Hello, hello! I feel like the weekend officially kicked off for us yesterday when we made the 6-hour drive to Jacksonville but I’m thrilled today is Friday since that means we still have three jam-packed days of fun ahead! Ryan and I will be spending most of today in Orlando visiting friends from college before driving onto Sarasota for Krystal and Matt’s wedding weekend. And then we’ll make the 10+ hour drive back to North Carolina on Sunday. It will be three days filled with quality time with friends and family. The best!
But before I get too ahead of myself, let’s dive into your usual Things I’m Loving Friday blog post where we chat about what we’re loving most each week. As always, feel free to chime in below in the comments section!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Family Birthday Celebration
I love my family so darn much. I miss them like crazy now that we don’t get to see them as often, but adore how we all fall right back into step when we’re together. The minute Ryan and I walked through the door of my parents’ place, I was filled with the most wonderfully comforting feeling and yesterday I smiled even bigger than usual when I saw that my incredibly thoughtful mother decorated for my birthday. My sister and her husband came over and we all had a mini 30th birthday celebration together last night with a delicious dinner and homemade ice cream cake. It was such a great way to celebrate with the people I love most!
This workout app is just the best! I fell in love with the easy-to-follow workouts featured in this app over a year ago but forgot about them until I was looking for some workout inspiration this morning. I wanted a quick workout I could do that would target the whole body and turned to the NTC app for a 45-minute toning workout that made the time pass quickly. It’s a great workout resource for anyone, especially those looking for quality workouts they can do at home or while traveling.
These sneakers were a birthday gift I received from my mom and dad on Monday and I adore them. I broke them in yesterday (paired with comfy jogger pants a la Janae) and have a feeling they’ll quickly become a staple in my wardrobe. Though I’ve been basically living in my classic TOMS, I like that these sneakers are a little more sturdy and think the neutral olive green color will go with a ton of different outfits.
- Publix Chocolate Chewy Cookies
These cookies are so amazing. Ryan and I actually incorporated them into the cookie buffet we had at our wedding and when my mom had two waiting for us when we arrived in Jacksonville, memories came flooding back… and then my mouth started watering. If you live near a Publix and love cookies that taste like gooey (yet somehow slightly crispy) brownies, please pick up one of these cookies from the bakery section of the grocery store. You won’t be disappointed!
- Blogger Book Giveaway Winners
Congratulations to…
- Suja Juice Solution: Nanda G.
- Dashing Dish: Jaime
- Ultimate Plank Fitness: Samantha
- The Skinny Confidential: Megan
The winners were emailed first thing this morning. Thanks to all who entered!
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you’re loving this week?
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the weather! st louis has had beautiful 70 degree weather almost everyday!!! walks when i get home from work with my little one every single evening! loooooove!
I am always so impressed by homemade ice cream cakes – it seems hard!
Lately I’ve been way into kombucha.
This just reminded me to break out my NTC app again. I haven’t used it in months, but I always love the workouts on there.
Also, those cookies look pretty awesome.
I’m excited to see a friend get married tomorrow and I’m only a few days away from vacation, so May is already looking good!
Yum to that cake! And yay for family time! That’s always the best :). And holy smokes that cookie looks good!!
Publix’s bakery can do no wrong in my eyes!!
I am so glad you had a nice birthday with your family! I love my family so much, too!
Question: I’ve noticed this before and don’t understand what it means when you have something as a link with a strikethrough… like the Nike Training one above. I used to think it meant that link was no longer valid, but I clicked on this one and it seemed to be…?
I was wondering this too!
Me three (and I’m loving that I have 4 days off starting tomorrow!!)
Those Toms are super cute!! Perfect for a mama to be!
I’m loving that the weather is warming back up again! We just came back from St. Petersburg, FL on Sunday and I got spoiled very quickly by the extremely beautiful weather! Summer can’t get here fast enough 🙂
I just left a publix! Can’t believe I missed that cookie!
I am LOVING the warm weather that has finally made it’s way to the Northeast! It’s supposed to be over 70 on Sunday and I fully plan on making my way to the beach! 🙂
I didn’t know Toms made sneakers – those look awesome! I wear my regular ones a lot so that might be a new pair I need to look in to!!
I think the sneakers are relatively new!
Hi Julie!
What are your thoughts on being pregnant/having a new baby and living far from your family? My husband is also military and we are planning on starting a family in the next year or two, but we will most likely be living in another state away from our family at that point. Sometimes the distance and having our support systems so far away during this part of our life makes us nervous!
Yay for family time! Because my birthday is around Christmas, I always seem to get to spend it at home with my parents and brother and hubby, and they make it special. Loving your Toms and joggers! Hope you have fun with your friends this weekend!
Love Toms, but never saw those sneakers before – they may give my Tretorns a run for their money!
Homage Crewneck sweatshirts! In Ohio it’s still pretty chilling in the evenings and mornings. I’m always cold in the morning as is and throw on one of my Homage sweatshirts to warm me up as I get going. Like any of their attire, they are the softest sweatshirts and tees I’ve found! Perfect cozy sweatshirt to wear around the house. http://www.homage.com/collections/crewnecks
I haven’t had those cookies from Publix, but from your picture and description, they sound just like this recipe I tried from Pinterest about a month ago. Some of the best cookies I’ve ever made! Here’s the link: http://juliasalbum.com/2013/03/outrageous-chocolate-cookies-recipe/
I am loving the fact that it is officially May 1st, because it marks the month I head to Orlando with my best friend for a mini girl’s getaway! She has never been before, so I can’t wait to experience it with her 🙂
I am absolutely loving the weather this week! It has been warm and sunny, so lots of family walks!
