Good morning and Happy Halloween!!!
I hope your Friday is off to a good start. Mine certainly is thanks to two of my best friends, Merri and Ashley!
They both flew in town yesterday afternoon and we spent the day exploring, eating and chatting non-stop. I am so happy to have them here!
They flew into town because the three of us, along with Ryan, are driving to Savannah, Georgia today for a wedding this weekend. Tonight is the Halloween-themed rehearsal dinner/party and we are psyched!
But let’s move along to your regularly scheduled Things I’m Loving Friday post…
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Celebrating Our Anniversary
Yesterday was our four-year wedding anniversary! The anniversary gift theme for year four is flowers and fruit and I was so surprised to arrive home from a day with my girlfriends to a recreation of my wedding bouquet Ryan had made for me. I was obviously very touched! He’s pretty much the best. I gave him a cactus (there’s a story behind the gift, I promise!) but Ryan definitely won the best gift award this year. I loved it!
After my friend Ashley arrived yesterday, we had about an hour and a half to kill before Merri’s flight landed, so we grabbed a quick lunch at Luna’s Living Kitchen which I’m pretty sure may be my new favorite place in Charlotte. The restaurant specializes in plant-based organic local food and I absolutely loved the spaghetti bolognese I ordered. A bed of zucchini noodles was topped with a walnut mushroom bolognese sauce and it was phenomenal!!! I cannot wait to go back and try the zucchini noodle lasagna.
- Gigi D’Agostino – I’ll Fly With You
I don’t think I’ve heard this song since high school and when we were driving home from dinner last night, it came on the radio and I was so psyched! I downloaded it immediately and am so glad it’s back in my life.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Thins
File these cookies under “impulse buy.” I saw them on sale at the grocery store this week and nearly walked by the huge display because I thought they were diet cookies. I’m glad I gave them a double-take because the “Mrs. Thinster’s” name simply refers to the fact that the cookies are super thin and crispy. The flavor tastes like homemade chocolate chip cookies (sweet and buttery!) and I love that they’re perfectly pop-able and made without the use of any artificial ingredients. Be warned though: It’s easy to eat these babies like potato chips! They’re addicting!
- Copco Small Appliance Slider Tray
I owe a big thanks to my mom for this lovely discovery! Ryan and I keep our Keurig coffee maker on our kitchen countertop and like to leave it tucked underneath our cabinets. Well, this ended up being a pain because every time we wanted to use the machine, we’d have to scoot it out and then put it back when we were done. (Sounds silly but if you’re in the same boat, I have a feeling you’ll understand my gripe with this!!) This little roller tray from Bed, Bath and Beyond makes it super simple to slide our Keurig out and back. You simply press on the button in front and roll it back and forth. Plus, it’s super cheap when you buy it with one of the never-ending supply of Bed, Bath and Beyond 20 percent off coupons.
- Around the Web Finds…
33 Clever Ways to Organize Small Things: So creative! And I can testify that using a carabineer to keep hair ties organized is fabulous!
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa + Egg White Oatmeal + Best Sports Bras for Small Chests: Thanks so much to POPSUGAR Fitness for sharing these posts!
Pile on the Miles November Fitness Challenge
- Columbia Giveaway Winners
Congratulations to Sarah M. (jacket) and Chelsea (boots)!! Both winners were emailed first thing this morning. Thanks so much to all who entered!
- Montiel Activewear
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of testing out workout apparel from Montiel, a new company with a goal of creating better activewear staples for women. They put a heavy emphasis on quality material and design and I must say I can tell!
Through the blog, I am frequently approached by various fitness apparel companies and I truly do turn down 98 percent of the product offers I receive. Something about the look of Montiel’s apparel caught my eye though and I said I’d test it out and provide feedback directly to the company, but I definitely wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did! (Thankfully Montiel was onboard with a flash giveaway when I approached them about it so you have a chance to win a complete outfit from them, too. See below!)
The clothes are functional and flattering and the simple but feminine designs make them stylish without being over-the-top trendy. They’re definitely great staple pieces to have in your workout wardrobe.
I had the chance to try out their teardrop sports bra and can tell you that it definitely would’ve made my Best Sports Bras for Small Chests list had I worn it before that post. It is so incredibly flattering and I absolutely love the cut and feel of the bra.
The twist tank is comfortable enough to wear to bed but it still looked cute and was the perfect breezy option for the barre and Jazzercise classes I took while wearing it. And the coral cami I am wearing in the above picture is the TBack cami and it has quickly become a favorite of mine to wear to Pure Barre. I’ve received a bunch of compliments and I love the thick material, built in removable cups and body-skimming cut.
