Hey friends! How are you doing? I feel like I finally let a huge secret out this week that I’ve been keeping close to my chest and now I’m still just feeling so darn lucky to have all of you following our journey. I’m sure it gets annoying to read over and over again, but I so appreciate you being here!
I hope all of you had a great week and that your weekends plans are a lovely combination of exciting and relaxing. We don’t have too much on the agenda which is perfect since our February weekends all of the sudden seemed to start filling up fast with birthday parties, baby sprinkles and more. The forecast calls for some rain but temperatures should reach the upper 50s so it won’t be too cold which is nice! I’m also looking forward to diving into Lilac Girls since I’ve heard the best things about this book and downloaded it on my Kindle earlier this week. It’s gonna be a happenin’ Friday night in the Fagan household, let me tell ya!
Also, this is a super random question for those of you with little ones out there, but do you think a 2.5 year old would enjoy going to a hibachi restaurant? I bought a Groupon a while back when my fried rice + shrimp sauce cravings were at their peak and now I’m wondering if Chase might LOVE the action of a hibachi restaurant… or if the whole experience might be too long and drawn out for him to really enjoy. My Groupon is about to expire and I think Chase might be into it! We’ll see. Experienced parents, please let me know if I’m in over my head with this idea!
Now with visions of onion volcanoes in our brains, let’s move onto our usual Friday business around here: Things I’m Loving Friday! Like every Friday on this blog, I’m sharing a short list of things that are making me smile this week and would love for you to join in the fun in the comments section. Enjoy your weekend, my friends!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Mid-Week Date Night
A mid-week date night!? Whaaaat? Ryan and I managed to sneak away last night for a date night and it was so, so nice. He’s my favorite and we had such a great time reconnecting over ALL THE CARBS because that’s my current love language. It’s currently Restaurant Week in Charlotte and we wanted to take advantage! We headed off to 131 Main, one of our favorite local hot spots, and dove into a delicious dinner capped off with a big ol’ brownie sundae for dessert. It was such a nice night out with Ryan and reminded me (yet again) that we need to be better about planning more date nights in the future.
- Cottage Cheese + A Drizzle of Strawberry Ice Cream Topping
Have you ever noticed the sugar content on a lot of fruit-flavored cottage cheese cups is kind of outrageous? I’ve loved cottage cheese all my life (my dad always ate it with apple butter so I randomly grew up eating it!) and I recently started adding a small drizzle of Blackberry Patch’s three-ingredient strawberry ice cream topping to my cottage cheese before digging in. (The topping is made with strawberries, lemon juice and pure cane sugar.) It’s a nice way to be able to get the punch of fruity sweetness I love without feeling like I’m dipping my spoon into a cup of strawberry jelly with little flecks of cottage cheese. Just sharing this one here for my fellow cottage cheese lovers who might be looking for fun topping options!
(Note: This outfit was sent to me c/o Fabletics! I did not receive payment to mention it on my blog and am sharing my genuine thoughts about both items.)
Is it just me or do you guys also now never want to wear any leggings other than high-waisted leggings? They’re the best and in addition to staying in place during my workouts, I love the way they hold everything in and don’t dig into my sides. I recently received a new pair of High-Waisted Printed Powerhold Leggings from Fabletics that I cannot seem to stop wearing because they do a wonderful job of comfortably accommodating for my growing waistline (they’re smoothing but not restrictive) and feel great during my workouts. I love the black pattern speckled with the look of lightly-painted gray flowers in the Versilia Clear Print and have been wearing them constantly since I received them a few weeks ago. (They somehow feel smoothing without making me feel like I have to work up a sweat just to pour myself into them every time I want to wear them.) Also, the slightly cropped 7/8 length is my favorite – not too long that they bunch up at the ankle but not too short so they don’t crop my leg right in the middle of my calf which I tend to think looks unflattering on my body type.
In the above photo, I’ve paired my leggings with Fabletics’ Sammy Jacket, a fleece-lined zip-up, perfect for keeping you warm as you pop in and out of the gym or run around town. The jacket features multiple pockets which I personally appreciate since I feel like I’m constantly shoving everything into my pockets these days… my phone, keys, lip balm (dry lips this time of year are my nemesis) and a snack for Chase (always).
