Good morning! It’s Fri-yay!
I don’t have much going on this weekend, and I’m okay with it. Scott will be working at night, so I might use that as an excuse to catch up on some things on the blog front. That … and, let’s be honest, Netflix. Do you have any good documentary recommendations or must-see series suggestions?
Today’s edition of Friday Favorites features a collection of gifts that I have been loving this week. Below you will find things that were passed on or gifted to me, and I am so grateful for friends, family, and Scott’s handy work around the apartment.
I like to close each week with things that make me smile, and I always encourage you to join in on the party by sharing your own favorites in the comments and link-up sections below.
Have a great day, friends!
Friday Favorites #152: Week of 7/29
• Sperry Top-Siders
Ever since I ordered my first pair of Sperrys a few years ago, I’ve have an appreciation and love for the brand of boat shoes. My aunt purchased a pair while on a cruise last year, and she ended up passing them onto my mom when she realized that they fit a little too snug.
What do you know … after wearing them for a day, my mom said the same thing! Her foot is slightly bigger than mine, so she sent them to me in hopes that I could put them to good use this summer. That I can!
, ,
My secret for all-day comfort is to wear no-show socks underneath. I prefer styles like and , and they’ve done great on trips around the City! Sperrys are very popular to wear in Florida and in Michigan, so I’m happy to sport them and represent the style here in New York!
• Baby-comp (& Lady-comp)
I’m not going to go too far into this one (I’m planning on talking about this later on in more detail), but I will answer a few questions that I often receive by giving a quick shout out to Baby-comp. (Read: yes, we’re still trying.)
Baby-comp and Lady-comp are fertility monitors that make tracking your cycle and ovulation patterns extremely easy. They can be used as both natural birth control and as a tool to get pregnant.
I received my Baby-comp as a Christmas gift, and I finally started using it after we moved. I’m absolutely loving it, and it’s been extremely helpful in gauging when I really do ovulate. Once you figure out how to use it (this YouTube tutorial is gold), all you have to do on a daily basis is take your basal body temperature every morning, track your period, and input when there is a possibility of conception.
You can find it here and all over Amazon. I’d definitely recommend it to any woman who stresses over charting, is trying to conceive, or wants to start a natural birth control!
• MAC brow set
I’ve always had stubborn eyebrows, so I’ve been using clear mascara to set them for years.
My friend, Lauren, gave me this as part of my birthday gift this year. It’s a clear brush-on gel that keeps your eyebrows in line with a bit of shine.
I use it anytime I put more than concealer and mascara on, and it works great!
• Fresh Market coffee
I knew that I was getting the Sperrys (above) in the mail this week, but I had no idea that this delicious bag of coffee would arrive with it. The Fresh Market coffee is my absolute favorite, and I’m so bummed that we don’t have a location up here.
Longtime LIL readers might remember my addiction to their Pumpkin Spice coffee, and I used to bring any new or seasonal flavor home on a regular basis. My mom sent me the Hazelnut Cream and ohhhh my gosh. It’s so dreamy. If you live anywhere to The Fresh Market (probably the Southeast) and love coffee, please enjoy all of it for me.
And feel free send me some from time to time. K, thanks.
• blinds
This might seem super random, but it’s the greatest gift I could have asked for this week: new blinds for our bedroom windows!
Did you notice the A/C unit? That was a big day, too. Pay no attention to our living room end table being used as desk (for now), or the litter box night stand by the bed. Little by little, our apartment is starting to come together, and we’re just being patient until everything has a proper home. I’m excited to see what it will look like a year from now!
Up until yesterday, we (literally) nailed curtains to cover the windows, and it totally defeated the purpose of having a great view of our street. While we purchased the custom blinds on our own (from Blindster), the gift is Scott installing them himself. He’s pretty handy when it comes to putting things together and fixing things around the house!
You know you’re not in your twenties anymore when you get ridiculously excited about things like blinds. And a couch. And a vacuum cleaner. And someone who maintains them. #thisis31
• favorite links
» What the latest news about lifting heavy vs. light means for you via A Lady Goes West (THANK YOU for validating that barre classes can be a serious challenge and explaining what works best for different people!)
» How Striving for Healthy Left Me Exhausted via A Healthy Happier Bear (a great read on finding balance in fitness and free time)
» Almost Perfect Beach Hacks via Awestruck (<- these are amazing)
» 5 Ways to Tackle Grace and Grit via Cotter Crunch (I couldn’t agree more with her overall message!)
» We Live In a Stressful, Harsh World: Here’s How to Feel More Joy via Popsugar (preach)
• favorite LIL posts
» Anniversary Weekend Snapshots
» Staying Healthy & pH Balanced (Down There)
(Have you entered to win the $100 Visa gift card yet?!)
» And a throwback for good measure … 20 Min. Stability Ball Core & Booty Burner
• Friday funnies
Your Turn
Have a wonderful weekend!
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Friday Favorites is a series of posts that features items I genuinely want to share with you, and affiliate links may appear from time to time. As always, any support is much appreciated! <3
Susie @ Suzlyfe
OMG the hair and glasses struggle is sooooo real. And I might be looking into that Baby Comp at some point. Sperry’s are one of those shoes (like crocs, lol) that you swear off… until you try them and then they are amazing. Except for mine which gave me horrible rubs until one day, they just randomly didn’t! Have a great (chill) weekend, Heather!
Heather
It’s expensive, but definitely easier (and more reliable, in my opinion) than buying ovulation kits and charting in 5 apps in your phone. (I played that game for a year and got over it really quickly…) Praying for you guys! Too funny about your Sperry theory – so true though! Have a great weekend, Susie 🙂
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
YES to that cat cushion photo!! And the sunglasses one! haha Happy Friday!
