy!) and the Montreal Steak Seasoning adds the best kick of flavor. Sometimes the most basic recipes are the best!
- Pre-Made Chopped Salads
These pre-made chopped salads were my lunchtime savior this week. Since Chase’s naps weren’t long on Wednesday or Thursday, I didn’t have much time to throw together my lunch and turned to these pre-made chopped salads that I picked up at Publix on Sunday. I topped them with two fried eggs and added whatever extras we had on hand to amp them up a bit (leftover roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, pecans, etc.). A tasty lunch was ready to eat in less than 5 minutes!
- Friday Flashbacks
Ginger Curry Roasted Cauliflower (An easy dinnertime side dish that always steals the show!)
50 Rep Workout (This is a total body workout that will keep you guessing!)
- SICK Bags Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Erika A., the winner of the SICK Bags giveaway! Erika was emailed first thing this morning. Thanks so much to all who entered!
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you are loving this week?
Jacklyn @ Jack's Balancing Act says
Aw hope Chase goes back to his old napping ways as fast as he left them! And super nice to hear that it’s going so great with the BBC childcare – you must be so relieved!! Happy weekend, Fagans 🙂
Katie says
Good Morning Julie and Happy Friday!! My absolute favorite thing this week is that I will be running my first 50k this Sunday in Reading PA. Hurricane is coming lol but I’m staying positive. My mantra is that Ultra runners don’t care about mud! Once you’re muddy, you’re muddy. might as well finish this thing! Have a great weekend and hopefully you can catch up on some sleep!
Hilary says
I have been all about the pumpkin spice coffee too! And pumpkin smoothies for some reason, with some salted caramel protein powder my oh my is it delicious!
Maureen says
I am currently loving Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice coffee…I have at least 2 cups every morning to start my day. Happy Friday!
Ashley @ Sweet Carolina Belle says
Those pre-cut salads are my favorite too. Hope you stay dry this weekend.
Christina says
Ok now I’m envious that you were able to get to the gym! I’m also a first time mom and my son will be 3 months old tomorrow. My park district gym takes babies as young as 6 weeks! But I’m still nervous ! You’ve given me courage :)))
Molly Rose says
I know how much you like Harry & David…. Publix started selling their candles! I bought a pear-scented one and it smells marv and it burns forever! (I guess I’m just now learning nicer candles burn longer?) haha.
that shirt is too funny— but you make mommin look so easy! 🙂
Julie says
This is great news!!! I’ll be on the lookout. Thanks for letting me know!
Katrina says
I’m a lunch making MACHINE and those pre-chopped salads are key! Although I prefer spinach, my local grocery store doesn’t always have it so I resort to the bagged mixes. Then whatever add-ons I have on hand and a home made dressing and lunch is complete! People always comment on my lunch salads and I’m always so shocked! If they only knew how easy they were to make! 😀
Have a great weekend!
Jamie says
That t-shirt is so adorable. I feel like I should get that for all my expectant friends!
Julie says
I bought it for two of my expectant girlfriends, too! 🙂
Sana says
I love nothing this week. I will start loving life once the sun returns!
Julie says
LOL! Hope some sun comes your way this weekend!
Gretchen | Gretchruns says
I’m currently sipping my pumpkin spice coffee as well! I got a spiced latte creamer and it’s the perfect addition. I love buying premade salads as well, and I’ll have to check out those potatoes! Sounds delicious. Have a great weekend!!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
So cool that there is a great child care option for you to workout!
I’m loving those pre mixed salads as well. So easy and no waste!
Melanie says
Pumpkin spiced coffee has been a favorite of mine this week as well! And pretty much everything else pumpkin flavored 🙂
Heather @ Life In Leggings says
It looks like I’m missing out on those breakfast potatoes. I need to give them a try! Love the Mommin’ Aint Easy shirt and that you’re getting in your workouts that also include childcare. yay! Happy Weekend momma!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Happy Friday, Julie! I hope your little man gets some better naps in this weekend for your sanity! This week, I am getting all into the fall weather and pumpkin everything, of course. And just the mention of Publix … oh … how I miss that store!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
I love those chopped salads. You pay a tiny bit more, but the convenience is sooo worth it on a busy schedule! Have a fabulous weekend, Julie!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Is it totally cheesy and dorky to say my boyfriend? LOL It’s still new but also one of the most natural relationships I’ve ever been in…we told people this week and there’s just been such a rush of support and excitement that that’s all I can think of! haha
Julie says
<3 Love it!
