I haven’t posted a Things I’m Loving Friday post since November, but we’re back in action today! It seems like nearly everything that is making me smile lately can be tied back to the holidays, which is predictable… and fabulous. It’s the most wonderful time of year, right!?
Let’s get to it!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Sparkly Nail Polish
Ever since the holiday season kicked off, I’ve been really into sparkly nail polish. I think it looks so darn festive! I bought the above bottle of Orly Rock It on sale at TJMaxx a while ago and can’t wait to paint my nails that sparkly red color for Christmas.
I’ve made this as an evening snack/dessert for me and Ryan two times this week. The base of the recipe is a 100-calorie bag of popcorn and it comes together in no time at all and tastes like the holidays!
If you’re a fitness instructor looking to add some holiday spunk to one of your workout playlists, check out Basshunter’s Jingle Bells. It’s fast-paced and energizing. Whenever I’ve played it during my classes this month people always seem to laugh and get a kick out of it!
- Oatmeal in the Evening
Oatmeal isn’t just for breakfast! When I have to work late at the gym, I will often arrive home craving an evening snack with a little more substance. Lately my go-to snack has been a small bowl of oatmeal topped with a spoonful of peanut butter. This week, temperatures have been quite chilly late in the evening, so I find myself craving hot snacks and oatmeal does the trick!
- Afternoon Tea
Since it’s been sweatshirt weather in Florida this week (no, not jacket weather yet), a hot mug of tea in the afternoon has become part of my routine. I don’t think the Harry & David spiced apple cider tea I bought last year is available anymore (huge bummer), but some of my other favorites include Winter Dream Tea, Pomegranate Green Tea and Egyptian Licorice Mint tea. (The Egyptian Licorice Mint tea reminds me a lot of Aveda tea. YUM!)
Last week my friends Merri, Ashley and I were working on a scrap book project to give to our friend Leah for her 30th birthday and Merri bought these amazing glue runner pens. They leave a strip of glue that is a lot less messy than regular glue, glue guns or even glue sticks. I thought they were amazing and picked up a pack this week to use for some craft projects I have on the horizon.
- Advent Calendar Chocolate
I am convinced I will never be too old for an advent calendar. Opening up a little window at the end of each day and savoring the delicious milk chocolate inside still makes me smile.
- Mannheim Steamroller
The most beautiful holiday music! I love listening to their CDs while I wrap presents, bake, decorate or do pretty much anything during the month of December.
- Giveaway Winners
Congratulations to…
Harry & David Pears Giveaway: Nikki: “I would give them to my grandparents! They are always thinking of others and it would be a great treat for them.”
Samsung Galaxy S4 Giveaway: Morgan: “I also tweeted for a chance to win!”
Both winners have already been emailed. Congratulations Nikki and Morgan!
Past Things I’m Loving Friday posts:
Now it’s your turn…
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you’re loving lately?
Florence says
I never thought to put peppermint with popcorn! looks amazing, need to try it! I’m loving my gym membership (an early holiday gift!)…it’s icy and treacherous outside so while I usually choose an outdoor workout, the gym has been a life saver the past few weeks!
Becky @ Life Outside The Box says
You’re so adventurous with your nail polish selection 🙂 love it! Send some of that cold weather down here in South FL, we can’t seem to break the 80’s!
Caitlyn @ City and the Cubicle says
Mannheim Steamroller…..looove! They put me in the Christmas spirit. And yes- love the advent calendar chocolate. I had a bad day at work the first week of December and came home and ate all the chocolates to consol myself…whoops!
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
Ahhh I miss my Advent calendar. I should probably start that tradition back up again. And YES to sparkly nail polish–it’s a must this time of year. Lately I’ve been loving peppermint flavored everythingggg, but especially coffee. So good!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
Love those nail polish colors and peppermint popcorn sounds wonderful. Lately, I’m loving Turkish Delight. My husband’s co-workers visited Turkey a few weeks ago and brought some back for us. It’s so tasty!
Becky@TheSavedRunner says
I’m loving the Michael Buble holiday station on Pandora. If you haven’t listened to it, I definitely recommend that you do! It is great and plays some amazing classics!
peanutbutterfingers says
He has the voice of an angel 🙂
Elizabeth @ Positive Change says
I love that finger nail polish! I have been all about the nail polish lately! I am loving this matt version I found!
sanaz@runforcake says
I love that tea! They have a mint flavor too that is delicious!
Susie Miller says
I just got married last weekend and I love that it gave me a chance to see and reconnect with old friends! I’m also loving our wedding photos that people keep posting on Facebook from that day 🙂
Megan says
I’ve been eating oatmeal like it’s my job lately! Easy breakfast go to.
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says
You just reminded me that I need to apply my holiday jamberry nails today! Love festive nails 🙂
peanutbutterfingers says
I still need to try those nails! I’ve heard great things!!
Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl says
I’m with you on those sparkly nails! You should see my nails all decked out for Christmas. Also, loving Christmas music. I like lots of the old stuff with a little Mariah Carey and Michael Buble mixed in. Have a great Friday!
Jen says
I love Mannheim Steamroller, most people don’t even know who they are!
samantha says
Nothing says Christmas music quite like Mannheim Steamroller. We have it on every Christmas morning as we’re opening gifts and eating breakfast. It really puts you in the Christmas spirit, I think anyways. Although most people look forward to Friday, I’m working 1-midnight tonight and can’t wait for my day off on Monday. Monday will be present wrapping day as I watch the movie The Christmas Shoes as well as Love Actually.
