Things I’m Loving Friday #605

Good morning!! I am coming to you today from New York City! I arrived in New York yesterday morning for an extended weekend split between NYC and Rowayton, Connecticut with my best friends from college. This trip came together oddly quickly for a group trip — a text from my BFF Merri saying “we need a trip” set things in motion — and I’m thrilled to be spending the next few days with this crew! I’m sure I’ll share a recap or at least some highlights on the blog next week but until then, let’s dive right into this week’s roundup of favorites, Things I’m Loving Friday style!

P.S. You may also catch up on anything you may have missed this week through my weekly newsletter: Sticky Notes!

Things I’m Loving Friday

• ProMix Puff Bars

Earlier this summer, when I restocked my Promix electrolytes, I added a few flavors of Promix Puff Bars to my order and I’m so glad I did! They have a hold on me right now and every time we run out, they’re an instant re-order. They’re so much better than your typical dry-yet-chewy protein bar. They have a crispy treat consistency and a sweet flavor without tasting the least bit artificial. (They’re free from anything artificial, so that makes sense!) I also really like the size for when I want a little something sweet but not in the mood for a dense protein bar. They’re also crazy high in protein and fiber for their size; one 150 calorie bar has 15 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber! Our kids also like them so they feel like a win all around. My favorite is cookies ‘n’ cream which does not taste like an Oreo at all but is somehow still super good and studded with mini chocolate chips I love. The boys’ favorite is the birthday cake. Mint chocolate and maple are on my list to try next!

• Remedy Skin, Hand & Curicle Firming Whipped Cream with Peptides

Ooph, how’s this for a produt name: Remedy Skin, Hand & Curicle Firming Whipped Cream with Peptides. Whatever happened to “hand cream” or “lotion”!?  Despite this product’s mouthful of a name which, let’s be honest, did intrigue me, it IS a gem. This Target find is a rich but not sticky-thick hand cream with peptides, shea butter, and ceramides that’s supposed to go beyond a typical lotion. It uses peptides and a hydrophobic lipid complex to firm thinning hand skin and stay on through repeated washing. I keep it by my bedside and use it before bed at night. It’s also become a travel staple for me because what is with travel drying out my skin and turning me into a desert lizard!?

• New (But Still Old) Kindle

I kind of hate myself for loving my new Kindle so much. Why? Well, because I feel like I was more or less forced into embracing a new Kindle when my old Kindle was perfectly fine and functioning quite well. Apparently it was just too old and Amazon made it obsolete and unable to download any more books, both from Amazon and any library. (A heads up about this would’ve been nice, as one day it was just like, “No more books for you!”) I kind of hated buying into Amazon’s forced upgrade but I must admit my new Kindle is pretty fantastic. As it turns out some major upgrades to e-readers have happened in the last 10+ years. Who knew!? My favorite upgrade: Little buttons to turn the pages versus swiping. So simple, so lovely. Oh and I should probably mention that my new Kindle is still actually “old” by Kindle standards. I got it resale solely for those little button page turners and really do love it.

• Heartwood by Amity Gaige

Genre: Mystery/Fiction / My rating: B

I liked so much about Heartwood — the insights into Appalachian Trail hiking, the unexpected humor from a secondary character, the passages that had me highlighting takeaways I wanted to remember — and yet, overall, this book fell a little flat for me. It started off so strong and I think where it lost me was when all of the build up and intrigue just sort of slowly unraveled until I found myself feeling disappointed by the last third of the book. It was enjoyable enough (especially the first half!) but not one I can glowingly praise despite the fact that I find myself really wanting to because I liked so much about it!

From Amazon: In the heart of the Maine woods, an experienced Appalachian Trail hiker goes missing. She is forty-two-year-old Valerie Gillis, who has vanished 200 miles from her final destination. Alone in the wilderness, Valerie pours her thoughts into fractured, poetic letters to her mother as she battles the elements and struggles to keep hoping. At the heart of the investigation is Beverly, the determined Maine State Game Warden tasked with finding Valerie, who leads the search on the ground. Meanwhile, Lena, a seventy-six-year-old birdwatcher in a Connecticut retirement community, becomes an unexpected armchair detective. Roving between these compelling narratives, a puzzle emerges, intensifying the frantic search, as Valerie’s disappearance may not be accidental.

• Weekly Looks

A few outfits I wore this week/the end of last week!

Coffee & Dogs Sweatshirt: LOFT / Jeans: FRAME (PBFINGERS15 saves 15%) / Sneakers: adidas / Blue Initial Name Necklace: BaubleBar

Skirt: Quince / Tank: Z Supply (via Amazon) / Sandals: beeks (PBFINGERS10 save 10%)

Friday night’s football game look! / Top: Target (but old) / Pants: Amazon (a look-a-like to my beloved RUTI pants — the fabric is different but the fit is very similar, though a touch baggier) Shoes: Nike / Bag: Clare V.

Pants: Amazon / Cardigan: Quince / Bodysuit Tank: Nuuds / Sandals: Amazon / Blue Bead Necklace: BaubleBar / Suitcase: Samsonite / Bag: BaubleBar

• Friday Flashbacks

Oatmeal Apple Crisp (I made another batch this week! It’s forever and always our family’s favorite apple crisp!!! Please try this one if you go apple picking this fall; I think you’ll love it!)

Chicken and Chickpea Salad (A great one to keep in mind if you’re looking for an easy lunch to meal prep!)