Friday Favorites – February 10th, 2017

Orangetheory brooklyn

Happy Friday! Yesterday those of us in New York and the Northeast were in a Winter Wonderland with our first snow day of 2017. In Brooklyn we received ten inches of snow throughout the day. Luckily, Bo and I were able to enjoy a sweaty workout bright and early before I was snowed in for the day. After a cancelled flight, I am finally en route to Des Moines, Iowa by way of a layover in Detroit. As I’ve mentioned, I’m heading to Iowa for a 48-hour girls weekend with some of my closest sorority sisters. While we’ve texted, emailed and chatted over the years it’s been far too long since we spent quality time together.

Now, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

  • Even though I only received these new Brooks Ghost Crops, which I’m wearing in the above picture, from my friends at Brooks on Monday, I’ve already worn them for two workouts this week. These lightweight, moisture-wicking crops feature a pocket large enough for my iPhone and a supportive waistband that provides some extra support to my back and stomach during workouts. I love the fun design on the aqua pair I received so much that I’ve already ordered the vibrant ones in a larger size to enjoy during my third trimester. While it’s still cold outside I’m wearing these for indoor workouts like OrangeTheory and Body Pump but I can tell they will also be a Spring staple as I start jogging and walking outside more.
  • After my friend Amanda lost all of her photos, I was inspired to make sure my phone photos are backed up to somewhere other than my computer. Luckily as an Amazon Prime member, I have free access to Prime Photos which provides free, unlimited photo storage and sharing. The powerful search algorithm allows you to quickly sort, filter and organize pictures while the easy-to-use interface allows me to send and receive photos and albums to friends and loved ones. I even organized my blog photos in one folder so I can easily reference them for use on social media!
  • I know I have a lot to learn and am currently very naive when it comes to work life balance since introducing a child into the equation changes everything. As I prepare to become a working mom, I loved reading these tips and tricks from mothers who balance multiple roles on a daily basis.
  • I received a sample of Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! conditioning hair mask from Sephora last month and immediately fell in love with the results. Not only is this mask free of parabens and sulfates, but it is also 95% composed of natural ingredients. I apply the mask in the shower after washing my hair and let it soak in while I shave, wash my face and body. My hair, which has been dry and cranky during my winter pregnancy, is soft and smooth after using this once a week for the past few weeks!
  • As I started dreaming and researching Spring fashion earlier this week, I fell in love with these chic athleisure shoes. Perfect for running errands and walking around town, the fun color of these shoes make them perfect for Spring. I can’t decide between the pink or Flyknit version. Thoughts?
  • If you’re a fan of the podcast Serial, you’re in luck. The creator announced a new podcast series that will air in March. The series, which is about an Alabama man who despises his small town and finally does something about it, will have seven episodes which will all become available on the same day.
  • Now that I’m going to my company’s WeWork office 2-3 days per week, I’ve started making food prep a part of my weekly routine. I pinned a number of salads and lunches to my Pinterest Recipe board this week which will make prepping and shopping easier. This week’s lunches consisted of homemade Chipolte-inspired salads, washed and cut berries, almonds and an apple with almond butter.
  • I realized that this JCrew Merino Wool Sweater blazer is perfect for everyone, including pregnant ladies like myself, since the material has more stretch than a typical blazer. The longer length and relaxed fit allows me to pair it with leggings while the feminine details make me feel chic and put together, even at 5:30 AM. Today I paired it with tall boots, black leggings, a black turtleneck and one of my favorite necklaces.
  • I’m all about working smarter not harder and therefore loved this Fast Company article which recommended first four things every person should do to start their work day. The Mark Twain quote which inspired their first tip is so true – if you start the day by eating a frog (aka doing the hardest task) you know that the day can’t get any harder.
  • Last but not least, I was surprised and delighted to find so many healthy food options at Cibo Express in LaGuardia Airport bright and early this morning. I was able to put together a healthy breakfast with Siggi’s yogurt, Purely Elizabeth granola, pasteurized orange beet juice and a banana!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

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Friday Favorites – December 9th, 2016

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Thumbs up friends, we made it to Friday! I hope you’ve had a good week and are ready for a wonderful weekend. This week was packed with holiday parties, dinners and work meetings so I’m very ready for the weekend. Tonight we are cooking dinner in, catching up on our favorite TV shows and I am going to bake cookies for Theodora’s Annual Cookie Swap. What do you guys have planned for the weekend? 

