Good morning, my friends! How are you doing? This week was a pretty good one over here – still full of some low moments but slowly improving. Quality time with my mom at the beginning of the week and Chase all week long certainly made me smile.
Ryan returned from his spearfishing trip on Wednesday evening (just in time for Big Brother!) and I’m so happy to have him back home. We’re hoping the upcoming weekend will include some time on the boat and plenty of family fun. We have some visitors arriving in town the next couple of weekends, so we want to make the most of a solo family weekend and keep things relaxed and easy.
Before the weekend officially arrives, I wanted to share a short roundup of some things that made me smile this week in traditional Things I’m Loving Friday fashion. As always, I’d love for you to participate in the fun and share a little bit about something that is making you smile in the comments section of this post.
Have a great weekend!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Ice Cream on a Summer Night
We couldn’t resist going out for ice cream a couple nights in a row this week. Something about the 90+ degree heat and the fact that school is starting in our area next week made me feel like we needed to squeeze in some last-minute summer fun! Going out for ice cream after dinner when the sun is still out for hours in the evening is so quintessentially summer to me and I just love it. I also happen to LOVE ice cream so you know I enjoyed every last lick of the Kilwin’s waffle cone you see above. And if you live near a Kilwin’s and haven’t tried their marshmallow s’mores or toasted coconut flavors, do yourself a favor and get a scoop of each this weekend!
- Dave Matthews Band’s Crash Album
I’m enjoying Dave Matthews Band’s Crash album from 1996 for an entirely different reason than the usual nostalgia I feel every time “So Much to Say” or “Say Goodbye” (my all-time fav Dave song) comes on. There’s something about this DMB album that just feels right when I’m not in the mood for any other music. When I don’t want to listen to something too happy, too moody, too sad, too this or too that, I put on the Crash album and it works. A peaceful and familiar feeling comes over me and I know I’ve found the music I need to listen to on repeat again.
There are a few things I never knew about miscarriage until I went through the experience and the fact that some serious night sweats can occur as your hormones are raging and returning to normal is one thing I never anticipated. This is kind of odd, but I’ve never really been a big armpit sweater. My face sweats like nobody’s business (it’s always the first thing to start dripping during a workout) but my armpits were never too sweaty or stinky. Well, something happened after our second miscarriage because all of the sudden, I noticed my armpits smelling a bit during my workouts. I was so embarrassed!!! Thank goodness for Native Deodorant!
My sister loves her all-natural (paraben and aluminum-free!) Native Deodorant, so I gave it a shot and it is fantastic. I know natural deodorants get a bad rap but this one works (it’s not greasy or chalky) and smells great (and has a bazillion positive reviews from fellow sweaty peeps). I have the coconut and vanilla scent and – I know this is weird – I actually look forward to applying it every morning because it smells like vacation. If you want to give it a try, this link will give both of us a free travel-size deodorant with our next order. It’s the best!
- Chase’s First Merry-Go-Round Ride
Before my mom left this week, we planned a couple of fun activities together with Chase and one of them took us to our local aquarium which happens to be located inside a large mall. Since I wanted to return something after our marine adventure, we wandered into the mall and Chase spotted a merry-go-round and said, “Ride! Ride!” on repeat! The last time we asked him if he wanted to ride on a merry-go-round was at the zoo on Mother’s Day and his answer was a firm no, so I was awfully excited to see his enthusiasm change. He wanted to ride the zebra, so we hopped on and he had a BLAST. He absolutely loved the merry-go-round and waving to my mom every time we passed by. He was in heaven… until the ride stopped. (Cue total meltdown!)
Chase loves drinking water out of my tumbler all day long so I had a feeling he would think this adorable spill-proof tumbler was pretty awesome. From the second I showed him his new tumbler he was smitten (I have a feeling the fish all over the outside of the cup had something to do with that for our marine-life lover) and as his mom, I LOVE this cup because it’s leak-proof (crucial, especially when we’re out and about) and dishwasher safe. The Lollacup and this tumbler are our current toddler cup favs!
