I made it! I wasn’t sure I was going to get the chance to share this week’s Things I’m Loving Friday blog post but it’s done and live on the blog! WOO!
After spending the past few days in Winnipeg, Canada, we had one heck of a crazy 12-hour travel day home yesterday and didn’t arrive home until 10 p.m. Travel with a one-year-old means absolutely NO work gets done, so I tried my best to get up early this morning and blogged in short spurts around Chase’s playtime today until this post was done. (I’m also hoping to catch up on your comments today and apologize for being a bit absent this week. I don’t have an international data plan on my phone and my cell coverage was limited to the brief time spent in our hotel room during our stay in Canada.)
Below you will find a brief roundup of a few things that are making me smile this week and, as always, I encourage you to participate in the Friday fun and share something you’re loving with me in the comments section of this post.
Happy weekend!
Things I’m Loving Friday
These leggings are THE BEST. I feel like I should write that statement over and over (and over) again because I love them so much. A bunch of you asked me about them when I shared the above photo on Instagram during my travels this week and they’re from a Utah-based boutique (thank you Janae for opening my eyes to them) and I now own them in several colors.
I like the way the leggings have an almost denim-like look to them but they are way stretchier than jeans and 10,000 times more comfortable. They pull on so I wouldn’t wear them with a top that shows the waistband, but they are my go-to pants when I want something cute but still comfortable to wear for everything from active play dates and running errands to grabbing drinks with girlfriends and more. I think they fit true to size (I am wearing a medium) but if you’re on the fence between two sizes, I probably would go with the bigger size.
- Chicago O’Hare Airport’s Kids On The Fly Exhibit
I practically cried tears of joy when my mom and I stumbled upon this gem in the Chicago O’Hare airport yesterday during a three-hour layover. Chase doesn’t like to be held for extended periods of time anymore (tear…) and moving, exploring, climbing and crawling are his number one priority. Thank goodness for this exhibit because it provided us with a safe place for Chase to be able to work out some energy, play and observe big kids (his favorite) without disrupting other travelers.
If you happen to travel through Chicago with little ones, definitely keep an eye out for this exhibit! It’s located in Terminal 2, to the left of the security checkpoint. Bless the Chicago Children’s Museum for this wonderful interactive play area! You saved us!
- Armenian String Cheese
We call this stuff “fancy string cheese” in our house and it is so darn good. My mom and dad used to buy Armenian string cheese when we lived in Illinois when I was growing up and I always thought it was so special. When we all moved to Florida, we could no longer find it so imagine my surprise when we spotted it at our local Publix in North Carolina! Oh happy day!
The cheese is speckled with black nigella seeds and the strings are so incredibly long when you pull them apart from the thick, cheesy braid. It’s a fantastic snack that is both nostalgic and delicious. I’m happy to have it back in my life!
- Cereal Milk Macarons
During my visit to Winnipeg, we had lunch on the Lefley family farm and it was wonderful! (The Lefleys are one of the families who grow the oats used in General Mills’ cereals. General Mills brought a handful of bloggers out to Winnipeg to learn more about whole grains, the oats they use in their cereals and open up discussions surrounding changes the company is making and changes we’d like to see moving forward. I’ll share more soon!) Though lunch on the farm was fantastic, dessert appeared in the form of these cereal milk macarons and they were fan-tas-tic! The milk from Golden Grahams and Trix cereals were used to make the most delicious sweet cream centers and everyone absolutely raved about them. I’ve heard macarons are really challenging to make (anyone out there tried before?) but I am tempted to ask for the recipe and give them a shot. I need these babies back in my life ASAP.
During our stay in Winnipeg, we stayed at the Inn at the Forks and to say I was impressed with this hotel would be a severe understatement. During my last travels with Chase to NYC, I left rather unimpressed with the way our previous hotel accommodated a family traveling with a baby, so my expectations were very low going into this trip. I am happy to report that the Inn at the Forks could not have been more accommodating.
They not only had a pack ‘n’ play waiting for us in our room but even had a baby bath tub, tear-free shampoo, bath toys, a baby towel and blanket waiting for us as well. I was SO impressed and when we thanked the staff they just asked if there was anything else we needed to make our stay with a baby easier and more comfortable. Traveling with a little one can be extremely stressful so staying at such a friendly, accommodating and welcoming hotel made a huge difference to me. High five to the Inn at the Forks!
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you are loving this week?
