As you know if youāve been reading this blog for a while, I love sharing my Things Iām Loving Friday posts with you guys every week because writing these posts serve as a great reminder to me to look for the simple things in life that evoke a big smile. I absolutely love reading your comments on my Friday posts every week and would love it if you shared a little bit about something that is making you smile with me today!
Have a great weekend, my friends!
Things Iām Loving Friday
- Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
I actually bought Why Not Me? when it first came out to send to one of my girlfriends who was going through a very hard time because, after reading Mindyās first book, I knew she was likely to help bring some laughs into my friendās life. Well, last Friday I ended up buying the book for myself at the airport during my travels because I needed something light to read on the plane and the thought of reading even the most basic novel didnāt sound appealing. Thank goodness for Mindy Kaling! She had me laughing out loud and, at a time when I really needed the extra laughs and distraction, I couldnāt get enough of this book. I finished the book in two sittings and was done with it before I even arrived back in North Carolina.
If you would like to read this book and are going through a bit of a tough time right now and could use some extra laughs, please leave a comment on this post and Iāll happily send my copy to the first person who requests it.
- Chaseās First Haircut
It needed to happen and it finally did. Chaseās first haircut! I took Chase to a kid-friendly place called Snip-Its to get his first haircut and I really wasnāt sure what to expect. I went in with loooow expectations and honestly thought it would be a bit of a tear fest. Leave it to Chase to keep me on my toes because he LOVED it.
He pointed at different things around the salon and waved at the other kids and people the entire time. He also loved the toys they had on hand (he is quickly becoming obsessed with cars) and the woman who cut his hair was a total pro. She moved quickly and carefully and somehow managed to cut the hair of a very wiggly toddler like a champ. Woo!
Hereās the after shot:
(It totally looks like the sides are buzzed up but they were just wet and combed back. I wasnāt ready for a total transformation!)
Iām pretty sure Chase will be a lot happier since his mom and dad wonāt be rushing over to brush the hair out of his eyes anymore!
My latest recipe video went up on the blog and social media on Wednesday! You can see it above and check out the recipe in its entirety here: Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cupcakes. Itās pretty much the easiest cupcake recipe on the planet (only two ingredients!) but the homemade cinnamon buttercream frosting kicks it up a notch. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for any festive fall parties you may have on your calendar this month!
- Halloween HIIT Leg Workout
I am typically not a fan of leg workouts so when I do one that I actually somewhat enjoy, I think itās pretty share worthy! The above workout is Mondayās Burn Boot Camp Halloween HIIT Leg Workout and it was a good one! (Yes, I couldnāt resist creating a Halloween-themed graphic. Just wait until December when 99 percent of the workouts I share will likely scream CHRISTMAS!) I had to modify the workout a bit but since Iām pretty sure most of you donāt have a broken toe to worry about, I figured I should share the original workout in all its glory. Enjoy! And please donāt hate me when your legs are on fiiiire!
A couple of weeks ago, sweetest blog reader Andrea reached out to me about her beautiful Etsy shop, Bearcubs, and sent us three of the softest, cuddliest blankets for Chase.
The fabric she chose is adorable and since Chase is currently in a big-time peek-a-boo phase, the Mint and Navy Stroller Blanket is following us all over the house as he uses it to hide various treasures (you know, important things like plastic spoons).
The Bearcubs blankets are gorgeous and I think they would make the sweetest gift for someone with a new baby in their life this holiday season. (The holiday fabrics are beyond adorable. LOVE this āChristmas Babyā blanket!) Thank you so much for the sweet gift, Andrea!!!
- The Sweetest Play Date: Lilly + Tinytron
As I briefly mentioned on Wednesday morning, on Tuesday I had two kiddos on my hands and spent the majority of the day watching Chase and his BFF Lilly while my friend Carrie was out of town. You guys, Lilly is the sweetest little angel! I texted Ryan halfway through the day to tell him that watching Lilly made me realize our child his basically walking mayhem! Haha! Lilly was just so sweet and calm while Chase squealed like a dinosaur, ran all over the place and definitely earned his āTinytronā nickname. (A few months ago, Ryan dubbed Chase Tinytron after Megatron, a character from Transformers who Ryan told me is essentially the āMaster of Destruction.ā Now whenever we see Chase looking around the room for something to destroy we say Tinytron is looking for trouble!)