- Afternoon Tea
I’ve been so into sipping on an afternoon cup of tea lately and love the way it seems to calm me and often soothes my stomach if I’m feeling a bit nauseated. We also keep our house obnoxiously cold in the winter (gotta save that money), so the tea is a great way to warm myself up as I work away on the computer during Chase’s nap time. (Speaking of nap time, Chase has taken exactly ONE nap this week. HAAAALP! Thankfully he’s embracing “Quiet Time” and will stay in his crib with some books for a while but I’m beginning to fear solid naps may be losing their predictability around here!)
- Conversation Hearts
After talking about cottage cheese and tea above, let’s swing the opposite direction on the healthy-food spectrum, shall we? It’s not even February yet, but my desire to eat a million of these sweet-but-chalky-yet-somehow-still-delicious little hearts is STRONG. I’m filing them away under candies that don’t normally call to me but somehow become the BEST THING EVER when I’m pregnant, along with jelly beans, Jolly Ranchers and Tootsie Roll Pops.
- Around the Web
Food: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese (this recipe is calling to my carb-loving heart) / 20 Healthy Meal Prep Egg Bake Recipes / Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup / Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins
Fitness: Treadmill Run-Walk-Jog Workout / Total Body Circuit
Weekend Sales: Nike sale on RueLaLa (Lots of great deals on shoes and apparel) / TOMS sale on Zulily (The Avalon Slip-On Sneaker is my personal fav and I take major advantage of TOMS sales on Zulily for Chase’s shoes in the next size up!)
- Friday Flashbacks
Healthy Breakfast Sweet Potatoes (These breakfast potatoes are packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and fiber and are a warm and delicious side dish you can feel good about eating.)
No Gym Workout (This workout includes only bodyweight exercises, so save it for a day when you want to sneak in a workout at home or when you’re traveling since it can easily be done in a hotel room, too!)
Question of the Day
What is one thing making you smile this week?
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I have that fabletics jacket and i love it! Tthe outside is smooth and soft, almost like silk, and the inside is like a light fleece. I also love how it’s slightly longer in the back to cover your butt. It also washes well. It’s the first top i bought from fabletics, and I was pleasantly surprised. I just wish it had thumbholes. The tag says it has them, but it definitely does not.
Me too! It’s so cozy and perfect for this time of year — and I agree about the longer length in the back! Love that feature as well.
I have those same fabletics leggings and absolutely love them! The print is so fun.
My husband’s work Christmas party was at a hibachi restaurant last year. Their parties are always family friendly, so I was super excited about bringing our daughter, as she loves restaurants. It was a total flop ? I’m not sure if she was struggling with the number of people nearby (we took up like four tables) or if the banging and clanking of the cooking utensils got to her. We pretty much had to take turns walking her to other parts of the restaurant the entire time. As soon as we were out of the hibachi area, she was totally fine and wanted to run around and play. She was 19 mo at the time, but we probably won’t bring her back for a couple years.
Afternoon tea is my jam on the weekends! It’s so nice to cuddle up on the couch and sip on a mug while reading my book. I was dying at your Instagram story picture with Chase last night!
Haha!!! Definitely one of those pics that would make him embarrassed as an adult, I think! 🙂
I definitely think they would! You can use it for his future wife lol. I’m sure she’d get a kick out of it.
Also Lilac Girls is so good!! I read it over the summer and loved it.
All the seasonal candy is my weakness! My favorite time of year is easter for all the jelly beans. And loving that fabletics outfit, I’m desperately in need of some new workout clothes and always forget how affordable theirs are. Have a great weekend Julie!
Our Restaurant Week is coming up and I can’t wait to take advantage of it! And sweet potatoes for breakfast?! Count me in!
So glad I am not alone in making the shift to only wanting to wear high-waist leggings recently! They are so flattering and comfortable, and not to sound crazy but I swear they keep me warmer on these cold days without overheating me at all when working out!
My son will be 3 in April and I think he’d like a Hibachi restaurant – hes totally into noise and LOVES fried rice. I figure anything is worth a shot once.
I loved Lilac Girls.
