Good morning, friends. Happy Friday! I hope you all had a great week and are gearing up for a relaxing and/or exciting weekend ahead.
As soon as I publish this blog post, I will be taking Scott to the airport to work an NBA game in Philly. He’s been a busy bee these days, and I’m jealous of all of his upcoming travels! That said, I’m happy for him and will be just fine holding down the fort with the fur kids.
There isn’t much on the radar for plans this weekend besides working at the gym tomorrow, dance rehearsal (I’m dancing at the Christmas shows at church this year!), and a birthday celebration with friends. It should be a great couple of days!
Well, it’s Friday, which means it’s time to take a look back at the week and highlight some things that made me smile. I always invite you to share some of your faves in the comments section, and if you are a blogger, make sure to look for the blue Inlinkz button at the bottom and link up your own Friday Favorites posts, too!
Friday Favorites #118: Week of 12/4
• Christmas decorations
I can’t believe it’s taken me an entire week to debut something from our Christmas decorations this year! Unlike most years, Scott was actually on board with taking everything out and decorating our house before Thanksgiving this time. I was stoked!
Thanks to a few tree light malfunctions and Scott’s stubbornness on just buying more strands, it took us a handful of days to get everything up and settled, but I’m happy to share that we did it!
I just love this time of year. Nothing beats cuddling up with some hot cocoa and winter cozies with the ambiance of a lit tree in the corner. If I could keep it up all year, I would!
(All of the colorful ornaments and garland was purchased at years ago – they have killer deals the day after Christmas! The candy cane trees are from Stein Mart, also years ago.)
One new addition this year is the LED lights on our backyard deck. They are so bright at night!
Have you broken out the holiday decorations around your house yet? Do any of you put them up before Thanksgiving like me? Ha! Ahhh, it’s just the best.
• Tipsy Elves Christmas sweaters
Some of you might be familiar with what started out as an ugly Christmas sweater company called Tipsy Elves. They were featured on Shark Tank, and have grown into a wildly successful company that provides an awesome and unique inventory for so much more than the holidays.
I was stoked when someone from the Tipsy Elves team reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in donning one of their sweaters this season. Um, yeah! I remember seeing them on the television show, and Scott thought the company had a genius idea. They agreed to include a sweater for Scott, and I really can’t wait for us to sport these bad boys at the next (appropriate) holiday party.
Men’s T-Rex Sweater // Women’s Flirty Flamingo Sweater
They have a fabulous (and hilarious) selection of sweaters, jumpsuits, and more to choose from, but I had to go with my Florida routes on my selection. I love the flamingo chillin’ with a palm tree in the middle of the snow. It’s like me… living in Michigan!
I was going to wait and share these when we had them on, but they’re just too good. The sweaters are extremely comfy, and the materials are high-quality. The fit is pretty true to size, too. If you’re in need of an ugly Christmas sweater this season, definitely check out Tipsy Elves!
• aerosol cleaning products
This probably seems lame, but hear me out. Have you ever tried the World’s Best Glass Cleaner by Sprayway?
I have been using it for years, thanks to Scott introducing it to me way back when. It lives up to it’s name, my friends. (You can find it in a 6-pack for a steal !) This streakless glass cleaner got me hooked on other aerosol sprays, too.
I found an aerosol version of , and haven’t gone back to a liquid spray version of Windex since. It’s the little things, right?
• ThirdLove 24/7 t-shirt bra
Some of you may remember me mentioning a lingerie company called ThirdLove a few months back. For the newbies…
Here’s how ThirdLove rocks my world:
- They use real women’s measurements, not models, to perfect their designs
- They created signature 1/2 cup sizes, because every woman’s body is unique, and old-school sizes don’t always cut it
- They developed an iPhone app that lets you measure yourself at home and shop the entire collection
ThirdLove was founded by women, for women. They created a way for us to shop for bras online, and have made it their mission to help women find their best fit. After falling in love with the two I was sent, I was excited to find out that another 24/7 t-shirt bra was on it’s way, compliments of the company.
You guys. They’re ridiculously comfortable, and I can honestly say that I haven’t worn another bra since I received the three you see above since. Before placing my order for this adorable pink color, I re-measured myself through the app. It’s super easy to do, you don’t need any measuring tape, and it takes about five minutes. As it turns out, I needed a 1/2 cup size up. I love that I can order that way!
I should have added these bras to this year’s Holiday Gift Guide For Her. If you (or anyone you know) is in the market to upgrade their bra collection, I highly recommend using this company!
• cat scratching pads
It’s amazing how much two little cat scratching pads can make such a difference.
It may sound silly to include them on this list of favorites, but trust me, this is a huge deal. With two cats and one dog in our home, all claws in tact, it’s no surprise that some of our furniture and carpet is torn up. We just don’t have the heart to get them declawed! They’re inside kitties, and they’re just our babies… but I’m not going to get into that debate here.
