Hello and happy, happy Friday!
I will be away all day today participating in day two of training for a 12-week cancer survivor group program that my gym will be offering in October, but I still wanted to pop in this morning and say hi. Yesterday’s training went really well!
It was informative, emotional and inspiring and I’m thrilled that I will be certified to work with cancer survivors and lead a group through the program in the near future. My mom actually went through the same program when she was going through her cancer treatment and has praised it for years, so I am thrilled to be a part of it and hopefully connect with people who are looking to become or remain physically active following a cancer diagnosis.
And now it’s time for the fourth edition of Things I’m Loving Friday!
Things I’m Loving Friday
I forgot to pack And The Mountains Echoed to bring with me to read during my travels to Las Vegas over the weekend and ended up buying Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter to keep me entertained. The book was beautifully written and very intriguing thanks to several different storylines.
- Cotton Candy Grapes
Have you guys tried these yet? Oh my gosh, they really do taste like cotton candy. I’ve been eating them like crazy and they’re my favorite snack to enjoy right after I teach a hot water fitness class. So refreshing and sweet!
If you’re small-chested like me and are on the lookout for a basic bra is that comfortable but gives you a little oomph, I highly recommend this Victoria’s Secret cotton push-up bra. I seem to buy new bras once every billion years (with the exception of sports bras) and I am loving this new addition to my little bra collection. It’s flattering and supportive and I’m a fan!
- “Feel The Love” by Rudimental feat. John Newman
I included this song in the High Energy workout playlist I blogged about earlier this week, but it deserves another shout out. It’s upbeat and energizing. The perfect workout song!
- Girl Time
With all of the weddings, bridal showers and bachelorette parties popping up in my life this year, I’ve been able to enjoy lots of quality time with some of my very best girlfriends. Last weekend’s Las Vegas adventures were ridiculously fun and full of dancing and debauchery, but simply being in the presence of some of my very best friends from college was the best part. I love my high school and college girlfriends so much and though we moved all over the country after graduation, I’m so grateful we’ve stayed close and don’t seem to miss a beat when we get together again. The countdown to Merri’s wedding when I’ll be reunited with my college buddies again is on!
- Bright Colored Nail Polish
Now that September is in full swing, I suppose I should be gravitating toward fall-appropriate nail polish, but I am a sucker for hot pink or bright fuchsia nails! I painted my nails an obnoxious hot pink color for my trip to Vegas and as I removed the polish this week, I felt like I was removing summer along with it. See ya next summer, hot pink polish!
- Cross-body Purses
I absolutely adore cross-body purses. They’re practical and cute and I love that you don’t have to deal with the hassle of a heavy purse on your shoulder or a clutch in your hand.
- A Weekend With No Plans
I am so, so pumped to have a weekend with zero commitments! I just want to soak up quality time with Ryan and Sadie and relax! I love my little family and enjoy low-key time at home, so I’m really looking forward to a laidback weekend.
Past Things I’m Loving Friday posts:
Question of the Morning
- What is something you’re loving lately?
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Those flavored fruits freak me out. Aren’t grapes already grape flavored?
I agree about the grapes! Keep fruit pure, it’s already good. It frightens me to think of all the chemicals it took to make them “better”.
There is no artificial flavoring or genetic engineering to make these grapes. It’s actually just a hybrid of two types of grapes, so they are safe. The creator is actually bringing back the pure taste of the grape. Grapes in general have been modified so much to withstand shipping and packaging that we have lost a lot of that “grape” flavor.
I love a weekend with no plans too!
That is so great that you will be able to work with cancer survivors it sounds like such an inspiring yet rewarding thing to do.
I’m loving catching up on tv shows I haven’t finished watching like Gossip Girl. I’m loving that it is now Spring here in Australia and the weather is getting nicer. I’m also loving having time to just read, blog and relax again after a very busy work project that has just finished 🙂
Congrats on finishing such a big project! I’m sure that feels great! 🙂
I’m loving that the weather is staying warm into September. I don’t want it to end! I envy you Floridians during the winter! 🙂
Have a great weekend!
