Before I sign off for the weekend, I wanted to share my weekly roundup of favorites, Things I’m Loving Friday style! As always, feel free to chime in and tell me about something making you smile this week as well. Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!
Things I’m Loving Friday
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Elf on the Shelf
I know Elf on the Shelf is one of those polarizing things for parents everywhere but we embrace the sneaky little guy in our house! Ryan is in charge of hiding our elf, Fisbee, every morning and I love doing the little “extras” which, this year, looks like writing back to Chase’s various notes to Fisbee and occasionally leaving little treats behind like fuzzy snowman socks or a candy cane. It’s something small that makes the boys SO excited every morning and definitely increases the holiday magic around here! Also, for those out there who enjoy the Elf on the Shelf fun, let me know if you do anything particularly fun and creative. I’m always so impressed with the mischief so many elves get in this time of year!
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The Queen’s Gambit
WOW. This series! I saw so many people hyping up The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix and it took me all of one episode to see why people love it so much. The acting is fantastic, the storyline draws you in immediately and the seven episodes in the series absolutely flew by for me. Sure, it may have taken me a couple of weeks to watch the whole show (I typically turned it on in 20-30 minute increments when I was standing up and bouncing a fussy baby when the big kids were at preschool), but I got sucked in every single time and I assure you that had I had a wide-open weekend on my calendar, I would’ve likely binged this one in two days. Initially it doesn’t seem like an interesting show — a little girl is orphaned and becomes a chess prodigy with a goal of becoming the best chess player in the world — but you can have absolutely zero interest in chess (ahem, me!) and still be 100 percent captivated by this show.
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Stitch Fix Kids Delivery
I’ve been ordering semi-regular StitchFix Kids deliveries for Chase for well over a year now and occasionally order one for Ryder when the sizing of Chase’s hand-me-downs doesn’t line up perfectly with the seasons. (Chase and Ryder are both summer birthdays but they’re also very different body types.) Ryder’s latest delivery was a great one that I figured deserved a shout out on the blog! I requested some fall and winter staples and by now the boys’ StitchFix stylists know I love soft joggers, hoodies and cute but still comfy play clothes for the boys and that’s exactly what we received! I ended up keeping the rust-colored t-shirt, the blue and gray hoodies, the shoes and the blue plaid button-up top because Ryder said it “looked like Dad.”
Also, if it’s of interest, I can highlight future StitchFix deliveries on the blog from time to time (both my deliveries and the boys’) which I used to do all the time but fell out of the habit. Just let me know if you’d like to see more of this on the blog. And if you want to give Stitch Fix a try, my affiliate link will give both of us $25 credit!
I’ve talked about my love for this local candle company’s candles in the past but this time of year is my favorite when it comes to burning one of their candles because their holiday scents are so amazing. I recently finished burning the pumpkin chai candle (one of my all-time favorites) and now I’m onto the “under the mistletoe” scent which has notes of cranberry, spruce, peppermint, lavender, cypress and cedar leaf and makes my whole office smell like holiday spirit. And throughout the house I have Carolina Christmas and Fraser Fir scents and love them all so much! Also, just another quick gift idea for anyone in your life who might be a candle lover — I am still 100 percent obsessed with my electric chargeable candle lighter. (I have the rose color but it’s available in black, white, silver, gold and blue as well.) I use it almost every single day and it holds a charge forever. I think it would be a great stocking stuffer for any of my fellow candle hoarders out there!
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Friday Flashbacks
Gingerbread Granola (If you are looking to gift someone something that feels festive but a little non-traditional this holiday season, this gingerbread granola is a great one to keep in mind!)
Overnight English Muffin Casserole (A filling breakfast recipe, perfect for feeding a large family.
Question of the Day
What is one thing making you smile this week?
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fascinated by the flameless lighter…never seen one of those! also, saving that english muffin casserole recipe – looks yummy!!
What gingerbread kits have you used? Im in the market and none of the ones I’ve seen have great reviews!
I ended up getting one from ALDI (I’ve used them in the past & they’ve been good!) and also 2 pre-assembled ones for the boys from Target! I’m thinking the pre-assembly is key!!
I’d be interested in seeing your Stitch Fix roundups! I also LOVED the Queen’s Gambit. I am considering rewatching it again!
Me too!!!! It really was so so good!
One of these days I’m going to order that flameless lighter!
We do not do Elf on the Shelf…I just can’t commit to it! We have a few Advent calendars instead. My son and nephew have the same Lego advent calendar, so they compare their builds each day 🙂
My Daughter just started working for a startup company that is doing the same thing as stitch fix up with thrift clothes love love the concept of sustainability and bonus its run by a woman 🙌🏻
Acuratedthrift.com
I would love StitchFix posts!
On the gingerbread granola could you sub Sun Butter for the PB?
We tried Elf on the Shelf this year with my almost 4 year old. Maybe she was too old to just be starting this tradition but she IMMEDIATELY decided the Elf was fake, was not buying any of my explanations about how Elfie arrived at our house or how she communicated with Santa. By day two she told us “I don’t want to hear anything about the Elf being real. We are not talking about that anymore and I don’t want to hear about it.” So now Elfie sits in one place and DOES NOT move because she is only a decoration. Not how I pictured it going at all LOL
Oh my gosh! Too funny!
We decided to buy our 17 and 18 year olds new Trek bikes for Christmas, New bikes were virtually impossible to find this spring and are difficult again. I was able to get one at our local bike store and the other at a bike store an hour away, So happy with what we decided to get them for Christmas. Both really enjoyed riding their bikes with friends and as a family so much during spring and summer when we were home so much. It’s getting harder to think of gifts they really want that will last and I know these will.
Enjoy your weekend Julie!
I also struggled to find a bike to give to Chase for Easter last year (his first one!) so I totally get what you mean about them being so hard to find last spring. Bikes really are such a good gift on so many levels! Glad your kids are enjoying theirs!
Have you shopped Poshmark much for your boys? I just started to for bigger items (snow boots, snow suit, a few select nice pieces, etc.) and the brands/prices can be great! I know you’ve like Thredup, but in my opinion I’ve prefered Poshmark based on the ability to offer a different price, or if you like an item the seller often offers a deal. Given your stuff will have to make it through 3 boys thought I’d mention it!