Is your dad from Gettysburg (I remember your grandmother being in Gettysburg)? I’m from about an hour north of there, and we also eat apple butter with our cottage cheese, and I haven’t met too many other people who do …
Yes! Too funny! I wonder if it is a PA-area thing! I also haven’t seen anyone else do it!
my mom and dad always ate apple butter on cottage cheese as well! My mom is from PA so I am sure she is the one that got my dad on to it as well. It is SO delicious!!
I took my two year old to a hibachi restaurant for the first time and she was TERRIFIED of the fire 🙁 Practically climbed up me to get away from the grill. Now that she’s three she talks about going back but staying away from the fire lol I’d take him but maybe prep him a little for the fire part of it all 🙂
That is my fear and I can totally see that happening with Chase!
My niece and nephew were 4 and 2.5 years old when we went to a hibachi restaurant with family and they both did the same thing! They were terrified of the fire. We figured our niece who was 4 at the time would be ok but once our nephew started crying and trying to run away she got scared. This seems to be the norm with small kiddos and hibachi. 🙁
I love reading your pregnancy updates! Can’t wait to see your bump pictures – so cute!
I need to check out that Fabletics gear…I haven’t been to their website in a while. I’m always looking for an excuse to buy new workout gear 😉
Have a great weekend!
I just have one question… will your pregnancy uniform be returning???!
LOL!!! It already made its glorious comeback! That beautiful gem of a sweatshirt is back in my life!
hahaha thats amazing! long time blog reader, I am so happy for you! but also couldnt stop wondering about that lolol
Our daughter loved hibachi around that age. But i can see how it would depend on the child.
My son did too! He is just under 2, but he was fascinated by the whole thing, completely transfixed. He saw the big flames on another party’s table before we got to that point, so maybe it wasn’t scary because he’d already seen it from a distance? But he definitely loved the whole thing. He didn’t want the chef to leave when he was done cooking!
I always took my children to hibachi from a very young age and they loved it. When my son was small, he really didn’t care for the onion “volcano” but other than that he loved it.
Also loving afternoon tea! I work in an office and legit keep 3 boxes on hand and make a cup every afternoon around 3pm to warm up and relax a little.
I read Lilac Girls earlier this month and I can’t say enough good things. Some parts are understandably a bit emotional and tough to read, but it was incredibly well written.
Julie, first I wanted to tell you my heart was filled with so much joy for for you and your family with your good news. I thank you for sharing your journey with us. You bring me joy each day!
Also, I loved Lilac Girls! I picked it up as an airport read and ended up flipping through the pages. It was such a great, yet real read. I found myself doing lots of research after finishing it! Enjoy your weekend! Hope it’s fun filled with sunshine and smiles.
I have a 10 week old baby girl and during the end of my pregnancy I could not get enough fried rice! Such a random craving!! Congrats on the new little one 🙂
My daughter was about that age when we first brought her to hibachi and she LOVED it!! She’s almost 4 now and we’ve brought her a handful of times. I think once when she was super tired she was not totally into the noise, but otherwise she’s always enjoyed it. I would definitely throw out the warning that you need to eat fast though 😉 once the excitement of the show wears off you don’t really have time to linger.
SO SO excited for you guys, Julie! And hibachi is so much fun! I think Chase will love it 🙂 The only thing that might freak him out for a second is the flames on the grill. My little sister used to duck under the table and cling on to us when that happened but also she loved it! It never hurts to bring a book or somethig to keep them occupied until the chef gets there at the table!
Took our guy this summer at about 3 years 3 Months and he was terrified (!!!) when the whole grill got lit on fire at the beginning and we ended up having to take our food to go and having a picnic outside because he would not unbury his head from my chest… every kid is different so Chase might love it! Ours was scared and then couldn’t bounce back from it and enjoy the rest. Have a great weekend!
