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Things I’m Loving Friday #367

April 23, 2021 by Julie 36 Comments

Hi, hi, hello!! Happy Friday to you! How are you guys doing? I hope you are checking in this morning after a good week. It was a busy one over here but aren’t they all these days? I’m definitely looking forward to a little downtime this weekend — well, if you can consider any time with three kids in the mix downtime? But, still, something about the weekends just feel a little more chill over here even if there’s an underlying current of kid chaos at all times. I’m ready for it!

We don’t have anything big on the plans but Ryan said he was hoping to do a mini birthday celebration for me with the boys at some point this weekend since my birthday falls on a Tuesday next week and cramming birthday fun in after a long work day and before the boys’ bedtime can sometimes feel a little hectic. Since I think this means cake is in the near future for me, I’m all for that plan!

I’m looking forward to unplugging a bit and hope to see ya back here on Monday but, until then, see below for my weekly roundup of favorites, Things I’m Loving Friday style!

Things I’m Loving Friday

  • East Coast Girls by Kerry Kletter

East Coast Girls Book

I flew through East Coast Girls in two nights for two reasons. 1.) Rhett’s sleep has been awful and Monday night was go-time for sleep training again so I was up in the night A LOT. 2.) The book was so well written and drew me in immediately. You should read it because of reason #2. Ha! The characters in this book are so well developed and I love the way the author expertly explores relationships and friendship between four very different women.

The book centers around four women, Hannah, Maya, Blue and Renee. The foursome grew up together, considering each other more like family than friends until one terrible summer night in Montauk shifted everything and altered their relationships forever. Twelve years later, the women are 30 and return to Montauk — some with excitement, some with trepidation and most with more than a little reluctance. As they come together, the past seems to surface again in new ways, revealing secrets and past traumas that may impact their friendship and lives forever.

  • Flippy Pillow Stand for iPad, Books, etc.

driveway yoga jen eddins

Who knew our Flippy would be so handy!? This soft-yet-firm pillow stand is perfect for holding up our iPad, my Kindle, a book or a magazine and I use it all the time to prop up my iPad for garage workouts or to follow online recipes. (I initially got it for Chase when he had Zoom calls with his preschool class at the beginning of quarantine.) It rotates so you can display your iPad at three different angles and is comfy enough to sit on your lap if you’re looking to chill and stream a show, FaceTime a friend or read a book. It’s incredibly lightweight and has 8,000+ positive Amazon reviews and I figured it was worth a shout out after one of you asked me about it when it was featured in a pic in Monday’s workout roundup post!

  • Mom, I’m Bored Dry Erase Activity Book

I ordered this dry-erase activity book for Chase for our drive to Florida and it was such a hit and definitely worth checking out if you have some big kids you’re looking to entertain during long road trips this summer. The activities on the pages are creative and range from mazes and “spot the letter” games where kids circle the letters they see as you drive to matching games, drawing activities and more. It’s also small enough to throw into your bag if you want to have it on hand to entertain kiddos at doctor’s appointments, a sibling’s sports games, etc.

Oh, and if you happen to have a grabby toddler who uses the marker to color on their arms in the backseat of the car when you aren’t looking,  I can say with full confidence that it easily washes away in the bathtub with soap and water.

  • Swimsuit Shopping

 

Okay so this one isn’t exactly something I’m loving… Well, kind of, I mean there are so many cute swimsuits out there but I’m admittedly overwhelmed at the moment. When we were in Florida three weeks ago, I wasn’t loving the way any of the swimsuits I packed fit. I feel like my sizes have been all over the place (particularly up top thanks to pregnancy and nursing) and I just want a bathing suit to appear that will magically work for me. (I ordered this high-waisted one off Amazon and liked the bottoms but not the top so it went back.) So, basically, I need your help! Everything out there seems SO cheeky right now and I’m not into that look. I also prefer my swimsuit tops to have some padding so they aren’t too thin.

My recent orders that I’m currently awaiting in the mail: This top + these high-waisted bottoms from Old Navy / Marysia Boy Shorts Bottoms (I think these would pair with a few tops I already own) / Scalloped High Waisted Bikini (great price point but a bit of a gamble, so we’ll see) — My fingers are crossed but I’m always so picky with swimsuits so hopefully you guys will have some ideas for where to look for good ones this summer! Any links to suits you love and own are more than welcome!

  • Friday Flashbacks

Everything Bagel Seared Tuna (Don’t be intimidated by seared tuna! This recipe makes it incredibly easy and the end result is restaurant-quality!)

