Things I’m Loving Friday #371

It’s going to be a H-O-T one in Charlotte this weekend! Apparently we’re taking a brief reprieve from our beautiful spring weather and diving into summer with temperatures in the upper 80s this weekend. We are actually pretty darn psyched about this because this means we’ll be spending a lot of time on the boat! I highly doubt I’ll be swimming because I’m such a baby about cold water and the lake isn’t nearly warm enough for me yet but I know we won’t be able to keep our boys out of the water and I always get so much joy from seeing them splash and swim.

I’m looking forward to unplugging a bit over the next few days and I hope to see ya back here on Monday. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy today’s roundup of Friday favorites! Enjoy your weekend, my friends!

Things I’m Loving Friday 

• W3LL PEOPLE Multi-Use Cream Stick (Rose)

W3LL PEOPLE Multi-Use Cream Stick was an impulse addition to a recent Thrive Market order and my first impression when it arrived was that it was tiiiny. I imagined a much larger stick of makeup but, upon first use, my negative first impression evaporated and I fell in love BIG TIME.

I’ve tried other cream blushes/lip balm combos from clean beauty brands in the past and always felt like they didn’t rub into my skin well and looked almost clown-ish no matter how much effort I put into blending. This stick is the total opposite and has the most natural look and a stunningly perfect soft pink color. I love it for adding a pop of sun-kissed color to my cheekbones and a little bit of pink to my lips. I apply it after my primer + ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint (another new fav!) and it blends perfectly into my skin. This combo ends up giving me a dewy look that feels light and fresh for summertime.

• Pillow Slipper Slides

When I saw these pillow slipper slides on an Instagram ad, I fell for them hook, line and sinker. They looked all kinds of comfortable and since my feet have become increasingly sensitive to our hardwood floors, I thought they’d be perfect for wearing around the house during the warmer months. At $16 (including shipping) I figured I didn’t have much to lose so I ordered pair and ohhh my gosh are they awesome! After the initial what in the heck are these things moment I had after I slipped them on, I did a lap around our kitchen and knew they were keepers. They’re plush and comfortable while still feeling supportive and substantial underneath my feet. You better believe I’ll be wearing these ridiculous things non-stop!

• Electronics Cord Organizer Case

File this under things I never knew I needed! I ordered this cord organizer bag after our last trip to Florida because I found myself feeling stressed out by the mess of cords jammed into my bag thanks to all of our chargers and electronics. Between baby monitors, noise machines, my phone, Kindle and laptop, there are a lot of cords that need to be packed anytime our family goes somewhere. This handy little case is perfect for keeping everything untangled and organized.

• The Huntress by Kate Quinn

As I’ve said on the blog before, historical fiction is my favorite genre to read and after reading all of her novels, I think it’s safe to say Kate Quinn is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. I love the way she often weaves true stories of forgotten people into her stories previously devoured The Alice Network and The Rose Code. My hopes for The Huntress were high! It was another winner and while The Huntress was a rather long book, I was fully engaged the entire time and I never felt like the story dragged. The three main characters — Nina, Ian and Jordan — were all so different and interesting.

From Amazon: Bold and fearless, Nina Markova always dreamed of flying. When the Nazis attack the Soviet Union, she risks everything to join the legendary Night Witches, an all-female night bomber regiment wreaking havoc on the invading Germans. When she is stranded behind enemy lines, Nina becomes the prey of a lethal Nazi murderess known as the Huntress, and only Nina’s bravery and cunning will keep her alive.

Transformed by the horrors he witnessed from Omaha Beach to the Nuremberg Trials, British war correspondent Ian Graham has become a Nazi hunter. Yet one target eludes him: a vicious predator known as the Huntress. To find her, the fierce, disciplined investigator joins forces with the only witness to escape the Huntress alive: the brazen, cocksure Nina. But a shared secret could derail their mission unless Ian and Nina force themselves to confront it.

Growing up in post-war Boston, seventeen-year-old Jordan McBride is determined to become a photographer. When her long-widowed father unexpectedly comes homes with a new fiancée, Jordan is thrilled. But there is something disconcerting about the soft-spoken German widow. Certain that danger is lurking, Jordan begins to delve into her new stepmother’s past—only to discover that there are mysteries buried deep in her family . . . secrets that may threaten all Jordan holds dear.

In this immersive, heart-wrenching story, Kate Quinn illuminates the consequences of war on individual lives, and the price we pay to seek justice and truth. 

• Friday Flashbacks 

Ryan’s Go-To Burger Recipe (A favorite in our house, especially during the spring and summer months!)

Cold Quinoa Salad (aka the only way Ryan actually likes quinoa!)

Question of the Day 

What is one thing you’re loving this week?