- Friday Flashbacks
Maple Cinnamon Roasted Acorn Squash (Brushed with a lightly sweet maple cinnamon glaze, this recipe is a simple four-ingredient side dish that is as healthy as it is delicious!)
Beat Boredom Cardio Interval Workout (A 50-minute cardio workout that changes things up to keep boredom at bay!)
Question of the Day
- What is one thing that is making you smile today?
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I love reading and would enjoy reading the book you recommend by Mindy Kaling & then pass it along to someone else. That would be great, i have been looking for some career and life motivation and a laugh along the way. Enjoy your weekend!
Hi Christina! You are the first person to request the book — it’s all yours! Please email me at pbfingers@gmail.com with your mailing address!!
I would LOVE to read Why Not Me? !!
Happy Friday!
Light and easy reads are the best when traveling and glad to hear it helped uplift you a bit! And OMG Chase’s haircut, so adorable. Good to hear it didn’t seem to bother him, I’ve definitely heard tragic stories of tantrums during the first haircut. I am loving that I have very few plans this weekend besides go to a Flywheel class and get lunch tomorrow morning with my sister. I really need some down time!
And the one thing making me smile today is having all my pets! All rescues and all so lovable. My cats & dog are always happy & brighten up my day.
Oooh those Bearcub blankets are super cute! I wish they sold in adult sizes. What’s making me happy this week is that tonight I’m going to see The Book of Mormon with my mom & two of my girlfriends! It should be a blast. I’m extra excited because tomorrow we’re hosting a fall bonfire. I hope you have a great weekend, Julie!
Hi Julie!! Thanks for the book recommendation š I will have to check that out! Love the baby blankets, thanks for sharing! Something making me happy this weekend is it’s our first weekend as a family of 5 š We just had our third baby girl 11 days ago (last weekend my parents were here!). She is such a delight and I can’t wait to spend the weekend as a family š
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
I could definitely go for some extra laughs these days. I am a nurse and just found out my name was pulled to work both thanksgiving and Christmas while all of my family is out of state. And I’ve been totally eyeing the Mindy book for a while now…
Oh how I would love to read a book for a great laugh. It’s been a month that I would like to forget….don’t feel comfortable going into detail but a laugh would be great.
Chase is walking these days? I love their little baby toddles! We would looooove a video!
I love to pass along books as well! Such a great way to share the love. This week I’m loving that it’s November and am looking forward to the holidays and festivities!
It makes me smile that it is friday and even better after work i have a couples massage with my fiance. Thanks for the book recommendation. I have been eyeing that book for a ehile but havent bought it yet. I pre ordered a couple books this month that i am looking forward to but need one to read in the meantime.
Fun fact: I’m currently riding the DC metro with a batch of the pumpkin spice cupcakes with cinnamon icing! I saw the recipe on Wednesday and knew I had to make them for a coworkers birthday today. I hope they survive the bumpy ride!! Thanks for a yummy and easy recipe.
Great list! Can’t believe he is walking and just got his first haircut! Hahahaha oh my gosh that is an awesome nickname!!! I am realizing more and more how un-babyproof my place is now that my son has realized his love for climbing. He gets on top of the dining room table (which is waist height) and my work desk….while I’m working! I am constantly pulling him down and off things and then trying to figure out how to discipline a 16 month old!
I’m smiling bc my bestie is flying in for a visit this weekend!! It’s been so hard to be so far apart when we used to live 10 min away from each other for 13 years. Even though we talk all the time it seems as though when we do get together nothing has changed š I’m so excited to have her in town bc along with learning my new position at work I’ve also been trying to adjust to life with an infant and almost 4 year old. I wouldn’t change the crazy hectic time of life but I am so looking forward to quality girl time bc it’s been so needed (it’s working out great too since my husband is gone today and tomorrow so I’ll gladly take extra help with kids!)
Hope you have a great weekend Julie, sorry it was a rough week/weekend last week.
i would love to read that book! it’s been a tough month (few months actually) and i could use a laugh. friday is making me smile š
Okay Chase is too adorable sitting in that hairdressing chair!!! It’s funny how they have different personalities isn’t it? I had a play date yesterday with a girlfriend who’s little boy is SUPER active and causes destruction, and my little girl is very calm and observant and happy to just sit. Often people say boys are a lot more active than girls? I’m not sure if that’s just a myth … I’m sure some of your readers could share stories that would dispute that idea!! Anyways, they’re all perfect in their own ways.
