I feel like I need a mic tap or something… is this thing on?
Good morning, and Happy Friday!
It’s been a different kind of week around our household, but a good one. A healing one.
While things may not be totally back to “normal”, we’re slowing moving in that direction and it feels good to be able to catch up and at least share some of the things that made me smile.
Staying true to the normal Friday Favorites happenings, let’s talk about some of the highlights and high notes of the week, shall we? As always, I invite you to play along by sharing your #FFavorites in the comments and link-up sections!
Friday Favorites #126: Week of 1/29
• you guys
First and foremost, I can’t say Thank You enough.
Those who checked in earlier this week know that Scott and I have been through it lately. On top of experiencing a devastating loss last week, we also encountered some unfortunate and unexpected news on the job front.
Life sure is full of ups and downs, isn’t it?
But, if there is anything that I have learned from this whole experience, it’s that God doesn’t throw anything at you that you truly can’t handle. You grieve, you accept, and you press on. You grow stronger… because you have to.
Amidst the sadness that surrounded our house, we felt a strong sense of peace and understanding this week. Of course we are still on the mend, and will be for a long, long time, but things are looking up. And a big part of our optimistic outlook is our faith in God’s plan for us and YOU GUYS.
I really can’t thank each and every one of you who reached out enough. I have read hundreds of comments, emails, and messages, and I wish that I could (emotionally) sit and respond to each and every one. Please know that your love, support, advice, and bravery to share some of your own stories has made a huge impact in my recovery process. I heard from a lot of long-time readers that had never left a comment before, and it really does mean so much that you all took the time to reach out and offer your prayers and words of encouragement.
Taking most of this week away from the blog was much needed, and I really appreciate your understanding. Today felt like a good time to get back into the swing of things, so here we are.
I just love you guys, and LIL might just have the best readers out there. That is all. <3
• Fire & Ice Festival
Every year, Downtown Rochester hosts a winter gathering called the Fire & Ice Festival. It takes place for one full weekend and is free for the public to attend, so Scott and I took it as an opportunity to get out of the house on Saturday.
Events include fireworks, tube sledding, snow shoeing and cross country skiing, dog sled rides, ice skating, broom ball exhibition, ice sculpture competitions and displays, and a warming tent with lots of food and beverages from local restaurants!
We didn’t personally participate in everything going on, but we wanted to at least pass through. After walking all of the major areas and tents, we deemed this a very family-friendly event that is sure to entertain children of all ages… including my 42-year-old husband.
My favorite part is always checking out the ice sculptures. There are plenty of activities to keep you warm (including a s’mores and hot chocolate warming station) while you’re walking the streets, and we stumbled upon the ice sculpting contest held just for college students this year. Some were quite impressive!
I didn’t take any pictures of the ice sculptures lining Main Street, but you can see plenty of similar ones in last year’s display. You can also see more fun in the ice and snow from our first year visiting the festival in 2013. It’s an event we plan on walking every year we’re here!
• fresh flowers
One thing that put a smile on my face every time I entered our living room area this week was the sight and smell of fresh flowers. I don’t think our home has ever smelt this wonderful.
We received so many unexpected packages, notes, and flower deliveries. All were very appreciated and heartwarming. Thank you to all who took the time to make us feel loved with these sweet and thoughtful gifts. We love you, friends!
• Kleenex perfect fit tissues
Buried in one of the packages we received were these Kleenex perfect fit tissues. I had never seen this box shape before, and I think they’re really pretty and cute. Tissues… who would have thought that they would ever make a favorite bullet point?
It’s the little things, right?
• Cards Against Humanity expansion packs
Something that not only had me smiling but laughing my head off this week were the to Cards Against Humanity. (Man, I love that game.) We received the and decks as part of another care package, and they couldn’t have come at a better time.
A handful of our friends stopped by after a Pistons game Wednesday, and we all gathered for several friendly rounds. We haven’t broken into the Third Expansion yet, but the Sixth had me rolling. I literally laughed so hard it hurt.
I’ve mentioned this game in the past, and if you still haven’t tried it, let me add that it might not be for everyone. You definitely have to have a sense of humor, and, well… the tag line is “a party game for horrible people.” I’ll just leave it at that.
• Willow Tree angel
I received my first Willow Tree Angel in college after losing someone very close to me, and it touched my heart to receive this Angel of Healing last Friday.
Little by little, day by day, we are healing. I think the whole line is precious and extremely thoughtful. You can find them online as well as and in most Hallmark stores.
• Henry’s hard soda
I don’t know how well this one fits into this week’s favorites, but this hard soda (a friend introduced us to this week) couldn’t not be mentioned. It’s an adult (gluten-free) beverage made with soda and real cane sugar and comes in two of my favorite flavors: orange and ginger ale. I don’t drink soda very often, but when I do…
Um, delicious. Plus, it was comforting to see hard “soda” and not “pop” in this Midwestern neck of the woods. The Southerner in me got ridiculously excited about it. I’m pretty sure it was purchased at a local liquor store near us, but you might just be able to find it at restaurants and pubs, too.