Anyways, both Aspen and Cali have a bit of a scratching problem. We’ve bought them several (seriously, several) fancy scratching posts, toys with scratching areas, and cat tress with scratching sections over the years, but they always grow tired of them and choose to use our stairs, chairs, or the lining under our mattress as scratching areas instead.
That is, until Scott found these cheap-o, yet effective scratching pads at PetSmart!
Both cats are completely obsessed with them.
Who knew two cat scratchers for $7.99 is what they would prefer over any expensive scratcher out there? So darn cute.
• Dyson vacuum = game changer
Before last week, I had been using a heavy, dinosaur of a vacuum that Scott purchased before we even met. It did the job (most of the time), and was good to us for many, many years. This year, however, it was time to say goodbye to our dear Eureka and upgrade to a Dyson!
It was our mission to find the best deal the day after Thanksgiving, so we scoured the papers and Internet to see what vacuum we could get for the best price. Turns out, the is where it’s at! They don’t have this exact model on the Dyson website anymore, but they do have two similar versions here and here. And, *psst* they are still offering 25% off any orders until tomorrow for Cyber Week!
Believe it or not, we found the best price ($249) and finally turned in about four gift cards we had leftover from wedding gifts. (Yes, we registered there and still have giftcards to use! Just saving them for something special I suppose…)
Macy’s also have a 25% off sale currently going on using the promo code FRIEND!
I’ve only used it twice on our downstairs area this week, but I’m actually looking forward to lugging it upstairs and giving our rooms and closets a nice deep clean this weekend. That’s how you know you’re getting older, folks. #vacuumexcitement
On a serious note, I love the canister. I was against it at first, and I always pictured us getting a traditional upright. Scott talked me into the canister, and I have to say that I love being able to easily carry it between floors. Also, you can steer the narrow trigger head you practically any direction. A huge win!
• favorite LIL posts
» Living Room Resistance Band Workout
» LIL Gift Guide (Holiday 2015): For Her
• Friday funnies
Holiday themed, because I clearly can’t help myself…
(Name that movie!)
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)
I LOVE your Christmas decor. Love it. All of my favorite colors, and I love decorating with ornaments. We are going to do a little bit more of decorating soon (maybe??), but these year, Alex and I just don’t seem all that into it. And those sweaters are masterful. I love my Thirdlove bras! And the new pink is so gorgeous. Love love love them! Have a great chill weekend, Heather!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Penguin Holiday Gift Guide
Thanks Susie! It’s very colorful and unlike anything I had growing up! And yes, the ThirdLove bras = <3. Have a great weekend!
Those sweaters! We don’t practice the ugly sweater tradition over here but seeing these I’m a little sad we don’t because Tipsy Elves seem to have really great ones.
Your Christmas decorations are so pretty. It’s also a wonderful idea to set up the tree now already so you get to enjoy the Christmas cheer all month long. We usually got ours in no earlier than Christmas Eve and 2015 is going to be the second year my family opts out of having a tree.
Enjoy your weekend! It sounds like you had some fun things planned.
Miss Polkadot recently posted…Friday Favourites – 12/4/2015
Thank you! Exactly, I love having the lights around the house, so the earlier the better in my eyes! I would leave it up longer than the first week of January it it were up to me, too. Have a great weekend!
I get weirdly excited about cleaning products, so I’m all over this post! I haven’t bought a new vacuum in a few years, but I feel like we’re probably due for one soon.
Have a great weekend!
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food recently posted…Friday Favorites 12.4.15
I bet they will have a lot of great sales the day after Christmas!
What a beautiful tree!!
Thanks Erin! Happy Friday!
love your decorations! I am trying to wait until after the holidays before I really dive into the Target christmas section. I know they will have amazing sales, like you said, so I just need to hold out!
Hannah at Home recently posted…Fri-yay {12/4}
Thanks Hannah! I’m sure it will be well worth the wait if you do… 😉
Yes, the Target day after Christmas sale is the best! That’s where I get all of my wrapping paper. …except not any more, because I bought too much for a few years and now my husband has forbidden me to buy any more until we use what we have. 🙂 I absolutely love that T. rex Christmas sweater! I may need to get the ladies’ version of that one.
Hope you have an awesome weekend, Heather!
Beth @ Sublimely Fit recently posted…Friday Favorites #59
That’s a great idea, Beth! I need to stock up on wrapping paper. I always like to raid their selection of gold and silver ribbons! You can use a lot of them throughout the entire year. 😉 Have a great weekend!
Christmas Vacation..love that movie! I typically wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate, but this year I totally didn’t because we’re going home a week before Christmas, so that means I get to decorate a week early..right!?
Yes!! I love that movie, too. My family watches it every Christmas Eve! And yes, I like to decorate early… excuse or no excuse!
