Good morning! I’m actually coming to you from the west coast today.
I’m in Scottsdale visiting two of my life-long girlfriends! The three of us have known each other since we were three years old, and since we all live in different parts of the country now, we try to plan a reunion of sorts every five years or so.
It has been quite a while since we have all been together for an extended period of time. We all turned 30 this year, so a celebration was well overdue!
I’m so thankful for the opportunity to get away and spend time with them this weekend, and also for Scott who gave up his miles and searched high and low for a flight to get me here. It was a last minute decision to go ahead and book this trip (just short of a week ago!), and I’m just so happy to be here.
Seeing my friends and exploring some fun things to do in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Pine areas is my number one favorite this week! I’ll be sure to share photos and stories from our Arizona adventures when I get back, but for now I’ll leave you with this week’s edition of Friday Favorites.
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 #111: Week of 10/16
• my September
I received this pink box of surprises in the mail from POPSUGAR over a month ago, so it’s about time that I share it with you.
It’s their September !
Last month centered around getting ready for fall and travels. It’s the perfect time to polish your beauty routine, freshen up your style, dive into new to-go snacks, and upgrade your travel accessories.
The September 2015 Box included:
- HUDSON+BLEECKER Labyrinth Onyx Travel Trio, suggested retail: $42
- KRIS NATIONS “XO” Stud Earrings, suggested retail: $35
- TOO FACED COSMETICS Brow Envy Brow Shaping & Defining Kit, suggested retail: $39
- , $20
- NCLA So Rich Vitamin-E Enriched Cuticle Oil, suggested retail: $18
- NOURISH SNACKS Almond to Cherries, suggested retail: $2
— Over a $155 Value!
I’m looking forward to testing out the beauty products and made sure to bring the almond to cherries snack with me on my trip. I’ll be back to report with some box wins soon.
I know I’ve shared a couple of boxes on the blog before, but for the newbies…
How It Works:
- Pick a plan: for a subscription, packages start at $39.95 a month
- Unwrap your full-sized box of surprises each moth
- Enjoy your new discoveries!
You can always see what past boxes look like by visiting their page. All are valued well over $100 and include treats I would personally love to try. Also, I think it’s neat that Lisa Sugar (POPSUGAR Founder & Editor in Chief) personally hand picks the items that go into each box. You’re essentially trying out her monthly “Friday Favorites”.
While I don’t personally subscribe to the service, it looks like a great one to have. Who doesn’t love surprises in the mail every month? Thanks for shipping me another month, POPSUGAR!
• apple cider mimosas & sangria
I can’t believe I never thought of using apple cider for adult beverages!
I caught up with two friends over brunch (two different friends and brunch spots seen here) last weekend, and both places featured a specialty brunch drink made with a base of freshly pressed Pure Michigan apple cider. Um, delicious.
Pictured above is an apple cider mimosa (fresh cider mill apple cider & champagne) from The Meeting House, and I ordered an apple cider sangria (fresh cider mill apple cider, pinot grigio & fresh fruit) from Toast.
It won’t be long before I attempt to make my own batches at home!
• Subway footlongs (for two)
It had been a while since I stopped into a Subway, but I made a return this week thanks to a couple of gift cards my friends at the company sent my way. It’s no surprise that I ordered a foot long turkey on wheat for Scott and I to share.
Here’s exactly how I order it: A foot long turkey on wheat (toasted) with American cheese, topped in “the works” minus the onions and jalapeños. Add salt and pepper, and oil and vinegar for dressing!
I could probably eat that exact sandwich a couple of times every single week. In fact, I used to. If I’m watching my carbs, I’ll sub the bread for a salad with spinach and load it with all of the same goodies and toppings. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add guacamole too.
Ahhh, it’s great to be back!
• punny Halloween costumes
Maybe it’s me tightening the purse strings this year, but I always appreciate a creative or punny costume. Oh hey, “Fifty Shades of Grey!”
