Friday is hereee! Thank goodness. I am not sure what was going on with me this week but on Tuesday I said that it was the “Wednesdayist Tuesday ever” and I just felt like it was a s-l-o-w week. I am definitely looking forward to the weekend, some time away from the computer and plenty of time outside. We also have two birthday parties on the agenda this weekend, so Chase will get a lot of quality time with some of his baby BFFs as well!
I hope you guys have some fun things on your calendar for the next few days! I’d love to hear about your plans and anything else you might be loving this week in the comments section of this blog post. In true Things I’m Loving Friday fashion, I’ve compiled a short list of a couple of things that are making me smile this week below!
Things I’m Loving Friday
I broke out a new bright lipstick color for dinner with girlfriends on Monday night and thought it was a fun alternative to the light pink and more natural colors I typically choose. This Butter London matte lipstick (in Macbeth) is velvety, smooth and bold, perfect for a girl’s night out! I actually topped it with my favorite Benefit PosieBalm to add a bit of shine and take away some of the boldness and loved the combination of colors.
- Chase Walking with Learning Walker
I’m so proud of our little guy! For some reason, I hadn’t thought to let Chase actually try walking with his walker until this week (he’s just been playing with the buttons on the front of it up until now), but it was an instant hit! He took off flying and is now absolutely obsessed with it. We do laps around the house all day and even though he doesn’t seem to be ready to walk without it yet, it’s really fun to watch him cruise around with his favorite walker. And, FYI for the parents out there, I love the VTech learning walker because it allows you to lock the wheels and slow it down a bit so it doesn’t speed along too quickly for little ones.
- Essential Oils 101 Class
On Tuesday night, my friend Carrie and I attended an Introduction to Essential Oils class at Foundations For Health and it was incredibly informative. The class was led by Dr. Lynn Ward, a certified naturopathic doctor, master herbalist and clinical aromatherapist, and was very eye-opening. (And since a few people asked on Snapchat, Dr. Ward is not affiliated with a specific essential oil company.) I’ve been very interested in essential oils but also a bit skeptical and this class served as a great way to learn about the efficacy of essential oils from an expert who understands how to use them correctly and safely. I walked away with four pages of notes!
- Cardio/Core Workout
This BBC workout was a good one so I snapped a picture to share with you guys! We completed 20 reps of each exercise on the whiteboard workout and went through as many rounds as possible in 25 minutes. My core was burnin’! If you’re looking to attempt this one on your own, for the “gazebo lap” and “building lap” portion of the workout, simply substitute one minute of running or high knees. It’s a serious sweat fest!
- Labor Day Weekend Sales
Below is a short roundup of some of the awesome sales that are happening around the web this weekend!
Express: 40% off everything
ROOLEE: Summer clearance sale with items from $5 – $40! (This is the boutique that sells my favorite denim MOTO leggings! They also have some really cute tops and dresses. I just ordered this dress!)
Macy’s: Extra 20% off with code DEALS, 60% off select styles
Fabletics: First outfit only $15, plus 50-70% off with purchase $50+
Casetify: Buy one phone case, get one 40% off
Anthropologie: Extra 40% off sale
LOFT: Extra 50% off sale
Kate Spade: Extra 25% off sale with code DOTTY (includes lots of cute crossbody bags!)
Ann Taylor: Extra 50 % off sale
- Friday Flashbacks
Brides Weigh In: The BEST Wedding Gifts (A fun post where some of my BFFs weighed in to share the best and most thoughtful wedding gifts they received!)
Functional Workout (A fast-paced total body workout!)
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you are loving this week?
katie says
I’m a huge fan of oils!! How fun! Enjoy your weekend 🙂
Gretchen says
Love that lipstick on you! It looked so much more neutral on snapchat but in pictures it’s so bright and pretty! I’m interested in learning more about essential oils so if you’re thinking about sharing more I would love it!!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I’ve really wanted to learn more about essential oils too, that class sounds super interesting! I’d love to hear more!
As for my weekend, I’m spending it back in IL with friends and family.
Katie S. says
One thing I am loving this week is my mom! I am embarking on a three day drive from Maine to Texas (where I am moving to teach pure barre – eek!) tomorrow morning and have been totally dreading saying goodbye so instead we’ve just been hanging out nonstop :). Gotta love moms! Have a wonderful weekend!
Julie says
<3 Aww!! So sweet! And GOOD LUCK to you during such a transitional time!
Katie Shottes says
Thank you so much 🙂 I appreciate all the luck I can get!
Brynn says
Yes, this was the loooongest week ever! We are celebrating my father-in-law’s 70th birthday this weekend!
DrDrDr says
Long time reader of the blog- just wanted to bring your attention to something, in case you or other readers aren’t aware. While ND stands for naturopathic doctor it’s important to remember they are not medical doctors, did not go to medical school and are certified under state regulated licensing programs that vary widely from state to state. That doesn’t mean they aren’t qualified to discuss the health impact of essential oils, and that doesn’t mean they can’t go by “Dr” (much like a lawyer, PhD or physical therapist can often go by “Dr” depending on the state ethics rules and licensing requirements), but it’s worth mentioning that just because a person has doctor in their name it doesn’t mean their advice regarding health and wellness should be taken at face value and without scrutiny.