Everything Bagel Seared Tuna

10 At Home + Travel Friendly Workouts (A roundup of workouts you can do anywhere!)

Question of the Day 

What is one thing you’re loving this week? 

Be sure to follow PBFingers on Instagram and Facebook!

I'd love to connect with you! I am always so grateful when you let me know you tried one of my recipes or workouts and tag me in your photos or updates. Thank you so much!!!

Filed Under: Things I'm Loving Tagged With: books, Things I'm Loving, Things I'm Loving Friday

About Julie

My name is Julie and I am a full-time blogger, new mama, fitness enthusiast (certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor) and food fanatic (mostly healthy... but also not-so-healthy) living in North Carolina with my husband, dog and baby boy. Thank you for visiting Peanut Butter Fingers! I hope you enjoy little glimpses into my life and have fun trying the sweaty workouts I frequently share and making some of my favorite recipes along the way!

« Week of Workouts: April 2021
Sunday at Rowan Wild + Dan Nicholas Park »

Comments

  1. Amanda says

    April 23, 2021 at 6:49 am

    https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-sweet-meadows-ditsy-high-waist-bikini-bottom-kona-sol-8482-multi-xl/-/A-80415538

    I bought this and the matching top after I saw it on @k8smallthings! I’ve never gone for the high waisted look but I kind of love it! I’m not into the cheeky look AT ALL.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      April 23, 2021 at 7:32 am

      that is so cute! and i love her IG + blog!

      Reply
    • Tracey says

      April 23, 2021 at 6:41 pm

      Arie (American eagle brand) has super cute swim suits! Momma of two and I love the way they fit! Plus price isn’t too bad if you wait for a sale

      Reply
  2. Becca says

    April 23, 2021 at 6:55 am

    I got a suit from Coral Reef Swim last year and love it! You can mix and match styles and sizes, and I was very happy with the fit. I got mine during theirMemorial day (?) sale last year if you can wait a little bit

    Reply
    • Julie says

      April 23, 2021 at 7:30 am

      love mix & match options — thank you for the recommendation!!

      Reply
  3. Sarah says

    April 23, 2021 at 7:05 am

    I love lands end swimsuits. I am similarly sized to you, and have a halter bikini top from them that stays in place (hugely important while swimming with kids) and has cup padding. The bottoms are good coverage and also stay in place. I’ve bought from target, old navy, Macy’s, Albion fit, and other places but I will probably be a lands end girl from now on. I also bought a few complementary sun shirts to wear on top which makes sun screening way easier. (I can skip most of my stomach/back-again, huge when I go to the pool alone with the kids.) I’m on my 2nd year of the lands end suit and swim shirts and everything still looks brand new.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      April 23, 2021 at 7:31 am

      last summer i swore by a sun shirt b/c we were outside & swimming so much for the very same reason you stated. and i’ll check land’s end!!

      Reply
    • Marie says

      April 23, 2021 at 4:11 pm

      Second for Land’s End! They have so many different styles that are all mix and match. Their fabrics really hold up to repeated use in the pools where chlorine is an issue. Plus as Sarah said, there are several coordinating sun shirts, as well as coverups and board shorts and skirts. I also agree with Sarah on the bottoms having good coverage. I used to buy my suits at Target, which was great in my 20’s but now that I’m a few months from 40 I don’t feel the need for tiny bottoms any more. Land’s End is also an excellent resource if you are tall and want a one-piece suit. I’m tall and their one-piece long torso suits are a great fit. I’ve also found their bottoms really stay in place and don’t require a lot of adjustment.

      Reply
  4. Maureen says

    April 23, 2021 at 7:09 am

    For swimsuits, check out Nani Swimwear! It’s a small women owned business and they’re swimsuits are so cute!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      April 23, 2021 at 7:30 am

      i will!! thank you!!

      Reply
  5. Pam B says

    April 23, 2021 at 8:17 am

    I’m also a mom of 3 boys and also swimsuit shopping! I really love the look of Left of Friday swim but they’re $$$. I have some j crew suits in my cart but haven’t committed yet. Following along for the comments here!

    Reply
  6. Ashley Carlson says

    April 23, 2021 at 8:57 am

    Prana swim suits!! I FINALLY found a suit that is flattering AND practical. I feel you on the overwhelming search!! Happy weekend!! 🙂

    Reply
  7. Tara says

    April 23, 2021 at 9:29 am

    Love the idea of a dry erase activity book for car rides and appointments! Thanks!