Those sweaters are AMAZING!!!! I love them!
Kristin recently posted…Friday Favorites – The Holidays Are Here!
They have a pretty awesome selection! It was really hard for me to choose just one 😉
What cute decor! I have been slacking in that department.. need to get my holiday butt in gear. Have a great weekend!! 🙂
Sabrina @ Nutritiously Sweet recently posted…Friday Favorites #9: Deals and MORE Deals!
Thanks Sabrina, you too! I hope you enjoy the decorating process, I always nerd out. I LOVE it!
I registered for a super expensive Dyson for my upcoming wedding and I already know (ssh, it’s supposed to be a secret 😉 ) that my mom got it for me on Black Friday because with the sale and 20% off at BB&B it was practically half off!! I’m so excited about it! Who knew one could be so excited about a vacuum? I guess that means I am officially an adult.
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted…A Seafood and Prosecco Date Night In
Wow, that’s awesome! Your mom’s a smart lady using those coupons! It’s so funny what you get excited about once you have your own place and need everything for your house. No shame!
Hi Heather! I LOVE to hear that you’re dancing in the church show! That should feel great for you to be back on stage (on court)? And we are doing our decorating tonight — can’t wait! We’re NEVER in town for holidays, so decorating has never been that important, but this year, we’re doing it. Loving the favorites, lady! Happy weekend!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…Friday Favorites: Shoes, people, pets, links and more
Yes, it’s been fun to get back to dancing again. It’s a good thing I’ve been taking barre classes for stretching! 😉 Love that you guys are getting a tree up this year. Have a great week!
Happy Friday!! I love your Christmas decor! I also agree that it makes a home feel super cozy 🙂 I have a Dyson and it was honestly the best investment EVER. I have a dog that likes to shed a ton and the animal model works like a charm – I don’t know what I’d do without it.
Becky @ Olives n Wine recently posted…Friday Favs
Thanks Becky! I agree with you on the Dyson! Have a great week 🙂
I love your colorful and pretty tree–I always decorate with colored lights too! Thanks for the tips on glass cleaner, and I may have too check out those bras…they look super comfy!
Ginger Wroot recently posted…What the Wroot Wore Wednesday: Wrap Cardigan
They are! Thank you. I just love this time of year. <3 Thanks for reading, Ginger. Have a great week!
Ugh I’ve wanted a days on forever but hubby says no, he just doesn’t understand….
Andrea @ Pencils and pancakes recently posted…Tips to get you through a food challenge
I hope you get to decorate soon. Have a great week, Andrea!
Happy Friday! I love all of your decorations! We finally put ours out yesterday and it makes the house so much homier 🙂
Alexandra @ My Urban Family recently posted…Friday Favorites Week 17
Thank you! Right? I wish I could keep everything up all year long. <3
I almost spit coffee all over my computer from laughing! I love Christmas Vacation!!Also, those sweaters are too much!
Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…Friday Favorites: Tis the Season!
Haha, it’s the best! I’m excited to watch it this year… just like we do every year. 😉
Girl those aerosol cleaners are horrendous for the environment. Other types work just as well.
Did you know aerosol cans are made of 25% recycled material and empty cans are recyclable? – source
I love love love your Christmas tree! I am a big fan of having ornaments that mean something special to you and your family.
Hope you have a fabulous weekend, Heather!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Currently: December 2015
Thanks Julia! We keep a good mix of matchy and not-so matchy. It took a few years for my husband to agree, but he’s on board now 😉
We have 3 cats and two of them are scratchers too!! Those cheap pads are a LIVE SAVER!!! We love them!!
Torry @ A World Without Wheat recently posted…Friday Favorites
I can’t believe it took us so long to to get them. Life saver is right!
I’m so glad you recommended the cat scratching pads! I’ve been wanting to get a cat since recently moving in with my fiance this year but he is nervous to do so because of the scratching problem. And I refuse to get a cat declawed because I found out it’s basically like taking a person’s finger at the knuckle and ripping it off…Ouch! I don’t have the heart to do it. So these scratching pads sounds amazing. Thank you!
Kaylin@EnticingHealthyEating recently posted…Friday Favorites: ‘Tis the Season
Yeah, it’s not the best thing for them, that’s for sure. To be honest, our couch is completely scratched up, but other than that, having scratching pads out makes a big difference. We’ve learned not to go the leather route next time 😉
Great Christmas tree,decor, everything!I love these kind of posts!New ideas are always welcome <3 !
Kalliopi recently posted…Top 10 Fitness Trends In 2016
Thanks Kalliopi!
will definitely need to check out that bra company…. my couple of bras are on their last legs for sure! And I LOVE that tipsy elves stuff!
Mary recently posted…Sister guilt.
Aren’t their sweaters and jumpsuits fun? I think you’d enjoy Third Love!