Good morning and Happy Friday!!! I hope your Friday is off to a fantastic start and that you have some fun plans on the agenda for this weekend! We’ll be hanging close to home again and plan to fill the next couple of days with plenty of time outside, a cookout at Brittany and David’s house and possibly an afternoon on the lake on Sunday if the weather is warm and sunny.
Before the weekend kicks off, I wanted to type up my Things I’m Loving Friday post for you guys where I compile a small list of things that are making me smile at the end of every week. I always love it when you guys participate in the fun and share a little bit about something you are loving with me in the comments section, so please feel free to join in the fun!
Have a wonderful Friday night and a great weekend!
Things I’m Loving Friday
I’ve waffled back and forth about whether or not I should buy myself a Clarisonic brush for years. After the esthetician who gave me an amazing facial in Florida heavily praised the brush for its ability to gently deeply clean and rejuvenate the skin (six times better than your hands alone!), I returned to my hotel room singing its praises to my mom. I think my mom could sense I was about to order the brush on Amazon that second because she told me I might want to hold off since she and my dad were looking for a fun birthday gift idea for me for my birthday the following month.
I was so excited to unwrap the brush on my birthday and have been using it every day since. I am kicking myself for taking so long to incorporate the Clarisonic brush into my facial cleansing routine because I’ve already noticed a difference in how soft my skin feels and feel like the pores on my nose appear noticeably smaller. The brush is also supposed to make the skin better able to absorb moisturizers, serums and facial oils and I love the way my skin seems to soak up my moisturizer and rosehip seed oil right before bed. (Also, just in case you’ve never used a Clarisonic before, it’s WAY more gentle than I imagined based on the pictures of the brush alone which, if I’m being honest, kind of freaked me out! I figured the brush would be pretty rough but the bristles are very soft and gentle.) This brush is the jam!
I shared this dress on Instagram last weekend but wanted to highlight it on the blog as well because I cannot stop wearing it! I asked Ryan to snap a quick pic of my outfit to share with you guys as we were heading out on Saturday morning to show one way I styled it but I love the versatility of this sleeveless tank dress since it can easily be dressed up or down. I’ve worn it with slip-on Converse sneakers, my go-to ankle booties and a cute pair of wedges and love the way it’s formfitting but flattering thanks to ruching that gathers around the tummy.
- Early Evening Workout at Burn Boot Camp
I am SUCH a morning workout person, you guys. I have my routine and love beginning my days with a sweaty workout after breakfast. Plus, my motivation to work out basically dies a slow death after 11 a.m. Well, yesterday I put off my workout until the early evening because I wanted to attend a special event at my gym and Chase had swim lessons in the morning. I was totally dragging as we made our way to the gym but I thankfully made a workout date with two girlfriends which kept me accountable.
I am so used to my morning workouts so it felt kind of strange work out in the evening but I definitely had more energy at night than I usually do which was a nice bonus! The one thing I think I forgot about when it comes to early evening workouts is how to eat beforehand! I have morning eats down but I felt like I was going to burp up the RXBar I ate right before yesterday’s workout almost the entire time. Even though I don’t see myself switching to afternoon or evening workouts anytime soon, it was kind of fun to mix things up and sweat it out with the evening crowd.
- Bridget Jones’s Baby
The other night Ryan was working late and I found myself craving a mindless movie to watch on the couch with Sadie while I worked on some things on the computer. I remembered my friends Laurel and Leah recommending Bridget Jones’s Baby with the caveat that the movie would likely be deemed “not great” by most people’s standards but since they said it was actually pretty darn funny, I figured I’d give it a shot since we have a similar sense of humor and it was available on Netflix (<—pretty much the most important criteria). The movie made me laugh out loud more than a couple for times and was pretty darn entertaining. It’s also the kind of movie you can play in the background while cleaning, flipping through a magazine or knocking out some mindless work tasks. Since I’m always on the lookout for some random movies to check out on Netflix, I figured I’d share it here just in case you’re on the hunt for a mindless but charming (and funny!) movie in the future. (An added bonus: McDreamy is in it. Hubba, hubba.)
- Mother’s Day Weekend Sales
LOFT: 30% off with code LOVEMOM
GAP: 40% off til noon / 35% off til midnight with code STYLE (sale includes my favorite joggers!)
Old Navy: 30% off with code THANKYOU (love this summery shift dress!)
