Friday Five

O N E

Old Navy is having an amazing sale right now – 40% off for cardholders. I took advantage and ordered myself some new pixie pants in blush, white, chambray dot and yellow with daisies. These are the BEST work pants (see my review here) and I wear them daily. They fit TTS (I wear a 4 regular) and I prefer the full-length ones over the ankle (to clarify – the full length ones in the regular length fit me like an ankle pant since I’m tall). I do not purchase or wear the ankle length pixie pants, which are also an option. I also ordered this rain jacket, this pink sweater, this yellow floral shirt and these compression 7/8 leggings that everyone raves about. I’ll be sure to compare them to the $25 amazon leggings we’re all obsessed with! I also picked up a few tees, sweatpants and shorts for the kids.

Shopbop’s BUY MORE, SAVE MORE sale is still going strong AND NOW EXTENDED THROUGH 3/4 AT 4 a.m. ET! I placed my order on Tuesday, and even ordered a pair of FRAME jeans to try them out. I’ve heard they’re great for taller women – I’ll be sure to do a try-on when my items arrive. One thing I forgot to order is this beach bag. I have a blanket and makeup bag from that same brand and adore them! I carried the makeup bag as a clutch the entire time we were in seaside. I also ended up ordering Spanx camo leggings, a Yummie brand bra, Sam Edelman cap toe shoes and this Free People dress.

I had an epiphany this week (though it feels really dramatic to use that word)…let’s call it a confirmation of something I’ve known all along. The key to re-starting exercise is literally just doing the first workout. I can’t tell you how many weeks (and months) went by where I told myself I was going to start exercising again only to convince myself I would start the next day instead, followed by placing myself on the couch. That “next day” never happened until I literally forced myself to turn my laptop on, login and just do ONE workout. Once I got off my butt and did that first workout, I was back. It’s like the switch flipped and now instead of taking myself to the couch after the kids are asleep, I head straight to my office/workout room, put on my shoes and start streaming a P.volve workout. P.volve’s system can automatically generate a workout calendar for you, so there’s no guesswork. I just do the workout that’s scheduled for me that day (but it’s easy to switch, too, if you feel like doing a longer/shorter/different workout). If you’re struggling with getting back into exercise, I encourage you to literally force yourself to go to the class or turn on a YouTube workout and just do it. Even if you don’t give it 100% – just move and you will start to crave it. What was keeping me from re-starting it all along was getting over the hump of that first workout. 

T H R E E

My co-worker and fellow blogger Megan shared this Better Humans article with me titled “How to Configure Your iPhone to Work for You, Not Against You.” It’s such a great read and has so many incredible tips. Warning – it’s really long – be prepared and have your phone with you to implement some of the suggestions.

F O U R

I want to use this post as an ode to the Silpat. I was at William’s Sonoma on Black Friday buying some new bakeware and the lovely sales associate told me I should definitely buy a Silpat. A what? It’s a silicone/fiberglass baking sheet that protects your pans and it totally nonstick. I use the GoldTouch line of bakeware (the best!) and use this liner any time I bake. I’ve used it for baked veggies also – it’s perfect! I’m actually ordering another one so I can bake on two sheets at once.

F I V E

I get asked a lot about the IKEA ledges we use as bookshelves in the kids rooms and our playroom – but how cute are these rainbow book ledges?! OMG! They are seriously adorable! My friend Natasha has them in her playroom and I’m definitely going to use them in a future house! L I N K S  I  L O V E:

• Caroline shared 6 new spots to visit in Houston this weekend
• The Everymom shared an article about why it’s important to talk about race with your kids
• Liz shared the most delicious looking salad recipe
• Emily Henderson shared a peel-and-stick wallpaper transformation
• Grace Atwood’s “Bad on Paper” podcast (episode #40) had an incredible interview with OG blogger Blair Eadie. Blair is such a style icon and I loved her interview – so down to earth and seems like she’d be a great friend! Also loved Blair’s insights into influencer marketing on this podcast.
• The Over My Dead Body podcast is so good. It’s by Wondery, the makers of Dr. Death.
• I’m listening to The Couple Next Door on Audible and I AM SHOOK. It’s like literally being on the edge of your seat on every single page. OMG. I’m on chapter 15 and I still KNOW NOTHING. Those of you who read it will know what I mean.

Happy weekend!

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