- Friday Flashbacks
Upper Body Superset Workout (This upper body burner incorporates both dumbbells and resistance bands in a superset workout.)
Avocado Pesto (A creamy, savory sauce that is perfect tossed with your favorite pasta, spread on fresh bread for a delicious sandwich or used as a dip for cold and crunchy vegetables.)
- Around the Web
Food: Healthy Turkey Zucchini Rice Casserole / Healthy Berry Crisp / Overnight Oats 6 Ways / Chocolate Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge / Homemade Whole Wheat Tortillas
Fitness: 30-Minute Cardio Barre Boxing Workout / Hamilton-Inspired Total Body Workout / Get Sweaty Strength Tabata / 10 Ways to Add Speed to Your Workouts
Question of the Day
What is a go-to album or song you find yourself listening to on repeat when no other music appeals to you?
What is one thing that is making you smile this week?
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I love Sara Bareilles, fabulous voice and her music makes me smile. My husband is a big fan of DMB, not my fav 🙂 Thanks for the links! I’ve tried Toms of Maine deodorant (works ok) and Origins (works ok, but pricey) and I usually fall back to Dove brand even though it’s not aluminum free. Will check out the Native brand! We like the thermos brand straw bottles, my mother in law found a Finding Nemo one at the BJ’s superstore by her and my son just loves the ocean scene. These Contigo tumblers looks great though, we use the take and toss straw cups sometimes and I don’t like the waste even though I use them multiple times before recycling. TGIF, have a nice day 🙂
Sara Bareilles has such a gorgeous voice. I also love her whole demeanor — she’s incredibly talented! Have you ever seen her in concert?
Yes, my husband and I saw her a few years ago at the amphitheater at the music factory. She sounds fabulous live and it was a great venue for her! I wanted to see her on her Little Voice tour back in like 2008 at the Neighborhood theater but it was sold out by the time I looked for tickets. Link for the deodorant free travel size worked perfect, thanks!
I switched to all natural deodorant about 6 months ago and I’m still trying to find the right one- thank you for the suggestion- ordered! I’m also always looking for new spillproof cups for my 2 yo. Between water, milk and smoothies I feel like I can always use more. So I ordered the contigo cup as well- bless Amazon prime! Thanks for the great purchase suggestions this morning. Have a great, relaxing weekend! My plan is to take a much needed break from all the dark news happening in our country and around the world and juts enjoy my family.
*just… also fav DMB songs: Say Goodbye, Two Step and Dancing Nancies!!
Agreed! We are heading to Florida next week (first time on a plane and he’ll be 17 months) so I ordered the tumbler and the deodorant! So glad to have Things I’m Loving Friday back. Julie, glad to hear you are doing better! God bless the broken road!
Aw! So glad you like these posts and find them helpful! Best wishes for safe (-!: stress-free!) travels!
Do they make Chase’s tumbler in an adult size? Asking for a friend…. But seriously they need to make an adult size leak proof tumbler since I spilled my all over my desk and everything got soaked. Oops!
Right now I’ve been loving the “Dear Evan Hansen” soundtrack and have already memorized a few songs and it’s been two days since I started listening to it.
Have a great weekend Julie 🙂
My son and I frequent the local mall just for the Merry go round!! My favorite songs… Anything by Hillsong. My son loves What a Beautiful Name and always asks me to sing it to him even though I’m tone deaf. I also find myself listening to James Bay, love that station on Pandora. Hope you have a nice weekend now that Ryan is back home!! Take care.
It’s so strange you mentioned DMB this week as I stumbled on a Pandora channel filled with Rusted Toot, Jack Johnson, OAR and Dave! I was so nostalgic and have been obsessed ever since. I also love listening to oldies. The music is light, carefree and always makes me smile.
What is the name of the Pandora station? Sounds great!
The Rusted Root station!
