Hello and Happy Friday!
I can’t believe that we are already here … this week has flown right by. It’s also dropped to cold temperatures in New York, and I even heard rumors of it snowing this weekend! What happened to the high 60s last weekend? I guess that was nice while it lasted.
I’m excited for this weekend because I switched my off days and will be enjoying a morning to sleep in tomorrow. I’m going to a blog event after that and then have the day to spend some quality time with Roadie and the girls. Scott is working in China until Sunday, so I’m sure more Hallmark movies by the Christmas tree, work on Sunday, and brunch with a friend will fill the rest of the weekend.
I hope the week has been treating you great and that you can roll into the next few days with a smile. As always, today’s post is covering what I’ve been loving lately, and it includes a link-up for bloggers to share their favorites as well. Thanks for reading!
Friday Favorites #193: Week of 12/8
• holiday candles
It’s that time of year where I order a new collection of holiday scents for the apartment. Anybody else?
There are always great deals going on over at Bath and Body Works, and you better believe that I took advantage of the 3-wick candles marked at 50% off on Black Friday. (Surprise — they’re currently priced at 50% off today, too!) Per usual, I got a mix of holiday and New Year’s deemed scents, and the designs just keep getting better you’re after year. What’s your favorite candle scent right now?
• Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds
I started adding seeds to smoothies, salads, and other dishes years ago. I’ve used chia seeds and flax seeds in the past and switch those out with hemp seeds from time to time. I have to say, however, that hemp seeds have become my favorite texture.
I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Manitoba Harvest to share different ways you can use hemp seeds to add nutrition and a nutty taste to meals and snacks!
I often enjoy them in smoothies and sprinkle them on my salads and bowls of cereal. I use them the most in the mornings, and almost always include them on what Scott deems my “Heather waffles”.
Van’s grain waffles topped in blueberry Greek yogurt, banana slices, and hemp seeds
Hemp seeds are an easy way to add protein and omegas to your everyday foods. They have all 10 essential amino acids and help with cholesterol, inflammation, skin and hair health, balancing hormones, and general heart health. They also contain magnesium, fiber, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. I think it’s safe to say that these little guys are packed with goodness!
Plus if that wasn’t enough, hemp foods also contain magnesium, fibre, iron, zinc, and phosphorous. Keep a lookout for more ways I like to use them on the LIL instagram feed this month and follow the hashtag #MMHempAmbassador for more ideas!
• (pregnancy friendly) J.Crew coat
I seriously debated over getting a new winter coat this year for two reasons. One is that I have plenty of coats in our coat closet. Two is that whatever I buy this season probably won’t fit me (post-baby) next season.
I didn’t want to spend a lot, but I knew that I would need something to wear this winter when temperatures drop as low as the negatives like last year. I can barely squeeze into my biggest coat at the moment, so I figured Black Friday was the day to search for one a little larger. I almost bought a maternity coat, but I wanted to go with sizing up a regular coat instead, in hopes of being able to wear it with a tie around the waist in the future.
One of my coworkers came in with a cute coat from J.Crew a few weeks ago, and she mentioned that she got it on sale for half price recently. I tried it on and a small, and since there was a little room to grow (they run rather large), I sized up to a medium to give enough room for my belly to get through the rest of this pregnancy.
I couldn’t find the style just by searching online, so I’m really glad that she was able to let me try her coat on for size and send me the style number. After quick search online, right away and took advantage of the 40% off site wide that took place over Thanksgiving weekend. By the way, if you’re on the lookout for continuous sales, you can usually find a good one going on at J.Crew.
(Today there is great one — 35% off full price styles and free shipping using the code FRIDAY — valid on !)
(I clearly need to work on tying the bow. Also, our full length mirror is in our guest room/office that is going to turn into a nursery pretty soon! Trying to figure out the logistics of everything is pretty interesting.)
My favorite features about this specific coat is the inner sleeve with thumb holes, a detachable hood, and cozy fleece lining on the inside the pockets. And of course, the tie around will be great when I don’t have as big of a belly to cover next year.