I had also heard so many good things about Lilac girls and wanted to love it and, I’m sorry to say, I just didn’t. I know I’m in the minority. The writing didn’t engage me. But, more importantly, it included some very factually accurate details about WWII concentration camps that I just wasn’t expecting. I’ve read so, so many WWII books lately (seems like they are trending!) and I am a little tapped out on them in general. But, this one I just didnt love. I hope you have a different experience with it. I do always love to know what you are reading. I’m currently rereading The American Wife which I love. But, always looking for the next best page turner. Congrats on the pregnancy news!! If you enjoy new little one is even half as cute as a Chase you are in trouble- that little charmer is too cute. I really appreciate the thought you put in to your announcement and the consideration you gave given how your losses have impacted you. It always amazes me how life events change the way we look at things. All the best for you throughout this carb-loving pregnancy.
I loved American Wife as well! That was a great book. You have me interested to see what I will think of Lilac Girls. I’ll definitely report back!
My daughter is 3 and loves hibachi because she loves to eat and there is a constant flow of food going on her plate. I’d say give it a try.
My favorite thing this week is green tea. I am also pregnant and not drinking coffee since it made me sick at the beginning so my hot drink of choice has been green tea.
Question- are you anxious about working out while pregnant? I cannot seem to get myself to do anything other than walk because I am so anxious about messing up my pregnancy.
Just a quick tip, do not wait too long to transition Chase out of the crib if you plan to use it for the new baby. A new baby in the house will be a big adjustment and moving to a new bed is a big adjustment for a toddler. Allow Chase to have a few months to get used to the new bed before his sibling arrives. It will make the transition to both easier. Just advice that was given to me and it worked well for us.
Our son turned two in October, so he is just a couple months younger than Chase. We took him to a hibachi restaurant last weekend with the same reservations as you, but he LOVED it. I’m actually a little concerned with how much he loved watching the fire haha (“more fire, more fire!” he kept saying as tables around us had their meals cooked).
Also, I too am pregnant again and due at the very end of May. Congratulations, I am so so happy for you and have enjoyed following your blog since before Chase. I look forward to reading many more updates I can relate to as these babies continue to grow healthily inside our bodies 🙂
Commenting to say, YES basically the only workout leggings I buy now are high-waisted. I love the security and feel of them!
I’m so excited for the little one on the way!!! CONGRATS, Julie!!
I love cottage cheese with sweet things too- so many people don’t get it!
Though you acknowledge the fact that many could be struggling with the announcement of your pregnancy, does it still mean that every single post of yours is going to mention some aspect of pregnancy now? Because if that’s the case, I will remove your blog from a list of ones I read daily.
Because this blog follows my life, my pregnancy will likely come up naturally in my posts because it really is impacting my life (and my body) in a big way. As I mentioned yesterday, I do plan to limit the number of pregnancy-specific posts/recaps but I do think that based on your comment, it would probably be best for you to take a break from this blog for a while. I absolutely do not want mentioning nausea or a specific craving to set something off in someone and make them feel sad about anything surrounding their current situation and apologize if today’s post was upsetting for you. For me, over the past year, I took a break from reading blogs where women were pregnant for a bit because I knew I needed that for my heart (because sometimes even just seeing a picture of a baby bump was hard for me) and would just check in occasionally rather than reading daily. I totally get it if a break is needed for you. Sending love your way.
Julie, I wanted to comment yesterday how self-LESS you are in constantly mentioning your concern, care and love for all others who may be experiencing pain surrounding pregnancy right now. YOU HAVE BEEN AMAZING IN CONSTANTLY MENTIONING THAT. This is an extremely special time in your life after all you have been through, you should be able to talk about your life on YOUR BLOG! It is your human kindness and spirit that has had me be a follower of your blog for many years. This comment above was brutal and mean spirited and I am sorry you had to read that. Sending you who deserves it so much love. XO
High wasted leggings are life. I feel like they help me keep my core engaged while working out, especially after baby.
I would love to see a post that focuses on core strength post pregnancy. After having my little dude (8 months ago), I feel like my core is weak. I find myself kinda doing the same thing over and over again at the gym which is basically leg lifts and crunches.
My husband and I started bringing our twins to a local hibachi place when they were about that age. We talked them through the whole thing LOL. We were really enthusiastic oohing and ahhing everything and they sort of took our cues and became equally excited. They were clapping and got really into it. When it came to “the big flame show” we sat them on our laps just before and also backed the chairs up a little and whispered that there would be a big fire and that it would be like fireworks and although I felt my son startle a little in my lap I think he still enjoyed it, especially since he was secure on my lap. We’ve been going ever since and as they got older they eventually decided to sit in their own seat and creep a little closer and then finally decided to join in catching the shrimp in their mouths. It’s been fun to watch them grow (they are now 13) and experience these type of things!
so sweet! i think the way you approached it is perfect! if we end up giving it a try with chase, i’ll keep your tips/experience in mind for sure!
