Hello and happy Friday!
I think Geico needs to come up with a Friday commercial that rivals their Hump Day commercial. Nothing gets me more excited than yelling, “Whoot! Whoot!” in a high pitched voice or “Hump Daaay! Yeah!” like the camel on Wednesday mornings. Friday is already a stellar day, but imagine how fabulous it would be if we had a hilarious talking animal to imitate every Friday? Get on it, Geico.
Since it’s Friday and my mind is all over the place, I figured a roundup post that touched on some of the things I’m loving lately would be fun. If I tried talking about breakfast today, I’m pretty sure this post would turn into a bunch of tangents anyway, so let’s stick with somewhat of a theme, shall we?
Feel free to play along and share some of your recent loves in the comments section of this post!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Target Up & Up Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
Ever since my beloved Dove Energy Glow lotion was discontinued, I’ve been on the lookout for a quality build-a-tan lotion that adds a touch of color to my skin without a funky smell. I wanted one that moisturized my skin and didn’t leave behind orange streaks. I loved the feel of this lotion right away and noticed that my skin looked slightly more tan after using it daily for about a week. Now it’s my go-to daily lotion and I’m loving it!
My friend Leah first told me about StitchFix (<—affiliate link!) and then I saw it pop up all over the place! For those of you in the dark about StitchFix, it’s a personal styling service. You fill out a questionnaire about your clothing and accessory preferences and budget and a stylist mails you a box of five items that they think you will like. You can keep everything or mail it back (minus a $20 styling fee that can be applied toward any of the items if you choose to keep something).
I signed up months ago, but I didn’t place an order until last week, though I thought everything I saw people receive from the company was adorable. Gina finally convinced me to give it a try and I received my first “Fix” on Monday. Since shopping options in Ocala are limited (I buy most of my stuff at TJMaxx or online), this was a treat! I’m still trying to figure out what I’m going to keep and what I’m going to return (I love the skinny jeans and sheer blouse), but I thought the whole concept was a lot of fun. Bonus points for the fun style cards that come with each item to inspire you!
- Ulta Nail Polish Remover Pads
I bought these two weeks ago to bring with my on my recent trip to California and Colorado. I didn’t have time to get a manicure before Michaela’s wedding and knew I wanted to remove the bright purple nail polish I was sporting before her big day so I could re-paint my nails a more appropriate light pink color. After one use, I fell in love with these nail polish remover pads. One pad took all the nail polish off my nails!
Hallelujah! A water bottle that Sadie will actually drink out of on a hot day! Whenever Ryan and I take Sadie hiking, we always bring water bottles and try to get her to drink from them when she’s panting like crazy. We’ve tried pouring the water into our hands or directly into her mouth, but she would always back up and act uninterested despite the fact that we knew she needed water. Enter the Gulpy Pet Water Dispenser! This water bottle holds water and when you squeeze it, the bottle dispenses water into a little dish that is attached.
Apparently Sadie is a princess and needs a bowl or a dish to drink her water. The Gulpy finally got her to drink up!
- Weddings
This year really is the year of the weddings for me and Ryan and I just love it! Weddings bring the people we love the most together and I am so excited for the three weddings we have coming up in September and October.
I know I’ve blogged about this hilariously unattractive (yet somehow cute?) dog before, but pictures of Tuna’s overbite are my absolute favorite. Whenever a picture of Tuna pops up on Instagram I cannot help but crack up and smile. He’s the best and kind of reminds me of Stimpy from Ren and Stimpy. Anyone else remember that show? (I actually hated Ren and Stimpy… I was way more into Doug.)
Remember when I bought the wand? As it turns out, I cannot operate that thing at all and decided to throw in the towel after a handful of attempts. (I’m hoping my friend Brittney can give me an in-person tutorial soon.) Anyway, when I went to Ulta for the nail polish remover pads, I started talking to one of the stylists about how my hair won’t hold curl when curled with a curling iron and yet it will when I curl it with a straightener. She asked me about the curling iron I typically use and when I told her it was a super-old Conair curling iron that I’ve had since high school, she advised upgrading to one that gets really hot. I left with a Hot Tools 1’’ curling iron and have used it three times with good results!
