Good morning! Is anyone else pumped it’s Friday?
We’ve got a busy weekend ahead that includes a trip down to Ohio for HalloWeekends at Cedar Point (ahh!), so I’m really looking forward to it.
Let’s get right to the good stuff and onto this week’s edition of Friday Favorites!
*Psst! There may or may not be a surprise giveaway included below…
At the end of every week, I take a look back and share new finds, informative articles, or just some things that made me smile. I always invite you to join in on the fun by sharing your favorites for the week in the comments section.
If you are a blogger, make sure to look for the blue Inlinkz button at the bottom and link up your own #FFavorites posts, too!
Friday Favorites #107: Week of 9/18
• Jessica Simpson ankle ballet flats
I am officially obsessed with Jessica Simpson’s line of ballet flats. I found a pair with ankle elastics from Nordstrom Rack in Chicago, and I just had to snag them for under $40!
I love the rounded toe (Mandayss style) and black and grey combo – which is a bummer I can’t find anywhere online – but I am in love with the Mandalaye style with the flat toe. Don’t they look like pointe shoes? The ballerina in me is now on the hunt for a light pink or tan pair.
• Chef Scott
Scott has been on quite a cooking-spree this week!
I came home to an amazing smell in the kitchen a few nights ago…
He followed this Spicy Pumpkin Soup recipe to the tee and it was fan-freaking-tastic. He also made a batch of cheesy biscuits (yes, like Red Lobster’s) to dip in it. The combination of sweet pumpkin with the beans, sausage, and chipotle sauce in the soup is ridiculously good!
If that wasn’t enough, he also made these Popcorn Balls for dessert.
He’s a man after my heart, I tell ya.
He substituted root beer extract for the vanilla extract, which is why they are darker in color. I’m sure either version would taste great.
My tastebuds have been loving having him at home this summer!
• talenti gelato
I love talenti gelato, but I don’t get it too often because of the price tag. I saw it on sale at Target last weekend, so I couldn’t pass it up!
Beyond the creamy gelato taste, I appreciate that it’s made with fresh milk straight from the farm and only sweetened with pure cane sugar. It’s pretty addicting!
By the way, the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Caramel Cookie Crunch flavors are bomb.
• cash exchange apps
Have you guys ever used a cash exchange app?
I’ve previously used Venmo, and recently have been using Square Cash to settle up with friends. It was a huge help while planning a bachelorette party, and continues to be a convenient way to pay and receive payments from friends on tickets, gifts, and such.
You can request payments from contacts and even earn $5 to be used towards a transfer the first time you use the app to invite a friend. It’s super easy, you’re paid within minutes, and it has already saved me numerous trips to the ATM!
• Union Woodshop
The Union Woodshop is easily becoming one of our favorite places to dine around our area. It’s located in Clarkston, about twenty or so minutes north of us, and always has a wait. I planned to meet my friend Stephanie for “brunch” last Sunday, and we ended up here for barbecue.
We split everything and had a spread of wood-fire pizza, pulled pork, and macaroni and cheese and sweet potato mash for sides. It was all so, so good!
• videos around the Interwebs
» Wheel of Musical Impressions with Ariana Grande via The Tonight Show
Hilarious. She’s so talented (and so tiny!), and her impressions were way too good. While I would love to believe the song and artist selections are completely random, there is no way these two weren’t prepared for this.
» 4-Ingredient Chicken Bake via BuzzFeed Video
I need to try this, like yesterday. It looks delicious!
» Wow This Is Amazing: One Guy 23 Voices via Jaan & Ayra
Yes. He. Is. Wow!
• Star Wars Tervis tumblers giveaway
Surprise! Where the Star Wars fans at?
My generous contact (and friend) at Tervis designed a brand new line of cups in honor of the new Star Wars toy line that launched two weeks ago. To celebrate, he asked if I wanted to offer a set of tumblers to you guys, and I thought the fanatics would love this one!
One LIL reader will win 2 tumblers of choice from this line, any style and size.
To Enter
Leave a comment on this blog post sharing what prints or cups you would like, then enter at least one additional entry into Rafflecopter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
You have until Midnight Monday, September 21st E.S.T to enter the giveaway. The winners will be announced first thing Tuesday morning. May the force be with you!
