Now I’m rushing off to have some fun with Leslie before she has to work this morning (we’re planning to sneak in a short workout together) so I wanted to quickly pop in to share this week’s Things I’m Loving Friday post with you guys.
Below you will find a brief list of things that are making me smile this week. As always, I’d love to hear what you’re loving most right now in the comments section of this post.
Have a great weekend, my friends!
Things I’m Loving Friday
I’ve received a lot of questions about the fitness watch I’ve been sporting for a few months now and figured I should just share a mini review with you guys today because it is AWESOME. Ryan gave me my Fitbit Surge for Christmas and I honestly almost returned it because I didn’t think I needed a new watch since I still loved the Polar FT4 watch watch I had for years. (Side note: I still highly recommend the Polar watch for a more budget-friendly heart rate monitor.) Ryan fell in love with his Fitbit Surge last fall and assured me it was the best fitness watch he’s tried to date (he previously had a Polar watch like mine) and raved about the fact that the watch had GPS capabilities and didn’t require a heart rate monitor strap.
I decided to give it a shot and knew almost immediately I was going to love it. The watch is very user friendly (we actually gave one to my dad as well and that was his first comment!), syncs up with an app on your phone and tracks everything from calories burned and quality of sleep to steps taken every day and miles logged if you switch on the GPS tracker. It does it all! My only complaint is that I wish it was a little more stylish for everyday wear, but since I seem to wear workout clothes 99 percent of the time anyway, it’s not a big deal. Love this watch!!
I LOVE THIS SONG. How it’s not being played everywhere all the time right now, I have no idea but you must add it to your workout playlist if you haven’t already. It makes me want to dance and sing and party it up every time I hear it. Such a fun one! Bless Pandora’s Pop and Hip Hop Power Workout Radio (one of my favorite Pandora Workout Stations) for introducing me to this gem.
After Chase fell in love with the water table at Brittany’s daughter’s birthday party last weekend, I’ve been on a mission to find one for him. Rather than immediately order him one, I thought I might be able to find a gently used water table for cheaper and headed into Children’s Orchard, a consignment shop with TONS of toys, clothes and kid- and baby-related items. It was my first time in the shop and even though they didn’t have a water table, I was BLOWN away by all of they stuff they had and the incredible prices. They had Rock ‘n’ Plays that looked brand new for $20, activity mats for $14, fancy strollers for $60, baby monitors, Diaper Genies, toys and more. Consignment is where it’s at for clothes, too! Though I already regularly buy gently used clothes for Chase from ThredUp, I definitely want to pop back into Children’s Orchard when I have more time to browse their clothing selection. I saw a bunch of things for $1-$3.
And here’s a little tip for those live near a Children’s Orchard: You can ask to be put on a wait list for certain items if there’s something you want that they don’t have currently available. They will then call you if they get that particular item in stock. Awesome, right?
These shoes have been on my radar for no less than a year. I never took the plunge and bought them because I love my TOMS slip-on Avalon sneakers so much, but since I find myself wearing sneakers more and more these days thanks to active play dates, I justified the need for another pair of casual sneakers in my life. I immediately knew I wanted slip-on Chucks because I’ve always been super lazy when it comes to putting on sneakers and prefer to slip them on even when laces are involved. I ordered my pair on Zappos and have worn them nearly every day since they arrived! Why did I wait so long!? They seem to fit true-to-size (maybe a tiny bit big?) and I had to break them in a bit since they’re skinnier shoes, but I’m loving them so far.
My friend Ashley sent this personality test to my college girlfriends’ group text and after we all took it, we were shocked by how accurate it appeared to be! I always find stuff like this oddly interesting and even though this quiz is a little more in depth than other random internet quizzes out there, it was really interesting and proved true for many of us. Just wanted to share in case any of you out there are into these types of things, too! (My results said I was an ENFJ or a Protagonist and the strengths/weaknesses were spot on for me. You may read about all of the personality types here.)