- Sparkling Water
I’ve always been a fan of sparkling water, but lately my love for it has kicked up a notch. It’s so refreshing and I can’t get enough! I blame the ridiculous Florida heat.
- EOS Lip Balm
Even though this lip balm makes me feel really awkward when I put it on (the shape is super strange), it makes my lips feel so soft and is my go-to lip balm on a day-to-day basis.
- Pluots
Ever since I first tried a pluot in Los Angeles last week, I’ve been eating, on average, two a day. They are so good!
Question of the Morning
- What is one thing you’re loving lately?
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I tried pluots for the first time this week! So good…I have no idea how they’ve slipped under my radar until now!
I have been on the lookout for a new curling iron lately, so maybe I’ll give Hot Tools a try! 🙂 I also have a curling wand and it took me quite a few attempts and watching several tutorials on YouTube before I could figure out how to use it. It does take me a long time to style my hair with it, though, and being in college, I just don’t find it worth the time and effort for getting ready for class in the morning, so I hardly ever use it.
Lately I have been loving anything mint colored: clothes, accessories, nail polish, and I just bought a mint colored phone case last week. Love it!
I’m loving Dove milk chocolates after my lunch and dinner, an occasional glass of wine after Addie goes down to sleep, and her glorious sound machine that allows her to get 11 hours of sleep at night haha! 😉 Oh, and Big Brother. Love that show!
I’m loving INSTAGRAM right now. I am obsessed. I did your burning legs and ab workout yesterday. So sore, but it’s a good sore!!
Apple Cider Vinegar…..My husband thinks I’ve lost my mind, but it has many benefits. I drink 1 tbsp. before breakfast and before bed. I use it as a toner for my face. I have even diluted with water and put it in my hair 🙂
Haha, the EOS lip balm is awkwardly shaped but I agree with you, it’s awesome! I don’t think I ever make it through Ulta without picking one up. I hear you on the sparkling water, Tallahassee is brutal this time of year and I need anything refreshing to help me out!
I have been LOVING ALT bars. The Pumpkin Pie flavor is sooooo yummy and has me so pumped for fall!
I was literally eating a tuna lettuce wrap when Tuna the Dog popped up and I almost choked laughing!!
We got my friend’s new pup that doggie water bottle and he likes to drink from it on the go. Score!
i am loving tetley’s vanilla earl grey tea!
LOVE eos lip balm 🙂 It’s always in my bag! I’m also loving those plastic cups that come with screw on tops and lids. I always take one with me to work and it helps me drink more water throughout the day!
Tals loves her Gulpy– don’t think we could hike without it! PS Have fun on the Rogue!!
I looove EOS lip balm too! Except I can’t help but feel dumb rubbing this round thing on my lips at work…maybe they’ll come out with a normal stick balm one day
And….they already did!
http://evolutionofsmooth.com/lip-balm/smooth-sticks/sweet-mint-smooth-stick-lip-balm.html
I LOVE the sticks even more than regular EOS. Both the vanilla & mint are awesome.
I am actually addicted to pluots, and then yesterday at Trader Joes when I was stocking up they had something called an Aprium and I have no idea what it is but it is too delicious for its own good.
You must give the wand another try!! Have you youtube’d it? I use the Sultra Bombshell wand, and am obsessed. Just takes some practice!
Oh my that dog!!! That pic just made my day. I’ve never seen a picture of this dog before. My new screensaver. So cute!
I hear ya about the EOS lip gloss. I love it but got this incredibly weird look from a man the other day when I was applying it in my doctors waiting room 😉
One reason I LOVE the EOS lip balm. I can find it in my purse with my eyes closed, just reach in and feel around for the round object. When I try to find my regular lip balm (ahem… while I am driving to work in the morning and keeping my eyes on the road), I always pull out 4-5 lipsticks before I find my lip balm. EOS fixed that problem!
