Good morning friends! Here’s hoping you all had a great week.
It’s been a week over here, that’s for sure. Scott and I are currently treating our apartment for bed bugs (oh em gee. I know. I’m flipping.), so I’ll be happy when that is all over and we’re on to bigger and better things. Apparently, it’s a common thing that happens in older buildings in New York City. Wonderful.
The crazy part is that we are freaks about cleaning the apartment and our pets. All of our furniture was purchased after we moved in and built in-apartment, so there’s no way it came from something you’d think. We basically threw away the majority of our bedding and are bringing in the big guns to exterminate what’s left. I guess it’s time for a master bedroom redesign?
Le sigh.
Moving on from that, today I’m here to share some of the better things that took place this week. Below is a list of my favorite things that I’ve currently been enjoying! I always invite you to share some things you’ve been loving in the comments section, and don’t forget to link up your Friday Favorites in the blogger section, too!
Friday Favorites #180: Week of 8/25
• MZ Wallace Metro Backpack
Let’s start with a favorite that I’ve been wanting to cover for ages! This has been like a dream and is certainly a staple in my every day commute and routine.
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I actually saw this backpack on my friend Ashley late last year, and since she had two of them, I convinced her to sell me one. The backpack is found in higher end department stores and isn’t cheap, but I can attest that the MZ Wallace brand of products is a fantastic one. The backpack holds just enough, has zips for organizing, and is super soft and comfortable.
• Witch Hazel rose petal toner
I recently started using per the recommendation of a coworker, and I never expected to be as obsessed with it as I’ve become. Not only do I use it nightly to help cleanse, moisturize, and even out my skin, but I’ve been also using it as a natural remedy for bug bites throughout the summer.
The rose petal sent is extremely calming, and it’s actually something that I look forward to as I wind down for the night. I saw an article on BuzzFeed about how great this product is, and I have to agree with everything stated. And, the best part about this hidden gem of a beauty product is the cost! You can find it at your local drug stores or online for about $10, and the bottle lasts a ridiculously long time.
• Annie’s Macaroni and Cheese (with some extras)
Where my mac ‘n cheese lovers at?
While I have always been a fan of the classic Kraft or Velveeta box, the adult in me opts for the “healthier” version as much as possible. Recently, I have been ordering Annie’s macaroni and cheese boxes from Amazon Prime, and I try to incorporate at least a vegetable or two when I make them.
My favorite combinations include adding green peas, broccoli, or even some mixed vegetables if I’m feeling adventurous. I will occasionally add a protein like sliced chicken sausage, too. It might still not be “healthy” for me, but at least I know I’m still getting in a serving of veggies and protein when I splurge!
• Bissel PowerFresh Steam Mop
File this one under things you get excited for in your thirties.
Almost two years go (<- whoa!), I featured a steamer mop as a Friday Favorite because it truly excited me. Well, that steamer mop doesn’t even hold a candle to the one that I recently stalked and finally tried out for myself.
The Bissell 1940 PowerFresh Steam Mop Hard Floor Steam Cleaner basically does all the work for you, and I love that there are removable pads that I can use and easily take off to throw in the washer time and time again.
I chose to also purchase the eucalyptus mint steam mop water and fragrance discs to make the floors smell extra fresh, and Scott even noticed a new and exciting scent the minute he walked through the door the first time I used it. The steamer mop is actually one of my favorites on this week’s favorite list, and I’m okay with it.
After a move to New York City, we quickly became very aware of how dirty floors can get if you aren’t careful. We immediately take shoes off at the front door, and I vacuum and mop at least once a week to keep germs as far away as possible. Check out my Tips To Staying Clean and Organized for more tidbits!
• Ample Hills Ice Cream
Ice cream has had my heart this summer, and I found one of the best shops I’ve tried in a long time right here in Brooklyn. It’s called Ample Hills Creamery and is in the Prospect Heights and Gowanus areas.
There is always a line out the door, but it moves quickly like a carousel and the best I’ve tried so far is this marshmallow ice cream with rice crispy mix ins combination. Oh my goodness.
Ample Hills (in Gowanus) also happens to be right in the middle of two of our go-to spots called Pig Beach and the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club for a little late night fun, so we still end up paying a visit quite often. If you ever give Ample Hills a try, make sure to check out the rooftop for additional seating with a view!