I’m sharing this one for my fellow bloggers out there! As you may know, I’ve been trying my best to streamline a lot of my blogging-related efforts, especially those tied into certain aspects of social media that I don’t personally enjoy all that much. Even though CoSchedule is the BEST tool I’ve found to date (<—I use it EVERY DAY and it saves me), I recently discovered Board Booster after someone mentioned it in a podcast I was listening to and signed up. It’s great for scheduling pins to pop up on Pinterest at ideal times and since I prefer to do a bunch of work at once during Chase’s naps, it helps me space out my pins so I’m not pinning everything I find interesting at once. I still have a lot to learn about this tool to allow it to work to its full potential, but I would still highly recommend this one for any bloggers out there who might be in a similar boat!
- Friday Flashbacks
Summer Chopped Salad (This recipe from my aunt was a HUGE hit at my baby shower last summer. I highly recommend adding this one to your must-make list for Memorial Day weekend!)
Shoulder Shredder Workout (I LOVE this workout! It’s really challenging – your shoulders will be on fire – and the cardio component will have you dripping in sweaty by the end.)
- Around the Web
Interesting Social Media-Related Reads: We Have Lost Ourselves In Social Media / Instagram Is Life Porn And We Have To Get It Under Control
Fitness: Medicine Ball Wall Workout / 21 Day Summer Workout Challenge / Bedtime Stretch Routine
Food: Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing / Freezer Friendly Whole Wheat Yogurt Waffles / Post-Workout Peanut Clusters / Vegan Whole Wheat Carrot Cake Muffins
Stellar Sales: Under Armour on Zulily / Kate Spade on RueLaLa / Reebok 2 for $25 Tees and Tanks + 2 for $40 Shorts with code 2FOR
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you are loving this week?
![\"Quantcast\"/](\"//pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-1e3-7hOJ_U8Bg.gif\")
Thanks for sharing BoardBooster, that’s a new tool to me. But I love podcasts for this exact reason – I always learn something. Have fun with your sister!
Wobble is the Bicep track from Body Pump 96, I got certified on that release so let’s just say I’ve listened to it a million times. 🙂 One thing I am loving this week is that it is starting to get a little warmer and the sun has been out a little bit more than it was the past two weeks here in Jersey!
Just another reason I have to get back to BodyPump one of these days!!
I love teaching that track! 🙂
Ah I have a little sister that lives on the opposite side of the country so I know how valuable time is together! Have so much fun! And I need a pair of those converses, I was loving them in your photos from this week. Have a great weekend!
I’ll have to check out Board Booster! Is there a podcast that you listen to that’s specifically about blogging?
Yes! I love Blissful Bites! I think Board Booster was mentioned in either Katy Widrick’s episode or Amanada’s episode from Run To The Finish… I can’t remember exactly!
I’ll check out Blissful Bites! Thank you!
So funny, I just did that personality test this week! Spot on for me as well.
I am loving this adorable memoir about Ruth Reichl a former food critic for the New York Times! Super easy read and it’s also interesting!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0143036610/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1463743783&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=garlic+and+saphires
I always love reading your blog especially now that you live in Charlotte, we lived in the same area you do at Lake Norman do it brings back lots of fun memories!
I love those personality tests! Cant wait to see what I get. This week I’m loving mango jalapeno chicken sausage! It’s so delicious with rice and veggies!
Love Fitbit! However, I have the Blaze and love it. It doesn’t haven’t built in GPS but it still has the capability and uses your phone. From what I’ve gathered it’s the more stylish version of the surge and has all the same features minus the built in GPS. But again if you keep your phone with you on runs, then you’d love the blaze!
BTW, we are heading to Lake Norman to get married in 3 weeks! Eek!! Do you guys go out on Lake Norman and if so can you recommend good place that you can take a boat to for dinner, drinks, etc? We’ll be staying at a house in Mooresville but have never been on Lake Norman. So we’re planning to take our boats out and see the houses and places. Also, do you know there if there is a hang out spot, like a “party cove” place on Norman?