I’m also loving L’Oreal BB Cream, which I wear as a primer/moisturizer under my regular makeup. http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=409213&catid=316867&cmbProdBrandFilter=64390&aid=338666&aparam=goobase_filler&device=c&network=g&matchtype=
I am getting a puppy tomorrow (yay for rescue dogs) and would love to see a post on puppy care and any tips from when you got Sadie!
I’m loving that my precious little doggie just got the pathology results back and he is cancer free!! What a great day!!
haha! that little dog water bottle is the most brilliant invention!
I just picked up that same doggie water bottle (in blue) for my 2 new rescue puppies! It’s their second favorite thing at the dog park (right after teaming up to terrorize the big dogs even though they barely weigh 5 pounds combined!). Love it!
Tuna Melts My Heart literally makes my day! Love him
I’m loving a couple of new fitness apps I recently discovered. Just did a “I’m loving” post on them too:
http://www.sarasmiles.com/two-fitness-apps-im-loving/
That’s my favorite curling iron too!!!! Love it!!!
Stitch fix looks like such a great idea! Saw it over on Anne’s blog yesterday! What’s the average spend/cost? I’m a big sparkling water fan too…my go to drink of choice…plain and simple 🙂 Also loving wheatgrass shots!
That Target lotion is definitely a go-to for me as well!! Also, I have been reading about Stitch Fix for a while now…just haven’t given in yet!! I follow them on Instagram and adore everything I see, which is super tempting!
Pluots are the best! I love how convenient they are too. EOS lip balms are always fun too–their shape is really the best part.
I’ve been loving Publix whole grain sunflower seed bread. When we tried it in Florida, we fell in love with the hearty, fulfilling quality of the bread. It reminded us of Great Harvest bread from Kath and Matt’s store! Since we live in New York though, where there are no Publix’s, we bought two big loaves to take home and freeze! I’m gonna be so sad when it’s gone. Hopefully we’ll be able to find a similar kind of bread around here!
I have the WORST luck curling my hair and I need to try this curling iron. I always am so confused as to what products hold the best for fine hair and get overwhelmed enough to just straighten it! The worst is when I spend a good 30 minutes curling my hair and by the time I am finished, the first half of my head is almost straight already. Makes me SO mad!
i love that EOS lip balm! and i just signed up for stitch fix yesterday — i’m horrible at shopping for myself and figured that i’d give it a try!
I love seeing your favorite things! Weddings are always a favorite of mine! Can’t wait to see the other weddings you go to! I have tried Nail polish remover pads before and love them! I don’t use them on a regular occasion, but when I need to take them somewhere or if I am running out and need the hideous polish off, I use them. So easy and convenient!
Grapefruit LaCroix is simply the best!!
I’m loving oatmeal lately! I always love it, but the last few weeks I’ve been craving it every sginle morning with peanut butter & bananas 🙂
I’m loving that my precious little doggie just got the pathology results back and he is cancer free!! What a great day!!
haha i can’t do the stupid wand either!!!! curling irons are just way easier!
You make such a lovely bridesmaid! 🙂 I really need to get better with my curling iron. I generally just got the easy road and use my hot rollers, but I prefer the curling iron look for certain long curls. Anywhoo… right now I’m loving big ol’ summer salads. I’m making a cobb for dinner tonight; bring on the bacon!
haha wow, I’m actually fascinated with that gulpy bottle! It’s so clever and I bet the creator is a billionaire by now, lol. And you loook gorgeous in both wedding pictures!
I love pluots, so good!! I’ve been loving fresh organic black mission figs lately, yum!! 🙂
It’s actually a secret where eOS is made because they don’t want other chapstick companies to figure out how to do it 🙂
I love eos lip balm! I really like their hand lotion too! 🙂
One thing I’m really loving right now are my lululemon speed run shorts. Good running shorts can be so hard to find, but these fit perfectly and they come in cute colors!