Please drink responsibly, my friends.
• 2016 Detroit Auto Show
I didn’t feel like doing much last weekend, but Scott was itching to get out of the house and talked me into joining him at this year’s North American International Auto Show Sunday afternoon.
I ended up having to rest a lot through the walking and didn’t take too many pictures, but you can see similar highlights in last year’s recap. I will say, however, that one of my favorite cars was this Aston Martin. Pretty, isn’t she?
As we casually read about the specs of this beauty, Scott got shoved by someone interested to see the price followed by the comment, “oh, we could definitely afford that” in a non-sarcastic way. We’ve come to the conclusion that there are two people who come to the auto show: people who like to see what’s new and see cars of their dreams and people who actually come to shop.
I think it’s obvious why we were there. Pshhh.
Beyond the bounty of beautiful cars to see, it was neat to take in all of the displays. All are built in-house and can take up to three months to assemble! It’s pretty incredible.
• Astoria Pastry Shop
Since we were already downtown for the auto show, Scott and I took advantage of being near Greektown with a stop into Astoria Pastry Shop before heading home. It’s always a (delicious) treat!
This time we shared a strawberry cheesecake and brought a giant cinnamon roll home with us to enjoy the next morning. I’m not going to lie… both were worth every bite.
Today we’re skipping the funnies (sorry) and moving right onto the link-up.
Please feel free to click and stay awhile!
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 am happy to see you back and God does have a plan. He is in control and your faith will get you through. Now- I have always wanted to go to the Detroit Auto Show- it just seems so official compared to other shows, you know what I mean? How fun!
Anna-Marie @BeautyandtheBeets recently posted…Friday Favorites – Back from Atlanta
Thank you Anna-Marie. You’re very right. And yes, I have to say that the Detroit Auto Show is one of a kind. It’s HUGE and really cool to see. Definitely worth a trip if you’re ever in the area.
While I wholeheartedly wish that the fresh flowers were for an entirely different reason, I am right with you in that fresh flowers are one of my favorite things ever. And ice sculptures blow my mind–how on God’s green earth are they able to whittle something with a CHAINSAW. It is just crazy. I would have totally been drooling over that Aston Martin; they might have to have needed to escort me out of it.
I am so sorry for what you have been through, but I am so glad that you are back here on LIL. I’ve been thinking about you all week–it has been a crazy one for me as well, though incomparable to what you have experienced. You are going to be a FABULOUS mama, and you WILL BE a mama. There is not a shadow of a doubt in my mind.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Friday Favorites: From Client Feedback to T-Rex Videos
I know, me too. But, I’ll take all the flowers right now. <3 I agree on the ice sculptures - totally blows my mind! Have a great weekend, and thank you so much for the sweet words. xoxo
So glad to hear that you’ve been surrounded with the love you deserve, Heather. You truly are one of the sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and I’m happy to know that everyone whose live you have touched has been able to give support to you. I’d be all about those ice sculptures, too–absolutely beautiful. The next time you’re at that pastry shop let me know. I’ll PayPal you some money and have you stick a slice of that cake in an envelope and send it to me. 😉 Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Beth @ Sublimely Fit recently posted…Friday Favorites #66
Thanks Beth! You are so sweet. I’ll have to remember that the next time we are in Greektown… although, you kind of win with Chicago city access to the Sprinkles ATM – just sayin’ 😉
I am so sorry for what you’re going through. Sending thoughts and prayers your way. <3
Thank you, Courtney. <3
Glad things are slow starting to feel a bit more normal, sounds like you’ve gotten a ton of love this week.
I will definitely need to check out that hard soda. I’ve always thought calling soda “pop” sounded so weird haha, but I guess that’s since I’m also from the south!
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food recently posted…Friday Favorites 1.28.16
That we have. I think you would enjoy the soda… maybe too much. So good!
Hi Heather, I’ve been looking for gluten free hard sodas but can’t find info on Henrys, how did you find out it was GF?
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss and understand this is a difficult time- it’s been six months since I lost my dad so I shared some grieving articles on my blog for my Friday favorites- they are more for other people to try to support you during this time because it’s so hard to know the right thing to say or do. Someone gave me the same angel after my dads passing and I bought my mom and sisters the same one, now we all have them in a place of importance to remind us he is watching over us <3 Sending lots of prayers and hugs your way <3 <3
Dietitian Jess recently posted…Things I’m Loving Friday
Thank you, Jess. I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. Gosh, that’s hard. What a sweet gift to give your family. Lots of hugs and prayers to you.
Glad to see you are back and wish you weren’t going through this.
Those Kleenex boxes sure are pretty. My sister found some that were Christmas themed in December and she said her “heart melted” when she saw them. I have to admit that they are pretty cute and anyone who comes into our house comments on how much they love them as odd as that sounds.
One thing I am loving is enjoying a cup of tea, a warm blanket, a good movie, slippers, and a candle every night this week. So relaxing. Have a great weekend!