The two of them are so cute together! That’s so nice of you to offer up your copy of the book to a reader – one of the many reasons I love your blog. Can’t wait to make those cupcakes!
I loved that book! I listened to it on Audible and Mindy reading it had me laughing out loud.
I’m loving babies this week! I got together with some friends last night and got to cuddle and play with three of their adorable babies, all under 12 months. They were all so sweet. That was the best part of my week.
just ordered that aztec blanket. obsessed with that pattern and couldn’t pass it up. Squish and baby girl will have to share š
Aww Chase looks like such a little man in his after pic! I cracked up at Tinytron because he just sounds like ALL boy! š
This week I had to smile because Mr Kringle surprised me by cleaning a few areas I’ve been stressing about. I think I’ll keep him!
I love reading your blog! I have been following you for a couple of years now, and have recommended it to several friends. It is the second thing I read each morning, but I love your TILF posts. I have tried several of your recommendations and love them. My daughter and I have started the collagen in our morning drinks, and each time when we try something new she says… I’ll bet you got this from peanut butter fingers! lol… have a great Friday!
1) Oh my goodness are those not the sweetest + cuddliest blankets! I am thinking I need to get Jack one for Christmas. They are just too sweet and I LOVE the patterns!
2) Random question, but what kind of software / app did you use to create your cupcake video? It turned out so cute and was really fun to watch!
Thanks for the book recommendation–ive heard great things about her books. I’ll have to add that to my list. Who couldnt use some extra laughs?
Chase looks so handsome with his new haircut! He really looks like a toddler and not a baby now! š
This week I’m loving my new fall boots I got 40 bucks at payless!
My son (who is the same age as Chase) is just like Chase! Crazy boy! We do a nanny share with our friends who have the sweetest little girl, and whenever I’m with her I think the same thing you do about Lilly! Though I would trade my crazy ball of energy for anything š
I can’t believe he is walking and got his first haircut! I remember when you announced you were pregnant with him and then the tiny hospital picture you posted of him when he was born! Lately I have been loving your pregnancy/baby section! I am due with my first in April and I check your weekly updates to see what you were going through at the same time! When will the morning sickness end?!? I also have found it very helpful with enhancing my baby registry. The way you organized that section is so handy! Thank you! š
Chase’s haircut is adorable! I’m glad he did well for you too! I’m smiling this week because Benaiah is finally hating tummy time less and less. It’s hard to make them do something they don’t like to do. I’m thankful he’s learning! š Have a great weekend Julie!
Love Mindy Kaling. I’ve read both of her books and cherish them so much! Also try “Bossypants” by Tina Fey and “Yes, Please” by Amy Poehler. They will not disappoint! “Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes is also a must-read. I have a goal to write a book just like their’s!
-> http://www.poweredbysass.com
I would love to read that book. I am a newly single mom of a 7.5 month old baby boy. We have been on our own for almost 3 weeks now and it’s the most challenging/gratifying experience I’ve ever gone through. I love reading your blog and use so many of your suggestions!!!!!
Still on a little high from last night. My business is a partner with a local school for developmentally challenged children and adults. We have 2 students come work with us each semester. We were honored at their awards dinner last night. We absolutely love having the students here & I think we get more out of it than they do. It’s still making me smile. Love Chase’s haircut, so cute!
Hi Julie! Great post! I have also been eyeing the Mindy Kaling book for awhile. A dear friend and sorority sister of mine passed two months ago, and everyday is still so, so hard. I would love some extra laughs since this has truly been a very difficult time. I read your blog everyday and it never fails to cheer me up and put a smile on my face. You are always so positive! I am sorry to hear about your loss this last weekend. My thoughts are with you <3
I thought I’d share this with you in case you didn’t know, but a “Friendsgiving” can help feed a hungry child. If you go to NoKidHungry.org/Friendsgiving you can get all the details.
Chase looking like such a little man with his new haircut made me smile!
My niece had never given her son cookies and so bought him a cookie for his first haircut. Worked like a charm! Now he associates the haircut with a cookie and is glad to go.