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I LOVE The Forks (area) and make sure to stop by every time I’m in Winnipeg. I hope you had the chance to take Chase to the Children’s Museum there. It’s quite fantastic.
My mom did when we were exploring the Lefley family farm. She took the cutest pictures and said Chase absolutely loved it! It was located RIGHT next to our hotel, so it was perfect!! <3
So neat you made it to the Canadian prairies, I live in Saskatchewan (next province over). I am an avid baker and make macaroons A LOT, they have become my family, friends an co-workers number 1 request lately. They can be challenging but with a bit of trial and error and just following the instructions carefully you should be able to figure them out I’m sure! They are finicky because the even the humidity based on where you live or the time of year can affect them. I love them though because the cookies themselves are gluten free and most fillings are too, so they are a crowd pleaser almost everyone can enjoy!
Awesome!!! Is there a specific recipe you recommend a first-timer try?
My go to is using the macaroons from this recipe http://sweetapolita.com/2014/08/6-layer-neapolitan-macaron-delight-cake/ I’ve made the cake a few times too it is pretty awesome! To make just a plain shell I just omit the strawberry flavor and the food coloring. I usually make salted caramel and just use a vanilla buttercream with caramel sauce and sea salt for the filling, but the cereal filling would be awesome in them too! Good luck!
I enjoy seeing the pictures of all the time that you get to spend with your mom especially now that you have child. You are truly blessed!!!
Twelve hours of travel with a one year old. Can’t.even.imagine. You go Momma 😉 I’m loving that I finally got double-unders at the gym. I’ve been practicing for three months!
Way to go!!!! They are SO challenging! I feel like my poor ankles have been whipped 5,000 times because of them!
I love making macaroons, and honestly, the whole process SEEMS a lot more daunting and complicated than it actually is. My mom and I spent a few hours making them together, using a book we found in Barnes and Noble (Padded Books) and we had so much fun! The worst part is getting them on the baking sheet, but once you get in the groove, it’s not so bad. Whole process took us about 2 hours, and we made 2 dozen.
It’s also super easy to create different flavors and mix and match them. I’ve done a few fruity flavors, as well as chocolate (duh), Nutella (duh) and Tiramisu, and they’ve all been fantastic. Definitely going to have to try cereal flavored ones now – my GOD they sound incredible.
Okay, now I need a Nutella macaron in my life, too! <3
That hotel looks amazing! I want those macaroons and that fancy string cheese! 😀
Sounds like you had a crazy busy week! I loved your snaps you posted. Yes, thank God for grandmothers! I’m wanting to purchase these leggings but the sizing is confusing on he we site. What size did you get? Do they run small? Thanks for all you do. Your my favorite blogger. I LOVE your Friday Favorites!
Thank you Amy!!! I ordered a medium and think they fit true to size. Basically if you usually get a medium in leggings/workout capris/spandex pants, that’s prob a good size to order in these, too! If you are between sizes, I’d probably recommend sizing up.
Thanks for your response. I’m super sorry about asking what size you were wearing when you said a medium in your post. Sorry about that. Thanks again. Have a great weekend!
I am *loving* those denim leggings- how would they compare to LuLa Roe- which is my recent favorite. I also love the recent fantastic weather we’ve been having here (in Iowa)
I can’t believe I missed that so many of my fav bloggers would be in town! I’ve been living in Winnipeg for about 5 years, I hope your enjoyed your stay in “friendly Manitoba!” 🙂
Those pants were leggings?!?!?! I am shocked and I need a pair, because I live in leggings or leggings in the fall/winter months! And the Inn looks so beautiful, I look forward to seeing more pics!
No apologies for the delay in blogging! Youre by far the most consistent blogger I read so you are crazy for even worrying about that! I just flew Chicago O’Hare and loved that airport! Good food and so interesting!
I’m Armenian, so I just about flipped when you featured our cheese! Most people don’t even know of my culture (and I’ll admit, I don’t know enough either), but one thing we are good at- our food!
Love those leggings, do you think they’d work with a baby bump?
I recently started making macarons and after a lot of research, stumbled upon the brave tart recipe. She’s done a lot of testing and figured out what steps could be shortcut, and the recipe works great for me!
http://bravetart.com/recipes/macarons
Those macarons look so delicious! I’ll be flying to Canada soon too, but I’m going to Toronto. It’ll be my first time flying with my 7 month old so I’m a bit nervous! I pinned your post about flying with a baby so I’m going to refer to it so I’ll feel more prepared!