High waisted anything…love, love, love. I have a handful of Lululemon pants/crops that I bought before high waisted became a thing and I wish I could replace all of them. Also got a pair of Madewell jeans that are high waisted and it’s all I want to wear!
We took our 2 (in October) year old little girl to a Hibachi restaurant about a month ago, and she was absolutely terrified! She’s a skiddish little think anyways, but this was such a traumatic experience for everyone. It’s the only time that I’ve ever taken her anyways and actually been ashamed of the way she acted. I should have known better.
The 1 thing making me smile this week is that my husband’s commute to work went from 45 minutes to 20 minutes, and he went to DAY SHIFT! So, I no longer feel like a single mama for a 2 year old and 9 month old 4 days a week!
Sounds cheesy, but one thing that made me smile this week was your news. Having struggled ourselves, it brings such joy to see others get that news, too. We included you in our nightly prayers. 🙂 I just started Translating God, a recommendation from one of my best friends and am really enjoying it. Thanks for the instant pot link for the Mac n cheese; my kids will love it! Funny, I was just wondering if anyone used the instant pot just to cook pasta. 🙂
Marie, I appreciate your sweet comment and the fact that you’ve included me in your prayers means more to me than you know. Thank you! <3
We went to Hibachi for my birthday last year and my (just turned)3 year old and 6 year old both loved it. It was actually really fun for the kids. And 1 thing making me smile this week? My husband was nominated for a Grammy so we’re off to New York for that! And huge congratulations to you and your family on the new addition!
Oh my gosh! So exciting! Enjoy NYC and congrats to your husband!
Our 9 month old loves our local hibachi place! The only problem is that they do a big flash of fire at the very beginning which he found a bit scary, but he loved the rest- onion volcano, flying eggs and all. If you’re seated at a table without a lot of other people you can just ask them to try a little flame first and gauge reaction. (For this reason we are huge fans of the 4 pm family dinner out). Overall, though, I think it was easier to get through dinner with a “show” than a regular restaurant, and other families I know (with kids 2+ years old) have said the same thing
We took my son (now 4) to a hibachi restaurant at about that age and he freaked out. He didn’t understand why the fire was so close and the chef kept making it flame up and he cried and shook like I’ve never felt him shake before. Needless to say we haven’t been back!
Julie, I was so happy to hear your news earlier this week!! Congratulations!!
I weirdly grew up on cottage cheese too. Have you ever tried farmer’s cheese? It’s similar, but less curdy (is that a word?) and super soft. When I was growing up, I would mix it with some jam and eat way more of it than was probably good for me 🙂
I’m also super into tea lately! I got a tea press from David’s Tea and I have just been a loose leaf tea monster the last few months. Some of their teas have really amazing health benefits too!!
I haven’t tried farmer’s cheese but you have me intrigued! Where do you find it?
We used to get it at Russian grocery stores, but I’ve seen it recently at Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, and Target. The brand is Lifeway, and I think if you go on their website, you can use their little gadget to find a store that carries a certain product near your zip code!
Lilac Girls was such a great read! Julie- I am so happy for you after reading your blogpost about pregnancy. I had to wait 4 years for my second pregnancy to be successful and was so fortunate to deliver healthy twin babies. Also- I am a pediatrician so I saw newborns on a daily basis and it was so challenging to remain joyful for other families while also hoping for my own miracle. I hope you are feeling fantastic and congrats on your news!
I have to tell you, I came back to work from the doctor on Wednesday, and happened to pull up your blog. I had literally found out 30 minutes beforehand that I miscarried. And then I saw your news! It was definitely bittersweet, but I am SOO happy for you, and I am luckily handling all of this very well, thanks in part to reading your blog. And it’s affirmation that hope is not lost, it just restarts…and hopefully I will have fun news to share someday soon.