Alex @ Cookie Dough Katzen says
I’ve been on an afternoon tea kick too! It’s the perfect pick-me-up! Also thanks for sharing your popcorn recipe. I’ve been enjoying popcorn in the evening with white chocolate, but peppermint will be an added treat. 🙂
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties says
Ooh that popcorn!!! Lately I’ve been loving Kesha’s show on MTV. Seriously, I’m addicted. My bf and I are catching up and watching episodes from the first and second seasons. It’s so silly but hilariously entertaining!
Morgan says
Thank you once again!
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun says
I am loving getting to go home! We leave tomorrow for a week in North Carolina to visit our family and I am so excited!
Chelsea @ A Fit LittleOne says
That glue runner is awesome!! I’ve been loving my workouts again! Feels good to be back at them 🙂
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I have a glue pen but a glue runner sounds even better. I definitely had a bit of a mess as I was working on my sister’s present. ha!
Kelsie says
Mannheim Steamroller is my absolute favorite Christmas band!!!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
Oh my goodness mannheim steamroller YES! And I agree, we’ll never be too old for an advent calendar, no way!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Your making me want some oatmeal right now! Also, I bought some sparkly gold nail polish at marshalls yesterday and cant’ wait to use it!
Kristen says
I love sparkly nail polish around the holidays! It definitely adds a festive touch. I’m also loving that Christmas card video that went viral. Its so clever and made me laugh… here’s the youtube video if you haven’t seen it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kjoUjOHjPI
Jaima says
I have oatmeal with peanut butter a night too! But, what I’m loving now is smashed avocado on toast with a sprinkle of Himalayan sea salt!
Ashley@cupcakesncrunches says
I’m loving Michael Buble’s Christmas cd & festive holiday drinks!
Linda @ Running4two says
I’m really loving my new shiny lip gloss from Victoria’s Secret. Oatmeal as a night time snack is genius!
Aurora@Fitness is Sweet says
When we had Fvent calendars, the chocolate was always for first thing in the morning! Nothing like a 7am shot of sugar! Haha.
beth arndt says
I’m listening Mannheim right now as I’m reading your blog…got the Live Cd on, but I have all of them, and the videos. Great stuff!
got to try that glue runner!
Miranda @ Lovely Wife Lovely Life says
I need to redo my nails. I had them painted silver with a dark red accent nail, but it’s been a few weeks and it’s all chipped! Your post just inspired me to do that today 😉
Alex @ The Really Ones says
love me those advent chocolates!!!
If you EVER want the BEST smelling cuticle polish try HULA GIRL! I just got some….my nails smell like Jasmine!
Alexis says
Omg, Basshunter Jingle Bells is amazing! And, totally love the advent calendars, you’re NEVER too old for those :).
Ashley says
I cannot get enough oatmeal lately! I was just talking to my husband about that last night! Loving it!
Jamie @ Dishing Out Health says
So funny, that Basshunter Jingle Bells song popped into the playlist of CX work yest AM and we loved it!
Valerie says
Have you ever been to a Mannheim Steamroller concert? I’ve always loved their music and jumped at the chance to see a concert this year. They choreograph a light and video show to go along with the songs, and the musicians are having so much fun playing, the energy is contagious! You must, MUST stay on the lookout for a show near you next year, you’ll love it!
Sheena @ Paws and Pavement says
I love popcorn and love peppermint so the two together sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing I will have to try this weekend!!!
Taylor @ Singletrackedmind says
Popcorn is ALWAYS my favorite snack!
Livi says
Sparkly nail polish is the best for holidays! and I seriously need some white chocolate peppermint popcorn in my life!
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says
Sparkly red nail Polish is just perfect for Christmas! And that popcorn sounds so delicious! Happy Friday 🙂
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie says
I love advent calendars! I made one for Josh this year!
Jen@PregnantDiabetic says
oooo, that popcorn!!!
I’m so addicted to all things peppermint right now, I can’t get enough!
Laura P says
I’m loving the fact that I’m off of work until after Christmas. Time with my kids and no rushing around!!! Yehaw!!!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Steel cut oats!!! Made a mushroom risotto with them…definitely worth a try! Still loving the nike training app but I’m close to wishing they’d add more workouts! Be sure to let us know if come across another app like it!
Jamie @ Sometimes Healthy Living Blog says
That peppermint popcorn looks amazing!
I just made peppermint gingerbread truffles using wilton’s Candy Cane White Chocolate Melts, as the chocolate coating, and it turned out delicious! Bet it would work well in your popcorn too 🙂
Karen says
I got white sparkly nails done at the salon today! Love it! The glue runners are such a great idea, especially for my kids who make such a mess with those sticky glue sticks. I hadn’t seen them before, thanks!
Kristen @ Glitter and Dust says
Homemade popcorn is ABSOLUTELY my most favorite snack! Love the idea of spreading a little white chocolate and peppermint love all over it. I’ve been loving my new Hunter rain boots – is there anything they can’t be worn with?
Kayla says
I also love advent chocolates! I get a calendar every year from my Grandma who lives in Germany!
Chelsey says
Tazo makes a Baked Cinnamon Apple tea that I bet could hang in there with the H&D! I drink at least 4 cups a day at work haha
Brynna says
The last few days has been really nice here… Highs around 20 degrees Fahrenheit! We are back down in a cold spell though of the negative 20’s now… not including windchill. Gotta love Nirth Dakota!!
Brianna K. @ Hungry Gator Gal says
I can’t get enough Pumpkin Spice and Caramel Nut Delight coffees I found at Ross. Each bag was only $4.99! Sunflower seed butter is slowly becoming my new favorite nut/seed butter too. Find more details about the products at http://www.hungrygatorgal.com/2013/12/fridays-favorites-caffeine-sweets-and.html.