Ah yes, I was admiring your outfit in the oats, so thanks for sharing the deets. 🙂 Glad you’re back home safe! Can’t wait to hear more about the trip. Enjoy your weekend, Julie!
Those leggings are adorable! If you are all about comfy pants that feel like pajamas, then you should check out these pants from Athleta.
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50000&vid=1&pid=983350112
They are so cute for a sporty look that looks more polished and put together than sweat pants and they look trendier than typical yoga pants. 🙂
I love those leggings! I have been wanting to get them for the longest time. 🙂
Do you feel like the leggings are good/comfy enough for travel? I’m going to Europe in October and am on the hunt for good travel leggings.
Absolutely!!! SUPER comfy!
Love the Roolee moto leggings too, but I’m not sure how the sizing runs. How do you think they fit?
Those macaroons look delicious!
One thing I’m loving right now … Have you tried those Curate bars? https://curatesnacks.com/nutrition-bars/ – Salted decadence dark chocolate & almond is SO good.
Those macarons do look delicious! My boyfriend gets pistachio ones from a fancy grocery store near his place, and they always disappear too quick cause they’re so good.
Happy Friday. Loving those leggings! Adorable
I just got hungry all over again after seeing those macrons! Loved getting to know you & we definitely have to get together for a lunch/workout date! We are way too close not to!
AW I know I joked about Winnipeg but I’m so glad you had a good time and they really made sure your trip was easy especially travelling with a baby! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
I love your blog thanks
I grew up in Winnipeg and still live in the province. I was so shocked to see it mentioned in today’s post! Very surprised! I was at The Forks last weekend- imagine how surprised / pleased I would’ve been to see you and Chase there!! Too bad I missed you! Love your blog! Now… Going to check out the leggings!
Woot! Way to go momma, keeping all these balls in the air at once. ?? So glad we all still got to enjoy your weekly Friday post.
This Friday, I’m loving Anna Faris’s podcast–she’s a hoot!
Have a great weekend with your guys!
Loved all your snaps of your trip! I just got pistachio, strawberries & cream, and cocoa nib macarons from a local bakery and I’m dying to make some myself! Cereal milk filling sounds like an incredible addition. Might have to give that a shot 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend, Julie!
I’m sure I’m in the minority on this one.. but we had some crisper days/evenings this week and I can FEEL Fall on the horizon and that makes me OH SO happy. Although I love Summer… Fall is my spirit animal 🙂 It’s the time of resolutions and change for me and nothing makes me more excited than that!
Ooooo…i’m excited to hear all about your Winnipeg trip, and your trip to the farm, and more of what General Mills made for you (I was excited by all the food you had when you visited Minneapolis. The cereal bar!! With any kind of milk!)
Hope you’re having a great weekend.
Those macaroons look incredible, and I am loving the leggings! Comfort is key, but you also want to look put together. A++!
Oh my lanta, those macaroons are making me drooool. What a fun week! That Armenian string cheese looks great- I’ll have to try and hunt some down. My hubby lovess string cheese. This week I am loving Blue Apron. We tried our first delivery and it was super fun and delicious. Mm mm. Thanks for the post. xx
Thanks for sharing about the play area at O’hare! Good to know for my first flight with our son in a few weeks!
What were you doing in Winnipeg? Was there a blogger event? I live in Winnipeg! Did you go to Tim Hortons?.
You look so cute in the tractor tyre! And those leggings! I wonder if RooLee Moto ship to Europe 😉
oh my gosh i LOVE armenian string cheese! my grandparents always had the “special string cheese” at their house on christmas and we would devour it. i actually never knew what the black specks were (except that they were delicious)!
Cereal milk macarons?! SAY WHAT?! HAVE to try those! 😀
LOVE those leggings – are they long? I’m 5’11” and I’m always wary of ordering bottoms online with no tall option! The leggings I get from Old Navy are regular and are long enough, but I guess the denim-ness of these make me nervous. Any thoughts?
I am 5’8” and feel like they are long enough! They hit just above the ankles on me but I love the cropped look!
Are these leggings the same as the White Plum leggings? They look similar but when I ordered a pair they didn’t have much stretch to them. WAH! http://www.whiteplum.com/collections/leggings/products/moto-jeggings
I actually ordered a similar pair from White Plum a long time ago and had the SAME issue! I thought they looked SO similar but the fabric is quite different so they definitely don’t have the stretch.
That’s helpful, thanks! I was debating on ordering the ones you recommended but wasn’t sure if they were the same. Now I have to order them:)