My son LOVED the hibachi restaurant when he was around Chase’s age. He was somewhat afraid of the fire at first, but was then intrigued. And he loved the steak. Lots of great interaction, so definitely not drawn out at all. Have fun!
Tracey, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. And the fact that you came here to leave such a kind comment through your pain means so much to me and says so much to me about your heart and your strength. <3 Saying a prayer for you and your precious little one.
I just placed the Lilac Girls ebook on hold at my library and I’m looking at a 23 week wait! It must be a popular book.
Yay so so happy for you 🙂 Also awesome that you got a date night…I’ve been trying for those once a month which as you know is hard with an infant around! So worth it though. What’s your favorite tea? I’ve been loving the Yogi brand Cinnamon vanilla!
My tea collection has expanded a lot recently! I really like ginger tea, peppermint tea, a specific pregnancy and pregnancy wellness tea, roobios red tea, Egyptian licorice mint and chamomile!
I started taking my kiddo to hibachi when she was about a year and she still loves it at 3! It’s fast moving and always something to watch. I say go for it!
I think it almost seems like built-in entertainment that would captivate Chase but I wasn’t sure if it might be too much! Glad to hear you’ve had a great experience!
My new cottage cheese obsession is mixing it with sweet potato and cinnamon for breakfast.
oh!!! i’ve never tried that but it definitely intrigues me!
Our grandchildren loved Hibachi Grills when they were toddlers–sort of a floor show for kids! Just keep Chase far enough from the fire so he doesn’t get scared.
Glad they had a good experience! I do think warning him about the fire and keeping him a decent distance away is key!!
I just started reading Lilac Girls last night and it already has me wanting more!
Glad to hear this!!! Cannot wait to start it!
Hibachi is the perfect kid restaurant!!! They love yo watch what’s going on, it’s entertaining and helps pass the time til the food comes. All 3 of my boys have loved it since my littlest was 1. They’re now 2, 3.5 and 5.
We took my friend’s twin toddlers to a hibachi restaurant–one loved it and one tried to run away lol!
I love myself some afternoon tea! Lately I’ve been super into Tazo Calm Chamomile.
Have fun if you decide to try Hibachi with Chase! I used to make those sweet potatoes all the time, might be the weekend to bring them back.
Is there anything in the calm chamomile to make it different than regular chamomile? I really enjoy chamomile so this flavor piques my interest!
Hm I don’t know if the ingredients are different, but to me this one tastes a little more sweet and floral than some other chamomiles, if that makes sense. I highly recommend!
Thank you! I’ll check it out!
Hm I don’t know if the ingredients are different, but to me this one tastes a little more sweet and floral than some other chamomiles, if that makes sense. I highly recommend!
I just got done reading Lilac Girls and it is so good. Enjoy!
Also, congratulations on your new little one. 🙂
We took my son for the first time last summer when he was almost three. He normally isn’t a fan of noise, but for some reason was mesmerized by the whole thing. He especially loved when he turned the volcano into a choo choo and pushed it steaming along. I’d go early and give it a shot!
Plus he loves fried rice and pink sauce so he was all over it.
Not a fan of cottage cheese but I may have to try doing that to my plain yogurt when I’m looking for a change up. I love high waist pants! All my leggings and skinny jeans are high waisted. My goal this year is to read a book a month so I have writing down the books you really like. Have a great weekend!
Julie, your news has also been a highlight of my week! Praying for you, your little one on the way and family . I’ve been all about the cottage cheese lately, since I was getting tired of greek yogurt. I love putting in a blender with cocoa powder and sugar/stevia. I’ll have to try it with that blackberry sauce and apple butter.
I used to add cocoa powder to my cottage cheese with a bit of honey or maple syrup and don’t know why I got out of the habit. So tasty! Thanks for the reminder. And thank you so, so much for your prayers — I truly appreciate them so much!
Tea & conversation hearts are speaking my love language! I’m not currently pregnant so I can’t sympathize with craving the chalky candy goodness other than they just make me so happy and nostalgic. But I’m also drinking tea cause Seattle is just chilly and wet, so we’ll call that a balance of healthy/hydrating and chalky pastel candy pleasures 🙂
Happy Friday!