My mom is planning to stay for a week and while I’ll only have Leslie for three days, we’ll definitely make the most of her visit. The weather should be chilly but sunny so I think we may head out to a local festival on Saturday or Sunday. We also have plans to make a mini Thanksgiving feast this weekend since we won’t be together on Thanksgiving and I am SO DARN EXCITED. My main goal this weekend is to eat my bodyweight in my mom’s stuffing. It’s the best and easily one of my top five favorite foods EVER. My stomach is already growling.
Before I sign off to get organized and quickly wash the sheets in our guest room, I wanted to say HIIII to you guys and share my usual Things I’m Loving Friday post with ya. Below you will find a small collection of things that are making me smile this week and, as always, I’d love to hear a little bit about something you’re loving right now as well.
Have a fantastic weekend!!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Outfit Breakdown
A few of you asked for details from the oversize cozy sweater outfit I wore during our mountain vacation so I wanted to break everything down for you here! The sweater was actually a recent StitchFix delivery “keep” so definitely request it if you’re a regular StitchFixer! (It’s the RD Style Rowca Scoop Neck Pull Over Sweater.) It has a high-low hem and covers the booty so it’s great to pair with leggings as well. The crossbody purse is Marc Jacobs and I LOVE it. Such a versatile color (I have it in “Mink”) and it’s big enough to hold a diaper and a small pack of wipes, a few snacks, lip gloss and my card case. Win! I bought it on sale through RueLaLa but it’s also available on Zappos! My jeans are actually a couple years old from White Plum but they don’t appear to sell them anymore. The booties have been a TILF feature in the past because they were pretty cheap but ended up being my go-to bootie last fall and winter. They’re also crazy comfy and I can honestly walk miles in them. The brand is Fergalicious (I know… haha!) but the cognac color I am wearing seems to be sold out almost everywhere. I managed to find them on DSW’s website in a taupe/gray color that I almost like more though and they still have most sizes!
- Term Limits by Vince Flynn
This book is making its way through my family. My dad read it first, followed by my mom and now I’m nearly finished. The book is so good and if you’re into political thrillers (like Absolute Power) or enjoy television shows like House of Cards and Scandal, I highly recommend it! Term Limits begins with the murders of three high-profile politicians that all take place within a 6-hour timeframe on the same evening. A letter from the assassins is then delivered to the local media, demanding that the government set aside partisan politics and restore the power to the people. The threat of continued murders – including the president – looms if their demands are not met. Only one person has any idea what may be the source of the violence, a young congressman and ex-Marine, Michael O’Rourke. Term Limits roped me in from the start and I’m already looking forward to getting in bed and finishing it tonight!
- Stranger Things: Season 2
We did it! We made it through the second season of Stranger Things within two weeks. I’m not sure if we should be proud or ashamed (probably the latter), but Ryan and I both really liked the second season and looked forward to watching the new episodes together. We’re always on the lookout for shows we both enjoy and Stranger Things fit the bill, though it’s definitely more sci-fi and stressful than the shows I gravitate toward watching on my own. Aside from the intriguing plotline, I get such a kick out of the ‘80s references (and the HAIR) which definitely adds to the appeal of the show.
- Quinn Movie Theatre Butter Popcorn
I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned my love for Quinn microwave popcorn on the blog before but it continues to be a favorite in our house. Since we were a little too into Stranger Things over the past two weeks, Ryan and I couldn’t resist digging into a hot bowl of buttery popcorn on more than one occasion while we curled up on the couch to watch an episode or two and unwind together. Last week was the first time I saw their new Real Butter Tastes Better line of microwave popcorn and since I’m all about salty, buttery popcorn, I grabbed two boxes to try. It’s made without hydrogenated oils, flavorings and colors commonly found in microwave popcorn and the bag is simply made of paper and doesn’t contain plastic or chemical coatings. The flavor rivals real movie theatre popcorn and we were instant fans in our house!
- Around the Web
Food: 5 Make-Ahead Salads / Mini Crustless Pumpkin Pies / Golden Soup / Chicken White Bean Chili / Pumpkin Tiramisu Trifle
Fitness: 20 Minute Cardio + Core + Strength Workout / Cardio and Upper Body HIIT / Lower Body Weighted Circuit
Sales: 15% off holiday cards + 20% off foil-pressed products at Minted with code SHINE17 / 20% off at Kohl’s with code TURKEY (Check out their awesome deals on Nike sneakers! Love these if you’re looking for a sleek mostly black sneaker. Also, these are the toddler Nikes Chase wears almost every day!) / 40% off everything + Extra 50% off clearance at J.Crew Factory with code THEBIG48 / $25 off every $100 at Bloomingdale’s with code PRIVATE / Nordstrom Fall Sale (Fav finds: Boat Neck Sweater Tunic, Long Ribbed Cardigan, Vince Camuto Bootie and I ordered this turtleneck sweater in burgundy, these over-the-knee boots and this choker tank to wear under a long duster cardigan)
- Friday Flashbacks
Top Blogger Dessert Recipes (A roundup of some of my favorite bloggers’ most popular dessert recipes)
Upper Body Core Stack Workout (This workout builds in intensity so get ready to sweat!)
Question of the Day
What is one thing you are loving this week?
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Hope you have a great weekend with family! That outfit is so cute! I am loving the 5 make ahead salads!
Time with my sister and Mom is the best! I hope you guys have a wonderful (and delicious) weekend.
