How are you guys this morning? We’re entering another weekend with limited plans on our agenda and, once again, I am thrilled. Ryan and I felt a little exhausted after so many jam-packed weekends over the course of the past few months that when February popped up on our calendars without many commitments, we dubbed it “No Plans February” and I’m loving every second. I’m crossing my fingers for lots of sunshine and time outside.
Though I am not sure what our plans for the weekend entail, I do know that today is Things I’m Loving Friday on Peanut Butter Fingers! Every Friday I share a little bit about what I’m loving most on the blog and this week is no different. Below you will find a short list of the things that are making me smile and 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 friend Krystal gave me the cutest pair of Freshly Picked baby moccasins for Chase at my baby shower. I slipped them on his feet a couple of weeks ago and immediately realized he will likely outgrow them soon, so now he’s wearing them everywhere because I want to get a ton of use out of them before it’s too late. I think they are just about the most adorable baby shoes out there. Thank you, Krystal!
(And for those who asked about Chase’s t-shirt yesterday, I bought it on Zulily but the brand is The Talking Shirt.)
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts
I picked up a couple of bags of shaved Brussels sprouts at Target last weekend and they’ve been such a great timesaver for me this week! Chopping Brussels sprouts can be a bit of a pain, but these shaved Brussels sprouts make it super easy to toss them in a bit of oil and season them with garlic salt and pepper before roasting. They’re great by themselves as a side dish, but I’ve also thrown them into a lunchtime salad and a pasta dish for dinner, too. Anything that makes eating veggies easier gets an A+ in my book.
Three cheers for sweatpants! And double three cheers (six cheers?) for ultra comfy sweatpants that aren’t horrifically ugly! At the end of a long day, nothing feels better than slipping into these heathered Love Tree sweats and I’m pretty sure they’re the softest pants I own. The material is lightweight but cozy and I am in love. Plus, they’re super affordable (only $19) so you can’t go wrong. The model online paired them with sneakers and a fitted tee for a casual look which is right up my alley, but I’m still trying to wrap my head around wearing sweats as real pants…
- Chase’s Desire To Eat My Phone
I have about a million pictures of Chase that look like the one you see above because whenever I try to take his picture or Facetime with my parents, Chase inevitably reaches out to try to grab my phone and put it in his mouth. The crazy part is that he seems to go right for the tiny camera at the top corner of the phone. How does he know!? I have so many videos on my phone of him smiling and cooing that are then followed by total darkness as Chase licks and mouths the camera. What a goof!
- This Updo
Okay, I know this is a totally random thing to include in today’s post, but I think this updo is absolutely gorgeous! I swear if my wedding hadn’t already come and gone, I would want my hair done just like this for our big day. I had to share it here just incase it calls to any of you who might have a wedding on the calendar this year (wouldn’t this be beautiful for a bridesmaid’s hair!?) or some kind of a fancy schmancy event coming up. If you get your hair done like this, please send me a pic so I can live vicariously through you. So pretty!
A couple of weeks ago, I shared some information about the adorable handmade key fobs my friend (and Burn Boot Camp childcare rockstar!) Lindsey started making and I’m happy to say she now has an Etsy shop where you can find these adorable key fobs for just $6.50. Lindsey is the best and means a lot to our family and if her key fobs appeal to you (she has tons of patterns and colors available), you can definitely feel good about supporting such a kind woman!
- Around the Web
Interesting Reads: 20 Meal Prep Tips // 12 Things Moms Should Openly Admit // Campaign For a Judgment-Free Motherhood // Interview with a Fixer Upper Client // Simple Tweaks for a Healthier Life
Food: 11 3-Ingredient Breakfast Recipes // Cheesy Pizza Soup // Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry
Fitness: Push Up Variations // Push Pull Run Workout
- Friday Flashbacks
Make At Home Starbucks Spinach Feta Wrap (An easy recipe inspired by one of my Starbucks favs!)
20 Minute Boot Camp Workout (A 20-minute boot camp workout… Do it 2x through for a 40-minute super challenge!)
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you are loving this week?
![\"Quantcast\"/](\"//pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-1e3-7hOJ_U8Bg.gif\")
Ok just checked out those joggers and they got even cooler cuz you can pay with PayPal!! Haha totally shopping that site when I get on my computer this morning!!
Haha! PayPal makes online shopping WAAAAY too easy. 🙂
I’ve said it a lot recently; that online shopping is WAY too easy. However, when $19 jogging pants become $82 simply because I’m Canadian; it’s super easy to say no! Haha!
I am loving my little niece who is 3 months!! Julie, where does Chase nap when you travel or visit someones house?? I was trying to figure out where my niece can nap when she comes over. I bought a travel bassinet but just noticed its only good for up to 15 lbs.
The thing I’m loving this week is the egg white feta wrap from Starbucks! I went twice this week. Love that the wrap is your food this week!
I’m obsessed with feta wraps I’ll have to make a batch of those!