LOOOVE Lake Norman!!! It’s so gorgeous and I hope you guys have the best time! As for places to go on the lake, if you’re looking for a nicer atmosphere, North Harbor Club is beautiful and tasty (you can eat outside in whatever you want, but inside is a little more upscale). Port City Club is another great option. And I’ve heard good things about The Blue Parrot but still haven’t tried that one yet!
Oh!!! And yes, there’s totally a party cove! People call it “the tie up” but I honestly have NO idea how to describe how to get there to you! :/
Thanks! We’ll definitely check those places out! It’s going to be so awesome to take the boat somewhere to eat and I can’t wait to see all the houses! 🙂
I also love the slip on sneakers, I have Tretorn and Sperry brand ones that I’ve always loved and stock up when they go on sale!
I LOVE a good chopped salad, and now that my husband doesn’t have to work weekends/holidays we can actually participate in my parents’ BBQ! I might just offer to make this. 😀
I love my Surge! I had a major panic attack last week when I woke up in the middle of the night and it was fried! The screen didn’t work at all 🙁 Fortunately, I called Fitbit and they sent me a new one right away it just arrived yesterday. I felt so lost without it, not to mention falling down on the leaderboard! Have a great weekend!
Hey Julie,
Another book recco coming your way (sorry if they’re excessive)
Presently reading The Kind Worth Killing and it is very interesting
https://www.amazon.com/Kind-Worth-Killing-Novel-ebook/dp/B00JOFW596
I ALWAYS love book recommendations! I really didn’t like the last two books I read, so I’ve been on the lookout for a GOOD new one!
I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes http://www.amazon.com/Am-Pilgrim-Thriller-Terry-Hayes/dp/1439177732
Amazing
Thanks for the heads up about the 2 for 1 Reebok deal, totally just purchased 2 tanks!
Thanks for the Personality Test! Just took it, and I’m a Consul- it was spot on. But I’m totally in the wrong career apparently…lol.
I discovered my obsession for slip on chucks a couple of years ago and now own 3 pairs in different colors. They go with everything and now I have my eye on the mint green ones. They are such a nice color for spring/summer I might have to make the plunge soon. My love for them is real and it’s deep!
okay, mint green is my obsession… trying to resist looking for them in that color now!!! 🙂
My FitBit Alta is my life! Especially after having the Flex for over a year. I actually took that personality test a few days ago. I got the exact same results as when I took the MBTI test in college. Guess I’m staying consistent. Have fun with your sister!
I love Tailwind for scheduling my pins…it’s been a lifesaver! Wobble is definitely great! It’s on my class playlists for sure!
I think those personality quizzes are so interesting! My friends and I could probably talk about if for hours haha. Have fun with your sister this weekend!
I just bought this watertable for a friend and it gets rave reviews! Plus it is Little Tykes and only $35!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004INDQWY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=113TBLWLEXBKY&coliid=IF2LJQMJ1I2DA
I just checked out Wobble and it’s pretty good. Thanks for sharing about it.
I’m also a blogger and use Tailwind for scheduling pins. It sounds similar to Boardbooster.
Oooh I love the converse!!! Very cute as are the pants!
Two other great consignment stores are Kid to Kid and Once Upon a Child. I googled and it looks like there are multiple locations of both, within the Charlotte area. I have better luck with clothing at Kid to Kid, but fun play items at Once Upon a Child (granted, I’m in Texas, so this could obviously vary in NC). Every location is different, though, so if you go to one and aren’t impressed, it doesn’t hurt to try the others.
My little boy is two months younger than yours and while we get some lasting fun out of certain play toys (looking at you, Baby Einstein Activity Jumper), I feel like we are in and out of clothing in a flash! Consignment is a great way to look for clothing, especially swimsuits and swim tops. Good luck!
Ahhhh, I’m obsessed with my slip-on chucks. I’d say I wear them weekly and got them about a year and a half ago. Now you’re making me want to buy a new pair since my current ones are kiiinda gross… 😉
Also, thanks for board booster! Awesome rec.