When I went through a particularly horrendous personal time, right in the middle of a patch where I was also working 12-16 hour days at work 7 days a week and couldn’t sleep, I needed some sort of distraction but my brain couldn’t handle ANY more seriousness or intensity… I read Mindy’s first book in about 1 -2 sittings. and I also tore through Tina Fey’s Bossypants – so if you haven’t read Tina’s book yet, and need another light read to get you through this tough time, I highly recommend it. Also… based on prior posts, I think I know what you have been referring to in terms of the tragic event that just took place, and it’s nearly impossible to make sense out of truly senseless losses. When I went through the sudden death of a close friend at 25, I read Joan Didion’s Year of Magical Thinking where she discusses how she moved forward in the year after her husband’s death and daughter’s terminal illness diagnosis. It helped me so much I ended up rereading the book a few years later when my own father was diagnosed with a terminal illness and again when he passed away. I highly highly recommend it.
I’d love to read that book, I love her show The Mindy Project, so I imagine her book to be just as funny!
Chase’s haircut is adorable! And thanks for the rec on the book — I love a good laugh when reading. I just finished Lisa Sugar’s book, and it was a quick read, and an inspiring one. Have a great weekend, Julie! š
I would love to read that book! That is so kind of you to donate your book! I’ve watched her show a couple times and thought it was hilarious. I love your Friday posts they are always fun to read. Happy weekend!!
I’m going through a rough patch where I’m unsure what to do about my relationship. I’ll look that book up. Thanks!
Hi! Not sure if in the above comments, anyone was requesting the book. If not, I am *raises hand*! I struggle with bouts of anxiety and depression and with the last month of this quarter of grad school ramping up, I could use a light distraction. That’s so sweet of you to take the trouble to share your book. I’d pass it along to my sisters and friends as well.
I’m simply liking that it’s Friday.
P.S. I’ve read your blog since my undergrad days, like 2010, 2011.
Im probably late to the party, but if the book hasnt been requested- Id love it! chase looks so darn cute too!
Chase looks so adorable with his new little haircut! I’ll definitely have to add Why Not Me to my reading list. I love light reads after a long day/week. Have a great weekend! š
Don’t worry about having a destructive little boy…I have a 3 year old boy and now a 1 year old girl. I wish when he was younger someone had told me that the way he acted (and still acts) is normal and little boys aren’t made to sit still! Unless he is asleep he is busy and was destroying something. It gets some better with age š now he actually likes to sit and read (sometimes) and plays well more often. Little girls and boys are so different and play so differently! It is quite an adventure raising little ones!
Love Chase’s haircut! I’m glad it went well!
Ah, I see you said Chase has been running all over- has he started walking? Exciting times
One thing making me smile today is the beginning of basketball today at my local college! My fiancƩ and I love going to their games and we will be there tonight!!
Chase looks pretty excited to be getting his hair cut. Those baby blankets look so comfy!
Happy Friday! Have a wonderful weekend with your family!
Love your posts as always! Chase’s haircut is so cute! I can’t wait for Christmas graphics!! (insert Christmas emojis here.)
My thing I’m loving Friday: I had a get together with friends this afternoon that completely turned my world around (for the better). Something happened in early September that created a HUGE shift in my life, (like, MAJOR), and I have been wrestling with coming to terms with it ever since. I’ve had several bouts of depression about this event, but getting help and feedback from friends has really lifted my spirits so high! I feel much more optimistic and hopeful and confident, and I’m so grateful that I had this! Huge revelations, and it really was so freeing! š
If you need another hilarious book to read, I recommend: “I s*ck at girls”, by Justin Halpern (he’s the guy who started the popular twitter feed-turned-book-turned-sitcom “bleep my dad says”. So funny! (If you don’t have a stomach for stories peppered with a few curse words, though, then this is not the book for you.)
I hope everything is okay with you and your loved ones… sending you good thoughts.
I’ve been loving getting enough sleep after a week and half of traveling I feel like a new person! um I’m also loving empire and once upon time catch up ?
I loved both of Mindy Kaling’s books! She sounds so relatable. This week I’m loving yoga teacher training because I’m learning so much and watching Friday Night Lights to unwind. I feel like I’m a million years late to the game on that show, but I absolutely love it!