Happy Friday!
I am coming to you a bit later in the morning today, so I apologize if you clicked over earlier to link up your favorites. What can I say? Crazy things are happening… and it’s Friday the 13th!
I don’t know about you, but I always get a little nervous about Friday the 13th. Maybe it’s because the series of Jason movies, but it just feels like a lot of unfortunate things happen on this day. Is it really the unluckiest day of the year?
Before we go down that spiral of negative thinking, let’s move on to this week’s edition of Friday Favorites!
Below you will find a collection of things that made me smile this week, and as always, I invite you to share (and link up) some things you have been loving in the comments section, too!
Friday Favorites #115: Week of 11/13
• Francesca’s accessories and gifts
I always love going into Francesca’s. From dresses and layering pieces to loungewear and shoes, I could easily spend my entire paycheck updating my wardrobe in one trip.
I try to limit my stops into the store, however, and I have only recently been going in to purchase gifts for others. They have a cute collection of accessories that includes jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, and holders to organize all of it.
I have also received several pieces from their accessories line as gifts, and they have been some of my favorite gifts I’ve opened.
If you’re ever looking for something sweet and chic to gift a friend, I would recommend a peek into Francesca’s. (You an purchase online and in-store.) Their picture frames, trinkets, and even coffee mugs and wine glasses are simply adorable!
• HelloMolly Fashion
My friend Brittany introduced me to HelloMolly Fashion not too long ago.
It’s an online fashion boutique that features fun and creative women’s clothing full of trends. I went on to look for a long sleeve little black dress and found the perfect mixture of sassy and classy in the Walk My Way Dress.
Unfortunately, it looks like I snagged one of the last in stock!
There are plenty of more revealing options on the website, but I loved the closed and high front with the open back on this piece. If I had to compare the quality in materials and fit to a store, I would say it resembles a Guess or bebe.
I’ll definitely click back to look for more in the future!
• Chicago eats
I didn’t do much recapping of our recent trip to Chicago. Our travels to Chi-town usually go one of two ways. I either snap a photo of everything, or completely unplug. For the most part, I unplugged last weekend.
I did, however, capture two new-to-us restaurants to share that I would recommend anyone in the area of the West Loop to visit!
The first one is Giodarno’s for a traditional deep dish pizza.
As many times as we have traveled to the city, we had never ordered a true Chicago deep dish pizza, so it was a mission to do so on Saturday afternoon. Our friend Katlyn flew in for the weekend (she’s a flight attendant, so she can literally just hop on a plane anywhere at any time… how cool is that?!), and she spent the afternoon with us before we all headed out to the Chicago Bulls game later that night.
(Oh hey, I cut my hair last week. It took me a few days to get used to it, but I’m loving the length!)
Scott, Katlyn, and I ordered a large house salad to split as soon as we sat. It was good, and I couldn’t deny the flavorful breadstick, either.
To get the full experience, we picked the classic Chicago stuffed deep dish pizza with pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. There was a top layer of crust (which made it a stuffed pizza), and it was so, so good.
One piece was plenty, but I had two for good measure. 😉
The next restaurant we checked out was Wishbone for brunch the next day.
It’s a casual restaurant that specializes in Southern cooking that includes dishes like grits, collard greens, fried chicken and more. I was pumped to finally find a slice of home in the Midwest!
They offered a lot of vegan options, and I really enjoyed my black bean burger patties with a side of cheese grits, eggs, corn muffin (yum) and side of mango salsa.
I don’t remember what Scott ordered, but I can tell you the side of crunchy French Toast is on point. I can’t wait to return and try more…
We’ll be back, Chicago!
• The Oakland (Ferndale)
The Oakland is officially labeled an Art Novelty Company and is located in Ferndale, Michigan. The outside is very simple, and it reminds me of what the entrance of a small art gallery would look like. The inside, however, is a dark and cozy well-kept secret.
Adorned in old fashioned paintings, chandeliers, and velvet chairs, the environment screamed private and upscale, yet casual and inviting. (If that makes sense.)
Our friends Alex and Alex introduced us to the speakeasy type of bar earlier this year, and we have made a handful of trips back since. Any time someone is in our area from out-of-town, we suggest a night at The Oakland, and we just went back last Tuesday!
Scott and I took his friend Jarron (a friendship that dates back all the way to his middle school days in Arkansas!) in for a drink this week, and he loved it. Once again, everything we tried was amazing. My favorite is still the cucumber and mint infused cocktail called the Juliet & Romeo. Delicious!
• hot baths
I have been all about taking baths lately.
I’ll take a shower if I work out earlier in the day, but if I’m getting home after a long day of work or running around, a bath (preferably in the dark with lit candles) is where it’s at.
I usually go through different phases of skipping baths (and turning to showers) for months at a time to taking one every night. Right now, I’m totally in the bath phase.
Do you enjoy taking baths?
• favorite LIL posts
» 5 Ab Exercises You Can Do Anywhere
» 30 Min. Stationary Bike Cardio Workout
• Friday funnies
Today we’re finishing this post with a little Friday the 13th humor!
Gotta love it!
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
![[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)
Hi Heather! Happy Friday! I’m loving the hair and that little black dress. I haven’t been into a Francesca’s in a long time, but that place has too much cuteness. I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…Friday Favorites: A giveaway and plenty of good stuff
Thanks Ashley! It’s finally starting to grow on me 🙂 I always forget about Francesca’s and then can’t get out of the store when I finally go in. Enjoy your weekend!
