Hello, hello! It’s been a busy week, but filled with the best kind of activities … lots of work, lots of play and a whole lot of quality time with this guy right here. We’re Day 20 into solo parenting while Scott’s overseas, and it’s been an *experience* for sure.
It’s easy to forget the special moments in between the crazy and chaotic ones, so I’m trying my best to pause and take a step back to appreciate all of the one-on-one time we’ve been getting lately. It really is the best.
As you can probably image, my time has seemed stretched balancing all the things without a normal tag team partner in tow. We’re still in a regular school schedule over here (the school year in NY doesn’t end until 6/27!), so we’re in the month of more celebrations, carnivals and birthday parties, too. But it’s all really cute.
I don’t have much time to chat, so let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites. This round-up includes a handful of things I’ve really been loving over the past few weeks and worth a mention and link share.
I hope you enjoy!
Latest Faves: silk, dupes and solo parenting things
- these silk pillowcases
I’ve heard that silk pillowcases are great for your skin and hair for years, so I don’t know why it took me so long to get a set of them. I finally pulled the trigger and found these from KITSCH a few weeks ago, and don’t think I’ll ever go back to regular cotton again. They’re so luxurious and comfortable.
On top of feeling amazing, the benefits of trading in your typical cotton for a satin or silk pillowcase include:
- helping to tame hair frizz and breakage
- helping reduce your breakouts by absorbing less moisture and dirt
- helping reduce wrinkle lines while sleeping
- and helping keep you cooler all night
It always helps me to know WHY things are better for me, so maybe that helped you solve the mystery on this one. After using them for 3-4 weeks already, I can vouch that my skin and hair feel happier. Seriously.
If you’re looking for more skincare tips to help you improve your skin, see my post on 10 Tips For Your Best Skin This Summer. (And I’m already wanting to add three-four new ones that have nothing to do with Beautycounter, so there might be a new edition coming this Fall – hehe.)
- these film covers for iPhone camera lenses
I fought myself on upgrading my iPhone 11 to the latest model the past year or so, possibly holding out for the latest version that always rolls out right before the holidays. I was trying to make it to test out the 15, but a huge crack in one of the lenses from my 11 pushed me to upgrade now. It was adding a random glare to every photo and video I took, so not great when you use it and take pictures as much as I do.
That said, I chose the iPhone 14 Pro Max and have zero regrets.
The camera is soooo much better! Wanting to put in extra effort to protect the lenses from cracking again, I searched the Interwebs to find something to pad any accidental falls. The case has a bumper around the lenses, but I wanted something even better and eventually found these anti-shock camera protector films. I was hesitant that they would actually work and allow me to shoot pictures at the same quality, but so far so good. And, I’m incredibly thankful that I went the extra step because Skyler grabbed and dropped my phone the other day … which caused one of the lenses to crack.
Thank goodness it was only the cover, not the lens, and the company has been great in understanding to send me a replacement film cover. I got the multicolor set which looks a little different in person than it does online, but loving them and I highly recommend.
- card games for kids
We’ve started playing cards in our house and it’s something Skyler has asked to do almost every night after dinner. He’s a big fan of Uno, Golf (have you played this? so great), and recently received Eye Found It! from a sweet friend of ours.
It’s a cute and interactive game where you have to spot objects in the cards you’re holding from the back of the discard pile card and you’re racing against the other person to find it and be the first to run out of cards to win. We’ve played a lot over the past week and now I’m eyeing the Disney version, too ($6!).
- gel polish stickers (for a manicure in a pinch)
Okay, fine … I’ll let you in on a little secret I’ve been turning to whenever I travel or have a busy week were I don’t want to get my nails done, but I want them to look good and stay looking good for more than a day or so. Have you ever tried Dashing Diva Gel Strips?