• favorite LIL posts
» Weekly Workouts & (New) EMOM/Tabata Gym Workout
» How To Cook Chicken Breasts On The Stovetop
» Tips On Surviving Your First Winter Season
• Friday funnies
Today’s laughs are summer-themed, because I’m basically in denial that it’s almost over…
So rude.
Seriously, everyone in Florida around the summertime is from the mid-west.
These girls did it right.
Ha!
Your Turn
Grab The New Friday Favorites Button
Happy weekend!
Disclaimer: Friday Favorites is a series of posts that features items I genuinely want to share with you. While #FFavorites isn’t sponsored, affiliate links may appear from time to time. As always, any support is much appreciated! <3
![[in our elementary school era] 🚌😭
Skyler did great walking into KINDERGARTEN with a big smile on his face this morning. I, however, was a bit of a mess on our walk home. 🥹
It’s wild how fast these 5 years with him have gone … 7 since we moved to NYC and into our apartment, dreaming of the day our kids would someday go to the *awesome* school right down our block. 🏫
That day is today, and I still don’t believe it — feeling allll of the emotions and thanking God for placing us here and for being able to trust His timing through the journey. 🫶🏼 #hbshinnyc
SO proud of you, SK - you are going to rock your first year at your “big boy school” - WE LOVE YOU !! 🩵👑](https://lifeinleggings.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
Seriously though Arianna Grande has some PIPES! I loved her Celine the best it cracked me up I was dying. I love that battle when the people can sing when they can’t it’s terrible. And yes to anything Star Wars…..You have no idea the nerds that give in this house. We’ve been fans since it wasn’t cool to be fans and might own a real lightsabre…might right because adults don’t own toys they purchased for stupid money on Amazon? ha!
Renee @ Bendiful Blog recently posted…Thinking Out Loud About Workouts
Right? I’ve always loved her music but geez! She is crazy talented. And she hit her impression of Celine on the head! Haha, that’s awesome!
My 8 year old is counting down the days until The Force Awakens comes out! Star Wars Mania!! Love the Tervis tumblers! So hard to decide which one I like best. I know my son would love the Kylo Ren one, but Yoda will always be my favorite! Have a great weekend and safe travels.
Aw, I’m glad to hear you like the tumblers. Tervis is always my favorite brand for anything cups related. Good luck!
Publix (love Publix!) has Talenti on BOGO every 6 weeks or so. I always stock up! 🙂
I’ve got a 3 days weekend coming up and can’t wait to get cozy with a book.
Sabrina Alexandra recently posted…Life Lately
Oh my gosh – PUBLIX!! Gosh, I miss that place. They always have the best deals!
I love the new Tervis cups! I think I would share Darth Vader with my boyfriend. 😉
I love the darth vader and the logo cups!
I need to get to the store ASAP to get that gelato!!!
Jen @nutcaseinpoint recently posted…Winesday Wednesday 9/16/15
So much love here Heather!! Those ballet flats are adorable!! And your man is definitely a keeper! Dinner and dessert?! That’s awesome. I love popcorn balls and haven’t had them in forever.
I love that Darth Vadar one! Too funny!
I hope you have a great weekend!
Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…Friday Favorites
Isn’t it so great to have a husband who cooks? I seriously don’t know what I would eat every day if mine wasn’t there to make me dinner haha. That soup looks pretty awesome!
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food recently posted…Friday Favorites 9.18.15
Love love love those ballet flats!! I need to go to Norstrom rack to see if I can find some.
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Things I Am Loving Lately
You might be able to find them. I’m sad I couldn’t find the exact pair I bought online, but it seems like you can find her flats at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and Macy’s. Good luck!
That darth vader to go mug is awesome!
My bank account is so sad you shared those Jessica Simpson flats, but the Pure Barre teacher in me needs them! So incredibly cute. I hope you have an awesome time at Cedar Point! 😀
Beth @ Running with the Sunrise recently posted…Friday Faves #50
Haha, I know… it’s a real struggle. They’d be perfect to pair with leggings and slip on after classes. 😉 Thanks Beth, enjoy your weekend!