Check these out for more awesome, punny ideas:
– 19 Halloween Costumes That Are Actually Clever via Huffington Post
– 10 Easy(ish) Halloween Punny Costumes via Cosmopolitan
– via POPSUGAR
– 26 Hilariously Funny Halloween Costume via Buzzfeed
• early morning workouts
Scott and I have been taking advantage of an early empty gym hour twice a week, and it’s been nice to switch things up and work out in the mornings again. I used to frequent barre classes with the sunrise, but it’s been ages since I’ve voluntarily completed strength training circuits and HIIT workouts before breakfast and the 7 a.m. hour.
While I don’t mind working out later in the day (I actually feel more energized to move in the afternoons), I’ve found that I’m more likely to fit in a good sweat if I start my day with a trip to the gym. I’ve been working at the gym in the mid-afternoons and nights, so it’s been a nice change to have Scott join me in the mornings and start our days off on the right foot!
When do you prefer to work out?
• protein peanut butter
Seriously.
These flavors from Vitamin Shoppe’s #ProteinPantry are amazing, and I’m completely addicted!
I spread a serving or two on top of a handful of Saltine crackers the other day and it was basically protein crack. I kept digging in for more and had to finally put it away! I love that there is added protein content to get me fuller, faster. Otherwise there’s no way I could walk away.
I took a look at the entire Buff Bake website and holy yum, you guys. Pumpkin spice? White Chocolate? Cinnamon Raisin? Somebody stop me before I order all of them.
• favorite LIL posts
» The Best Brunch Restaurants In Metro Detroit
» Weekly Workouts & (New) Total Body Strength Gym Workout
» How Activity Trackers Help Healthy Lifestyles
• Friday funnies
In the spirit of Halloween approaching and because I’m currently watching Friends in the background of putting this post together… Enjoy!
Hey, good for Ross for being himself right? #Sputnikforthewin
(If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you should probably watch Season 8, Episode 6. It’s on Netflix.) 😉
So great!
Your Turn
Have a great 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
Andrea @ Pencils and pancakes
Oh goodness that drink looks delicious. I usually work out right after work, but I prefer doing it first thing in the morning. It used to but I can never get my butt up anymore.
Andrea @ Pencils and pancakes recently posted…Candida Cleanse Update
Heather
It’s definitely a challenge to get up extra early to get to the gym, but always worth that feeling when you’re done!
Courtney {Alkeks Abroad}
Apple cider mimosas?! Two of my favorites things in one. Have so much fun with your girlfriends this weekend!
Courtney {Alkeks Abroad} recently posted…Five on Friday: I heart Tasmania
Heather
I know right? I ant believe I never thought of doing that!
Heather@hungryforbalance
Friends Friday Funnies! Yes!! I love the ‘Space Doody’ one!!
I hope you have a great time with your friends!!
Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…Friday Favorites
Heather
Haha I’m so glad you enjoy them as much as I do. Woo hoo! 🙂
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood
Shut up, I’m obsessed with just idea of both of those apple cider drinks! I love apple cider so, so much! Happy Friday, have a good trip!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood recently posted…Friday Favorites #25
Heather
Right?!? I’m just upset I didn’t think of it first! Thanks Morgan!
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food
Childhood girlfriends are the best! I see my two best girlfriends every year the night before Christmas Eve. Sometimes we see each other more, but it’s been a standing date since we were kids.
Cider makes for some great drinks! My favorite is simmering some on the stove and mixing it with spiced rum in the winter.
Have a great weekend!