Ann Taylor: Extra 40% off with code FORYOU
J.Crew Factory: 30% off $100 purchase with code HOORAYMAY
J.Crew: Up to 50% off with code SHOPNOW
- Friday Flashbacks
Peanut Butter Steel Cut Baked Oatmeal (This baked oatmeal is packed with peanut butter flavor and makes a perfect lazy Sunday morning breakfast. It is a dish that can also be baked ahead and reheated throughout the week for an easy weekday morning meal!)
Burn Boot Camp Review + What To Expect (I shared this post over a year ago and it details what you can expect when you step into a Burn Boot Camp facility for the first time.)
Questions of the Day
What is one thing making you smile today?
What time of day do you usually workout? What time of day would you prefer to work out if you didn’t have any commitments?
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I am such a morning workout person as well! I can only put it off if I have a specific class to attend with a group or friend. And I LOVE how you styled that dress, so cute! Hope you have a great weekend Julie and Happy Mothers Day!
Bridget Jones’s Baby is the last movie I saw in the theaters. I took myself on a movie date when I was super pregnant and had stopped working, knowing it would probably be a while until I could go again. Agree that it’s not a great movie by any stretch lol, but definitely a fun one to watch!
I was surprised how FUNNY the movie was as I was watching it! I truly did laugh out loud a lot!
Love Patrick Dempsey so much!!! Might I add I have been a fan since the early days of Can’t Buy Me Love. (Also on Netflix FYI). I always knew he would make it big! I did not realize Bridget Jones Baby was already on Netflix. Need to watch it soon!
Have a great Mothers Day Julie!
He is such a mega babe 🙂
That dress is so cute! This week I’m loving getting our crib in the mail after waiting 6 weeks for it to ship!
If I didnt have to be tied to my work schedule, I’m definitely a mid morning workout fan. After breakfast but not too late in the day when I start running out of steam. I’d say like 10 or 11 am would be the best time for me!
I LOVE that dress! I’m not a huge fan of sleeveless on myself so I always struggle finding cute summer looks I’m comfortable in but that outfit is perfect!
Curious if you own or have tried the reebok grace shoe that’s coming to burn locations. It’s coming to mine on Wednesday and I can’t wait to try them on.
I’m not a morning person at. all. But, when it comes to workouts, I have to get it done in the morning, or else it’s so much harder to convince myself to do it in the afternoon. I’ve been training for a couple races lately, so I’ve been running a lot more after work & I feel like it’s throwing my whole schedule off in terms of eating & sleeping! I’m actually looking forward to getting back to my morning workouts.
If you don’t mind me asking, what size did you order in the sleeveless tank dress? I believe I am similar size as you, and I’m debating between the XS and S. I LOVE you blog by the way! I get to work early in the morning and your blog always starts off my day in a great way! Thank-you!
I ordered a small! I’m 5’8” and would probably recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes. I think I could’ve definitely ordered a medium as well based on length!
I read all of the Bridget Jones books, including the last one. I regret that. But I’m guessing the movie is much different, because Mr. Darcy is alive?!
I am loving banana blueberry oatmeal bake right now. I just discovered it a few weeks ago and I am addicted. My favorite food is blueberry pancakes and this totally hits the spot but without the guilt. I know it is not like vegetable healthy but with no processed grains or refined sugars it seems like a much better choice and it still tastes like SUCH a treat.
Love that dress! I am totally smiling today about getting to go pick up my engagement ring from the jewelers (we got engaged last week and it was way too big and needed to be re-sized) – I only went 2 days without it, but I miss it and can’t wait to have it back. I usually workout for about 15 minutes each morning at home to wake myself up, but my “real” workout is in the evening after work. I would love to motivate myself to get it all done in the morning, but I’m just not there yet. If I didn’t have any commitments, I would be sleeping until 7:30ish each morning, lounging around for a bit, and heading to the gym about 9am. That would be ideal.
Congratulations!!!!!!
LOVE the dress!! Can you let me know what size you’re wearing as a reference?? Thanks Julie 🙂
I ordered a small (I’m 5’8”). I love the fit but think I could’ve definitely ordered a medium as well for a little extra length.
I’ve been debating about a clarisonic too…it’s a bit pricey and difficult to get into the habit of, but it does work its magic! I decided to try out to Forea Luna for the time being just to see if it does as good as a job! Have a lovely weekend!
if i have absolutely no commitments, i love working out later in the morning so that i can enjoy my coffee and breakfast! otherwise it’s after work, which can be nice since it gets me moving after a long day at the desk!
p.s. that dress looks GORG on you!
I’m definitely a morning workout person too. If it doesn’t happen first thing in the morning, it typically doesn’t happen at all.
Would you recommend the Clarisonic for someone with sensitive skin? I’ve been debating getting it, but I’m nervous that I’ll have a reaction.