What an awesome program to take part in! And I’m not so sure about these cotton candy grapes, why/how do they taste like cotton candy? Haha makes me nervous
I want to try those cotton candy grapes! I’m loving seeing my friends at school this week 🙂
I have never heard of cotton candy grapes, I never would have even dreamed that up. Definitely something I must try!
I was never a fan of cross body bags until I went to Italy this summer. I am forever converted, they are the most practical thing on the planet, and cute to boot!
Those cotton candy grapes are so cool! I’ve never heard of them! Lately I have been loving fall fashion in general – chambray tops, cheetah print flats, love it all! Oh, and food wise I have been all about green smoothies for breakfast! Gotta sneak those veggies in somewhere! 😉
I love the idea of that training, what a great way to use your knowledge for an even better cause! 🙂
Those cotton candy grapes look really good! Can you get them at Publix?
Yes!
Can someone pls tell me what happened to the Pb book club?
It’s on hold right now so I can read some books I’ve been wanting to read but I plan to bring it back soon!
Yay! I’ve been missing it – I found one of my favorite authors through the bookclub (Sarah Jio). 😀
What a great training you’re doing! That has to be so inspiring. I am really loving the approach of fall weather and the return of Hocus Pocus!!! I am such a sucker for ABC Family in the fall…
I just wore a cross-body purse for the first time this week…. well, since 6th grade that is. 🙂 I’m glad you liked that book. I almost picked it up the last time I was in an airport, but I cheaped out and get a magazine instead. ha
I’m loving that my youngest dog can be trusted to run off of her leash when we go out! She LOVES being able to frolic, but she is very conscious of where I am all the time. My oldest dog is a flight risk, so he has to stay on the leash. Oh, fur children.
Cross-body purses are my fave! I rocked one this summer and the color is too summery for me to carry in the fall, so I have to find one for the fall! It’s like you don’t have a purse on because your hands are free. I lovvvve them!
I just wanted to pop in and say I finished And the Mountains Echoed last month and it was SO GOOD I almost cried when it was over (something I rarely do), because it was just that good. You’re in for a treat!
I’ve been loving that I got to go swimming in the pool one more time the other day before we close it up for the season.
I am all about the cross body bag. I can’t remember the last time I had an under the arm bag! I need to find those grapes too! They are all over the internet but nowhere to be found in the grocery store 🙁
Cotton candy grapes?! I have never heard of such a thing. I’ve heard of grape apples (grapples) but that’s about it. And I’ve never tried them just seen them at the store. It kind of freaks me out a bit to know what they put in them to make them taste that way…but they do sound good.
And I’ve also been a huge fan of the bright nails lately. Even if it is almost Fall and I see darker colors being used more frequently.
I discovered cross-body purses while living in Europe a few years ago, and I still love them whenever I plan to be walking/sightseeing a lot. It was in Europe, too, that my roommate introduced me to PBF! I fell in love, was inspired to start my own blog, and now 2 years later I am a full-time freelance writer. It was high time I broke the silence and said thanks – you literally changed my life from a little spare room in the south of France 🙂 You rock!!
I couldn’t agree more with you about bright nail polishes! I have a strong feeling that I will continue to be wearing bright polishes all the way through winter 😉 And yay for girl time!! It really is the best, sometimes you just need to vibe off each other. I absolutely love me some free time to do absolutely nothing! That’s exactly what I’ll be doing this weekend, well with the exception of a few things, but it will still be relaxing 🙂 Enjoy your weekend 🙂
A weekend with no plans can be so relaxing and enjoyable 🙂 Have a great weekend spending time with your family and I LOVE bright nail polish too! I think mine need an update today 🙂
I’m in the midst of reading Beautiful Ruins now — great read so far!
Have a wonderful weekend!
I got my nails done last week and I always always always get this one HOT pink gel color. The nail lady told me, “oh, no hot pink for you today… it’s fall… you can have it back again next summer” hahah so I went for a burgundy. I couldn’t believe the nail lady took away my favorite polish! (even though it was really still available, obviously). I guess it really is time to make the switch!
I want to try those grapes, but I think my husband would kill me if I bought them haha. He likes things to be the way they “should” be. Like a chocolate chip cookie shouldn’t have any extra, fun ingredients in it. And grapes should just be grapes. 😉
A weekend with no plans is exciting in a strange way–so many possibilities, including the possibility to do absolutely nothing if you want! Being able to work with cancer patients will be rewarding and probably make you appreciate everything so much more. Also, thanks for the bra suggestion. I’m in need of a new one.
