Good morning friends!
While I’m working through the upcoming weekend, I’m really looking forward to having Monday and Tuesday to decompress and unwind. It’s been a busy week, and I have a feeling that things are only going to pick up as we enter into the upcoming fall season.
First thing’s first … it’s September 1st. HOW did we get here already? Is the year absolutely flying by for anyone else? Today I realized that I haven’t done much on my summer to-do list, so I’m hoping to crack down on that as soon as I can. And yes, going to the beach is an absolute to-do, amiright?
Just like most Fridays around here, today I’m checking in to chat up a handful of things that made me smile this week. You can usually find a collection of random products, pictures, and things I’ve been wanting to share with you in this Friday Favorites series. Don’t forget to share your own faves in the comments and link-up sections below!
Happy Friday!
Friday Favorites #181: Week of 9/1
• papier-mâché animal wall
I know I’ve mentioned these papier-mâché animal heads on the blog before, but this is the first time I’ve really enjoyed the look of them in our home. I was surprised when Scott wanted to bring them to a smaller apartment in New York City, but I’m glad that he did.
Scott got the idea to add wooden frames around each one, and I love how the arrangement turned out for our dining area. It wasn’t that long ago when we finally ordered a high top dining table from IKEA, and finish the look with these high top swivel bar stools. While the table isn’t necessarily centered in the room (due to lack of storage space and the need to stack boxes in the corner … #newyorkliving), I really like how this room is turning out and makes our place feel a little more like home.
It looks like the papier-mâché animal heads we’ve purchased from are no longer available, but they have similar ones at Restoration Hardware Baby & Child!
• new kitty “necklaces”
Growing up, my sister always called our cat collars “necklaces”. I thought it was very fitting for the fur princesses running our apartment, and since Cali lost hers a few months ago, I figured it was time to get a new set with appropriate tags.
I found this pack of two on Amazon for a great price, and I even ordered name plates for both the same day. I love the sparkle and little bell sounds I hear as they run through the apartment!
• seasonal Greek yogurt
I feel like I’m seasonally confused right now. Part of me wants all of the watermelon possible and to soak up these last few summer days, and the other part of me wants to dive into fall headfirst with the chunky scarf and hot pumpkin spice latte in hand. For the time being, I have been enjoying the best of both worlds with the seasonal blended Chobani Greek yogurt flavors.
If you’ve never tried the watermelon or pumpkin flavors, I highly recommend both. You’ve got to grab them when you see them though, as they only appear in a limited batch!
• Mabelline dream brightening creamy concealer
I found this concealer on a total whim. After running out of my normal , I switched to using foundation as a filler, then finally decided to try something new a few weeks ago.
I’ve found a few Maybelline products that I love over the last couple of years including this eyeliner and this moisturizing lip balm, and now I’m adding to the list, too. I love that it turns up when it gets low and goes on really easily for all day coverage.
• surprise 1 year anniversary celebration
I received the best surprise at work this week!
August 29th marked my one year anniversary with Orangetheory, and I couldn’t believe how many people wanted to celebrate with me. In the middle of the workday, Scott walked in with flowers and a bottle of champagne to toast with my team. My Assistant Manager even came in on his day off with cupcakes and candles, and my team handed me a card with well wishes from them and a lot of our members. It was the sweetest thing!
I remember casually mentioning that I have been with the company for a year now, but I had no idea that people actually knew the day and took it upon themselves to make it a big deal. Needless to say, I left work feeling extremely love that day and may or may not have teared up a little. Love you, OTF family!
• favorite LIL posts
» (No Cream) Loaded Potato Soup
This (no cream!) creamy potato soup is thick, hearty, and perfect for the soup lover craving a delicious, homemade recipe with all the fixings. If you’re not into chilly weather comfort food just yet, bookmark it for later!
» 10 Minute Abs, Booty & Legs Workout
Staying on track can be a challenge during the summer months. Complete this quick, yet challenging do-anywhere bodyweight workout to keep active!
Your Turn
What have you been loving this week? Link up your faves!

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!

Congrats on the 1-year mark with OTF! That was such a sweet surprise by Scott and your coworkers. Enjoy your weekend!
Sara @ Oats & Rows recently posted…Friday Favorites 9/1
Congratulations on 1 year with OT! I just signed up in my area and I’m loving the classes. Those chobani seasonal yogurts look yummy 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams recently posted…Friday Favorites 9.1.17
Happy one year work anniversary! That is so sweet they all celebrated with you. That soup looks amazing, I will have to save that to make as it cools off. Hope you have a great weekend!
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-ups recently posted…Friday Favorites
Thanks Emily! I will definitely be making it again this year. Have a great week!
Yay! Happy 1 Year! I remember when you announced that you were going to start working there. Time flies!
Carrie This Fit Chick recently posted…10 Fun Ways to Cook with Pumpkin
Crazy right? Time certainly does fly. I hope you’re enjoying the week!
Happy one-year work anniversary, Heather! I know it hasn’t been easy — so props to you for hanging in there! And also YAY for seasonal things. This summer was definitely a different one for me, and I’m ready for the fall weather and all the pumpkin. Happy Friday! Hope you get to do something fun on your days off later this weekend!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…Three things that are totally making me happy right now
Thanks so much friend! I appreciate the congrats 🙂 I’m with you — give me all the fall (and pumpkin) things!
Congrats on 1 year at OTF! That’s seriously so sweet that others thought of celebrating the anniversary with you!
Patricia @ Sweet and Strong recently posted…Food, Fitness, and other Friday Favorites
Thank you, Patricia. It was the sweetest, love my team!
We used to put bandannas on one of our family dogs when I was a kid and we would refer to her collar as a necklace and her bandanna as a scarf. If we took them off to give her a bath or something, we would say, “Let’s put your necklace and scarf back on!” and she would get SO EXCITED!
That’s so funny, at least I’m not the only one! 😉 Pets are the cutest!
Those seasonal greek yogurts look amazing! I am definitely going to have to check those out!
Alamy and Maybeline are my favorites! The work well and are cost effective. Its a sign of a great boss when their employees want to celebrate them. Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary.
Thanks Kelly! I always love a good cost- effective beauty find. Thanks for stopping by!