Happy Friday, everyone!
What are you up to this weekend? It’s supposed to be negative 400 degrees outside and snowing for the foreseeable future, so I’ll be at home hanging with this nut. Sometimes I think he might be a cartoon he’s so cute. Thank goodness he lets me snuggle and kiss him to my heart’s content! (Ignore the heinous pillows, they came free with our new couch!)
I’ll also be – dunh-dunh-dunh – running! Long story short I’ve been dealing with some minor health issues since Lincoln was born which have resulted in very low energy levels. Translation, I’ve worked out exactly twice in six months. I know. As someone who used to run a minimum of three times a week for, gosh, 10 years? It’s been a big and, at times, emotional change.
Anyway, I’ve decided to push through so Ben and my brother lugged the treadmill that’s been sitting in our garage since we moved last summer into the basement last week, then I ninja kicked the screw that was keeping it jammed shut. When that didn’t work Ben pried it open with a crow bar and now I’m ready to rock!
It’s all very exciting. Low energy levels be damned!
Other than that I’ll just be working, waiting for Spring and all that comes along with it – walks, warmth, and feeding the ducks at a nearby pond. I think Lincoln will really like that. Or be scared out of his mind. I guess we’ll find out shortly!
Well wherever you are and whatever you do, have a good one and in the meantime please enjoy my favorite finds from around the web and beyond in this week’s Friday Favorites. TGIF!
Click the light blue links to be taken to the original source.
Favorite cute: Milk & Cookies Snack Mix. HOW ADORABLE are these baby chocolate chip cookie sandwiches? Great for Valentine’s Day, or any day, really! They’d also work well with those mini chocolate chip cookies from Trader Joe’s, which I allowed myself to buy on a list-less grocery shopping trip recently. Demolished within a week. Never again. Well probably, but…
Favorite gift: Bama + Ry Custom Copper & Nickel Jewelry. Jasmine from Bama + Ry made these custom necklaces for my Mom and Ben’s Mom for Christmas – aren’t they fabulous? I liked them so much that Jasmine is offering 20% off your purchase of anything in her store using the code IOWAGIRL. Order today (February 7) for your best chance at delivery by Valentine’s Day. These babies would make a great gift for a Mom!
Favorite supper: Simple Chicken and Sausage Paella. Totally loving the flavors in this one pot supper, and I especially like the addition of artichoke hearts, which I adore. Definitely on the menu for next week.
Favorite find: Instagram Wall Tutorial. I have been waiting weeks for the tutorial on how to make an Instagram wall appear on my friend Ali’s blog. How fun is this?!
Favorite mmm: Hawaiian Marinated Flank Steak. This photo makes my mouth instantly water. Can’t wait to try this juicy steak recipe.
Favorite fitness: 14 Fitness Tips to Sweat Smarter and Lose Weight Faster. These are some great fitness tips – I’m especially loving #2. Will have to keep it in mind this weekend!
Favorite flavors: Honeyed Apple Peanut Butter Tart. I have been drowning cut apples in Whole Food’s grind-your-own honey roasted peanut butter lately, so of course this tart with the same flavors caught my eye. Simple, sweet, and wonderfully rustic.
Favorite funny. I dare you not to laugh!!
Favorite fashion. Head-to-toe, FAB.
Favorite forkful: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Fettuccine Alfredo. It wouldn’t be a Friday Favorites without a link to Half Baked Harvest! This amazing creation? Just…yes. All the things!
Favorite refresh: Homemade Garbage Disposal Refreshers. Apparently I’m obsessed with refreshing my garbage disposal lately? Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t sparkle!
Favorite list: The Ultimate List of Baby Play Ideas. Cabin fever is setting in hard at casa de IGE. If you’re in the same boat, er cabin, you’ll appreciate this list too.
Favorite sweet: Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Dipped Krispy Treats. I really appreciate this simple and sweet, cute treat for Valentine’s Day. Easy and delish!
Favorite read: The Social Church: A Theology of Digital Communication. I am so proud to tell you that, as of this week, my big brother Justin is a published author!! If you or someone you know has an interest or stake in your church’s online communication strategy, be sure to check this book out!
Favorite DIY: DIY Photo Clipboards. Completely obsessed with this DIY display project!
Favorite fudge: Fudge Vegan Double Chocolate Beet Muffins. I have a few beets in my fridge that I’d planned on juicing – well, they’ve got a new destination – inside these crazy-looking chocolate muffins! Can’t wait to try!
Have a wonderful weekend!
[…] Favorite tip: How to Print Your Instagram Pictures Anywhere. This is an awesome tip – especially if you want to make an Instagram wall! […]
I feel you on the running gig. My second little boy is now 8 months old and I have been attempting to get back to running. I used to knock out 6-10 triathlons a summer and now I feel trapped behind 60+lbs of jogging stroller. Enjoy your treadmill and stay warm!
I love your blog every day, but your Friday Favorites are my favorite posts! Saw you mentioned in Fitness magazine this month! Way to go!
I am loving the clipboards! And the fashion, and Half Baked Harvest:p A list after my own heart!
I developed Hypothyroidism after my first baby. The same thing happened to my mom! I was so exhausted! Thankfully some meds were awesome!
Just wanted to say that I really enjoy your blog. I found it through Pinterest and every time I make a dish from your blog my husband and I both really enjoy it. Your recipes are always really yummy, but not intimidating for a super novice not-that-confident chef like me. Keep up the great work :)
Thanks for including my dress among your favorites, Kristin! Your son is adorable!
Your brother is Justin Wise?! That is awesome! I was reading the Social Church while enjoying an IGE recipe last night…what are the chances?! Talented family, I guess! :)
Oh my gosh, too crazy! Hope you enjoyed both! ;)
Thanks for the great Vegan find! Can’t wait to try those muffins!
I hear yay on the low energy and working out. Our little guy just turned 9 months and I didn’t start feeling back to normal until 6 months and have just started feeling totally like myself now that we are done breastfeeding! Hope you bounce back soon!
I love this post, for many reasons. Your son is ridiculously, insanely adorable. Seriously. Also, that alfredo — roasted brussel sprouts and bacon are two of my favorite things. Just one part I really disagree with. Fashion favorite? It looks like an over-sized, shapeless pajama shirt. Unless you have perfect legs there is no way this thing would be flattering. I’m hoping the shapeless bag trend in clothing leaves as quickly as possible, and we get back to defined waists… so I can shop happily again. (sorry – mini rant over.) Still love this post :)
Massive props to you for getting back to running! There’s no shame or anything wrong with the timing of it all. I’m sure you’ve had plenty of moments with Lincoln that you may have missed when out for a jog. Stock pile thos! I had my baby girl 6 weeks ago yesterday (can time please stop?!?!) and was able to go for a run yesterday. What a rush. The day after is not so great (uhm. that relaxin in your hip joints ain’t no joke.). I hope you enjoyed the endeavor and it gives you a little energy boost as well.
Thanks for the jewelry mention! I really appreciate being included in this list!! <3
And, I'm sending some energy vibes your way. I know how you love running. xo
O My Gosh! That little guy is getting big! So cute! Enjoy every min. They really do grow up so fast :)
Hey Kristin,
So sorry you haven’t been feeling well. Sending positive vibes, strength, and determination from Boston. If Iowa weather is like it is here, it’s no wonder you have low energy!! Take care and I hope you feel better soon.
Hi Kristin! What a great post!! Thank you so much for including my Hawaiian steak recipe in your round up ;) Have a great weekend! x Emilie
Oh my gosh – Lincoln is SO cute!! And I am trying that fettuccine asap. Thanks for another great round up!