Peanut Butter Fingers

Living a Life Fueled by Healthy Food and Fitness

Navigation
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Who’s Who
    • All About NASM
    • Disclaimer
    • Wedding
  • Recipe Index
  • Workouts
  • Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy + Baby #2
    • Pregnancy + Baby #3
    • Miscarriages
  • Baby
  • Shop + Favs
    • My Amazon Shop
    • Codes + Discounts
    • Books
    • Blogging
  • Travel
    • Orlando & Florida
    • Blog Travel

Things I’m Loving Friday #385

September 17, 2021 by Julie 21 Comments

Hey hey and Happy Friday! I hope your week was a good one! We had a decent week over here. School for the big kids is trucking along, Ryder started soccer and Rhett officially has fourteen teeth.

I feel like every second I tickle Rhett upside-down I notice a new tooth in his mouth. Little raptor baby!

Neither of the big kids had school yesterday and even though it was a rainy day, we made the most of it with lots of muddy outside playtime.

That picture doesn’t even begin to do the muddy madness justice. (Look at Ryder’s legs and imagine that all over their jackets, boots, hands and legs.) Let’s just say that before we came back inside, two naked boys were hosed off in our driveway and a load of laundry and a mid-morning bath followed shortly after.

As for the weekend ahead, our plans are wide open. We have a birthday party on the agenda for tomorrow morning and need to catch up on some organization and chores around the house. I’m hoping to have a recap to share with you on Monday but until then see below for my weekly roundup of favorites, Things I’m Loving Friday style!

Things I’m Loving Friday

  • Take A Look It’s In a Book Tee

take a look it's in a book tshirt

Any other Reading Rainbow fans out there? A couple of weeks ago, I shared an IG Story featuring the theme song from Reading Rainbow and someone sent me a DM with a link to this Take A Look It’s In a Book t-shirt. I bought it the second I clicked the link! I love the look of graphic tees but always struggle with which one to buy because so many of the designs just don’t call to me. You better believe this one did and my book-loving heart had to have it. It’s also been a fun one to wear out and about because inevitably a stranger will comment on it, proving Reading Rainbow had an amazing reach back in the day! And yes, yes I did wear this t-shirt during a trip to the library earlier this week. While that wasn’t planned, let’s just call it a happy coincidence.

  • Leg Day Workout

leg workout at home

Leg day has never been my favorite so I surprised myself by really feelin’ this one! I’m not sure if it was the music I was jammin’ or the fact that I created a workout that incorporated a decent number of deadlifts, hip thrusters and bridges (my fav leg strength exercises), but it was a good one that left me sore for three days after I completed it in our driveway. Bonus: You can easily do this one at home with only a set or two of heavy dumbbells since it doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment.

  • New Phone Case + Rattan Pop Socket

The decorations on the outside of my previous phone case have been peeling away little by little every day for the past month so when I saw this no-frills phone case in one of @bethereinfive‘s IG Stories, I swiped up! The case is a soft, ultra slim, silicone shock-proof case from Cordking on Amazon and I opted for the pinksand color. (I originally ordered the light brown color because it looked like a super-dark rose color but it was, in fact, light brown when it arrived so I swapped it for the pinksand and am much happier.) I paired the case with a rattan pop socket for a little bohemian flare and I’m loving it!

  • Verity by Colleen Hoover

Okay, let’s chat about Verity. I shared a snapshot of this book when I initially began reading it on IG Stories and received a handful of messages cautioning me about the content in the book, especially for mothers who may have experienced miscarriage or child loss. I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into and admittedly got roped into the book right away. Having said that, I 100 percent echo those warnings, as the writing in Verity is graphic and intense, especially around those particular subjects. I found it hard to read and stomach-turning on multiple occasions and would have a very hard time recommending this book for that reason.

That being said, the storyline was interesting and the book is the kind of novel you fly through in a sitting or two. It’s a twisted page-turner that follows Lowen Ashleigh, a writer unsure where her next paycheck is coming from until she’s offered an opportunity she can’t refuse from Jeremy Crawford, husband of the hit novelist Verity Crawford. Jeremy wants Lowen to complete the best-selling series of novels his wife began before she was severely injured.

