Friday Favorites #162: Week of 10/7

Hello strangers! I cannot believe that Friday is already here. Weeks are really flying by!

Let me just start this post by saying I miss you guys. I really do. I have about ten drafted posts to share with you and zero time to finish any of them. I feel like we have so much to catch up on, and the fact that I can’t find the time to write everything out just feels wrong. Hopefully I will establish more of a work/life/blog balance soon, but for now, please know that my intentions are not to disappear as often as I have.

On that note, I guess all I can do is the best that I can. Work is really, really busy for me right now. I’m basically putting in 8-10 hour days at least six days a week … so there you go. I can’t thank you enough for coming back to read my rambles week after week.

Friday Favorites is always my favorite post of the week to put together. I hope that you enjoy the recaps and laughs (the Friday funnies get me every time), and that #FFavorites is a series that you continue to look forward to as well.

As always, I invite you to catch up and share your own faves in the comments and link-up sections below.

Happy Friday!

 

Friday Favorites #162: Week of 10/7

• a shift in Hurricane Matthew

I have been incredibly worried about my family and friends in Florida this week. What was once described as catastrophic damage that “will kill you” (<- thanks, Gov. Rick Scott) looks like it has taken a turn away from the coast. The eye is no longer predicted to touch land (Thank God!), and I have a text thread going with my family where I am continuously asking for updates. The worst was supposed to hit overnight and this morning, and everyone is okay. They have reported a lot of rain and strong winds, a fallen tree, and pool flooding, but that’s it so far.

Sending so many thoughts and prayers down to the Southeast through the weekend! <3

 

• park walks (& new New Balance gear)

One of my favorite moments this week happened yesterday on an impromptu family walk to the park right before lunch. I was able to work from home half of the day, so I used a quick lunch break to spend some time with Scott and Roadie outside. The weather has been gorgeous this week. I’m also wearing some new, comfy threads from my friends at New Balance.

Pictured is the  (that I now have in and ) and running shoes.

The running shoes are a limited edition that are labeled this year’s NYC Marathon shoe. I love that they say “NYC” on the tongue. I was a bit hesitant to wear them and showcase them on the blog, as I am nowhere near NYC Marathon runner status. But, they deserve to be worn. (Serious shout out to all of those gearing up to race next month!)

I got invited to attend an event previewing their 2017 Spring Collection yesterday, and I had a great morning browsing the new styles and colors with my blog friend, Ashley. We were both given the jacket and running shoes as swag on our way out, and I’ll be back to share more about the inventory closer to it’s release next year. There are a lot of great new designs and concepts coming soon!

Thank you, New Balance!

 

• Beauty & Essex

Thanks to our friend, Adam, who was in town from Detroit, Scott and I found a new gem in the Lower East Side on Wednesday. It’s called Beauty & Essex, and it’s a legit pawn shop by day and fancy lounge and restaurant by night.

This restaurant is the definition of quintessential New York City. It doesn’t look like anything special on the outside, but inside and behind the pawn shop doors is a multi-level restaurant and lounge. The design and energy throughout the space is trendy and fantastic.

We made reservations for dinner, and we headed upstairs to grab a round of drinks while we waited 15 minutes to be seated. I loved the music, the vibe, and the environment.

Our dinner started with a beet amuse, compliments of the chef. We ordered the grilled cheese dumplings and tomato soup appetizers to follow that were absolutely mouthwatering. I could have had several more! (For the record, the chilaquiles were also very good.)

Our table ordered a variety for dinner including the salmon, ribs, and veal bolognese. Everything was very tasty.

It was so nice to catch up with our friend (he was in town working the Pistons/Nets game last night!), and I know that we will be back again soon.

Beauty & Essex is definitely a spot now on our list to bring out-of-town visitors!

 

• jouer liquid lipstick

My friend, Brittany, introduced me to a new line of lipstick that I’m pretty much obsessed with. I borrowed a variety of fun shades while she was in town visiting last weekend, and this one was a favorite.

Have you ever heard of the cosmetics line jouer? I hadn’t, but I’m loving the colors and lip products. Especially the long-wear lip crème liquid lipsticks. I’ll most likely be ordering a few of them soon for fun nights out!

If you’re looking to spice up your lip shades and want to try some of the products out for yourself, get 15% off by using the promo code NIKKIE or MANNYMUA at checkout!

 

• the return of Grey’s

Longtime blog readers already know how excited I am that Grey’s Anatomy is officially back for a new season of drama. It’s the only show that I started from the very first season that I am still watching to this day. I have to admit that I’m still not a fan of Derek’s departure, but I digress. It’s still something that I look forward to week after week! Who else is watching?

 

• portable cat backpacks

Okay, don’t laugh, but these cat backpack carriers have legitimately been on my radar ever since we moved to Brooklyn. They’re hilarious, and I would totally laugh and secretly capture any sight of someone wearing them in public, but they’re actually genius. I mean, we don’t have cars. How else are you supposed to get your cats to the vets?!

 

Aspen has always been our little adventurer who begs to get outside of the front door on a regular basis, so hopefully this goes over well. You can find cat backpacks all over the Internet (these are especially ridiculous but awesome), and I’m just a few clicks away from owning two to be able to get our girls to and from the vets safely.

Is that weird? Haha!

 

• favorite LIL posts

» Girls’ Weekend in New York City (Part I) 

 

and some throwbacks …

» 10 Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee

 

» Power Gym Circuit Workout

 

• Friday funnies

Here’s hoping you can start the day with a laugh!

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Your Turn

 

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Happy 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, your support is much appreciated! <3