Alright now that I’ve basically professed my love for their apparel, here’s your chance to win an outfit for yourself…
Montiel Giveaway
One PBF reader will win an entire workout outfit from Montiel that will include the following:
- One Sports Bra
- One Tank or Cami
- One Pair of Leggings or Capris
To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment below telling me about which piece of apparel you’d be most excited to receive from Montiel. Perhaps you need a new pair of leggings? Or you could really use a new sports bra? Let me know!
I will randomly select a winner next Friday.
Good luck!
i would love some new leggings!!
Would love some new leggings!
I could use a new sports bra…love that they have such cute styles!
I’d love a new pair of long leggings – just in time for winter 🙂
Leggings! Can’t really have enough leggings :).
Black leggings are my go-to, but my fitness apparel/work wardrobe (I am a trainer/lifestyle coach) could definitely use some refreshing. Would love a new tank, or sports bra to brighten up my other wise… black closet.
I would love all three pieces! Pregnancy has changed my body and I’m ready to bounce back with some new gear!
wow – i’d most love a new sports bra! they look cool. Since i’ve lost weight, mine are all too big , and i need new ones. Everything looks great on their site!
Definitely the twist tank!
A girl can’t have enough sports bras!
I am in need of some new sports bra’s they are so hard to find!! At least ones that fit well are! I will say there clothes are very sporty chic…I like that!
Oh my! I sooo soooo desperately need a whole new workout wardrobe as I am pregnant! I would love to wear Montiel 🙂
I would love one of their tank tops! The back is so cute
I definitely need a new pair of leggings but I do love the twist tank.
I got that same meal at Luna’s when I drove through Charlotte this summer and loved it, the lasagna was amazing as well.
I would love a new pair of leggings! These look so flattering!
the leggings! I always need more cold weather options!
I would love that sports bra! The t-back is so unique.
I would love any of those! But I suppose the leggings would be the best new staple for me
I would love a pair of leggings!
I could definitely use a new sports bra and top. I love the T backs! 🙂
Perfect timing – I was just going to start looking around for a new pair of leggings!
I’d love to try some new leggings!
I could use a new pair of leggings for the fall/ winter and I’m always in the market for a great tanktop! The twist tank looks so comfy & cute! I’d love to add it to my wardrobe!
I’d love a cute new sports bra to peek out of a workout tank!
I love the tank top! The back detail is so interesting and cute!
I am always on the lookout for new leggings or capris!
I like working out in loose tanks, so I would love the twist tank! Thanks for the giveaway.
I’d like a pair of capris !
I would love to get a new, fun sports bra!
I really need a new sports bra! looks cute
I love those styles! I’m desperate for a new sports bra and I love the look of the twisted tank!
I would love some new workout tops! I usually stick to old Tshirts in the gym but I would love something more flattering and trendy!
I could DEFINITELY use a new sports bra! And if it were as pretty as these, that would be a bonus!
Always love to find a good sports bra!
All that stuff is so super cute! I would take any of it!
Desperately need a new tank!
I love the twist tank! I could also always use a pair of leggings. I practically love in them 😉
How adorable are these workout clothes?! I’m a new mom so I basically live in leggings so of love a new pair!
I’d be super excited about the sports bra!
Also, Ryan is a true gem. What an amazing gift!!
I have been needing more sports bras so that would be my pick!
I would love a new pair of leggings!
Hi Julie! I’ve been on a search for a tank top just like this one! Comfortable and flowing.
Happy Friday!
I really love that twist back tank! Also, you got me at “in need of a new sports bra right now” because that is me. I’ve been looking around the internet and at Marshalls/TJMaxx but found nothing I am loving or willing to spend $$$ on. I’m am a proud member of the IBTC and one would think that we would have the easiest time with sports bras, but not the case in my experience.
I could really use a new sports bra after almost flashing everyone in my dance class last night… but that top you’re wearing is super cute too!!
I have a hard time finding the perfect sports bra (for a smaller chest) and per your recommendation, would love the teardrop tank!
Everything is so cute! I’d love to wear one of the t back tanks!
I would definitely take a new pair of leggings! They look so comfy and versatile!
I love all the gear pictured! I am in need of new sports bras for sure – I haven’t upgraded in wayyyyyy too long! Thanks!
I would love to win a new tank!
I love the twist tank, it would be perfect for running or spin!