I love the camel commercial and love eos balm. I own 3 or 4 different kinds so I make sure I have one for every place I may be. Purse, nightstand, bathroom, work.
I totally know what you are saying about eos!!! I love te mint so much, but the shape is just weird. Especially when first opened!
I am so loving Corn Flakes + Banana for breakfast this week. I normally go for an eggs +avocado or greek yogurt +blueberries but the cereal has really been hitting the spot this week! I even had to go to the store this morning for more bananas after my am workout just to get my fix.
Also, I’m a huge fan of sparkling H2O! I try to limit myself to 1 a day only b/c it’s a little pricey but grapefruit and coconut are my faves!
Those nail polish remover pads are a great idea for travel! And I love pluots too!
Lately I have been really into going on hikes. They are such a rewarding way to get a workout and have fun.
Ooooo, I’ll have to try that lotion. I hate the funky smell of most of the other tanning lotions on the market. I have a Banana Boat one right now which isn’t as bad, but I’m curious to try yours! One product I an SO in love with right now is Suave Dry Shampoo. It’s like the cheapest one at Walmart and it works awesome! Its a great quick fix after a sweaty work out or for second day hair.
I think you should do posts like this more often! Theyre fun to read!
oh my gosh! I’m getting my first stitchfix next week, I can’t wait! I’ve been waiting all summer to get it right before I go back to school :)!
I love your list! I have had some good success with Stitch Fix in the past, so I am glad you got a few things that you like. The worst is if you get a box of stuff that you really don’t care for. . . And Abby loves the gulpy – we have 2! And I have like 4 of those lip balms!! You can never have too many. And they totally need to come out with a Friday commercial. I love that hump day one. 😉
I’m scared to try stitchfix – I had crazy curvy measurements for a very short person and most clothes already don’t love to fit me well. I’m loving:
1. ohsheglows.com for providing me with endless vegan possibilities (vegan for a month is hard!)
2. maxi dresses – especially ones for $16 from TJMaxx!
3. yoga
4. Moon organics Lip Treat – I am usually a huge fan of Burts or Eos when my lips get chapped but this has been making them super smooth!
5. John Frieda shampoo and conditioner for red hair – I dyed my hair pretty red recently and I’m a fan of anything that can keep it from fading.
If you don’t mind, would it be okay if I wrote a similar post on my blog! I’ll credit you! 🙂
I love this posts! Keep them coming! I need to check out that lip balm. I’m always looking to try out new kinds.
Lately, I’m loving anything chevron, coral, or sea foam green.
EOS lip balm is thebomb.com, I use it everyday. The pink one is my fave!
I love these posts! Friday favorites anyone?
I agree weddings are wonderful. I have a question for you and/or your readers, what is the proper amount to spend on a gift for a co-worker these days??
Glad to know the Target brand tanning lotion is good. I have been using the Jergens brand but I am so pale, even the gradual tanners can look streaky if I’m not careful. I like the EOS balm but my go to is Dr. Bronner’s magic formula!
The coconut la croix = so good! Kinda like cream soda… Maybe?! 🙂
I went out and bought the target tanner tonight and the smell test passed!!! Thank u! Do u use it one your face?! Just wondering because I’m not sure if that’s normal to do?? Lol
Thank u!
I can’t use it on my face bc my skin is SOO sensitive there but everyone else I know that uses a self tanner does so that the color doesn’t stop and look funny.
Thanks amber!! I’m afraid it would make my face break out. I’m afraid to try!!
I’ve been using Jergens as a self tanner for about a year now and I always get compliments on my color, I had no idea there was a Target brand of it! I’ll be on the lookout for that now!
The only issue I have is, my face is SO sensitive I can’t use it there. Do you put it on your face or do you have a separate one for just your face?