Liz says
I’m loving the little heater by my desk, pumpkin spice coffee creamer, and getting back into the gym <—it's been wayyy too long! Have a great weekend!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
LOVE that shirt. Also, go you for utilizing the daycare! I don’t use a gym, so it’s not really an option for me, but the only person my son has ever been with is me or my husband. And he’s 16 months old. I’m only a little embarrassed haaha
Aubrey says
I love squashes this week!:)
Lindsay says
I’m sharing this post with my girls at BBC Durham! So glad to hear that you love it as much as we do!
Julie says
Awesome!! I really do LOVE it and get excited before every workout!
Samantha @ThePlantedVegan says
Pumpkin spice coffee..yummm! I’ve never tried potatoes for breakfast, but I kind of think I should! Hope you all have a nice and restful weekend!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
I love that mammin ain’t easy!! Too cute! haha
Kelsey says
My main goal for Christmas this year is to buy items that bring me joy – and considering my Amazon cookbook wish list is ridiculously long, I’m hoping to add a few more to collection…including Juli’s new cookbook! =) This week, I’m loving all I’ve been able to accomplish after work (instead of being a bum on the couch) and that October started this week! Favorite month.
Amanda B @ Cupcakes & Miles says
Oh my! Those breakfast potatoes look quite tasty!
I’ll have to investigate that cookbook and see if her recipes are dummy-proof. 😉
I’m not a big fan of the bagged salads, but do like the convenience of them. I’m not sure why I never thought to add my own items to them to spruce ’em up, but that’s really a great idea!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
That tshirt is too cute! Here’s to hoping Chase gets back into a solid naptime routine so you can get a little work done, or just relax a little 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Christina @ Embracing Simple says
Happy Friday!! I found your blog by searching for Charlotte bloggers and am already in love with your writing style! 🙂 My hubby, 15-month-old daughter and I are thinking about moving to North Charlotte in the spring, I will have to read up on all your Charlotte-related posts to see the must-dos!
I tried Pumpkin Spice coffee for the first time ever this year and it’s so good! I’ve been a long time PSL fan, but feel like it’s too sweet for me these days so just the pumpkin spice flavored coffee at home is perfect.
Hope you have a great weekend Julie!!
Julie says
We absolutely LOVE North Carolina!!! <3 Definitely reach out to me if you have any questions!
Fiona says
oh gosh, that was one of the first lessons I learned about mommy-hood was never talk about sleep lol…every time someone asks me I’m super vague so that I don’t jinx it but it usually ends up happening. My 10 week old gave me 7 hours of straight sleep one night then the next night ..nope…jinxed!!!
We actually went to stars and strollers yesterday with some mom friends to see the Intern. It’s pretty cool set up with stroller parking, change tables outside the theater doors and the movie is filled with other moms and babies so it doesn’t matter if your baby has a meltdown! It was great, and a cute movie too!
Jessie R says
Loved pre-made salad mixes! So glad you found a good place to workout 😉
Amanda says
I have been pumpkin spicing my coffee and then pouring it into my pumpkin spiced shakeology- heaven!
haley @cupcakes and sunshine says
Ahhhhhh that cookbook is at THE top of my wishlist!!!!!
Hailey says
My son was born the day before yours and his sleep is exactly like Chase’s the last few days. A couple moms I know suggested downloading the “wonder weeks” app. Our boys are currently going through a large developmental period and that’s why their sleep is so disturbed during the day. It will go back to the way it was in the next week or so. Hang in there!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
Those breakfast potatoes look really good! I love them when they have the crunchy edges.
Lee says
I’m loving that my daughter’s cold is finally clearing up. It was a long week of sniffles and snorting!
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says
I just got a BOSU ball and I am loving it. I am super excited for the workouts I can do with it. Did I mention it is bright pink!!
Janelle @ WhollyHealthy says
That’s great you found child care that’ll work so you can work out – must be such a relief!
Sheena @ Paws and Pavement says
Love pumpkin and I keep looking for the pumpkin spice creamer!
emmarie says
I’m not a mom, but that shirt is too stinkin’ cute!
I’m currently loving rocking out to show tunes and covers – Anthem Lights!
Courtni H says
I am obsessed with that t-shirt and sincerely hope that it comes back around for purchase!!!!! Never has a t been more accurate.
Kara says
love that paleo book! so good 🙂
Xo,
Kara
http://www.fcnextdoor.com
janet says
pre chopped salads are a huge thing in this house … so easy to “dress up”.
My fave lately has been sliced canned beets, goat cheese, pepitas and cooked squash/pumpkin “cubes” on a bag of whatever I can find at the store.
Rachel says
Once my baby stopped napping it became permanent haha! He’ll do 20-30 min max (he’s 6 months). It was hard at first, but now I’m used to it and he’ll just hang out playing while I try to do things. The funny thing is he naps at daycare. Life with a baby is always changing that’s for sure!
runnergirl014 says
What size shirt is that? Does it run large/small/true to size and is it from bread tank? Thanks!