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food recently posted…Friday Favorites 10.16.15
Heather
Aw I bet that’s always so fun. We’re so luck to have them around year after year! Oh hay drink sounds delish 🙂
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West
Hi Heather! You totally deserve to getaway, so that’s awesome you made the trip. Have so much fun with your friends. And a few things of note — I totally want to try an apple cider/champagne mimosa. Thanks for the inspiration. And that white chocolate nut butter? I die. So good. Soooo good. Also, I’d love to get my hands on that cuticle oil from the Must Have Box, I love that kind of stuff! Have a fabulous weekend! Thanks for hosting! 🙂
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…Friday Favorites: Fashion, celebrations + more
Taylor
That subway sandwich has me drooling! It has been a long time since I’ve had one. Also that apple cider mimosa sounds delicious…..I will need to try to make that soon. I have been loving tea! I drink tea quite often but this week seems to go to the extreme. Good thing it’s healthy 😉
abbyzaniel
You had me cracking up with those Friends quotes!
abbyzaniel recently posted…Friday Five (Favorite Fall Foods)
Rebecca - Strength and Sunshine
Have a wonderfully visit dear! Sounds like the perfect easy getaway with love and friends!
(Early morning workouts for life!!! Just makes the rest of my day so much better AND so much longer! It feels like I just have extra hours!)
Rebecca – Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Friday Finisher 10/16/15
Heather
Thanks Rebecca! I’m having an absolutely blast. I agree with you in the early morning productivity aspect!
SuzLyfe
Oh, Heather, I hope you have the best time with your girls–but not too much fun ;D
SuzLyfe recently posted…5 Ways to Support Your Girls From Breast Cancer to Bras (Thirdlove Review)
Heather
Thanks Susie, we are having such a great time!
Shelly
So much fun! Have an amazing trip with your girlfriends. I’m loving that 50 shades costume! I think one of my favorites ever for my kids was dressing my 8th grade son in a wrapped box with a gift tag that read To Women From God. hahaha
Shelly recently posted…Friday Favorites
Heather
Haha that’s a great costume idea, I love it!
Erin
Happy Friday! I love the Friends Halloween episodes. I’ve been rewatching the series in my spare time and remembering how great some of them are!
Erin recently posted…Five Things Friday 10/15/15
Heather
They never get old to me! My hubby can’t stand how many times I rematch episodes 😉
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
I love the Friends gifs! haha And I need those Halloween costume ideas! I’m going to a party and have no clue what to wear!! Have fun with your girlfriends! That’s so awesome you guys have been friends for so long!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul recently posted…Friday Five
Heather
We’re going to two and haven’t decided what to do yet. We might just get punny this year 😉
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday
Love early morning workouts! They’re my favorite way to start the day (especially because they’re followed by breakfast 😉 ). Have a great weekend with your girlfriends!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Five Friday Favorites 10/16/15
Heather
Exactly. I need at least a banana or granola bar to get my day going, but I always look forward to a big breakfast after my workout!
Vera @ The Vera Story
Ooooh apple cider mimosas?! Champagne and apple cider are two of my favorite things! I haven’t seen it at any of the bars around me but I am definitely going to have to try and make it myself!
Vera |The Vera Story
http://www.theverastory.com
Heather
Yes!!! I’m already craving it again. So delish!
Renee @ Bendiful Blog
Hey Heather! I totally laughed out loud at that 50 shades of gray costume that is my idea of funny! I am horrible at picking out costumes. I hope you have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Renee @ Bendiful Blog recently posted…5 for Friday
Beth @ Sublimely Fit
I hope you have an amazing and fun weekend, Heather! There’s no other experience like getting together with old friends you grew up with. Love the idea of an apple cider mimosa–definitely need to try making those ASAP! 🙂
Beth @ Sublimely Fit recently posted…Friday Faves #54
Brittany
I totally need to try that peanut butter and saltines combo! I’ve never even considered it. I recently had apples and peanut butter and it blew my mind!
Brittany recently posted…How I Motivate Myself to Run on Weekends
Hilary
That protein peanut butter sounds so amazing! I have tried nuts n more and I loved it!
Hilary recently posted…October Current’s
Naughty Yoga Girl
Juuuuust found your site and love it! Off to read some back posts and get caught up. P/S The Fifty Shades of Grey costume made me laugh. out. loud. And I’m a total morning girl for my workouts. 😉
Heather
Hi and welcome! Thanks so much for popping in 🙂 I’m seriously thinking of doing a punny costume this year. The fifty shades one is so great!