Things I’m Loving Friday #551

Hi, hi, hello!!! Funny story: When we were in Sarasota visiting a bird sanctuary last month, I was talking to a beautiful cockatoo. I said “hi” and it said “hi.” I said “hello” and it said “hello.” Then it started to walk on its branch toward me and I was so excited continued to said “hi” softly as it walked over. And then it caw-squawked SO loudly in my face and made me jump-scream to the sheer delight of the boys and Ryan. Memoriesss.

Who knew beginning my blog post with “hi hello” would prompt that random story!? Anyway, hiii! How are you!? How has your week been going? For those out there with kids, how is Maycember/Maynia/Mayhem treating you? We had no less than three in-school obligations this week as well as teacher appreciation week which was fun and, yep, mayhem all at once. I suppose that will pretty much be the theme for the rest of the month though, right?

As for this weekend, we are psyched because Ryan, the boys, Pepper and I are off to Jellystone! It’s one of our favorite family getaways at it combines lots of time outside with super fun activities. We cannot wait!

I hope to share more on the blog next week but right now it’s Things I’m Loving Friday time!

Things I’m Loving Friday

• Unicorn Cream Jonny Pops

It’s Jonny Pops season again!! Jk, jk it’s Jonny Pops season year-round in our house. The evidence? Check out the popsicle sticks our boys have been saving to try to earn a prize by mailing them in:

It’s safe to say we’re Jonny Pops super fans and whenever we see a new flavor in the freezer section at one of our local grocery stores, it’s an instant “add to cart.” This week we tried one that quickly claimed a spot in our entire family’s all-time favorite Jonny Pops flavor list: The new Unicorn Cream Jonny Pop. The flavor of this one is pure magic. Think Dippin’ Dots mixed with nostalgic ice cream bar you’d get from the ice cream truck only creamier and even more wonderfully delicious. BIG FAN! (Local friends, we found them at Harris Teeter!)

• The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins

The Underland Chronicles is the series Ryan and I have been reading aloud with Chase before bed every night and all three of us are so into it! We read a lot of books as a family, but since Chase has a slightly later bed time than his younger brothers (he’s 3 years older), we reserve some special big kid reading time for him after his brothers are in bed. We’ve read a handful of series but our latest, The Underland Chronicles, is one even I as a grownup am enjoying so much!

The series is written by the author of The Hunger Games but is more age-appropriate for children ages 9-12. It has lots of action and adventure but also some deeper underlying themes and don’t be shocked if this book has you caring about a cockroach! If you have young readers in your house looking for a captivating and imaginative series, check this one out!

• Flowy Amazon Dress

(Dress: Amazon / Lace-Up Sandals: Amazon / Purse: Moda Luxe via Stitch Fix) 

You know those outfits you slip on and every single time they make you feel good? This Amazon dress is one of those rare gems for me. I think it’s due, in large part, to the flowy, lightweight fabric that somehow drapes over the body in such a flattering way. I own it in two patterns (it’s the same dress I wore at my sister’s mini baby sprinkle last month in a different pattern) and continues to be a closet favorite for me. (I am wearing a small and it’s plenty roomy.)

• Refrigerated Peanut Butter Cup ALOHA Bars

This is a tip I saw from @yourhomepaige on Instagram and daaang she was right about this one! For my fellow ALOHA bar fans, throw your peanut butter cup ALOHA bars in the fridge. Something about the refrigerated version of these bars makes them taste like some kind of an indulgent dessert treat. Something about the cold version turns transforms them in the best way!

And a friendly reminder that my affiliate link will give you 20% off if you’d like to give them a try! Ryan, Rhett and I all eat one every single day. (Ryder and Chase like them, too, but just don’t eat them quite as often.) My favorite ALOHA bar flavors: Chocolate mint (think Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies in bar form), peanut butter cup, lemon cashew, oatmeal chocolate chip, chocolate caramel pecan and white chocolate peppermint (but that one is seasonal)!

• Weekend Sales

Daaang there are some good weekend sales happening right now!! Here are a couple that caught my eye:

40% off lots of women’s clothing at Target: I have my top picks rounded up here! Items I already own and love are marked with ** while the items I ordered are marked with ***. If you click on the lowercase “i” with a circle around it, you can view my notes, sizing info, etc.

20% off $100+ orders at Anthropologie with code ANTHRO20: I couldn’t resist ordering this adorable summery juice glass, this casual dress (love that it’s above the knee but not TOO short — envisioning this with my Sambas and a fun, colorful sports bra underneath) and this jumpsuit. It even works on top denim brands, including the AGOLDE denim shorts that are basically the only denim shorts I wear in the summer. I’m SO picky and they work well on my body type.

40% off everything at GAP for their friends & family sale: My friend Cherayne swears by these jeans so I ordered them to give them a try! They also have so many cute dresses I’m eyeing…

• Friday Flashbacks

Berry Crisp (In case you missed it and have berry-picking on your agenda soon! This recipe could not be any easier and is phenomenal over vanilla ice cream.)

Super Seed Oatmeal (Chewy, fiber-rich and cold with Greek yogurt or hot!)

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What is one thing you’re loving this week?