Good morning and Happy Friday! I hope a fun weekend is on the horizon for all of you!
My parents are arriving in town on Saturday and I am so excited to see them and spend Father’s Day with both my dad and Ryan. It should be a good one and we’re hoping to get out on the lake, take the guys out for a Father’s Day brunch and just enjoy some quality time together. Without a doubt, having my parents here with us this weekend is what I am loving most this week, but since it’s Friday, it’s time to share a small roundup of some other things I’m loving this week in your usual Things I’m Loving Friday blog post.
As always feel free to play along in the comments section and have a great weekend!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Meeting Emily Maynard
Yesterday morning, Chase and I drove to Carowinds amusement park in South Carolina for an event with former Bachelorette Emily Maynard hosted by OK! Magazine and Huggies Little Swimmers diapers. My friend Carrie first told me about the event after it was posted in our local Stroller Strides Facebook group and since I love The Bachelorette so darn much, I just had to go!
(Pic from my Snapchat –> juliepbfingers)
The event was casual (and incredibly hot and humid!) and took place an hour before the amusement park opened so the little ones had time to splash around in a calmer environment which was great!
This also gave us time to chat with Emily who was kind enough to introduce herself to me and Carrie which was a bit of a relief since we felt totally awkward about going up to her and striking up a random conversation! She was very friendly and easy to talk to and her little boy (born only a few weeks before Chase!) was absolutely adorable. It was a fun way to spend the morning on Thursday even if we had to power through Chase’s normal naptime. Thankfully Chase slept the whole way home and transferred easily into his crib for his afternoon nap but last night was rather horrific, so you win some, you lose some!
Confession: I’ve been using the same makeup brush for my bronzer for years. (We’re talking 10 years, people.) It’s been shedding tiny black hairs all over my face for months and, after speaking with a nice woman at Ulta, I finally purchased a replacement (the Ulta IT Brush #108). I forgot just how nice a brand new makeup brush can feel! It’s soft, doesn’t shed (a miracle!) and makes it easy to lightly dust my face with bronzer without going overboard. Woo!
After I purchased a holiday phone case for my phone last winter, it remained on my phone through March when I finally decided I should forgo my holly-ridden Christmas case and get something a little less seasonal. I love my dream catcher case but found myself gravitating toward the brighter, more summery cases whenever I’d be out shopping. Finally I just bit the bullet and bought myself this cheery pineapple phone case for summer! It makes me smile and I love the teal exterior frame surrounding the phone even if the case does look like it was made for an 8th grader.
- Setting Up Your iPhone Emergency Medical ID
I didn’t know iPhones had the ability to store medical information for medical professionals to easily locate should you ever been in an emergency situation, but after a friend posted about this feature on Facebook this week, I updated my information and figured it was worth sharing here as well just in case a few of you are in the dark as well. To activate this feature, simply visit the Health app on your iPhone (the white square with the red heart) and click on the “Medical ID” asterisk at the bottom of the screen to fill out your information. (You may see more details about this feature and how to update it here.)
- Friday Flashbacks
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Almonds (A perfectly portable and oh so addicting summertime snack! We love packing these for a day out on the lake.)
Legs + Core Workout (A challenging 20 minute workout that targets your lower body and core!)
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you are loving this week?
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I don’t think I have a health app on my phone but this is certainly something I’m going to try to setup! You never know when you might need it.
I’ve been loving the weather this week (until the rain yesterday lol). It’s been in the high 70s and sunny for most of the week and the weekend looks fabulous too. Hoping to get outside as much as possible and take my pups for a nice long hike!
i’m loving chocolate banana peanut butter smoothies for breakfasts after my workouts!!
That’s a great idea for the medical info in the phone–so smart! Hope you enjoy the weekend with your parents! This week I’m loving the warm weather and the start of pool season where I live 😀
I had no idea iPhone had a medical ID-how nifty. I love how it can be opened even if your phone is locked (because you know we always have our phones with us, lol). I just filled mine out and I’m getting my husband to do the same! Thanks for sharing ?
Glad you found it helpful! I texted my whole family to fill it out yesterday! 🙂
I addition to the medical info in the health app, I have my emergency contacts stored as ICE (In Case of Emergency) before their name in case it’s ever needed.
I just updated the medical information on my phone after seeing the tutorial on Facebook also. Of course everyone hopes we never have to use the feature, but it’s a good one to have!
I am always on the lookout for good makeup brushes…I’m definitely checking these out!!
Don’t put yourself down about your phone case – it’s super cute!