Which cup do you like best for serving Chase smoothies? We’ve been doing smoothies in a bowl for our toddler, but as you can imagine, it gets a bit messy. 🙂 Would love your suggestions! <3
The straw on the Contigo cup is wider and a little better for smoothies but if they’re thinner, the Lollacup works well, too!
thank you for the tumbler recommendation! It looks awesome and will be perfect for mt 18 month old who loves to drink out of mine.
How about that big brother! I was surprised they didn’t show more of the fighting that happened this week between Cody and Alex as well as Christmas and Mark. (Live feeds watcher ) Maybe they will show that tonight? Who do you think will win it? My husband and I are shocked all of them seem to be just handing the $500k to Paul. They aren’t going against anything he is really suggesting.
What do you think of the live feeds? I’m so curious about everything I miss by not tuning into them!
They are WILD! So much drama goes down that actually does not make it into the show. Every horrible fight you see is actually 1000 times worse than how it is shown on the show. Some of it is boring but it is funny to see the pranks they play on each other and how they pass the time.
Just bought the Native Deo! I wish I could smell it first because I am SO picky about deo smell, but coconut and vanilla sounds like it can’t go wrong. Got the rose + magnolia too!
Marshmellow s’mores is my absolute favorite flavor!! Have a great weekend 🙂
I’m smiling because DMB and his Crash album are my go to music too. There’s something about the instruments and maybe the fact that he doesn’t fully enunciate the words that you just get lost in and you don’t necessary have to think and process. You get to just enjoy and feel. He’s like a worn out sweatshirt, cup of coffee and a good book type of musician- you’re comfortable with him. I’m gonna go blast him now as I get ready for the day as my husband and toddler are on their morning walk!
I love that you are obsessed with Big Brother! I thought I was the only one left…lol! But for real, I’m kind of mad that Paul is running the show. It kind of makes it a little boring. I also already miss Jody. They were so cute together!
I couldn’t stand them at first but they totally grew on me! They definitely are adorable together!!
I’m all about ice cream right now…when’s your blog post coming?! 😉
And I love that Native deodorant – coconut is my favorite!
I could listen to today’s country all the time…but I’ve been really into “Slow Hands” lately haha – embarrassing I know!
Have a great weekend!
I can’t wait to try that deodorant! Thanks for the suggestion/link!
Anything by Daughtry seriously makes me smile and be able to breathe/relax! I LOVE him and his band (I have been a fan since American Idol, but stopped watching it long before it was cancelled!). We are seeing him in concert (for the third time!) this month! I cannot wait!!!!
Have a great weekend!
My go to is always Coldplay! Makes me feel happy and cosy- and reminds me of home! I love ice cream in the summer- it just tastes better!
I am actually not the biggest ice cream lover (I know!), because it tends to make me feel really sick afterwards. But I may have to cave for that toasted coconut flavor….
I do love Dave Matthews Band, but an album I listen to on repeat basically any time is the Mumford and Sons Wilder Mind album. It is so so good and perfect for just about any mood.
Have a great weekend!
I love that DMB album 🙂
My go to is Alicia Keys “As I Am”, it always has me singing along and feeling pretty zen by the end.
I’m smiling because my 4 year old starts junior kindergarten in just over 2 weeks and he is SO excited- he’s handling this much better than I am! He says he can’t wait to meet his teacher and make new friends; I love how confident and outgoing he is.
We have a Kilwin’s in our town (Saratoga Springs, NY) and I’ve never tried that flavor! I usually get the cake batter flavor 🙂
Ice cream on summer nights is my FAVORITE! I think you convinced me to get some tonight 😉 And I have been wanting to try a natural deodorant, you sold me! I bought the coconut vanilla for me and some the men’s eucalyptus mint for my husband!
Those two ice cream flavors in a waffle cone sounds exactly like the kind I would order!
Ah yes, DMB ❤️. Do you know Collective Soul? They are another 90s band. I have always loved them and have seen them in concert 3 times. They put on a great show! I still love listening to them and still get all the feels when I do ?