Those flats are so adorable! I love how ballerina inspired they really are! And the wheel of musical impressions is always amazing..but i agree that it always seems really rehearsed. Ariana is SO talented though! It seriously seemed like she was lip synching because it was just so close! Love her music. Have a great weekend 🙂
Gretchen recently posted…Top Five Friday #27
I know, it almost sounds fake. She’s incredible! Have a great weekend Gretchen!
Happy Friday, Heather! Scott’s cooking is quite awesome. You lucky gal! Dave’s on the grill for me many nights a week, but nothing quite so fancy. And I was introduced to Venmo a few months ago when I went to a bachelorette and had to share a bunch of expenses — so useful. Have a wonderful weekend!! 🙂 Thanks for hosting!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…Friday Favorites: A yogurt giveaway and more
I have to say that it’s been nice having him around the house and in the kitchen lately. He’s got a knack for putting spices together and creating some pretty tasty meals! I miss our grill so much. Hopefully we’ll get one sooner than later… 😉 Happy Weekend!
Love that your husband cooks for you! That soup looks amazing. And cash exchange apps are sooo helpful for college students. A lot of restaurants give you one check for the whole group automatically, so one person just pays and then we can all use Venmo/Square to balance it out. It’s awesome! Have a fabulous weekend
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Five Friday Favorites 09/18/15
Oh I bet. Some areas only to single checks, too. New York comes to mind there! Gotta love the convenience. Happy Weekend Ellen!
Having a husband that cooks is so wonderful – and it makes me laugh when people are surprised when I admit that he cooks a lot of the time. Also, that soup looks amazing, thank you for linking the recipe!
Alexandra @ My Urban Family recently posted…Friday Favorites Week 7
I’d be lying if I said I was a better cook than Scott! If you’ve got a love for it, why not? Enjoy the recipes!
My hubby is a HUGE fan. I would LOVE any of the classic ones with the title 🙂 This is awesome!
LOVE the idea of those tumblers! Yoda for the win!! Also, talenti is the best.
Kaitlin recently posted…Life of Late ~ 9.18.15
Great Friday post! I checked out the pumpkin soup recipe and will be putting it in the rotation immediately – pumpkin, sausage, black beans…what’s not to like!
I am envious that your friends works for Tervis! Can you please tell him that you have a faithful reader who would love to get the sippy cups in her alma mater – Univ of South Carolina! They don’t seem to make them yet and my little one is due in November. 🙁 My boss is a HUGE Star Wars fan and so hard to buy presents for. This would be perfect! May the force be with you!
Have a great weekend!
Emily @esquaredsouth recently posted…31 Weeks – Is it too early for a countdown?
I will definitely pass on the message. Congrats on the little one! <3 It sounds like these cups would be perfect for your boss. 😉
Ah, flats never work for me! They are always way too wide. Thus, I own zero….but I wish I could find a pair! SO easy to slip right on! Haha!
Rebecca – Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Friday Finisher 9/18/15
Oh no! I have narrow feet too. I can hardly ever wear a style that crosses at the ankle, but these fit wonderfully. You never know… you might just find some!
I love any mugs! especially with the weather getting cooler 🙂
oh boy! i’ll get wife of the year if I happen to win those storm trooper Tervis cups. Thanks for the give away!
Love the coffee to go mugs! My hubby would love darth vader’s.
would love either the stormtrooper helmet or yoda cups with lid for my husband and 6 year old daughter!
A Star Wars giveaway?! I just might know someone who is familiar with those films. The two Stormtrooper cups (old school and new Force Awakens style) would look GREAT while I’m waiting in line for the midnight screening of Episode VII in December!
I love those flats! I have been on a search to find some cute ones to go with pretty much anything, dressing up or casual and I love these! I love the added top part to the shoe as well!
Hilary recently posted…Life Has Forever Changed
Omg my husband would freak out if he got those Star Wars Tervis cups!! haha I love those ballet flats! Happy Friday!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul recently posted…Friday Five
That pumpkin soup and cheesey bread looks amazing. I am obsessed with anything pumpkin so I’m definitely going to have to try that next! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Star Wars giveaway: the same two my hubby picked since he would be the one using them most of the time. 🙂
My son has just discovered Star Wars. I believe he would like the “I am your father” and “storm trooper helmet” designs.