• Bath & Body Works “xoxo” candle
Long time LIL readers already know that my love for 3-wick candles is pretty strong. Anytime I see them on sale from Bath & Body Works I purchase a handful, and I always look forward to breaking them out as the seasons change.
Clearly, my favorite candles are always seasonal pics (the Fall collection is IN, y’all!), but for now, I’m enjoying the mix of fresh mandarin, cool waters, and lavender woods in this XOXO candle.
Since I purchased this one on sale, I don’t believe it’s still available online, but there are several others that are similar including this this and this one. I have especially been enjoying the metallic designs of the containers as they match the decorations in our living room!
• favorite LIL posts
» Spring Motivation Workout Playlist
In need of some workout motivation? Stream and download over an hour of upbeat music (free), perfect for your next workout in or outdoors. At-home workout round-up included!
» Mango Coconut Protein Smoothie
A delicious, protein-packed tropical fruit smoothie you can enjoy as lunch or after an intense workout!
Your Turn
What have you been loving this week? Link up your favorites below!

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, and, as always, your support is much appreciated!

So sorry you are having to deal with bed bugs, hope they are cleared out fast! I also love our steam mop and was so excited when we first got it.
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-ups recently posted…Friday favorites!
Ugh, bed bugs- that is horrible!
I love that backpack! The texture is super cute. I’ve also heard great things about witch hazel… never used it, but I use micellar water, which I think is great too!
Carrie This Fit Chick recently posted…Recipes, Round-Ups and Q+A
OMG — bed bugs. That is awful. I have some friends here, who had the same issue during their first move to SF. They basically had to get rid of EVERYTHING they owned. How annoying! And yes, you definitely accumulate a lot of dirt and toxins when walking around a big city all day. Totally the price you pay for a walking lifestyle! I love your backpack! Looks comfy — and I’ve seen that brand on a few friends around here too. Also — I went to a Bath & Body when I was in Florida weeks ago with my Mom and wanted everything. Too bad my suitcase was already full of shower presents hahaha! Happy Friday, Heather! Good luck with the fumigation! Yes, for a redec!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…A few end of August favorite things
I live in NYC too. It’s so gross here!
P.S. I also use that toner!! It’s so good 🙂
Rachel recently posted…Northville-Placid Trail Gear Guide
Oh girl! Bedbugs are the worst! I lived in manhattan during a huge bed bug infestation of 2007-08. Literally everyone in my building got them and every place had to be fumigated and some ppl had to be relocated temporarily (i was in dorms for school). I hope you get it cleared up quicky! Good excuse to redecorate tho?!? Good luck!
Liz recently posted…Fri-yay
Ugh, bed bugs are such a hassle.
The rose petal toner sounds lovely, and ice cream looks delicious 🙂
Oh no Bed Bugs! That sounds like a nightmare, hoping it will just be a memory for you in a few days and they big guys can get rid of them all. But definitely an excuse to redecorate everything 😉
Obsessed with that backpack too! I drive to work, but am desperately looking for a new bag to put my lunch, snacks, and everything for work in.
Patricia @ Sweet and Strong recently posted…Whole 30 Egg White Pizza Muffins with AllWhites® 100% Liquid Egg Whites
Oh goodness, so sorry you’re dealing with bed bugs. We had them when we lived in Cincinnati a few years ago and it was awful! 5 years and a new city (job change) later, we still throw our clothes in the dryer on high heat when we get home from a movie theater or traveling just to be safe! Hope this gets rid of them for you!
Hi Heather! You completely sold me on the Bissell Steam Mop and I ordered it right away. I really want to love it, but I’m having some trouble with it gliding smoothly on my hardwood floors. I live in a pre-war Manhattan apartment, so I’m sure you can imagine what I’m working with… It’s so highly rated I’m wondering if I’m doing something wrong? Do you have any tricks or tips?!
Hi Lauren! That’s so strange – we have a pre-war apartment too with wood floors and tiles in the bathroom. What setting are you using it on? I default to the #2 out of 3 for (the middle one) on the front. Also, silly question, but you filled the front with water right? Let me know!
Thanks for sharing. I love that toner it smell so good .And the Mango Coconut Protein Smoothie sound great. I will try it.
ness recently posted…How to Restore Eucalyptus Furniture – Easy Care Tips
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