In order to immerse herself in Verity’s writing and mindset, Lowen is invited to stay at Verity’s home so she can make her way through Verity’s notes in her home office. Soon after Lowen begins her research, she unexpectedly discovers an unpublished, never-before-seen autobiography written by Verity. The book is filled with secrets, lies, deceit and revelations that could turn Jeremy Crawford’s life upside down. Distressed over whether or not to share the discovery with Jeremy, Lowen keeps her find hidden, but as her feelings for Jeremy grow, Lowen wonders whether or not she should reveal what she’s found, a feeling that intensifies as her suspicions over the severity of Verity’s injuries begin to deepen.

  • Dohm Noise Machine

Our kids basically ruined our ability to be able to sleep in a completely quiet room and now Ryan and I are both addicted to sleeping with a noise machine. Having multiple babies who sleep with a noise machine spend 6 months in your room with you will do that to ya, I guess! During a past visit to my parents’ place, my mom had the Dohm Noise Machine set up in our room for Rhett that we ended up absolutely loving. It’s a fan-based white noise machine that provides continuous white noise without any digital looping or odd digital interruptions. You simply twist the outside of the noise machine to adjust the volume of the noise/how much of the fan you hear and it’s been a bedtime staple for us for months. One thing I will say is that this machine doesn’t get crazy loud so if you’re looking for a louder option for a child’s room, I wouldn’t opt for this one. For the boys’ rooms, we looove their Hatch Lights and I cannot recommend those enough for a quality noise machine with a bunch of awesome features.

  • Around the Internet

Food: Marinated White Bean Salad / Air Fryer Sausage Peppers and Onions / Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Pancakes  / Kale Pesto Pasta Salad

Fitness: 10 Gym-Free Cardio Options / 30 Minute Dumbbell HIIT Workout

Sales: 15% off all activewear at H&M (They have some great kid’s athleticwear if you have any little ones playing sports this fall) / 20% off Madewell for Madewell Insiders (Sale includes my favorite white sneakers — I pair these with everything and they’re comfy enough to wear to walk for miles!)

  • Friday Flashbacks

10 Preschool Lunches (A peek into two weeks’ worth of preschool lunches + What was actually eaten from each lunch)

10 preschool lunches

Edamame Black Bean Salad (With football season in full swing, keep this simple recipe on your radar as a delicious side dish or dip for any Sunday football gatherings!)

Edamame Black Bean Salad

Question of the Day

What is one thing making you smile 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: 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!

« A Weekend at Jellystone Golden Valley
Fishing, Biking and Meal Planning »

Comments

  1. Vera says

    September 17, 2021 at 8:28 am

    Excited it is almost fall!!!
    Here is a recipe I just tried and my kids and I loved it wanted to share with you!!! Let me know what you think if you try it please.
    https://www.fivehearthome.com/pumpkin-baked-oatmeal-with-maple-pecans-dairy-free/
    Happy Friday and have a wonderful weekend!!!
    💙

    Reply
    • Julie says

      September 17, 2021 at 10:09 am

      That sounds so good and so perfectly FALL! Yum!

      Reply
  2. steph says

    September 17, 2021 at 8:53 am

    where is your cute little heart necklace from?!?!?

    Reply
    • Julie says

      September 17, 2021 at 10:11 am

      It’s from Gorjana but it’s been sold out for months unfortunately! I found this one on Etsy that’s similar though!! –> https://bit.ly/3zeHxEp

      Reply
  3. Becca says

    September 17, 2021 at 9:50 am

    I bet your boys had a blast playing in the rain and mud! Such great memories all of you are creating.

    I am excited that our son is turning 18 tomorrow and we will go visit his sister at college on Sunday. It is hard to believe that our baby is 18!!! Our son has special needs and at times our journey has been quite difficult and scary (he had meningitis at 1 week of age and was on life support). I am really trying to focus on all the amazing moments we have had over the past 18 years and the incredible bond he has with his 19 year old sister. Life certainly threw us many curveballs but the 4 of us persevered, never gave up hope and continue to push through so many hurdles and have learned not to take anything for granted.

    I am also allowing myself grace to also feel all the feelings of grief that accompany this milestone. We sadly have to file for guardianship on Monday to protect him and to be able to continue to make medical and financial decisions for him. If we do not do this, we could be denied that ability at any point as he technically will be a legal adult. The sadness overcomes me at moments as we are watching friends with sons the same age searching for colleges and planning their next steps. Our next steps are very different than we ever imagined and yet we will make sure his life is filled with amazing opportunities for him. So many unknowns right now as funding for young adults with disabilities is severely limited in the state of Illinois. I have cried more this past month than I have in a long time. So I am really trying to balance allowing myself to feel all these feelings but not getting “stuck” in these feelings for too long and missing out on enjoying who my son is and celebrating his life and what he is able to do and enjoy.