Those grapes sound awesome!!!
I am loving bright nail polish too!
Your Friday posts! They remind me to take a moment and be thankful and grateful for small things and not focus on the stress and monotony of school and work. So, thanks, Julie!
I’ve never even heard of those grapes!? Seems a little sketchy but I know I’d probably like them 😉 I love VS push up bras! I accidently bought one too big and and had already worn it before I took the time to realize, “Oops, this does NOT fit”. So now I’m stuck.. 🙁 It’ll come in handy later in life though!
I felt the same way with my nail polish. I bought one of the new Essie fall colors at Target and took off my Shocking Pink for the last time 🙁 Why can’t neon nails be forever? And I need to find a good bra for myself. I’m an official member of the IBTC.
i saw those grapes at wegmans the other week! but they were like $7 for a bag and that was just a lil too much for me 😉 i’m loving sleeping in! i took today off as kinda a mental health day and it has been glorious so far!
My Mom is also a breast cancer survivor and was recently diagnosed with bone cancer. I would love the name of the program you are working on. I’d like to see if they offer it up here in Nebraska!
I love using bright fuchsia nail polish all year round, especially on my toes! I find it helps to brighten up the dreary winter days.
I can’t live without a crossbody purse. I bought two in Florence. I don’t leave home without one or the other!
Cotton candy grapes!?! No way!?! That’s genius. I need to look for these in the store! I’ve had that book on my reading list for a while. I’m excited to read it sometime soon and glad you’re enjoying it!
I need to look for the cotton candy grapes. I would love to try them.
Vneck workout tees from gap body. They’re moisture wicking but look almost like a cute regular T.
This sounds like an incredibly inspiring program and I can’t wait to read more!
I have been looking for cotton candy grapes EVERYWHERE.
I’m really loving spaghetti squash these days. Made up a new cheesy recipe and it’s delicious!
I keep hearing about cotton candy grapes but I haven’t seen them anywhere yet! What I’m loving lately-figs! I only recently realized that they’re way cheaper at the farmer’s market.
I’m right there with you on loving a weekend without plans! I feel like I’ve been on the go all summer and am thrilled at the prospect of relaxing, catching up and spending time around my house this weekend.
Ok, I own a few of those VS bras, and they are THE BEST! So comfy 🙂 That training sounds awesome! Can’t wait to hear more about it!!
target has REALLY good (and cheap!) push-up bras!
Hot pink nail polish is for every season! I’m loving the once-a-year treat of the latest Kathy Reichs novel, cooler mornings for running, fresh tomatoes from my garden, and my own unplanned weekend.
Cotton candy grapes? I would totally try those. One thing I’m loving today is this chocolate and coconut chia and flax seed mix. I just tried it in a smoothie today and I’m in love!
I’m loving that I found your blog last week! I’ve been lurking for a few days now 🙂
Cotton Candy Grapes?!?! I must find these 🙂 I’m loving making pumpkin everything ~ oatmeal, smoothies, cookies, etc. 🙂
Your gym has some amazing programs! I also want to know more about these cotton candy grapes – did you buy these at a regular grocery store? I’m definitely adding them to my grocery list!
I am currently reading “Beautiful Ruins” and I’m not sure how I feel about it. I am intrigued, though, about what happens in Porto Vergogna that makes Pasquale come to LA in search of Dee and causes such a reaction from Michael Deane. I’m only 97 pages into it, so I think I’ll stick with it. 🙂
I love cross body purses too! Lately, I’ve been using a diaper bag as such, but I love the purses too. I’ve been wanting to try the cotton candy grapes forever now and I can’t find them in Denver anymore.
I first came across cotton candy grapes while on vacation in CA in July. They were offered at a farmer’s market – they are hybrid ……..farmers breed together several different types of wild grapes. Hybrid is not the same as GMO. The issue is finding some that are organically grown so you don’t have to worry about pesticides getting through the skin.
That’s So cool that you are going to be working with cancer survivors! And I absolutely love cross body purses. They’re so cute and functional 😉