Happy Friday! What a cute dress…I love how it reveals a bit in the back but is all covered up everywhere else. Such a fun dress! I hope you’ll show us how you accessorize it! Have a great weekend 🙂
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…Top Five Friday #33
Thanks Gretchen! I didn’t take many pictures, but I’m sure I’ll wear it again for the right occasion. I wore a pair of statement earrings and peep toe Nine West bootie sling backs!
I went to Chicago years ago in college and I think it was the last time I had deep dish pizza. It’s so decadent and amazing!
I always love the idea of taking baths, but I never seem to get around to doing it. I need to remedy that now that it’s getting so much colder outside!
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food recently posted…Friday Favorites 11.13.15
Ahh it’s SO good! I need some this weekend, lol. And I agree, my body craves sitting in warmth during the colder winter months. Happy Weekend!
I love your haircut! I’ve somehow never been into a Francesca’s, but all those accessories are too cute – I’ll have to check it out. Have a great weekend!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Five Friday Favorites 11/13/15
Thanks Ellen! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Have a great day!
Francesca’s looks like such a cute store! I’m sure I could spend hours in there looking at all their stuff.
Krystal // The Krystal Diaries recently posted…derma e Hydrating Night Crème
Haha, I certainly could too!
I am for sure a bath person! I don’t get to take them often but when I do it’s like heaven!
That deep dish pizza looks amazing by the way as well! How relaxing is pizza with a bath!
Hilary recently posted…Friday Favorites
Happy Friday! I LOVE Francesca’s trinkets and what not. They also have some cute clothes, but I always spend more time looking at the “stuff” than clothes. Also, SO MUCH GOOD FOOD!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood recently posted…Friday Favorites #29
Thanks Morgan, Happy Friday to you! Haha, I do the same thing. I usually end up buying things for “future gifts” for people down the road that may or may not turn into “my” own gifts. 😉
I just cut my hair a similar length a couple weeks ago! And it took me probably a week to get used to it. I still miss my mermaid hair hahaha.
I sometimes like bathes, but usually they’re an ice bath!! If i’m taking a hot bath, i have to scrub the bathtub first, even if im the only one using it…. I get so creeped out. And then the water doesn’t stay warm long enough! I would rather just go for a hot tub hahah (also cleaned)
LOL at mermaid hair. I tried SO hard to grow mermaid hair… but I just don’t think it’s in the cards. I do miss being able to braid it, but other than that I think it’s so much easier. Maybe short hair is where it’s at? 😉 AHHH ice baths! You just gave me the shivers. Have a great weekend!
That dress is lovely! And omg..that pizza :O Haha!
Rebecca – Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Friday Finisher 11/13/15
Thanks Rebecca! I’m sure you’ll see it pop up again on the blog… it was so comfy and cute!
Happy Friday! There are something about baths I just can’t seem to get into… which is odd because I love hot tubs. I think I’m going to have to try again.
Alexandra @ My Urban Family recently posted…Friday Favorites Week 15
Oh man, baths have been a lifesaver for me! I can’t tell you how many I have taken after long training runs or races. It’s the perfect way to recover and relax 🙂
Chicago is always such a fun little get away. So much good food!
Kristin recently posted…Random Thoughts & Friday Favorites
I totally agree! I feel like I plan the entire trip on where we are going to eat, lol. There’s so many great spots!
I’ve been known to do some damage in a Francesca’s 😀 They are dangerous! I would have to say that giordano’s is probably my least favorite between it, Lou’s and Gino’s I’m more about a cornmeal crust. Have a great weekend, Heather!
SuzLyfe recently posted…Race Days, Dessert Tea, and Healthy Holidays (Friday Favorites)
It’s pretty easy to do. Ahhh, I didn’t know about those other places. I’ll have to hunt them down in the future. How about we go together next time I’m in the city?! 🙂
That PIZZA!!!! <3 <3
Courtney recently posted…Fun Facts Friday {11/13}
RIGHT?!?! I need more. Hehe. Happy Weekend!
When I go to Chicago, whenever that is, I can not wait to try a deep dish pizza (of course that’s once I get over my fears of pizza and restaurants!). Every time my dad goes there for work he loves to send pictures of the pizza he ordered – that devil! 😉 I LOVE LOVE hot baths, especially in the winter. I even take my tea in there and soak with the hot bubbles or a bath bom! Perfect way to end the day :)- Have an amazing weekend!
Katerina recently posted…Friday Favorites #1
I can’t believe it took us so long to try it! It’s SO good. And SO worth it. 😉 A fear of pizza? Oh man, I didn’t even know that was possible. Pizza makes me so happy 🙂 Haha. You’re so right, a hot beverage in a bath (or wine) is the best!
Francesca’s is adorable! I love how it feels like a local boutique. You can always find something cute and unique there. Your hair cut looks AWESOME! I love that length on you, Heather!!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Recovery Round Up [Information]
Thanks so much, Julia! It took me at least a week to get used to it, but I’m loving it now!
LOVE Francessca’s! I agree, their gifts are the best. Your hair is adorable! I love it! I need a change but really want to grow it out so am just trudging through this in between stage. I wish there was a way to make it long over night 😉
Heather, my paycheques are so not pleased with the introduction of these two websites 😉 I love your hair and that new dress is a perfect mix of sassy and classy. I would love to see more fashion posts, I always loved your Fashion Favourites ones 🙂
Oh dear my picture on the link up isn’t mine! My one was the ‘Dine out Perth’ one that appears further up! Don’t know how to change it :-S
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape recently posted…Week in Review! (16 Nov)
It looks like it fixed itself? I’m not sure! Sorry for the troubles, and thanks so much for linking up! xo