Right? Haha, too funny. Your cozy situation you just described sounds absolutely perfect… and a lot like my nights at home around here. 😉
Tube sledding!?! This sounds like a blast – even just to walk through the shenanigans would be so much fun. Baha Cards Against Humanity. Amazing. I had no idea there were 6 extension packs! Must find these.
Continual much love to you and Scott. This is inspirational to still be focusing on all the positives of your week and hosting this link up – thank you!
Yup! It makes the game even more hilarious. Thank you for the support and also for linking up! xo
I adore Willow Tree angels. I love how peaceful they seem (is that weird?) and that there’s a variety of them for happier and sad occasions, but that they all just fit so cohesively together. I’m glad your week has held some positive things and been filled with so much love. My thoughts are so with you right now, and I hope you have a good weekend!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Five Friday Favorites 01/29/16
One of my Friday favorites? Your blog. I check it every morning as soon as I get into work. It speaks volumes that you have so many “strangers” (readers who’ve never met you but feel like you’re a friend) commenting and praying for you. I wish you and Scott nothing but the best as you recover and process.
I love that tissue box shape! And those flowers are beautiful! You are very loved!
Glad to see you back and to hear that you’ve been playing CAH and laughing 🙂 That is a good pick me up game for sure! Hope your weekend is filled with more healing and laughter <3
We LOVE Astoria, too! Every time we stay in Greektown, it’s a must-do!
I tried Henry’s Hard Soda at a beer tasting event here a few weeks ago and LOVED it! They have a Ginger Ale flavor, too. It’s more like Canada Dry than Vernors (for my MI peeps), but it’s pretty decent. The orange one is definitely my favorite, though!
Have a peaceful weekend. <3
Allison Keskimaki recently posted…Family STEAM Night
Happy Friday, Heather! I think every week will be a bit better for you. So glad you had such an outpouring of support from your friends and loyal readers! And you should have definitely ordered more from the pastry shop. Loving the flowers, the tissues and of course, the fun card games with friends. Enjoy your weekend, lady! Cheers! 🙂
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…Favorite Things: Shiny things, food, tech, body and more
I’m glad to see things are going a little better. Whenever life gets hard for me like it did this past year, I am so thankful for my blog and the people who read it because it’s am amazing community and therapeutic way to work through whatever you have going on.
I loved CAH when I first got it, but then I played it w people who don’t have the same awful and horrible sense of humor as me and then it just made me angry. BECAUSE CLEARLY MY ANSWER SHOULD HAVE WON. So now I have to be careful who I play with haha.
Erin @ Erin’s Inside Job recently posted…Five Things Friday #71
I have never played Cards against Humanity yet (ugh, I know) and I so want to, I keep hearing such great things…sounds hilarious.
Glad you guys are feeling a little better this week. Just remember you are not alone and there are lots of people thinking and praying for your little family!
Marielle recently posted…Marielle’s Musings
I’ve been thinking about you daily and sending you virtual happy thoughts. I actually had a dream the other night that I went to visit you just to give you a hug. I think that was my way of telepathically comforting you during this time 🙂 I’m glad to see that you have so much love and support around you right now and are doing good. Sending love!
Not sure which to obsess over first… those heavenly slices of cake or the cute tissue boxes! Okay cake for sure.. I wish my town had a fire and ice festival. But sunny So Cal hardly even gets rain much less snow!
Cayanne Marcus @healthyezsweet recently posted…Friday Favorites: Best Blogilates Videos to Target Each Body Part
Glad you could affiliate link and make money off that “healing” angel
Wow, I’m so glad you could reach out with your sympathies this week with a negative comment. You’re so sweet. Like you’ve mentioned before, this is one of my jobs… and, for the record, there are three other links to get to the angel that aren’t affiliated. I think anyone would use their personal affiliate link when linking to Amazon in this situation? Regardless, do you think the 5 cents I might make off of that click is what’s really on my mind right now?
For the love… if you don’t enjoy reading my blog, please spend your free time doing something else than trying to get a rise out of me. It clearly doesn’t phase me, and this will be my last response before you’re blocked.
Those ice sculptures! Glad you’re keeping yourself busy and surrounded by love 🙂
Dani @ Dani California Cooks recently posted…Friday Favorites
Been thinking of you Heather, sending my prayers and love your way. Those ice sculptures are beautiful! And that cake looks delish. Hope you have a great weekend! <3
Alyssa recently posted…Friday Favorites 1/29/16
Just found your blog (from Katie @ Healthy Diva). So glad! You have yourself a new Friday favorite friend.Happy Weekend! Sending my love to you and your family, Heather 🙂
You just helped confirmed why I like going to linkups, one of those reasons being that I’m introduced to new and interesting things. Cards Against Humanity? I had never, ever heard of this game before! So I went to Amazon and read reviews (all raving) about the game, and now the game is on my Amazon wishlist. Thanks sooo much for sharing!
–G
gingerwroot.com
Ginger Wroot recently posted…Geranium Perfume Review
That FIRE and ICE festival is the coolest thing ever! I wanna witness such event soon, personally.
Mich recently posted…5 Award Winning Craft Breweries in Michigan That You Shouldn’t Miss!