They have versions that provide an artificial nail and require a UV light, but I’m pretty happy with these stickers that are really easy to apply without those things (if you follow the instructions) and last for up to two weeks at a time. Just make sure to use the included wipes to clean and prep your nails first, as skipping that step doesn’t keep them sticking as long.
The link above is the first tan pattern I tried and loved, and I’m rotating between others like this I found at a local CVS. I can’t find them everywhere, but Amazon has a ton.
- Apple braid band dupe – silicone
Sharing pictures like the above in stories has led to several messages on Instagram asking for more info about the band I’m wearing on my Apple Watch. Well, I have also been on the hunt for a good one that checks all the boxes like easy to wipe after workouts, comfortable, cute and stylish enough to dress up or down.
After a lot of searching around, I finally landed on this braided design and couldn’t pass it up for the $10 price tag. I didn’t have high hopes, but have been very pleasantly surprised on the quality and have received many compliments on it both in person and online. Another 10/10 from me!
- parenting moments like this
And finally, moments like these with my dude have really made me smile.
(Mini Jim Carrey? Only time will tell.)
The Little Mermaid “in real life” as Skyler says! Did you see it yet? So good, so nostalgic. I’ll definitely be re-watching it when it’s out on Disney Plus.
Homemade popsicles and stoop time has been a great way to end the days.
And of course, a lot of mommy and me diner dates. We tend to gravitate towards diners when we’re together because of the random sides you can pick to mix and match, and it always turns out great for both of us. I’ll take the snuggles, too. 😉
In case you missed it …
» Thinking of You on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day feels different every year, and this past one was no exception. It’s challenging to capture my feelings through a quick social media post, so I felt drawn to sit down at the computer. I know I’m not the only one feeling this way as this holiday rolls around every year, so this prompted me to share my thoughts with you. <3
Fitness from the archives …
»
This post is all about how to format your own quick and effective workout when you need to. I included a few sample workouts along with details on how to mix and match your own exercises. Let me know if I missed any of your favorites!
Nutrition/Food from the archives …
»
Trying to eat healthy, stick to a grocery budget, and avoid spending a lot of time in the kitchen every day? This post shares my typical grocery list along with a rundown on how to throw something easy (and healthy!) together by pulling key ingredients from different categories. I’d love to hear some of your suggestions, too!
Okay, I think that just about does it for today. I’ve got to get both of us out the door for school drop-off and onto a busy day of commutes ahead. Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? We’re going to a school carnival tomorrow and then will hopefully see Scott at some point Sunday or Monday. *fingers crossed*
It was so great to chat, and thank you again for clicking over to read the latest on Life In Leggings today. You can keep up with our updates and adventures on Instagram in between the posts here. I now have a personal page, too.
Have a great Friday and weekend!
*Disclaimer: Friday Favorites posts may contain affiliate links. By using the links provided in this post to order products, you are supporting my business and family. I always appreciate you!
![[in our elementary school era] 🚌😭
Skyler did great walking into KINDERGARTEN with a big smile on his face this morning. I, however, was a bit of a mess on our walk home. 🥹
It’s wild how fast these 5 years with him have gone … 7 since we moved to NYC and into our apartment, dreaming of the day our kids would someday go to the *awesome* school right down our block. 🏫
That day is today, and I still don’t believe it — feeling allll of the emotions and thanking God for placing us here and for being able to trust His timing through the journey. 🫶🏼 #hbshinnyc
SO proud of you, SK - you are going to rock your first year at your “big boy school” - WE LOVE YOU !! 🩵👑](https://lifeinleggings.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
thats grate, your blog is very nice and Life In Leggings is a personal healthy lifestyle blog that follows her adventures in the City and helps others reach their goals by sharing quick and healthy meals, challenging workouts, and everyday fitness tips.
Maverick Tech Blogger
Hey Heather. You are concious about your skin and hair like me. Issh! it would be good to me if I know about your blog before. Most of the part of my hair has been ruined, Idon’t know the reason. But from now I will try to use soft silk pillows.