Love the Toms sneakers! They look so cute and comfy!
Tomorrow some girlfriends and I are going to head out to a winery about 30 minutes outside of Austin. I’ve lived here forever but never ventured out to try the local wine. Can’t wait for some vino and quality girl time.
Thank you for reminding me that I need to stock up on some fresh Tom’s. Mine are getting old and those sneakers are so cute!
I am also loving birthday’s this week! This month is swamped with them but they are so fun!
That is so sweet of your family!! What a cute birthday celebration! Mmmmm homemade ice cream cake sounds amazing.
Have a fun wedding weekend with friends!
I think that’s one thing I SERIOUSLY miss about living in AR and not in TN anymore. We don’t have a single Publix!!! GAH. It’s Kroger and WalMart land. There’s just something about Publix, I just love it!
I LOVE that Nike app! I get bored with my workouts and the app always gives me something new to try. I just posted a whole bunch of things I’m loving at Sparklesaurus Treks blog.
YAY! So glad you are able to spend some time with frineds and family this weekend! Those cookies look amazing but we dont have any Publix stores near us sadly..
I am excited for the AMAZING weather we have been having in Kansas City this week! Every night this week my husband and I have went on long walks! I am also excited for the 4 mile hike we have on the books tomorrow! My husband got all of his mowing done this week so we have all day tomorrow to sleep in, eat breakfast together and go on a hike. Days like that are my favorite!
Have a great weekend with your family! I bet they were so excited to see that little baby bump!
TOMS wedges are also so comfy too! I love that you had a cookie buffet at your wedding. I am from PA and everyone has them, but my friends from other states have never heard of the tradition.
I love getting two birthday parties! Cody took me sailing for my birthday, then we graduate and head home to family where I will have another birthday party. Families are the best 🙂 How does Sadie do on the 10 hour car rides?
Ice cream cake is my JAM. I’m not a huge cake person, so even though I’m a December baby I alwaayss request ice cream cake. Those TOMS sneakers remind me of the TOMS kids shoes. I have small feet so sometimes (usually when they’re on Zulily) I buy kids sizes. I Actually have found I like them better and they last longer with the thicker sole with more traction. They’re a bit heavier than normal TOMS but other than that they’re the same.
Your family celebration is the cutest, and I’m OBSESSED with those sneakers! I need a pair!
Random question- what does it mean when a link is crossed out on your blog? Been wondering for a while 🙂
I’m loving the fact that the sun is rising earlier and setting later! I feel like I can get so much more done in a day: in the morning, ie running/playing/walking my dogs and I don’t get as tired when I come home since the sun is still up for another 2+ hours!
Ugh I miss Publix SO much! Growing up in Florida I got a chocolate chip cookie every time I went to the store with my mom. I just adore their cookies.
Wow those cookies look incredible!!!
There’s nothing better than family. Glad you were able to make some wonderful memories with them for your 30th!
Happy Birthday!
I’m loving the beautiful sunny weather here in Idaho! Can’t wait to enjoy it this weekend.
Happy Birthday Julie! I’m also LOVING the NTC app. It’s so great for workouts on the go! Hope you have a blast in Florida this weekend! 🙂
I’m lovin’ how good that ice cream cake looks! Sometime you’ll have to share that recipe! And I weirdly love frosting on top of ice cream. Yum!
I’m lovin’ that I pulled into my office parking ramp today to find it very sparsely populated, which means a work from home afternoon for me! woo hoo! That, plus lunch with my dad, will be awesome. Have a good weekend!
I love chewy cookies- that just looks perfect!
I’m so excited I own! You made my day extra bright. Thanks and love those Toms girl!
I am lovingggg my Insanity workouts!
I am loving some frozen bananas! Seriously, now that it has warmed up, I CANNOT get enough!
Have a great weekend!
I think I’m going to have to investigate TOMS sneakers! I have had 2 pairs of classics and I love them, but they do get pretty worn down after a while. Hope you had a wonderful birthday!
Aw! I love that! A mini birthday celebration! 🙂
Super cute new TOMS. I have a pair of the classic, but I haven’t seen the new sneaker.
That cookie looks so delicious! Do you think it’d be okay to skip dinner and just go straight for the cookie?
One thing I’m loving this week? Running! I’m prepping to start a new training cycle, and have just been loving the pure fun in it.
What a fun birthday celebration! It sounds like you had a great one!
Have a wonderful weekend in Florida, Julie! Oh my goodness, just the photo of that cookie is making my mouth water! Looks amazing! I’m off to get dinner with one of my best friends, which is kicking off the weekend on a perfect note. 🙂 Here are some more things I am loving right now: http://daybydaymasterpiece.com/2015/05/01/fabulous-friday-50/
Oh my goodness, that cookie! I just moved from Florida to Oregon and one thing I am really missing is Publix!!
Just saw a link at bottom of your blog to this post … ARE WE IN NORTH CAROLINA?
DECEMBER 23, 2010
wishing becoming reality does happen it seems 🙂
Happy Birthday …
I really want to try out those TOMS sneakers- it’s the first I’ve heard of them! Do they run large like the regular TOMS? I usually wear a 7 1/2 or 8 in most shoes but in TOMS I have to wear a size 7!
Relaxing on the weekends!!! Lately I’ve been nonstop with work and traveling, so sometimes doing nothing is fabulous!
Happy Birthday! I have started eating plain greek yogurt with honey, fruit, and granola. I have been loving this for the past couple weeks. So yummy! I also loved watching my sister-in-law graduate this weekend. I am so proud of her!