Thanks for the deodorant suggestion. That is the part of my morning routine I like the least and have been looking for a natural alternative to the degree that I have been using for years! I instantly went and ordered…. you totally made my day. I think about you often and look forward to your posts to keep up to date on how you are healing:)
Kilwin’s toasted coconut is THE BEST ICE CREAM EVER! It’s my favorite! My husband used to live in Jacksonville, FL when we first started dating and I went to the one there every time I visited him! It’s so good! Is the Native deodorant sticky? I hate the sticky ones! I have Tom’s that I use, but then I end up putting my regular deodorant over it because I feel like my armpits are sticking 24/7 with the natural kinds. I love DMB too. “Say Goodbye” was the song I lost my virginity to way back in the day (TMI?! Haha) but I still love it!
No not too sticky at all! And LOL about that song! I mean it is a rather “romantic” song, right!?!
Oh my goodness, DMB! Wow it’s been a hot minute since I’ve listened to Crash or any of his older albums!! Gems for sure. So glad your spirits are improving, and that you were able to spend some time with your mom. 🙂
Thanks for the deodorant recommendation. I ordered it!
We have a local mall with a carousel too – our 5 year old girl is a carousel lover too.
Chase looks pretty on the merry go round!
Kings of Leon’s Only By The Night is my go to music when nothing else appeals to me. I’m pretty sure I know most of the words to that album. They have such a unique sound that it so different from other bands. It’s hard to believe that Only By The Night is 9 years old already!
Loooove that you watch Big Brother!!! I’m enjoying this season, but am so frustrated with the house following the direction of Paul on EVERYTHING!!! Ugh!! ha!
I make my own deodorant! It’s super easy to make with minimal ingredients already found in the kitchen. Cornstarch, bicarb soda, coconut oil and a bit of shea butter to stop it being liquid in the summer and essential oils of choice for scent. Works a treat and I hardly smell after intense HIIT workouts! Plus it’s minimal plastic waste. Recipe here! https://natjtan.com/2017/06/14/diy-deodorant-that-works/
Have a great weekend on the lake!
The Shout Out Louds song Fall Hard is my jam lately.
I haven’t tried that brand of deodorant, where do you find it? I’ve been using Schmidt’s and I really like that!
As for what’s making me smile this week…I’ve been trying to “get back out there” and date after taking the last year and a half since my last relationship ended to really work on me, my anxiety, and get grounded in where I see my life. Well, I started chatting with a guy last week and we met earlier this week and have our second date planned. Sure, it’s too soon to tell much of anything, but he’s very kind, fun and handsome, and having that little spark is fun and making me smile.
Happy Friday, Julie! How can we make your ice cream blog a reality? Do you need help running it, I think this is something the world needs and we will band together to make these ice cream dreams come true, girl!
Also I feel you on the non-armpit sweating! I’ve always felt really weird about it but we can’t help where the sweat comes out! 😛
Have a great weekend!
i honestly don’t think i’ve been out for ice cream once yet this summer!!! i’m about to head to the outer banks though and my FAVORITE ice cream place is there – definitely going to get their vanilla & peanut butter cup flavor, it’s my all time favorite! and i switched to natural deodorant a few months ago after reading some scary stuff. i love schmidt’s but i’ve heard amazing things about native, too! may need to try it next. have a great weekend! 🙂
This post came at the perfect time–I just had a big group text going around trying to find out what deodorant my friends like! I’ve hit that point where both Secret and Dove clinical strength both make me “smell” sweaty right away–I think it’s an association thing. I just used your link–thanks for the free travel size! 🙂
Glad you are finding some reasons to smile, Julie. You’ve been on my mind.
I always find myself listening to Bastille, either of their albums. It comforts me when I’m upset or anxious but also appeals when everything else on the radio is annoying me haha
Happy Friday! I am glad to hear you are having a pretty good week! I know when I spend quality time with my Mom it makes me feel better! I’ve totally been taking my nephew Gio for ice cream so much this summer. I feel like every time I see him he asks me to take him, and how can I say no to his sweet face?! Lol. Chase on the merry go round looks so cute! It sounds like he really loved it, my nephew Gio loves the carousel in Disney and whenever it stops he had total meltdowns hahaha oh the joy of meltdowns, right? 😉 I hope you have a great weekend and continue finding things to make you smile, Julie!! Xoxo
Ice cream is always a fave!