Happy Friday!! I finally bought rose hip oil this week after your post about it and am loving it! My face has been so dry in this Utah winter, so I have been using Aquaphor on my face. I figured I should probably get something geared more toward face skin, and the rose hip oil works wonderfully.
So glad you are loving it!!! It is my fav! 🙂
I bought some, too! It should be here today (thank you, Amazon Prime) and I can’t wait to try it out. Winter is making my skin feel like the desert. So. dry.
O man, jogger pants are my life! Haha! The greatest “sweatpants” ever, I have so many pairs now!
Those baby moccasins are ridiculously adorable. Need. For you know… me? 😉 Love the updo and the idea of shaved brussels sprouts! Enjoy your weekend!
I love that updo also! It will probably be making an appearance in any future wedding idea dreams 🙂 I always thought I’d do a simple hair down with a little braid on either side tied in the back with a white ribbon, because I’m not super fancy, but a girl can change her mind!
I need to make your feta wraps (I gave up starbucks for lent and I’m jonesing!)… Have you ever tried freezing them? I wonder if they would still taste good. I’m equally excited for a weekend without any plans- they are rare and it’s so nice to relax and just spend time with your fam, happy Friday!
What size did you get in the sweatpants? I’m trying to figure out if they’re true to size snd I’m debating between a small and medium. Love them!
I got a large! I’d size up if you are in between sizes. The thought of tighter/restricting sweatpants did not sound appealing to me and I wanted something cozy.
Those sweatpants have my name on them! They look dreamy!
I was actually going to buy a new pair of sweats this weekend. Now I know which ones I want! Also, that hair is super cute. I’m going to be a bridesmaid in my friends wedding this year and I might just have to give this a try. I have very thin hair so it is hard to work with. This may be perfect!
Same here! But I am always amazing what a TON of teasing and lots of hairspray can do when a professional is in charge of my hair!
Oh those moccasins are totes adorable! And that fun size shirt! A weekend with no plans is so so nice, enjoy some R and R!
Thank you for the link love my friend! That spinach feta wrap copycat recipe looks amazing… on my list to make asap!!
<3
I wanna make those wraps and time saving brussel sprouts are such a good idea. I’m loving that I have this weekend off from work and traveling to a race tomorrow with friends.
Shaved Brussels sprouts?? I must check my local Target! Those are a weekly staple in our house, and the thought of easier prep is quite enticing.
Thing I’m loving this week: I have been planning a butterfly garden for our backyard and have been collecting plants. This weekend, my husband and I are breaking ground. So excited!! It’s been “spring” here in Texas for a few weeks now. 😉
That’s awesome! I wish I had a genuine interest in gardening — I LOVE the look of gorgeous gardens but I have a black thumb and can’t keep even the most basic plants alive!
Lol, it was definitely a progression for me. If you ever want to try your hand at it again, I definitely suggest going native to your area. I learned that the hard way and inititally spent WAY too much time fussing over exotic plants that looked so great at Lowe’s but then tanked at my house. Ain’t nobody got time for that! 😀
Those sweatpants look so comfy! But I can barely close my dresser drawers anymore, so I’m going to have to resist. I am going to look for shaved brussels sprouts though; I spent like 30 minutes chopping some yesterday.
I love Freshly Picked moccasins. Decker has a pair that I got in a size up for Christmas so he has a little time before he can wear them. However, they’re just so expensive with how fast their feet grow. I will say I found another website/small business that sells some for a more affordable price and are just as good. Monkey Feet USA. They always have deals too.
Baby Moccs are so darn cute!
Oh! Thanks for the tip. They really are the cutest!
Aww, I loved that scene from Sister Act & always said if I ever got married, that’s what I’d come back down the aisle to.
We actually had an instrumental version of “Joyful Joyful” (another fav that also happens to be in Sister Act 2) played at our wedding when we were walking back down the aisle after we said “I do.” 🙂
Happy Friday, Julie! Those moccasins are adorable, and I’d wear a pair in my size for sure. And I have some Old Navy joggers, which have been my winter pants (being worn the SECOND I get home, until I have to get ready to leave again). ehheheh Enjoy your NO PLANs.
Those baby mocs are adorable!
And giiiiirl, you’re reading my mind. I was looking up potential directions for me to take with my hair for our upcoming wedding this Summer in Vail. I’m wanting something loose, because I’ll want my hair down most of the evening, but need my hair up because it gets windy on the tops of the mountains in Vail. This hair style might just be what the doctor ordered. 🙂
I LOVE supporting small businesses and those of people I know or through people I know even more so. I’ll be buying some of the key fobs today they’re so cute! Plus, she has my favorite color combo, gray and pink! Hope she finds much success with her craft. 🙂
Julie, I’m so glad you’re taking the time to relax and rejuvenate. I’ve often been insanely amazed by how much you and Ryan do, so I’m glad to see you taking the time to rest when you feel it. I love how intuitive you are with what your body and mind need. I admire that about you a lot.