I am loving my cold brew coffee these days! It’s perfect for summer, and I love adding a big dash of coconut milk to it. I found a great + easy recipe to make it, so I get a batch ready every few nights: http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017355-cold-brewed-iced-coffee?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur
My husband and I are buying our first house today so needless to say that is what I am loving most this week!
Oh my goodness, that’s so exciting! Congratulations!
Ah!!! This is awesome!!! I’m so psyched for you. Big congrats and I hope you love your new home. 🙂
love the medical id feature on the iPhone! I’ve had mine filled out for a while and try and get anyone I know to do it. everyone has passcodes on their phones these days and you never know when someone will have to contact someone of their is an emergency.
I just set up the emergency contact info too! I had no idea until a friend of mine posted something similar.
I am so jealous that you got to meet Emily Maynard! But I’m happy to hear that she was so sweet. I’ve only ever heard that she is very kind and a pleasure to meet.
So jealous you got to meet Emily! I loved her season! Have a great weekend with your family!
Thanks for the heads-up about the emergency medical card! I always used to carry one in my wallet, but I’m pretty sure it’s gone now, and it’s definitely a good thing to have on hand – just in case. Have a wonderful weekend with your family, Julie!
I’m so in need of new make-up brushes too! Totally cool you met Emily! Have a great weekend with your parents. 🙂
She’e SO sweet, right?! Just like you’d imagine after watching the show!
Have fun with your parents! This is my first week back after two full weeks in Palatine with the fam, so I unfortunately won’t be able to celebrate in person, but we did get to celebrate last week. Including dance lessons for our father/daughter dance at my wedding in less than a month. EEK!
Happy Friday!
XO, Jessica
http://www.semisweettooth.com
glad to see I’m not the only hanging on to makeup brushes for years at a time. it’s just one of those things i dread spending money on!
I desperately need new makeup brushes, too. Thanks for the recommendation! <3
Oh wow, I’ve had the same powder brush for probably 10 years and it sheds like crazy, but it never even occurred to me to replace it …. 😀 hahaha I may have to remedy that.
I’m glad you found a good makeup brush. It really does make a huge difference. I recently bought a few elf brushes and they are amazing! 🙂
Have an awesome time with your family! Getting to celebrate with both your dad and Ryan sounds like a great treat. I love that phone case, so cute an summer-y
https://thedogtribe.com/2016/06/17/recommitting-to-myself/
I want that phone cover!!! It’s so summery!
Where is the top you wore at Carowins from?
That first snapchat picture of you and Chase melted my heart. His cheeks with the blushing is the best. I’m a huge Bachelorette fan, but I didn’t start watching until after her. I believe Sean was my first season so I just missed her!
One thing I’m loving this week: family time. I leave tomorrow for a study abroad trip in Spain for the remainder of summer, so I’ve soaked up every minute with my parents and brother. 🙂
Have a beautiful weekend, Julie!
I discovered the emergency medical thing on iPhones a few months ago and was mind blown haha. It’s such a brilliant idea…why don’t more people know about it?
I am loving this week! On Tuesday I got news that my wedding dress came in AND I received a job offer.
I’m loving breakfast casseroles! Quick and easy and last for days to help ensure my family gets a healthy breakfast!
I’m loving zucchini right now! Sautéed, roasted, and in bread!
Oh gosh, I bet I’ve been using my makeup brush for 10 years, too – and I don’t think Avon brushes were made to last that long! Thankfully it’s not shedding too much, but it probably wouldn’t be the worst idea I’ve ever had to upgrade. Or, you know, clean it. Haha.
What a fun event! I grew up in Charlotte and used to spend SO many summer days at Carowinds. Brings back such great memories. Enjoy the weekend with your family!
I definitely need to change my makeup brushes ?! I passed my personal training exam this week so that was definitely my fav of the week! Thanks for the info on the medical app! Filled it out right away!
Sorry Chase was up all night! I have a 4 month old baby girl and I wanted to thank you for writing so openly about Chase’s sleep here on your blog. My little one is not a great sleeper, she’s usually up 2-3 times a night to nurse and there doesn’t seem to be any slowing down with that pattern. Your experiences with Chase pop into my mind often and it’s so comforting knowing there’s others out there who’s babies aren’t magically sleeping through the night once they reach a certain age!
Made those almonds and they were incredible 🙂
Love your blog as always, you have the most radiant and postive energy!
Sounds like an awesome week! A few months ago I went to put on some lipstick and stopped when I realized I had been using it since my wedding day…….almost 9 years ago (YIKES)! For whatever reason that way he day it hit me…and into the garbage it went! 😉
How cool you got to meet Emily! She seems like a sweetheart!
Thank you for the tutorial for the medical information on the phone.