I don’t think I’ve been this happy it’s Friday in a while. It’s almost vacation time, baby! I am so ready for a weekend away with Ryan and cannot wait to relax, explore and soak up quality time with my favorite person. I will definitely miss Sadie though and I feel like she senses we’re leaving soon because she decided to be extra cute and cuddly in bed this morning. (When it comes to me being pregnant, Sadie is clueless, but when it comes to us leaving her, she can smell it from a mile away.)
A weekend vacation on the horizon is, without a doubt, what I’m loving most today, but it wouldn’t be your usual Things I’m Loving Friday post if we stopped there! It’s time to share a little more about what we’re all loving most this week and I’ll kick things off below.
Feel free to participate in the comments section of this post! I always love reading about what’s making you smile every week!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
This book is a great summer read! I finished it on Wednesday night and was thoroughly entertained the whole time. The Husband’s Secret centers around a letter Cecelia finds from her husband containing his darkest secret that says it’s only to be opened upon his death. She finds the letter while he’s still living and from that point on, the book is filled with twists and turns that make it a very intriguing read. I previously enjoyed Liane Moriarty’s What Alice Forgot and just ordered Big Little Lies off Amazon, so I’m looking forward to diving into another one of her books soon! (And thanks to your recommendations, I’m also planning to borrow The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins from my mom ASAP.)
If you love a cappella as much as I do (or even if you think it’s “just okay”), you must listen to this rendition of “Chandelier” by Twisted Measure, a co-ed a cappella group from Elon University. Rachel emailed me a link to this video and I’m pretty sure I blasted it throughout our house four times before 7 a.m. this morning. It’s gorgeous.
- Talenti Caramel Apple Pie Gelato
I feel like this gelato flavor should be renamed Snickerdoole because it reminds me of the most incredibly delicious Snickerdoodle cookie. It’s creamy and packed with wonderful cinnamon flavor. This teeny pint didn’t stand a chance in our house this week and, between me and Ryan, was easily inhaled in one sitting. It’s so darn tasty and I think it would be fabulous paired with a hot slice of apple pie for a fabulous summertime dessert. Just had to share this one for my fellow ice cream lovers out there!
- My Latest LE TOTE Delivery
A few weeks ago, I blogged about my first delivery from LE TOTE (<— affiliate link!) that the company sent me to try and I ended up signing on for another couple months of the service because I thought it was great. (FYI, they’re apparently launching maternity wear soon, too. Love this!) Well, my second tote ended up being awesome and I wore three of the five items to a cook out with friends last Sunday, including a flowy navy dress, feathery gold necklace and gold cuff bracelet. I’m not ready to send this tote back just yet because I’m hoping to wear the dress and jewelry again and still need to wear the skirt and green top I received, but it was a great delivery.
- ESPN’s 30 for 30 Documentaries
If you have Netflix and love documentaries, I highly recommend ESPN’s 30 for 30 series. The documentary series features 30 films from some of today’s finest directors and focuses on issues, trends, athletes, teams, rivalries, games and events that transformed the sports landscape from 1979 to 2009. Though I’m not the biggest sports fan who ever lived, I really love these documentaries because they’re so much more than just a story about sports. (‘The Two Escobars’ is the documentary that initially hooked me, if you’re looking for a place to start.)
- Jimmy John’s Pickles
GIANT pickles from Jimmy John’s are speaking straight to my heart right now. Ryan brought one home for me the other day and I’ve been dying to go back and get another one ever since. (Yes, I realize I am a walking pregnancy stereotype right now.)
- Blueberry Lemon Almond Crunch
This snack = So delicious! I initially tried these almonds when my buddies at CVS sent me a bag, but I’ve since bought two more bags and cannot get enough. Nuts (and almonds, specifically) are one of my favorite grab-and-go snacks and the refreshing lemon flavor in this crunchy treat is so unique and offers the perfect pop of sweetness when I’m craving something sweet and tangy. It’s just a little challenging not to eat the whole bag in one sitting!
For my fellow White Plum fans: White Plum is offering an awesome giveaway on their site right now! One winner will receive a free summer wardrobe worth $1,200! The giveaway is open through June 8 and you can enter here. Happy shopping!
A couple of weeks ago, I worked on a delicious recipe development project for SheKnows and Ryan and I fell in love with these barbeque chicken tacos! Below you will find a little preview of the post and you may find the entire recipe here.
