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 am in dire need of a new sports bra! I’ve been cycling through the same two now forever.
Leggings!! Always need leggings!! I’m 17 weeks pregnant and could use some new pieces to make me feel good while working out!
I toooooootally need new sports bras! I recently completed the Whole30 (AMAZING), and ended up losing a lot of weight (in addition to cutting my cravings/dependancy, which was my intention). Whenever I shed or gain a pound, it always starts in the boobs. Anyway, a new wardrobe of sports bras are high on my shopping list, and these ones you pointed out are super cute!
I could definitely use new leggings, and I really must find this kitchen gadget your mom found!
I’ve never had a sports bra and would love to get one that’s rated so highly!!
I’d love the twist tank!
I am in dire need of a new pretty sports bra 🙂
I would love to try the sports bra!
That is such a thoughtful anniversary gift from Ryan. I try to be creative with the yearly gifts but they can be hard! All of Montiel’s items look great but I really need a pair of leggings to work out in.
I would love a new sports bra – especially one that is flattering for small chests!
I can always use new capris and those tanks look super cute. Have fun at the Halloween rehearsal!
Absolutely loving that gray twist tank!
I think I’d choose a tank. I mostly wear tight tank tops to exercise but I like the look of their loose fitting ones. Very cute! Would love to try it out!
Could definitely use a high-quality pair of black leggings! And I’m digging the twist tank and harper tank, too.
Oh, the sports bra! I can totally relate to your issues getting the right sports bra and I definitely need some new ones!
And isn’t Luna’s terrific!! I love their smoothies!!
I love the T back look of the sports bra and tank together. So cute! and I totally forgot about the song I’ll Fly With You. Must listen to it now!
The T bank tank is soo cute! I would definitely choose that item. 🙂
I’ve been looking for some more sports bras for my small chest! Would definitely love this one! And those leggings look awesome too!!
Love the TBack Cami.
I also love that you and Ryan celebrate your anniversary using the traditional themes for each year. Too cute.
The teardrop sports bra is so unique, I love it!
I desperately NEED a new sports bra!! And that give from Ryan is extremely thoughtful, he did a great job 🙂
The Lea leggings! I’m in need of a new pair.
I would most like a new sports bra! I haven’t bought a new sports bra since high school (I’m now in grad school). How sad is that? The Teardrop Bras are beautiful!
Love the twist tank! So cute!
love the design of the sports bras and the tank you are wearing!
I LOVE the coral t-back bra and the twist tank in grey! So, so cute!!!
Sounds like a great line of active wear! I am in love with workout clothes and would be thrilled to win any of the three pieces you mentioned in your post! 🙂
I typically stick with simple, black capris for working out and like more funky tops. I absolutely love the twist tank!
I’d love to get the leggings! I only have capris, so I’d love to have a pair of full leggings.
I would love a new sports bra! All of mine are so old.
I would love the leggings. I love workout leggings with boots and under dresses, tunics and long shirts. There are so many uses for a good pair of black legging other than working out. http://Www.eatallovertheworld.weebly.com
I would love the leggings! Great for winter workouts!
I’m obsessed with colorful and comfy sports bras and tanks/camis, but could definitely use another great pair of leggings! Thanks for sharing the cute workout wear love!
I could really use a new outfit for yoga. I feel like I wear the same thing each time I go to a class!
As a personal trainer, I’m always on the hint for the next best brand of workout clothing, so thanks for highlighting Montiel! I would love a new sports bra and a new pair of leggings. 🙂 Happy Halloween!
I LOVE that twist tank!
I could really use a nice new tank and these are also super cute. I know no one cares really, but everyone likes to look cute at the gym 🙂
I am definitely in need of a new tank! Mine are getting so worn out!
The tank with the sKinny strap is awesome!
I’m most excited about the leggings! Thanks for the chance!
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Omg, I love the twist tank! So simple and cute. <3
Mandy
http://www.mandydacandy.com
I’d love to try their tanks!
I love the coral cami!
I am most excited for a new pair of leggings….although a new sports bra is also on my list to buy! Thank you so much for the chance to win! 🙂
I’m definitely going to need some new workout apparel after I have a baby in a few weeks! The capris look so comfy!
I would be most excited about new leggings!
The Tback Cami in Coral is awesome!! <3 thanks for posting this!
I really need new leggings- mine are getting pretty worn out.
Ps those thin cookies sound interesting! I love extra crunchy cookies, so I bet I’d love them!
My sports bra/tank assortment could use a refreshing look! I’ve never heard of Montiel! Thanks for sharing!
I live the back details on the tanks! I could totally use new workout tanks or leggings. I keep wearing the same pairs over and over!