Hi Julie, I switched to all-natural deodorant a few months ago, and am not crazy about the brand I’m using, so I will totally look into this Native suggestion. Thanks for that! I bet we will see a LOT more good natural deodorant options coming up, because people are really starting to look at the toxins in regular products like that. Enjoy your weekend! And YES, oh YES, I can get down with some older DMB! Love them!
I wanted to love that deodorant but it made me break out which I don’t understand! Glad to have you back today!
I find any John Mayer music or old Matchbox 20 albums to be the same way you feel about DMB! Comforting and familiar.
Thanks for the deordorant recommendation. I placed an order this afternoon. Possibly the best order confirmation email I’ve ever received.
Yaaasss to DMB (especially Crash). It’s my go-to road trip music when I’m feeling pensive or just can’t decide on what other music I’m in the mood for. I totally feel you on how it just “fits” when nothing else will.
I know things have been so incredibly hard lately and I hope your support network continues to be there for you whenever you need it! (And I hope this blog continues to be an outlet that is helpful!) I’m so glad to see some bright spots giving you joy this week! 🙂
Ok I might really need to give that deodorant a try. I cannot resist anything vanilla or coconut and I really need to get the chemicals out of my life. That Dave album brings back soo many memories to me. So glad your week was mostly looking up 🙂
I’ve been listening to the soundtrack of Hamilton, at Evan’s suggestion and I have to agree that it’s so amazing! Evan and Gabbie saw the show in NYC a few weeks ago and he couldn’t stop raving about it… he’s got it on his constant Spotify rotation but I’m still learning the songs. They’re amazing!
Netflix is getting serious use lately… I’m mainlining Midsomer Mysteries and just love the twists and turns of this series. So happy that they have 19 seasons!
I just started using Native as well! I prefer a “fresh” scent and got the Cotton & Lily, which is under the Sensitive options. I love it! I ordered the Eucalyptus & Mint for my husband, who also loved it. It smells great too!!
Yay! Happy to see a Friday post but more happy that your week was good enough that you felt like writing one. Up and up slowly! Pretty excited to see that Native offers an unscented version (it took me a long time to find it on the site, but for those looking, it’s in a drop down menu when you’re looking at a stick.) Might have to try it sometime. Sensitive skin means underarm scents leave a rash. 🙁 Would have loved to try that summer peach etc. scent. Sigh.
Chase is adorbs on that merry-go-round. Toddler meltdowns are intense, but it’s fun that he’s getting interested in new experiences!
I want that marshmallow s’mores ice cream! Pronto! Hope your weekend is a great one. Here’s a cute article about making a safe box to look at the eclipse on Monday (no direct looking!):
http://time.com/3737424/solar-eclipse/
Hi Julie,
Doing great! and looking forward to the good weekend. My cousins are here so Ice-cream is on for tonight after dinner, they all love it!! BTW my favorite is Green Coconut scoop. Have a great weekend!
My brother’s girlfriend works for Contigo as a graphic designer and she designed the outside of that tumbler!! She says THANKS for the shout-out!!
A friend of mine (who has 4 children) recommend the good 2 grow juice cups and that is all we use now for water cups! They are like $2-3 at any grocery store and have the character heads. The ones with the top that you don’t pull up will NOT leak. I keep it in my purse by my iPhone no worries lol! http://www.good2grow.com
Avocado pesto? You had me at avocado… and then pesto. Haha!
I will definitely be making this. Thanks, Julie!
Those ice cream flavors sound incredible! I sure wish a local ice cream place here (suburbs of Philadelphia) had flavors like that! One thing making me smile this week is the return of the sun! For awhile, we’ve had pretty bad thunderstorms, but thankfully today is a beautiful, sunny Summer day!
I think you should make the ice cream blog a part of your current blog with a weekly or biweekly post that’s a review, recipe! Your readers would love it 🙂