• Bombas surprise
It’s no secret that I am a big fan of Bombas socks. I recently shared why I love them so much, and I thought it was worth mentioning again so soon because they just reached a huge milestone — they’ve donated over 5 million pairs!
Just like Tom‘s, Bombas donates a pair of brand-new socks to a homeless shelter every time you purchase one from them. Check out this video to see exactly how this happens and how you can make a difference, too.
They’re honestly the best socks I’ve tried yet with extreme arch support, durability, and are comfortable in a variety of designs and sizes to take you anywhere from a work out or a work meeting to a cozy night in.
I shared a discount code for first-time customers (LIFEINLEGGINGS20), which is still active if you’re interested in trying them out for yourself. And don’t worry, there’s also another sale going on that you can enjoy 20% holiday socks with the code FAVORITES20.
Another black Friday purchase I couldn’t resist was ordering a collection of these for Scott, myself, and some of our family members to introduce them to the brand and include in their holiday gifts this year. I was a esctatic to see an extra surprise of toddler socks arrive around the same time! Aren’t they the cutest (pictured on the bottom right above)?
Congrats on the huge success and thanks again, Bombas!
• Ebates
I know I’m extremely late to the party, and I’ve been hearing about Ebates forever, but I finally took the quick and easy steps it takes to join before making all of my Black Friday purchases a few weeks ago, and I’m so glad I did!
Ebates offers coupons and cash rebates for almost every retail partner you can think of. After creating a login, simply visit the online sites you normally would to make purchases and rack up cash-back coupons in your Ebates account to actually get money back in the future. Since I’m so new to it, I haven’t received my first check yet, but I have a handful of friends who swear by it.
For example, I downloaded the Ebates button for my search window, so any retailer that qualifies for Ebates automatically hits me with a pop-up window to login through Ebates to get credit for my purchases that day. I did this for the coat I purchased above and received $10 cash back in my account! It’s that easy.
If you haven’t checked out Ebates yet, you really are missing out!
• favorite LIL posts — Holiday Gift Guides!
Since I don’t have as much time to blog as I have in previous seasons, I won’t be able to publish a series of Holiday Gift Guides this year. I’m hoping to get back to the tradition next year, but in the mean time, check out picks from the previous seasons for some gift-spiration for you and loved ones!
• Fitness Goodies: Gifts For Fitness Lovers
A list if favorite for any (lady) fitness enthusiast on your shopping list.
Stumped on what to get your boyfriend, brother, or special man in your life this year? Here’s a fun collection of gift ideas, just in time for the holidays.
Check out this collection of gift ideas for the women on your holiday shopping list!
Do you need help deciding what to get for loved ones this year? Here’s a list full of ideas any foodie or entertainer would love.
Happy Shopping!
Your Turn
Have a great 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!
Nikki @ Flimsy LIon
I love adding hemp seeds to smoothies, although I’m not sure I’m with you on calling it my favourite texture. I’ve never added them as a topping on anything though I guess I’ll have to try that.
Nikki @ Flimsy LIon recently posted…Friday Favourites – Gift Ideas for the Pregnant Lady in Your Life
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups
I love that jacket, it looks so cute on you! Hope you have a great weekend!
Dietitian Jess
Thanks for sharing that candle deal those are my favs! Hope you enjoy your relaxing weekend 🙂
Sierra
I am obsessed with using Ebates! Did you also know they have in-store cash back at some places?! It’s amazing and all you have to do is link your card it. I hope you have a great weekend! Sierra~Beautifully Candid
patrick@looneyforfood.com
This week has flown by, heck this whole year did. I am looking forward to the weekend but not the predicted snow headed my way. I plow in the winter for my business so it will be a long long weekend. Great round up of favorites.
patrick@looneyforfood.com recently posted…Fitbit Ionic Review
Liz
If you plan to wear your baby in a baby carrier (I highly recommend the ergo), that coat will be great because it will close around the carrier and keep both you and baby warm! Way better than trying to put the carrier over a bulky jacket.