A Burn Boot Camp opened up right down the street from my work. For their grand opening they offered the first 30 days for free for the first 100 people to sign up. After hearing your reviews for it, I took the plunge. This past week was my first week and I love it. The class flies by and the environment makes it super fun! I’ve also picked up a couple of new exercises to add to my routine. Such a great way to mix it up!
I got the same Chucks a few months ago and have been wearing them NON-stop!! They are seriously the best. I want to order the “dolphin” color too. ( http://bit.ly/1ToVCUx )
I love the Myers Briggs personality test! I’m an ISFJ and learning about this type has helped me to understand so much more about my preferences and personality quirks. Plus, it’s just fun to speculate about how friends and family members fit into the different types!
I have a FitBit too and I absolutely love it!!
I never understand what it means to “schedule pins”…even though I know I should be doing that apparently. I get the reasoning behind it, but what does it really mean? I feel like I’d be cheating at Pinterest haha. Do you pre-pin things you like and then it actual re-pins them when you tell it to? Does it pin random stuff for you? Do you upload things you want pinned from your blog and then it pins them for you?
I love personality quizzes, and it looks like my type has changed just slightly since the last time I took one (or maybe I’m just more honest now…). Thanks for sharing that – I’m going to try to get my friends to take it, too 🙂
Please please please tell me you’ve seen this commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE9DaSxwEr4
If you haven’t, get ready to laugh! Love it and love that song- and Flo Rida in general 🙂
I gotta try that personality test-I love things like that!
And Wobble is totally the LM BODYPUMP’s 96 Bicep track. I’ve loved that song ever since teaching it a couple of months ago; it’s a good one!
Thank you for posting the personality test. It was very interesting. Turns out I’m a mediator. I guess that’s good. Have a great weekend!
i think its so interesting to learn about different personalities..i’m so taking the test! haha
so many fun links in here..and those converses are adorable on you!
I’m really excited because I started a blog this week and I’m loving my creative outlet #shamelessplug
Hey Julie – love the Friday posts! Do you have Spotify account that I can follow you and your workout music there?
Hey Julie! Have you used Tailwind for Pinterest scheduling? It’s really amazing! I’ve been using it for about 2 months. Also with boardbooster look at the looping tool if you haven’t already. Graet way for older content to reloop through!
I loved that song during the last body pump round. I miss a lot of the songs from 96!
I have a younger sister, Lesley, who lives in New Jersey. We will be getting together soon for her wedding. Hard to believe it is almost year. Just a month away. I love your new sneakers, but I am also an avid Tom’s fan!
Oooh, I have to try that personality test! I love these assessments that tell you a lot about psychology and things you never knew about yourself!
Out of curiosity, what made you bite the bullet and start paying for programs like CoSchedule? I’ve been blogging for a few years now pretty successfully, but I have yet to move beyond free social media managers. Any tips or advice?
(LOVE the shoes by the way! So cute and casual!)
Truthfully, it was the birth of Chase. I now only have select chunks of time to work and get everything done, so scheduling is KEY for me!! I really recommend CoSchedule for streamlining everything and also helping you share past content months later without thinking too much about it!!
I am loving Beyonce’s new Lemonade CD… can’t wait until its on spotify!! #whoruntheworld #girls
I LOVE that personality quiz! I feel like my results captured me to a ‘T’ 😉 I’m an ISFJ – Very dedicated and warm protectors, always ready to defend their loved ones.
Thank you so much for linking up to my Broccoli & Quinoa Salad! It’s one of my favorites 🙂
Hi, little late to the post but I really love Supergoop products! I use the everyday sunscreen (SPF 50 for this girl) under my makeup each day. It goes on light & is non-greasy. It doesn’t have the sunscreeny smell either, just a light refreshing scent. I also really could not do without the Supergoop Acaifusion lip balm (SPF 30). It is kind of thick (but in a good way) to coat your lips and protect against the elements. I’m a sun seeker, so this girl’s ready!
Where did you get the pants your wearing in the chuck Taylor pic?
Wobble is a BODYPUMP bicep track 🙂 Love it
I got the same results on the personality quiz! I love stuff like this!