Hope you have a beautiful, quiet weekend!
Brussel Sprouts are my go to! Love them and the shredded sprouts are going to make life so much easier. I’ve made my favorite salad twice this month, it’s THAT good! I’ve been making the dressing for other salads it so delicious. Happy Friday!
YIELD: 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper
2 large bunches of Tuscan kale (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
12 ounces brussels sprouts, trimmed, finely grated or shredded with a knife
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/3 cup almonds with skins, coarsely chopped
1 cup finely grated Pecorino
PREPARATION
Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, shallot, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl. Stir to blend; set aside to let flavors meld. Mix thinly sliced kale and shredded brussels sprouts in a large bowl.
Measure 1/2 cup oil into a cup. Spoon 1 tablespoon oil from cup into a small skillet; heat oil over medium-high heat. Add almonds to skillet and stir frequently until golden brown in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer nuts to a paper towel–lined plate. Sprinkle almonds lightly with salt.
Slowly whisk remaining olive oil in cup into lemon-juice mixture. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
Add dressing and cheese to kale mixture; toss to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Garnish with almonds.
[DO AHEAD: Dressing, kale mixture, and toasted almonds can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover dressing and kale mixture separately and chill. Cover almonds and let stand at room temperature.]
123!!! That’s a lot of loving lately!!! Love the key phobs!!
Cute key fobs!
I love Zulily for baby clothes! I’m a bit addicted.
My favorite thing this week is hearing the joy and excitement in my dad’s voice when he calls to countdown the days until I visit them in March. We live out of state from both sides of the family so he misses his first grandchild (my son) and first child (me!).
I’m determined to to buy any baby shoes until my son can walk! Haha! They grow so fast. Those are adorable though.
Julie, Chase is so adorable!! You must have so much fun every day together. This week I’ve really been loving all the support from my (new!) fiancee. It’s been a hard week at work and Ben has been there with massages, tucking me into bed, driving me to the office, and lots of hugs and supportive words. I’m so grateful for him!
I love brussels sprouts Enjoy your weekend!
I love precut veggies too! They make life so much easier. It’s just too bad they cost more most of the time. 🙁 Oh and Chase’s little shirt is precious! I need to get it for my little guy who is arriving in May. And baby mocs are the best! My daughter LOVES wearing hers still and she’s 2!
Wow, I just tried those push up variations while I’m “working from home” and they’re tough! Thanks for posting (I think…haha)!
That updo is so pretty! I’m in a wedding this fall so I may have to show this to the bride 🙂 Also, I’ve been looking for a pair of joggers for awhile and those look super comfy!
I always look at those shaved Brussels sprouts, but never pick them up. I’m going to the next time! Your little boy is such a cutie. I remember loving those little soft booties for our babes. Thank you so much for the Cheesy Pizza Soup shout-out, it’s so good!! {Happy Weekend!}
Cutting brussels sprouts can totally be a pain. Definitely appreciate anything to make meal prep easier! I recently started foam rolling and am loving how much more my relaxed my muscles feel. Have a great weekend!
LOVE those cute little moccasins that Chase is wearing! I’m kind of obsessed with baby shoes, so those are freaking me out in a very good way! Soooo cute!!
Such a fun post, as always! Love that up do! I got married in 2008, and Pinterest wasn’t launched until March of 2010, so it was really too late for you or I to fully take advantage of all the great ideas we see online! I feel like there should be a wedding do-over for everyone who got married before Pinterest was huge! (Although, I LOVED my wedding – happiest day ever). You could have that updo, I could have those rustic ball-jar wedding centerpieces…sigh.
Great posts all week long, didn’t have time to comment, but I LOVED them! Yours is the first blog I read every day! Happy weekend! (“No plans” sound like “great plans” to me!)
Those shaved Brussels sprouts are awesome! I love just sautéing them in a skillet, cracking a couple eggs over it, and letting the whites cook so the runny yolks serve as sauce. And it’s adorable that Chase wants to eat your phone 🙂 Enjoy your restful weekend!
I wanna wear those sweats and eat the crap out of those shaved brussels sprouts after they’re roasted in olive oil and salt and pepper!
I’m loving the fact that I have gotten back into the habit of checking in on my favorite blogs which includes yours! It’s been far too long since I’ve had the time and now I’m going to work my way to where I left off to catch up on things!!
haha i love the sister act movies! so funny! 🙂 Those baby moccasins are killer! sooo cute!
Baby moccasins?! Could they be any cuter?! 🙂
Thank you for featuring my Fixer Upper client interview. It was so much fun to do and I am so very glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing!
This is kinda crazy, but that is the up-do pic I gave my hairstylist for my upcoming August wedding!!
No way! I LOVE it!!! Big congrats to you!
Awwww, baby moccasins that probably would only fit my thumbs, the gorgeous updo that is PERFECT for prom and the stunning sweatpants are my favorites!