    Sorry if my post is hard to read/sad. I guess I just needed to share where I am at right now – all part of life’s journey.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      September 17, 2021 at 10:06 am

      Oh Becca, I felt so many things as I read your comment. It’s so, so clear to me that you are an incredible mother — someone who loves her children deeply and wants the very, very best things for your son and daughter. Your feelings are so understandable and valid. I think anyone would feel a mix of emotions going through something so huge, especially when it pertains to a beloved child. Sending you love and hoping you can hold space for everything you’re feeling right now. Praying your son’s birthday is full of joy and wonderful memories. And I hope your daughter is loving college! <3

      Reply
      • becca says

        September 17, 2021 at 10:33 am

        Thank you for your kind words Julie. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

        Reply
    • Julie says

      September 17, 2021 at 10:08 am

      Also, if you have Venmo, can you send me your Venmo name? I’d love to send you a little something for coffee or a sweet treat or something as a little “pick-me-up” today. <3

      Reply
      • becca says

        September 17, 2021 at 10:34 am

        Honestly, reading your supportive words is truly a pick me up but thank you for the kind offer. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

        Reply
      • Erin says

        September 21, 2021 at 1:28 pm

        Omg…this is so so kind, Julie.

        And big hugs to you, Becca <3

        Reply
    • Tracy says

      September 20, 2021 at 11:20 pm

      Happy birthday to your son! I am a special needs mom, too, and i know those feelings all too well. Hang in there and hugs to you

      Reply
      • becca says

        September 20, 2021 at 11:25 pm

        Thank you so much Tracy. I really appreciate your message :+)

        Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    September 17, 2021 at 1:15 pm

    I completely agree about Verity! It’s hard to say I enjoyed it, because at times it turned by stomach, but I am glad I read it. I also can’t recommend it, but then, I love to talk about the book with people who have read it. It’s a very strange mix of emotions with that book!

    Reply
  5. Jen says

    September 17, 2021 at 6:07 pm

    Happy Friday! I love your blog. Where is your family room rug from? I feel like you’ve mentioned before, but I can’t find. I really like it.

    Reply
  6. Donna Ouellette says

    September 20, 2021 at 8:21 am

    “It Ends With Us” by the same author is very good also. While also a bit disturbing, I couldn’t put it down.

    Reply
  7. Crystal says

    September 20, 2021 at 8:33 am

    What size did you get on the tshirt? Also, we just stayed in a hotel with the same noise machine and it was great!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      September 20, 2021 at 8:52 am

      I got a medium! I wanted a slouchy fit and it was the perfect size!

      Reply
  8. Anne @ fANNEtastic food says

    September 20, 2021 at 10:38 am

    We are also addicted to white noise now, LOL! Also, thank you for the link love to my pumpkin pancake <3 xo

    Reply
  9. Kim says

    September 20, 2021 at 11:23 am

    The author of Verity, Colleen Hoover, is an amazing writer! I suggest you read Ugly Love next. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Kat says

    December 9, 2022 at 11:43 am

    Definitely read It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover next! I also loved her book Reminders of Him.

    Reply
    • Kat says

      December 9, 2022 at 11:45 am

      Oops, meant to put this on your 12/9/22 post! It Starts With Us is the second book after It Ends With Us.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.
NEVER MISS A POST!
FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestBloglovin
Follow

Search

Fashion Favorites

Beauty Favorites

Items I Swear By

Kid Favorites

Shop My Baby Essentials

Quick Links

  • Favorite Posts
  • Recipe Index
  • Workouts
  • Fashion
  • Pregnancy/Baby
  • Family

Recent Posts

  • Amazon Prime Day 2025 Deals
  • Week of Weeknight Meals: June 2025
  • Things I’m Loving Friday #558
  • Recent Looks: #11
  • Week of Workouts: June 2025

Categories

Archives

Disclaimer

I am not a registered dietitian. My blog is simply a documentation of my life. The views I express are mine alone, based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical advice. I DO NOT post everything I eat. Though I am a certified personal trainer, the workouts I post may not be right for you. Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your current routine.

Affiliates

Please note that affiliate links may pop up on PBF from time to time. I greatly appreciate your support!
Privacy Policy

Copyright � 2013 Peanut Butter Fingers / Julie Fagan. All Rights Reserved.
Blog Designed by SWOON CREATIVE