Hi there and Happy Friday to you!
I shared all about our recent trip to Florida last week, so we’re getting back to the usual round-up of Friday Favorites this week. It feels good to get back into a normal routine after traveling and a week of unplugging.
Scott has been on the road for over a week, so Skyler and I are looking forward for his return on Monday. It’s been a long few weeks of solo parenting and having him ask about his whereabouts. We are very grateful for the opportunities he has been given to travel for work again, but it feels like it’s been too long!
Sky and I had a quiet Memorial Day Weekend which included a lot of rain and low-key time inside. The clouds cleared up just in time for a cookout with a few neighbors on Monday, and we helped another plant some flowers outside in between rain showers before that. It didn’t feel like the typical holiday weekend, but that’s okay. We still had a good time.
All right, it’s time to get to this week’s highlights! Today we’re chatting about healthy eats, summer clean beauty finds, a new workout and a GIVEAWAY. Thanks for reading!
FRIDAY FAVORITES: WEEK OF 6/4
- Friends: The Reunion
Okay, I can’t have a collection of highlights without including something that recently made me smile SO big … Friends: The Reunion on HBO Max!
People tend to fall in one of two categories here. Either your’e a die-hard Friends fanatic or not a fan at all, and Scott and I are in very different camps. My love for the show started over twenty years ago (!!!) when I watched the original airing episodes on Thursday nights with my sister. It was the highlight of our week, and we went on to binge-watch the replays once those were available. I’ve been a super fan since the beginning!
I had high expectations when I found out that there was going to be a cast reunion aired, and it delivered. The show included everything from interviews to table reads from famous scenes, behind-the-scenes stories and even a fashion show displaying a handful of epic costumes from wardrobe. It was so much fun to watch and relive!
The reunion is only aired on HBO Max, but maybe that will change as time goes by.
Have you streamed it yet?!
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
I love waffles as much as the next gal, but when I start reaching for them multiple days in a row, it’s time to start prepping a more nutritious breakfast option for me and my family.
Have you ever tried an oatmeal bake? It’s easy to throw together and very adaptable. I LOVE having something like this ready to quickly heat up and serve in a pinch. I prefer to eat it hot, but you could opt for room temperature or even eat it cold.
Also, if blueberries aren’t your thing, try a different fruit or berry of choice.
I’d love to hear how it turns out!
This recipe features key ingredients from my friends at NOW Foods. I really trust this brand for high-quality, safe foods and supplements at a great price point.
Please let me know if you end up giving this recipe a try, and use the promo code LIFEINLEGGINGS for 20% off your order at nowfoods.com!
- Total Body Strength Workout (& 10 Minute Ab Finisher video)
Yesterday’s work out was a great one, so I wanted to include it in today’s faves. I shared a sneak peak on stories, so here is the full breakdown to help explain the exercises.
Whenever Scott is out of town, I take advantage of the days that Skyler is in school to get in a good lift. This means that I can only get to the gym twice a week when he travels, so I always plan for weight training on those days. So, you’ll need access to gym equipment on this one like weight machines and cables.
This workout is broken into two circuits that work the upper and lower body with a final ab finisher circuit at the end. (Did you happen to catch my demo reel on this?) Modify, rest between circuits and whenever you need to, and always include a warm-up and cool down.
EXERCISE BREAKDOWNS
assisted pull-ups (you can use a band/bar instead)
seated glute kickbacks (or you can use a band)
Russian twists (dumbbell optional)
Disclaimer: This workout was great for me, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s ideal for you. If you’re new to strength training, please make sure that you’re cleared by a doctor to try strength workouts before you try this.
- clean beauty favorites for summer
Summer is just around the corner! Here’s a friendly reminder to make sure you’re using sunscreen to protect your skin from those harmful rays, and don’t forget to pick a mineral sunscreen at that.
Some of my other top picks for the warmer months are below …
- Sunscreen: I use a combo of the lotion, mist and stick all over Sky (and myself) every day.
- The Clean Deo: No aluminum or artificial fragrances and it’s refillable! I rotate the Clean Rose and Lavender scents, and each one lasts about 6-8 weeks.
- Daily Sheer Defense for Face: I put this on as the AM finisher to my skincare routine, unless I’m using the Dew Skin (below).
- Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer: This has light coverage and SPF 20, and I wear the light shade 2.
- Beyond Gloss: Because it feels good to wear glosses again. These shades are all flattering and range from subtle to dramatic!
- The Jellies: Do you remember Juicy Tubes? These are so much better for you with the same nostalgic feeling.
- All Bright C Serum: The product for summer to make your skin glow.
- Charcoal Facial Mask: Use for a weekly detox all over your face, under your arms, and as a spot treatment.
- Lip Conditioner: This feels like a clean version of vaseline that I use every time I moisturize, so AM/PM. My favorite scent is Peppermint.
If you’ve never ordered with Beautycounter before, make sure to use the code CLEANFORALL20 for 20% off your first order. I’m always here to help, and please reach out if you have any questions or want to know the best ways to save on your purchases!
- quick and easy party side idea
I will forever be the girl who brings a healthy side to barbecues. While I LOVE eating hamburgers and even hot dogs on occasion, I prefer to fill my plate with some balance and include more nutrients to the line up. I’ve never had anyone complain.
I brought a monster salad as my side contribution to a casual Memorial Day rooftop hang and everyone enjoyed it!
I started with an Avocado Ranch salad kit from Whole Foods and added:
– half a bag of spinach
– tomatoes
– cucumbers
– avocado
– black beans
– salt and pepper
I chopped it up and, surprisingly, the dressing it came with was plenty.
- Whole Food gift card Giveaway!
And finally, speaking of Whole Foods … I’m currently raffling off a $50 gift card to one lucky winner over on Instagram.
You have until 11:59pm EST tonight to enter if you haven’t already, so head on over and get in on the chance to win free money for groceries! I appreciate you all so much.
- favorite LIL posts
» How To Avoid Workout Boredom and Stay Motivated
Feeling burnt out in your workouts or in a fitness slump? Exercise should be something you look forward to doing, not dread. Try these tips to make workouts more fun when you’re feeling bored or unmotivated to stay on track!
» Tips On How To Celebrate Small Wins Every Day
Small wins aren’t meant to change the world, but they can change your life with the right mindset. Try these tips on how to celebrate your small wins every day for more motivation, confidence and overall success.
All right, it’s time for me to attempt to clean up the mess that has resulted after Skyler playing at home this morning. We don’t have a play room, so there are blocks, puzzle pieces, and super heroes all over the apartment. It’s nothing that a little clean up timer (song) can’t fix before we head out to the playground!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway, and I’ll see ya over on Instagram until we meet again over here!
*Disclaimer: The NOW Foods portion of this post is sponsored, and all opinions remain my own. Also, I am a Beautycounter consultant and love what I do with the company. By using the links provided in this post to order products, you are supporting my business. I truly appreciate you. Always.
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