YES!!! I’m not sure but I would bet that if you reached out to the brand they’d probably let you return it if your skin had a reaction. It specifically says it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, so I would think it would be okay.
My day started with a special Mother’s Day event at my son’s school complete with breakfast and a handmade gift – talk about all smiles! Happy early Mother’s Day to you!
So sweet! Happy Mother’s Day to you!
I watched “Bridget Jones Baby” last weekend, and I loved it. It was definitely better than “Edge of Reason,” and I didn’t miss Daniel Cleaver (Except maybe his down and dirty brawls with Mark Darcy). I like how she’s seemed to grow, but still be awkward and relatable. Loved it.
I’ve been debating whether to get a clarisonic brush, too. My sister has one and raves about it. What kind of a difference do you notice in your skin?
https://jonandaudadventure.wordpress.com/
Softer skin, smaller pores (on my nose, specifically) and just an all-around more even skin tone. I seriously LOVE this brush!
Something that brought a smile to my face today was meeting a new group of runner’s on my running route this morning! I planned on running six miles, by myself, early this morning and just as I was beginning to run, a ‘herd’ of other runner’s past by me. Immediately, I jumped in the group and asked if I could join. They happily welcomed me in the group, they let me know they were also running six miles and I now made a few new friends and have official become part of a running group! It’s amazing to see what can happen when you have a few seconds of bravery 😉
LOVE this!!! That’s awesome!
I usually workout in the morning. I am totally a morning person and love getting a good workout in first thing when i wake up! I am OBSESSED with that dress!! It looks so gorgeous on you! I want it! Have a great weekend! xoxo
I’m so glad you included Bridget Jones’ Baby…I had completely forgotten that it was out! I know what I’ll be watching this weekend now 🙂
My workout motivation used to die a slow death after 11 am too, somehow I switched to loving afternoon workings! One benefit, it gets me out of the house when I usually am raiding the fridge… #workfromhome
I could definitely see that! I feel like I snack a TON from 4-6 p.m. every day!
Yesss that dress is so cute! I love a good versatile piece like that. And I’ve had a Clarisonic face brush for a few years, and agree at first it seemed a little high maintenance to me, but it’s so easy to use and so worth that extra deep clean feeling. I like to work out in the mornings too, but I also teach a few classes in the evening – and I totally feel like class participants are more energetic at night for some reason. Anyways, Happy Friday, Julie!! 🙂
I always felt like my 6 a.m. classes were so dedicated and the most consistent but that my evening classes were definitely more energetic/spunky! It was a fun variety! So funny how the time of day often impacts the energy of a class.
I have that dress with sleeves, but I’ve seen the tank a lot too! Considering getting it also!
http://www.themilestraveled.com
I’m the weirdo that likes to workout at night! After the baby goes to bed 😉
Love that dress on you – I ordered it when another fitness blogger posted it, but returned it and now I’m wishing I kept it. I love being able to workout in the AM. And thanks for the movie rec – I heard it was bad, but when the hubby is gone, it’s a good one to keep in mind.
I’m excited about it being my first weekend of no grad school homework – I graduated last weekend. It feels so nice!
Happy Mother’s day to you!
I LOVE the Bridget Jones movies!! I think I’ve watched Bridget Jones’s Baby three times since it released on Netflix! 😀 There’s just something about her irreverent, dry British humor that slays me. 🙂
it was hilarious!!!
Ah I need to watch this I didn’t realize it was on netflix…sounds like my kind of night tonight!
I’m a morning workout person all the way too! I love how it makes me feel energized for work during the week. And even though sometimes I would rather stay in bed on the weekends I still prefer to workout in the morning because, like you, I lose that motivation quickly. Plus it feels great to have my workout out of the way early and I love being able to sit down to a nice breakfast when I get back from my run. Sometimes dreaming about pancakes is what gets me 😛
*gets me through
I’ve been either doing 5:30 AM or 6 AM classes and loving it. It gives me my whole afternoon after work but the only downside is I have to try not to snack. I get home about 5 PM but don’t have dinner until 7 PM.
Happy Friday! I have been eyeballing those Clarisonic brushes for ages, it maybe time to finally take the plunge. Hope you have a great weekend!
I about died watching the scene where they try to squish her in the turnstile door at the hospital. I watched it by myself (figured the hubby wouldn’t want to watch it) and I surprised myself by laughing out loud with no one else there. I immediately texted my mom to watch it! Also- made me realize I need to laugh more!