Tacos are an almost-weekly dinnertime staple in our house.
My husband Ryan and I love experimenting with various taco recipes and will often veer away from traditional tacos in favor of something new like Thai-inspired tacos with peanut sauce or fresh fish tacos with mango salsa.
With summer right around the corner, Ryan will inevitably want to start throwing barbecue sauce on top of everything, so earlier this week, I decided to beat him to it and created a new-to-us taco recipe that included tangy barbecue chicken. Hello, barbecue chicken tacos!
This recipe came together in no time at all and was a huge hit in our house. It’s one I’d feel confident serving if a group of friends came over for dinner this summer because when you pair slightly sweet and tangy barbecue sauce with creamy ranch dressing, you cannot go wrong! (Click here for the full recipe!)
- Interior Define + OGX Beauty Giveaway Winners
Congratulations to Ali N. and Nicole, the winners of the Interior Define and OGX Beauty giveaways! Both winners were emailed first thing this morning. (Also, I absolutely loved reading your giveaway entries on the OGX Beauty giveaway. Your stories about the last time you felt like a bad ass were awesome. Love you guys!) Thank you so much to all who entered the giveaways!
Question of the Day
- Share one thing you’re loving this week below!
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Disclaimer: I’m proud to partner with CVS/pharmacy as one of the “Gold Emblem Abound Trail Makers” this year and am being sponsored by CVS/pharmacy for my Trail Makers posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers. Thank you, as always, for your kindness and support!
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I am loving that today is the last day of school because the kids are over it just as much as the teachers and staff. AND tomorrow is my 30th birthday and I am actually stoked about it! Bring on a new decade!
Happy, happy birthday, Sabrina! <3
Don’t be ashamed about the pickle obsessions – I’m 16 weeks pregnant and can’t get enough! Jersey Mikes pickles are my ish right now!! I could eat 100! 🙂 Have a great vacation!!
I’m not pregnant and I love Jimmie Johns pickles… I think I might be the one with a problem! haha!
Happy weekend– have a great time on your trip!
They’re waaaay too good!
I’m loving that I’m traveling to New York this weekend to visit a college friend that I haven’t seen in two years!
Hope you have so much fun!!!
I hope you like What Alice Forgot! I read that and Husband’s Secret last year–enjoyed Alice more than HS. And yay for 30 for 30! I went to SMU and really like the one about our football program, Pony Excess. It’s so well done.
Yay Twisted Measure! I’m an Elon grad myself, it’s awesome to them getting so much attention 🙂
They are SO talented!!!
that gelatto flavor sounds incredible! somehow i’ve missed that one previously….
I’m loving that it’s finally my friend baby shower tomorrow!! Can’t wait to shower her with gifts, food, and a fantastically fun day!! 🙂 🙂
Congratulations to your friend! Sounds like it will be a wonderful shower!
I think I may have saw that book at Target, I remember seeing it and it making me very curious what it was about! I’ll have to add it to my booklist! And yum! That blueberry almond crunch looks so good! Have a great weekend with Ryan!
I loved my trip to Florida, which as of yesterday, sadly, is over. Have fun on your vacay! Hope you have some good LE TOTE clothing in your bag to wear. I love that service and need to sign back up.
I just started the Husband’ Secret and have been enjoying it. I also liked What Alice Forgot and Big Little Lies.
I love 30 for 30. Here are some of my favorites: The U, Pony Excess, Roll Tide/War Eagle, Brian and The Boz – it appears I am college football biased 🙂 I need to check out The Two Escobars.
Have a great weekend!!
I liked The U, too!! We actually almost watched Brian and The Boz last night… I’m sure I’ll check it out soon!
Yay-glad you liked Husband’s Secret.:) Big Little Lies, I thought, was even slightly better! I’ve liked all of Moriarty’s books, they’re so great at pulling you in the whole time for sure!
A thing making me happy is the fact that we close on our home next week. Hello packing all weekend!
Have such a fun trip!
Oh I am sure that’s such a relief! Good luck with the move!!
That gelato is the bomb! The salted caramel is to die for!
I had that video of Chandelier on my page today too, it blew my mind! That gelato sounds freaking amazing, too. It’s super hot out today, so any kind of cold dessert is pretty necessary right now.