It sounds like it will be a great weekend; spending time with my mom and sister always makes me happy!
Have so much fun with your mom and sister this weekend! I love when my family plans a girls visit. My mom and sisters are coming for Thanksgiving and we’re going to see Mean Girls the musical playing in DC the night before, I’m SOOOO excited! Have a great weekend!
Have so much fun with the girls this weekend!
How exciting! Wishing your family safe travel and hoping you guys get to share some fantastic memories 🙂 stuffing is the best thanksgiving food. I can do without everything else, but please give me some stuffing!
Exciting that you get to see your mom and sister! Have fun!
I love mystery and thriller books but I haven’t read a political one other than the Pelican Brief a few years ago. But for a good thriller I really enjoyed In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware!
LOL ashamed of finishing stranger things in 2 weeks? most people i know (including myself) finished in 2 days!
Have the best time this weekend! I love love love Stranger Things!! My bf and I are addicted. I definitely agree it’s more stressful than the shows I usually watch but we’re hooked. Also, do you think it’s possible to make your mom’s stuffing with gluten free bread?
We binged season 2 of Stranger Things the weekend it came out. 3 episodes on Friday, 5 on Saturday, and the last one on Sunday. No shame, and I can’t remember the last time we enjoyed anything so much. The Golden Soup looks good, I think I’ll whip up a batch to get through the cold front that’s coming in this weekend.
It looks like they have your cognac color in the booties on DSW now! I love them!! And I’m super intrigued by that book 🙂 Have a great weekend with your family!
Looking at those booties on DSW now! I love them!! And I’m super intrigued by that book 🙂 Have a great weekend with your family!
Julie you’re killing it with your friday deals!! Definitely buying that Nordstrom turtleneck sweater and getting a new pair of nike’s at kohl 🙂 Thanks and enjoy your weekend!!
Have fun with the family! I didn’t know Quinn came out with a microwaveable popcorn. NEED THIS!
Oh, how exciting! I hope you have a great weekend with your mom and sister!! I’m in need of new booties..checking these out right now!! Xoxo
Enjoy your family weekend!! I havent started season 2 of Stranger Things yet but I’m happy to hear it wasnt a flop in your mind. So often I’m disappointed with the second season of something that had such an amazing first season!
Enjoy your time with family! I’m hosting a baby shower for my sister-in-law tomorrow and I can’t wait!
I’m actually not as intrigued with Stranger Things 2 – I’m only a couple episodes in…does it get any better?
Yes!! I think it picks up more and more as the season goes on.
I love those booties!! What kind of socks do you wear with them? Or are they okay for bare feet?
I don’t wear any socks with them and haven’t noticed them start to smell at all which is shocking b/c I always feel like I have sweaty/stinky feet!
I am OBSESSED with those Vince Camuto over-the-knee boots. Just sent a hint-hint email to my husband for a Christmas gift idea, haha. Have fun with your mom and sister!
Aren’t they SO cute!!!! I really hope they’re comfy and as cute in person when they arrive!
We are slowly working through Stranger Things, so good! This weekend I’m going to see Bad Moms Christmas with friends and I cannot wait!
I am having some serious popcorn love lately myself! It’s possible I ate a bag of the Trader Joes pre-popped olive oil stuff in one day. I just couldn’t stop!
Have fun this weekend!! I loved everything about Stranger Things 2 EXCEPT for Episode 7 – the lost sister. It was just too far off the path for me!
AGREED!!! That one was way out there and just didn’t seem to jive with the rest of the season.
Have fun with your fam! I’m going to see Mean Girls the Musical in DC this weekend – excited for that and date night tonight!
For the Fergalicious booties – I notice there is like a side slit. What kind of socks, if any, are you able to wear with them?
I don’t wear any socks with them. They are still comfy (no blisters to speak of!) and shockingly don’t smell!
MY favorite 80’s hair from Stranger Things is definitely Steve’s. And at the end when Dustin does his hair is so adorable! I love all the 80’s references in it too.
Dustin!!!! He is just the cutest kid!
Stranger things was SOOOO good we finished it in like 2 days!!! Have a great weekend! Nothing better than weekends with family 🙂
Enjoy your time with your family! Have a fantastic weekend!!
I’m loving my vacation in Clearwater, FL! The 70-80 degree weather is very welcome considering it’s about 30 degrees in Missouri! I hope you girls enjoy the days ahead! I know you’ve mentioned this before, but where do you get the books you read? I just learned about Prime Reading on Amazon and love it!
Made your mom’s stuffing recipe for friendsgiving tonight and now I understand your obsession!! Thank you for sharing and I hope you had a wonderful weekend with your mom and sister 🙂 Just have to say that your authenticity and upbeat personality shine through your writing and reading your blog is my “happy time”… (along with my favorite podcast you recommended wait wait don’t tell me) 🙂
So glad to hear you liked the stuffing. It is my absolute favorite! And thank you so much for your kind words. 🙂 You made me smile today!
Your welcome! Have a great day Julie
I’m both loving and hating having some sweater weather here in new england! I love fall/winter clothes, but it went from 60s to 30s in just a week so I’m having a tough time transitioning!!
Don’t feel too bad about watching all of Stranger Tings 2 in two weeks…I watched it all in 2 days, sooooo….
My absolute favorite popcorn is Skinnygirl’s Butter & Sea Salt. But I do like that Quinn’s doesn’t have some of the junky ingredients – I’ve never heard of them but I might have to find some!!