Julie says
Thank you for sharing! Very good to know!
Laura says
I would second this. I’m on my way to residency as an MD, and we’ve been taught to be weary of practices that aren’t evidence based. NDs are only licensed in 16 states, and they aren’t funded federally. Additionally, many of their practices have never gone through clinical trials to show actual efficacy. Just a warning- I’m not meaning to sound like a pessimist, but I would be somewhat skeptical. I think the heart behind what they do is a great (healthy lifestyle, holistic approach), but it should never replace actual medical treatment and care when needed!
shawna says
That lipstick looks great! I’m a fan of layering shades (and mattes + gloss overlay) as well. Enjoy your weekend, and thx for the sale links!
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
This week has been crazy right? Bring on the long weekend! So many of my clients swear by essential oils but I don’t know much about them either, I’ve always wanted to learn! Hope you share what you learned!
Natalie says
I got the days mixed up too this week. I convinced Wednesday was the 1st day of September not the last day of August then yesterday, Thursday thinking tomorrow (today) was Saturday.
I add a few drops essential grapefruit oil to my diy coconut oil and bi carb soda toothpaste. It adds nice twist!
Have a great weekend!
Katie says
Loving the romper that you wore for Chase’s 1st birthday! I got it and wore it last weekend and someone asked if it as a Yumi Kim . I had no idea what that was but was so thrilled that the $20 romper passed for a $250 one!
https://www.yumikim.com/main/ss11-16-dodger-blue-blossom.html
Julie says
YESSSS!!! Yumi Kim rompers are so cute and that was actually my FIRST thought when I ordered it! I’m so glad you like it!! 🙂
Jan says
I’m happy that I actually get Monday off! Holidays off are a rare treat for me. I’ve been on a clean out kick & am looking forward to a bit more progress tossing things I no longer need, shredding ancient bills & hopefully having some fun with a friend’s new puppy.
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
Adeline absolutely LOVES her sit to stand vtech walker! I swear vtech makes the BEST toys! They’re so much fun! Have a great weekend, Julie!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
That lipstick is super cute. And I agree, the combination of the two is perfect.
I’m going to enjoy my last long weekend of summer because my university classes start for the fall semester on Tuesday. I can’t believe how fast the summer flew by!
Diana Fitts says
Look at that little guy walking! It won’t be long before he’s doing that hard core workout with you 😉
Diana
betterthanalive.com
Katie says
I have that lipstick and love it!! You should also try Colourpop matte lipstick too! Cheaper and they have lots of flattering colors 🙂
I’m so happy you did research on essential oils. I studied and went to classes just like you! I decided on Rocky Mountain Essential Oils because I didn’t want to sign up under someone and they I think their oils are better than DoTerra/Young Living!
Xoxo Katie
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Love your makeup look girl!
Caroline says
I would love if you shared more about what you learned at the essential oils class!! I’ve been looking for the exact same type of class as the one you attended where the instructor isn’t affiliated with a specific essential oil company, but I haven’t found one yet. I’m a bit skeptical about the MLM essential oil companies and would feel more comfortable learning from someone who is a master herbalist/aromatherapist and isn’t trying to sell me something. Most everything about essential oils on blogs is written by Young Living or doTERRA reps, so if you could share what you learned in your class, I’m sure many of us would LOVE that!!
Julie says
Hi Caroline!! I totally agree which is why I was so interested to learn from someone who isn’t affiliated with a certain company and who is just out there to educate about the oils and how to best use them in a safe way. I actually reached back out to the woman who led our class to see if she’d be willing to do a Q&A on the blog and am hoping it works out!
Caroline says
That is such a wonderful idea, Julie!!! I hope she agrees to do a Q&A on your blog! 🙂
Kathleen says
I second the comment above! I’d love to hear about what you learned because I’m interested in essential oils but overwhelmed with all the information out there.
Emily says
Please share more about the essential oils! I have some that I use in my diffuser but would love to learn more.
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
I’d love to learn more about essential oils–I am hoping to get a diffuser!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
I have tried the Butter line of nail products. Did not know they had lipstick. Awesome! Essential oils are amazing. Lavender is the best on pulse points for migraines.
Shelley Vitousek says
I have personally had great experiences with essential oils. I have severe case of scalp flakiness and itching and I tried every shampoo, even prescription. To this day the only thing that has made a dramatic difference is a few drops of essential peppermint oil mixed in with a handful of quality shampoo. Have a great weekend!
Shelley says
Adrianna says
could not agree more…this week felt SO. LONG.
love the lipstick!
loving this week…treating myself to a flywheel class. always fun. oh, and no work monday!
Fiona MacDonald says
Love that lipstick! I’m always so nervous to wear something bold, but that’s a stunning colour without being like ‘whoa she’s wearing lipstick!’ I love the walkers too, Sully has one, but got attached to walking with this little motorcycle someone bought him..not really meant for walking but it’s funny to watch him!! Love watching them motor around!!! Go Chase Go!
Laura says
Yay Chase!!! My daughter LOVES this toy too! Before she could walk she alternated pushing this around and her baby stroller! They’re little chubby legs are so cute toddling around! Love! This week I am majorly loving my husband’s sweatshirt! LOL! It finally got cooler here in the mornings and for whatever reason I’ve been SO cold! 😉