    I am also a nursing mama with one boob that produces much more than the other so they are slightly (mmm very) uneven ha. I found a different style top worked better for me (more like a sports bra style. This company makes beautiful pieces and I still love the one I purchased a year later. A small, women run company which is also a plus 🙂

    https://leftonfriday.com/

    Reply
    • Tara says

      April 23, 2021 at 9:35 am

      I purchased the ones linked below. Bottom not too cheeky and top has good coverage too 🙂 A bit expensive if you only want while nursing but if you want for longer use, a good investment piece

      These bottoms – https://leftonfriday.com/collections/homepage/products/hi-tide-bottom

      This top – https://leftonfriday.com/collections/homepage/products/top-shelf

      Reply
  8. Maggie says

    April 23, 2021 at 9:33 am

    I bought this swimsuit from Amazon last year and it’s my favorite…and only $30!!

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PB4GP5M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Reply
  9. Megan says

    April 23, 2021 at 10:14 am

    Check out Summersalt! Really good quality, a little more expensive but tons of mix and match options.

    Reply
  10. Kristen says

    April 23, 2021 at 10:25 am

    I bought this suit after having my son in 2 prints and it’s been awesome! The wrap top has been very forgiving with my chest size changing. I have a longer torso so I ordered the long size and it was perfect. I hadn’t worn a one piece since middle school swim team, and this made me feel a little sexy and more comfortable in my postpartum body.

    https://www.ae.com/us/en/p/aerie/one-piece-swimsuits/wrap-one-piece-swimsuits/aerie-leopard-wrap-one-piece-swimsuit/0751_2369_231?menu=cat4840006&ip=off&cid=PLA_Aerie_Brand_Womens_Swim&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4ImEBhDFARIsAGOTMj_CU9VNlJ64j4vEhlbwrCJ5fYY5yFO4ii8iLhm6B7s5AULDyW1s2j4aAvNCEALw_wcB

    Reply
  11. Emily says

    April 23, 2021 at 10:29 am

    Jolyn. A ton of different cuts and styles, in solids and prints to mix and match. And they stay put. I swim laps in them. They’re more of an athletic swimsuit brand.

    Reply
  12. Erinn says

    April 23, 2021 at 10:35 am

    Athleta is the best for swimsuits!

    Reply
  13. Stefanie says

    April 23, 2021 at 10:53 am

    I just got a suit from Albion Fit and the bottoms are full coverage and the quality is great. I love that they offer mom-friendly, modest suits, but they still look modern and stylish. I also saw some cute suits from Calia by Carrie Underwood. I feel like it’s so hard to find cute suits that have full rear coverage! Oh and happiest early birthday to you! Enjoy your weekend celebration with your sweet family. ☺️

    Reply
  14. Jessica C says

    April 23, 2021 at 11:02 am

    Ooo! Loving these comments on swimwear! I had a baby in 2020 also and want a swimwear refresh. I ordered one and am waiting for it to arrive…but I’m concerned it will be too cheeky! yikes!

    Also – would love to hear an update on your search for the best travel coffee container?! I cannot find a good one either!

    And thanks so much for the teething tube rec last week. Bought them for my 1 year old and he LOVES them…all other teethers I’ve tried, he’s been pretty uninterested…

    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  15. Kathy R says

    April 23, 2021 at 11:19 am

    Just bought the book – I live on Long Island – and love any book that has to do with Montauk!

    Reply
  16. Emily H. says

    April 23, 2021 at 11:32 am

    I second Athlete!!! I wait for a sale, because they are a bit pricey, but super good quality and last forever!!!

    Reply
    • Emily H. says

      April 23, 2021 at 11:33 am

      And by athlete, I mean Athleta. 😆

      Reply
  17. Tiffany says

    April 23, 2021 at 12:05 pm

    Hey Julie! I feel you on the swimsuits. I have a long torso and have been looking for a stylish one piece for chasing my little ones around on the beach this summer. I just ordered this (haven’t got it yet) but am very hopeful as it says there’s full butt coverage and comes in long!! Fingers crossed.

    https://www.ae.com/us/en/p/aerie/one-piece-swimsuits/wrap-one-piece-swimsuits/aerie-wrap-one-piece-swimsuit/0751_1200_331?menu=cat4840006&ip=off&cid=PLA_Aerie_NonBrand_Womens_Swim_OnePieces&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7Iiexq-P8AIVAZyzCh0NSwQDEAQYASABEgIM9fD_BwE

    Reply
  18. Kristin Flynn says

    April 23, 2021 at 2:19 pm

    A splurge but my favorite bathing suit purchase since becoming a mom… Athleta scoop bikini top A-C and medium bottom. Check it out! So comfy, stays in place, just the right amount of coverage and light lining in the top. I feel like I can chase the kids without anything flying out haha!