Something making me smile today is the fact that I finally managed to snag a tent rental for a bridal shower during peak grad party season HAHA! It took awhile but hey, I got it done 😛 And I mighhhht pull the trigger on that dress – though I really wish they had more summery colors!
I currently workout at the 7pm class – but will sometimes go to the 7am before work. If I had my way I’d be working from home and wake up around 830, eat breakfast and take a 9:15/9:30 class! Either that or like.. 2pm post lunch. Gotta eat first 🙂
I love working out in the evenings, actually!! But I usually go in the morning because that’s easier and that’s when my favorite classes are 🙂 My classes usually start between 9:15-11:00am, so I’m usually done by noon which is later than I’d prefer, but it works for now!!
Hope you have a fantastic weekend and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!! 🙂
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Happy early Mother’s day to you Julie!
I’ve recently started using the Clinique version of a Clarisonic brush, and I can tell such a huge difference in my skin! I need to be better about doing a little workout in the morning 🙂
LOVE that dress!! I am a 5 AM workout person! I have been since high school! Now I do it so I can workout, shower, eat, drink coffee and relax before my kiddos wake up for the day! This introverted momma needs alone time in the AM lol!
Julie, I finally figured out how to post a comment- only took me a few months!
I’m a very low tech person who stumbled onto your blog via a reference you made about Body Pump. I’m an early morning exercise fan and totally lose motivation from noon on.
I have loved the Eminence serum and wanted to thank you for recommending it. Now I’d like to try some of your recipes.
Thanks for inspiring a 66 yr. old grandmother! We can always learn something new – Happy Mother’s Day !
I’m so, so glad you commented! Hi Anne! Thanks so much for reading!! <3
I watched Bridget Jones Baby tonight and loved it! Super mindless and cute.
Things I’m loving Friday – this blog! Always. It’s a daily fun escape for me, and there are so many things to comment on here I don’t know where to start! But rouching is a woman’s best friend – I love love love t-shirts with rouching and formal wear with rouching and pretty much ALL THE THINGS with rouching, so this dress fits the bill.
And thanks for adding that detail about the brush on the clarisonic – I have VERY sensitive skin, so knowing that it’s actually much softer than it looks is a relief to know. My skin has not been wowing me lately, and I haven’t quite been sure how to jazz it up. I wear minimal to no makeup, and so the better my skin looks, the better I feel out in the world!
Also, thanks for reminding me of that steel cut oatmeal bake. The second you posted that recipe the first time, I bought steel cut oats and all the ingredients to make it (had to make it with almond butter for reasons too long to go into) and it is just the perfect thing. Nature Valley makes a new almond butter cookie type breakfast bar/cookie that tasted HEAVENLY, and it came out right before you posted this recipe, but I found out it had red palm oil in it. 🙁 So I made these instead!! Perfect timing! Thanks!
Things I’m loving: it’s gorgeous here in MN, the trees are in bloom everywhere, the temp is PERFECT, rootfop and deck dining are open everywhere, and I might be getting a new computer this weekend. Hope you have a great weekend! Enjoy the boat!
I feel like I’m reading my own thoughts about the clarisonic!! I have literally waffled over this for years too! I think I finally need to get one 🙂
That dress is so cute! Something making me smile this week is spending the weekend at my parents house! With zero commitments! Something nice about just sitting around on a lazy saturday with coffee, doing nothing but doing nothing in the company of those you love 🙂 Also DEFF an AM workout person. It’s hard to do but the best feeling after!
I’ve been wanting a Clarisonic brush for awhile now….I just haven’t been able to bring myself to spend the money. I do have a birthday coming up though =)
So you know of a cheap alternative?
OMG – I looooove my Clarisonic brush sooooo much. I’ve literally purchased 5 for different family members, including my 10-year old daughter. Last year, I reached out to Clarisonic and let them know I was such a fan and was soliciting items for a silent auction. They generously donated a Clarisonic brush, which made me love them even more!
They tell you when you purchase them to change the brush heads every 60 – 90 days. This is a MUST! The brush will start to smell and will cause breakouts. When you remove the brush head you’ll see the gunk that’s accumulated. To save money, I buy replacement brushes at makeup outlet stores. You can usually save about $10!
thank you so much for the tip about the brush heads!!
I just purchased a similar facial brush for myself. I can’t wait to try it out now that it’s arrived. And Bridget Jones’ Baby is on my list of things to catch up on watching on Netflix. I’ve heard some mixed reviews about it. This month one thing that’s making me happy is that I think I’m finally finding my groove in homeschooling my son. And if I could pick an ideal time to workout, it would probably be late mornings.
i love the bridget jones movies! the books are great too!