Have fun on your weekend getaway! I went on two trips this month, so now I’m just excited to stay in one place for a couple days and veg out!
I’m loving Andalou Naturals Vanishing Gel. A zit’s worst enemy and all natural!
Have fun on vacation!
Did you watch the 30 for 30 about Randy Moss? Admittedly it hooked me more because he played for my Alma Mater, but I thought it was one of the best ones for sure. It’s so interesting to see the other side of the story, because so many people think he’s a “thug” or whatever, but to see what he went through growing up and once he became famous really makes everything he did make sense.
I’ll definitely check it out. Haven’t see that one yet!
I just finished “Girl on the Train” and was really disappointed. I didn’t feel like it lived up to its hype at all. I feel like the twists of “Gone Girl” ruined the genre for me…nothing else is quite as good!
We’re having a BBQ this weekend with friends and it’s the first weekend that actually feels like summer! The sun is shining and it’s supposed to get near 80*! I’m pumped!
I just downloaded the Husbands Secret a couple days ago and I’m looking forward to starting it asap! I adore the 30 for 30 series- I’m huge sports fan but I think you’re totally right that you don’t need to be a big fan to enjoy the series! Enjoy your vacay 🙂
I am so excited for you guys! Have an amazing mini vacation!!
My husband is obsessed with those espn documentaries!!
This week I am loving long walks after work! The weather has been really nice in MO and not too hot 🙂 Although today it is raining with a high of 68? It’s fine.
I am also loving that my husband and I have planned a super relaxing weekend of no plans (yes, we planned to have no plans HA!) I predict a lot of walks and maybe some hiking and then movie nights in! Possibly pizza 🙂
No plan plans are some of my favorites! 🙂
I breezed through The Husband’s Secret – SO good! I loved it. 30 for 30 is great – it’s my go-to when I can’t find anything to watch. I don’t know if you have tried the Sea Salt and Caramel Talenti but it is my absolute favorite!! I’m excited to hear all about your weekend getaway! Hope you have an amazing time!! : )
Right now I am loving a smoothie that I was inspired to make from one of your posts a little while back! Some peanut butter and cocoa powder mixed into a fruit smoothie does something preeeeeeeetty amazing…
I loved The Husbands Secret and Big Little Lies! I haven’t read What Alice Forgot, so maybe I’ll read that next…I’m currently reading The Girl On The Train, and it’s great so far!
I’m also loving that my niece is graduating from University today! I can’t help tearing up every time I think about it. I’ve watched her grow up from the time she was a little baby, to the beautiful, young woman she is today:) Happy Convocation to my little Maggie Mugg’ns!!
I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing getaway!
Aw! The love you have for your niece is so apparent in this comment. So sweet! Congrats to her!
That gelato!!!! I’m acting as a “model” and am having makeup done this morning – I love having makeup done!
When I was pregnant I ate so many pickles. Everyone always made fun of me, but I tried to explain I just REALLY like pickles!
I just finished Big Little Lie’s and really enjoyed it, I am going to have to add the Husbands Secret to my list!
My boyfriend is in Twisted Measure and I’m a proud Elon alum! They are all so talented and I’m so happy for them to get the recognition they deserve. Truly unbelievable.
I knew this was going viral and wondered if the a capella lover in you would pick up on it!
Last night I made Coconut Crusted Turkey Patties for the first time using this website’s recipe.
http://cherryblossomkitchen.com/coconut-crusted-chicken-patties-paleo-whole30/
You wouldn’t think that coconut and ground turkey meat would be a winning flavor combination but it turned out really well and the subtle coconut flavor was delicious! Definitely a keeper in my books!
That’s so crazy! I actually read What Alice Forgot a couple months ago because of your recommendation of it. I enjoyed it so I read The Husband Secret and Big Little Lies shortly after. I really liked Big Little Lies!
Yay for it almost being vacation time!! I just got a under your desk spin bike for my office and I’m loving it but man I’m working up a sweat! Happy Friday!
Too weird – I just watched my first 30 for 30 documentary last weekend! I am not a HUGE sports fan either, but it was so cool to see the backstory about something in sports. Definitely going to check more of them out!
I hope you and Ryan have an excellent vacation filled with lots of fun and relaxation! I’m a huge fan of Liane Moriarty’s books and think she is one of the best authors out there! The book, The Girl on the Train was a very unique one, I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts on it!