You are so lucky to have someone that cooks for you!!! That soup looks so good. Thanks for sharing I hope you have a great weekend
bakingrunner.blogspot.com
Heather recently posted…Five Friday questions
I’m soaking it all up while I can. 😉 Thanks Heather, you too!
Great giveaway!! I am OBSESSED with star wars and love the yoda and darth vader cups! What a cool job your friend has!
abbyzaniel recently posted…Friday Five (Bethany Beach)
I feel like there has been a countdown for the new movie in my house forever! My husband is a Star Wars nut! Books, movies, figurines, even a tattoo that isn’t the most impressive lol. He has a cup already, but I think the two on the left would be the perfect addition! Have a great weekend!
Would love the darth vader and yoda cups. My husband would love them too! Thank you!
Love the darth vader tervis!
Cute flats!
I love Talenti! They had a sale the other week at our winn dixie where it was buy 2 for $5 and get 5 cents off the gallon. I think I bought 8 in total. That’s totally not crazy
liz jo @ sundays with sophie
Liz Jo recently posted…wishful wednesday
The slurpee in a KFC Bucket. Everything I was about to say just got left in the dust by that.
Wow.
Also, I’m thinking that Union Woodshop or Chef Scott might be called upon when we are in the area in October! have the best weekend Heather! And live it up at Cedar Point for Alex–he would give his left… something to do that!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Savory Basil Sweet Potato Zucchini Muffin Top Recipe (Gluten Free)
Yes!! Please let me know when you are here. I’d love to show you around to some great dining spots. Cedar Point was a blast!
Those flats are too cute! Also, I’m super jealous of the red lobster biscuits!
courtalkek recently posted…Friday Favorites: We’re Home Edition
My husband would love these tumblers!!
OOh they all look awesome!! I really enjoy looking at the Star Wars All Posters Tervis. Get a little glimpse of everyone. How unique.
I love the Star Wars Stormtrooper Helmet tumbler! Big Star Wars fan over here!
Oh my goodness, Ariana Grande was amazing on Wheel of Musical Impressions. Agreed, there’s no way they didn’t know those songs were coming, which kinda takes some of the magic out of it, but I still enjoyed it. I went on YouTube o watch that clip then ended up getting sucked in and watching about a million Jimmy Fallon clips – all the Lipsync Wars and Hashtags. My day was shot after that. :p
I’ve already watched that video three more times, haha. Mostly to show other people, but it’s so great! Jimmy Fallon is a comedic genius. 😉
I love the darth vader cups!
Hi! I’d love to share the tumblers w a friend who is a major Star Wars fan. I think he would like any of the darth vader cups.
I know my fiance would love these cups! He’d probably like the clear cup that says Star Wars.
The ALL POSTERS cup is my favorite!
That pizza looks so good! My daughter just told me this past week that I needed to get on Venmo so she can easily reimburse me for things when she needs to. I’ll have to check it out.
Shelly recently posted…Friday Favorites
It makes squaring up with friends and family members so much easier. I hope you’ve had a great weekend!
I’m loving the Star Wars Logo 16oz. Tumbler & the Mug!!
April V recently posted…So Good You’ll Slap Your Mama!
Love that gelato!!! So good! Now I may have to get myself some of that and that shark photo hahahahaha love it!!
Chelsea @ Raw N’ Toned recently posted…Benefits of Butternut Squash
I’m sure you would love it. Hehe, I’m glad you enjoy that photo as much as I do! 😉
I love the Star Wars clear cup. My husband would flip for this.
Oh gosh, my husband would love these. He’s probably want the Storm Trooper and Darth vader’s helmuts. They’d sure make drinking water more fun.
I like the Star Wars logo cups and I made the 4 ingredient chicken last night and it was yummy!
I love the darth Vander tervis!!!
I’m another fan of the Darth Vader!
Laura @ Prairie Sewn Studios recently posted…Wisconsin Quilt Expo 2015