Heather
It makes me happy when people find funnies as humorous as I do 😉 Happy Weekend!
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food
I have a tiny obsession with Sperrys. They’re the most comfortable shoes ever and last forever. I still have a pair I bought in high school and they just get more broken in over the years. Sperry actually makes their own no-show socks with adorably nautical prints.
Definitely going to read that piece on lifting. I hate it when someone acts like barre classes don’t really work your muscles. Maybe they need to actually go to a class and see for themselves!
Heather
Right? I’m pretty sure my dad has been wearing them for decades and replaces them once every five years. Maybe. I linked to the Sperry socks above! They’re so cute!
Beth @ Sublimely Fit
Praying so hard for you two on your TTC journey. I can’t think of two people who deserve to become parents more. And now I want to go shoe shopping. Those Sperrys look so comfy! Hope you have a wonderful and relaxing weekend.
Heather
Hi Beth! Aw, thank you so much. Praying for you and your family as you set out and onto new adventures! Thinking of you as you move and settle into your new home!
Tammy
I love Sperrys ! They are so comfortable, I own several pairs. Happy Friday !
Heather
Me too! I have a feeling that these won’t be my last. Enjoy your weekend!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job
I always put clear mascara on my brows too to keep them in line, but lately my Target doesn’t seem to be carrying the brand I use 🙁 I would get the ELF one for $1 and it was glorious! Now I have to try and find another cheap kind!
Erin @ Erin’s Inside Job recently posted…Five Things Friday #97
Heather
Clear mascara for $1? Now I’m bummed I never knew about it! Please share if you end up finding a good replacement. Have a great weekend, Erin!
Emily Swanson (@Emily11949309)
I love in-window A/C units. I didn’t use to think that they would make a huge difference, but we have one in our kitchen, and when I do a bit of summer baking, they are AMAZING! 🙂 That article from Ashley about lifting weights was really interesting, and I loved how the perspective she shared was really balanced. 🙂
Heather
We don’t have central air, so having the second A/C unit in our bedroom makes the BIGGEST difference! So thankful during this summer heat! Glad you enjoyed the article. Happy Friday, Emily!
Patricia @ Sweet and Strong
Uh the hair and glasses drives me nuts, I’ve tried to start putting my glasses away or in my top, but it’s such a habit putting them on your head. And I have yet to purchase a pair of sperry’s but I know several people that rave about how comfortable they are. Have a great weekend!
Patricia @ Sweet and Strong recently posted…Friday Favorite Meal, Pizza Spaghetti Squash Pie
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday
Hair and sunglasses bugged me so much that now I only buy sunglasses without the little nose “grips”, but I still have to deal with the hinges sometimes! And I love my Sperry’s, but somehow haven’t worn them that much this summer… I need to change that before the weather cools down. Have a great weekend, Heather!
Rachel
Never underestimate the power of new blinds! It’s the little things, and also — sleeeeeep! 🙂
Heather
YES! They make a big difference, considering the sun usually peeks in around 5:30 a.m. Woo hoo!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment
I have totally been eyeing up those Sperry Shoes! I think you talked me into it. 🙂 Perfect for the Fall walking around Austin. Great faves as usual! Have a relaxing weekend. Xo.
Heather
Thanks Lauren! I love my Sperrys. I hope you have a great week 🙂
Krystal // The Krystal Diaries
I totally understand being excited over blinds! When I put blinds up in my dining room I was so happy I sent pictures to almost everyone 🙂
Heather
Haha, I’m surprised I didn’t send pics out. I guess posting them on the blog will suffice! 😉
Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth
We just bought our first place and I WISH either of us was handy, ha! And loving those Sperry’s… perfect for your relaxing weekend coming up. Enjoy!
XO, Jessica
http://www.semisweettooth.com
Heather
Thanks Jessica! Yes, I was actually really impressed when I realized how handy Scott is. I guess that’s a perk of marrying someone 11 years older? 😉
Kris | iheartwellness.com
I love your apartment it’s so cute and the blinds are AWESOME!!!
Ooo whenever we move we have the most random things as tables, etc until we set it all up, so I get it!
We recently moved from a condo to a 4,000sq home and I have a TON of empty space that needs to be filled or has random things as tables….like a tinny desk for a bedside table 😉
xxoo
Kris
Heather
Thanks Kris! It’s definitely still a major work in progress. Wow, it sounds like you have a ton of space! Enjoy it!
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner
I remember when we purchased our first house. We were so excited with purchasing our plantation shutters, our leather couch, and our dyson. That’s when I knew I was getting old! Haha
Heather
I can only imagine my excitement when all of these purchases are going towards a house! Haha #itsfine
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West
Happy Friday, Heather! I hope you enjoy your low-key weekend and get everything done that you need to do. Thank you so much for sharing my post, of course. And also, do you know as a Florida girl who went to UF, I am one of the few people who has never had Sperry shoes? I’ve bought them as gifts for other people before. I would actually love the animal print ones that I’ve seen out there hahaha!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…What the latest news about lifting heavy vs. light weights means for you
Heather
Too funny! As you can tell from this post, I love mine! The animal print ones are adorable 😉
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment
Blinds and AC are a must in the summer. Every little bit helps. Enjoy your weekend.
Eve
Wow! These are some great prices! I’m going to have to give Hazelnut Cream a try. Thanks for sharing.
Eve recently posted…Plantation Shutters: A Versatile Window Treatment