YES, JJ’s pickles are amazing! I’m pregnant too and have been eating there about once a week just so I can get a pickle!
I just picked up “The Girl on the Train” and plan to start it today – I’ve heard a lot of great things about it! Have you read any of Lisa Genova’s books? I’d highly recommend them, especially “Still Alice” and “Left Neglected.”
Hope you enjoy every minute of your vacation!!
I haven’t but I’ll definitely check them out! Thanks for the recs!
You’re the fourth blog that mentioned the a capella song! It must be REALLY good. I absolutely love a capella, and I’m going to see Pentatonix in concert soon! Can’t wait 🙂 Also, I’m in the middle of The Husband’s Secret and love it…just finished Girl on the Train! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did 🙂 Enjoy your vacation!
So jealous you get to see Pentatonix live! I’ve honestly stalked their Facebook page telling them they MUST come to Charlotte. I’m still waiting… 🙂
I didn’t care for the girl on the train. I pretty much hated all of the characters especially the one that dies.
I loved big little lies though. Even more than what Alice forgot.
I’m really enjoying the book I’m reading now which is surprising because it was free: dying for a living
I’m also loving spending quality time with family and watching the babies play together. Loving our video monitor so I can hear baby crying while I’m exercising
I’m loving that I am running the San Diego Rock n Roll Half Marathon this weekend and the weather has stayed overcast so far! Hoping for cool weather on Sunday. Hubs and I are staying in San Diego for another mini vacation as well! Have a fun weekend away!
That gelato looks incredible! And I”m putting the Husband’s Secret on my summer reading list, for sure!
Talenti Salted Caramel Gelato is the bomb! Give that one a try too. Have fun on your trip!
I haven’t seen that one! Definitely keeping my eye out!
I’m reading Big Little Lies right now….the beginning was a little slow but now that I’m about a 1/4th into it I am hooked!
I just put The Girl on the Train on hold at my library – I keep seeing it pop up on blogs so I think its a must read! I still have to read The Husband Secret’s too.
I am looking forward to getting in some time outdoors this weekend and having a date night with the boyfriend. Happy Friday!
OMG that cover = instant chills!!
I know!!! They’re incredible.
I picked up My Husband’s Secret last week and I can’t wait to dive into it! I really liked What Alice Forgot and this one sounded so good.
What happened to the monthly book club you used to do on the blog? I miss that! I always got so many book ideas from it and it pushed me to get through some books a little faster so I could pick up the next one.
I’m loving LeTote too! I wasn’t really into Stitch Fix but LeTote is awesome. Also loving the smell of honeysuckle bushes around here when I walk my dog and feeding my baby boy kick!
I am loving the Charlotte area! We went on vacation to Charleston for Memorial Day Weekend (we go every year!) and stopped by Charlotte on our way home. My boyfriend lived there for 5 years, so it’s on our list to move to once we are done with DC in a few years! We had lunch at Port City Club on Lake Norman and it was adorable!
I’ve been dying to try that restaurant after hearing good things! So glad you enjoyed your time in Charlotte! 🙂
Happy Friday! You’ll like Big Little Lies. Seriously, all of her books are so good! Have you ever read Elin Hilderbrand? She is another one of my favorites. Great beach reading. This week I’m loving the show Married at First Sight. It’s so fascinating and not like your average reality show. I’ve been catching up on all the episodes online. Such a guilt pleasure 😉 Have a wonderful vacation!!
I’ve heard so much about The Husband’s Secret- I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks for the 30 For 30 recommendation! I love Netflix documentaries and can never decide what to watch next. Have a fantastic weekend!
that gelato is amazing! i’m in the middle of any phoelers book, you should check it out next if you haven’t already
Julie!! I’m a long time reader — moving to charlotte in 8 weeks for my husbands job eeeek. Do you know what areas are good for 20 something newly weds?! Was thinking about dilworth area but would love to be near water! I’m a nurse practitioner so I can really work anywhere. I don’t personally know anyone in CLT, but have my sister in Greensboro and she isn’t too sure about which areas are best!
Let me know what you guys think of Dilworth?! Thank youuuuu
I have been loving unsweet tea lately! I have always been a sweet tea gal my whole life being raised in the south but pregnancy does crazy things to your tastebuds!!