    Reply
  19. Tricia says

    April 23, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    Have you looked at Senita swimsuits? They are a great option if you’re looking for something that’s cute but provides more coverage and support. I got a few mix and match styles from there last summer and really like them!

    Reply
  20. Lauren H says

    April 23, 2021 at 9:20 pm

    https://www.ae.com/us/en/p/aerie/bikini-tops/scoop-bikinis/aerie-ribbed-longline-scoop-bikini-top/0753_2860_073?menu=cat4840006&ip=off&cid=PLA_Aerie_Brand_Womens_Swim&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4ImEBhDFARIsAGOTMj-QmeZqtkbiCqpmo-WpCCt-B-4wH-3rFUaen284VcR6ajJDP5QBRCwaAkOeEALw_wcB

    Just got this and it’s so comfy and supportive. I have a big chest so I am always on the hunt for something comfortable and support to chase my 2 kids in. I love that the straps are adjustable. I hate having to tie halters on some other suits so tight to lift the girls that it digs into your neck!

    Reply
  21. Aleisha says

    April 24, 2021 at 4:29 am

    I feel you on the “cheeky” swim wear! Not my style either- makes me feel very old though!

    Reply
  22. Kat says

    April 24, 2021 at 9:29 am

    Hi Julie – I have had good success with Carrie Underwood’s brand Calia. The bottoms have great full coverage but still look so stylish and feel SO GOOD. Like everything tucked in where it should be haha

    https://www.caliastudio.com/f/calia-by-carrie-underwood-swimwear

    Hope that helps!

    Reply
  23. Ashley says

    April 24, 2021 at 8:47 pm

    I have a very similar one piece swimsuit with the ruffles but I found it wayyyy cheaper.
    It is way cuter in person!!! https://www.amazon.com/CUPSHE-Womens-Green-Ruffled-Swimsuit/dp/B08NDQGDYW/ref=cs_sr_dp_5?dchild=1&keywords=cupshe&qid=1619311424&sr=8-5

    Reply
  24. Ruthie says

    April 25, 2021 at 12:54 pm

    A bit sportier (great for paddle boarding, beach volleyball, etc.) but I’ve been wearing these speedo swim shorts for a few years.

    They’re great for a big booty and smaller waist, short enough (2 inch inseam) but give my wide thighs enough coverage. Plus they’re black so they go with a lot! They still dry super quick!

    https://www.speedousa.com/swim-short-style-7723958

    Reply
  25. Tracy says

    April 29, 2021 at 1:21 pm

    Victoria’s Secret swim is backkkkk! Including my beloved twist front bandeau under a different name. My stash is all pre-kids so I need a new one even if it may not fit my current lifestyle https://www.victoriassecret.com/us/swimwear/swimwear-catalog/victoria-s-secret-mallorca-twist-front-bandeau-top-https://www.victoriassecret.com/us/swimwear/swimwear-catalog/victoria-s-secret-mallorca-twist-front-bandeau-top-1118897600
    I also am liking high neck tops to keep everything in place from squirmy kids like this target one. Bonus no tie strings for anyone to pull. https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-high-neck-twist-front-bikini-top-kona-sol-8482-black-stripe-l/-/A-76592761

    Reply
  26. Tracy says

    April 29, 2021 at 1:23 pm

    My linking skills are lacking this morning but it’s the Victoria’s Secret Mallorca Twist-front Bandeau Top

    Reply
  27. Shana says

    April 30, 2021 at 7:17 am

    If you like the retro look, this set is so cute! The bottom has full coverage and the material tucks in my “mummy tummy” without pinching. It’s inexpensive enough that you could buy two sets if you need a different size top and bottom. It also stays in place when playing with the kids.
    https://www.amazon.com/COCOSHIP-Waisted-Buttons-Vintage-Swimwear/dp/B082VZVSKP/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=cocoship&qid=1619780343&sr=8-9&th=1

    Reply
  28. Kalyn @ Goal of Losing says

    April 30, 2021 at 9:03 am

    I have lavender diffusing on my desk right now! Must try the lavender roll on, next. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    Reply

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Hi! I’m Julie and I am a mom to three energetic boys and a personal trainer and blogger living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Welcome to my blog! Peanut Butter Fingers follows my life and my interests in food, fitness, family, travel and (mostly) healthy living.
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