Now, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.  It’s been far too long since I shared some of my favorite things with you guys, so this week is a GOOD one!

  • Don’t these chewy, gingerbread cookies look delicious and perfect for the holiday season?
  • I bought this hair turban as part of the Sephora VIB sale and have since fallen in love with it so much that I ordered it as a Christmas gift for a few of my girlfriends! It absorbs so much of the water from my hair while I apply moisturizer and lotion, that it seems to have cut my drying time in half!
  • Since switching to a more natural skincare routine, I’ve had a hard time finding a cleanser that removes my liquid liner and mascara without leaving my face feeling tight and super dry. Recently I’ve fallen in love with One Love Organics Vitamin B Cleansing Oil as well as Beauty Counter’s Nourishing Cream Cleanser.
  • We have two of these mini Fir & Firewood Capri candles burning in our house most evenings. Not only do I love the scent, but also how gorgeous and seasonal the candle is. At only $12 these make a great gift or stocking stuffer!
  • My mom and dad gave me these cashmere-lined leather gloves for my birthday and I’m already head-over-heels in love! The bright red color gives my typical all black winter wardrobe a fun pop of color, while the cashmere lining keeps my fingers nice and warm. These are currently 40% off, FYI!
  • Since getting pregnant, I’ve been drinking at least two La Croix a day! My favorite flavors are peach pear, grapefruit and cherry lime. If you want it delivered, I find that Jet,com has the cheapest price, ranging from $4.99-$5.99.
  • My friends at Brooks sent me two great winter running pieces to help make December runs more enjoyable – the Threshold Running Tights and The LSD Thermal Jacket. The tights kept me super warm during the windy run and I loved that my phone could fit snugly in the pocket!  The wide waistband helped the tights stay in place comfortably, even on my growing bump. Thanks to poly-fil, merino blend arms and wind proof nylon on front and back the jacket kept me far toastier than expected, especially considering its lightweight nature.
  • Whether shopping online or in stores, these quick tips can help make the experience more enjoyable.
  • Last but not least, thank you to all my friends, family and readers who have been leaving comments, emails, tweets and Facebook notes with tips and tricks to help me make it through pregnancy. I am so thankful for the love and support. I will be recapping these tips in a post next week, but until then, if you’re in your first trimester and in need of support, look through this great first trimester post from my friend Julie!

 

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

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Tips for Running in the Dark and Gear to Keep You Safe

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Jacket Crops Shoes

Now that the time change has happened, it’s virtually impossible to squeeze in an evening run after work before the sun goes down. Even though Heather and I met for our Prospect Park jog earlier than normal, it was already pitch black when we entered the park.  It is so important to not only use the buddy system when you are walking or jogging in the dark, but also to ensure that drivers and cyclists can easily see you.

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The experts at Brooks shared the below infographic and helpful tips so you all can ensure you are safe when working out in the early morning or evening hours.

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In addition to the above tips, Brooks has also expanded their high visibility and reflective collections this year to include multiple items for men and women alike.

 

brooks-reflective-gear Brooks makes it easy to run safely, regardless the weather. The below are a few of my favorite bright, reflective items that I’ve been wearing this Fall, even on warmer days.

  • Brooks Drift 1/2 Zip – Perfect for colde runs, this jacket has a soft, fleece lining, reflective detailing on the side and back and is wind-proof. I own this in two colors including the neon yellow with blue accents.
  • Brooks 5 inch Chaser Short in Reflective Gray –  I’ve shared my love of Brooks 5 inch Chaser shorts multiple times due to their wide leg openings, wide waistband and lightweight material. But, until last month I had no clue they also had a version with reflective detailing. I have been wearing these on early morning or evening walks and runs when it’s warmer and love that the reflective detailing helps ensure cars and cyclists can see me.
  • Brooks Dash 1/2 Zip – This flattering, cozy pull-over is perfect to wear throughout Fall, Winter and Spring. There is reflective detailing at the wrist and back on the neon yellow color which makes this a great option for outdoor workouts.
  • Brooks Run-Thru Hat– Perfect for both male and female runners, this lightweight hat will ensure that you’re safe year-round while protecting your face from the sun during the day and from the icy elements during those cold, frigid morning or evening runs.

Your turn – Are you team AM or PM? If you’re running or walking in the dark, how do you ensure you’re seen? 

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