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!
Love your Friday posts! Lincoln is a cutie pie.
I saw some sort of a bacon festival is going on in your neck of the woods, looks interesting!
I bet once you get back into running, your energy will pick up.
I have to say, Lincoln is an absolutely adorable baby!!! I know you know this, but man I love reading your blog and seeing his smile ; )
Another great round up! Have a great weekend :)
Oh that sweet baby!!! And are those teeth poking though?
Almost makes my uterus ache. But I can hear my little 4 year old running sprints upstairs instead of slumbering peacefully.
I never comment but taken the time today. Love your Friday favorites Thanks!
Not yet – still all gums! ;)
My son just turned 7 months today, and I consider myself getting a workout whenever I bounce him to sleep. I also do some squats with him, which he loves. I used to attend Zumba classes religiously, but I have yet to go to one since he was born. It’s hard, and I miss it. Sometimes, I’ll put on a Zumba playlist and just dance with him! Good luck with your run tomorrow!
I love the Friday Faves, especially the activities to do with your baby and the sausage paella recipe!!
I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been having some health problems, I hope you can get healthy quickly! As usual, I love all of your favorites, but I think I need that dress in my closet!
I had my baby boy 3 weeks before you. He was 6 weeks early. I felt tired,and overall bad for months. Just found out I have hyperthyroidism resulting from the pregnancy. These babies take a lot out of us!
Oh my gosh, that’s awful! Does that go away/is it treatable?
If you have not already had your thyroid checked, it is a good idea to do so. Post partum thyroiditis could be the culprit.
I developed hypothyroidism in my last pregnancy too. It’s been 18 months and the endocrinologist says its here to stay :(
I have a 9 month old daughter and just found out I developed hypothyroidism too! I am having a really hard time adjusting to the diagnosis. It’s so frustrating!
Lincoln is so adorable! Love this list of favorites!
Amazing how much Lincoln is changing!
The exercise may help boost your energy actually! Take it slow but I bet you will feel better again having some activity.
I have low energy and no excuses! You’ve had some major changes in your life this year and I think that it’s only normal to need some time to adjust.
As you work your way back into working out, just try not to be too hard on yourself.
Running after a baby boy counts as running, after all.
As a long time reader, just know I’m thinking good thoughts for you. Nothing but the best :)
Thanks as always for all of these great links! I love your Friday Favorites. Keep them coming!
Good luck on your journey back into running. I know it is so hard to start up again, but it will be worth it. Hope it all goes well for you :)
Could he get any cuter!! I miss having a little baby to cuttle with. It has been four years since my little sister was that tiny and I miss. I know I am only the older sister, but I just love little babies. Oh well, now I will sometimes pick her up from school and then we bake cookies together. Thats pretty fun too! :)
Alright and those clipboards? So cute! I love the way she made the boards look. I would love to shoot on those! And Dana’s muffins? Yes please!!
Thanks for yet another share. You are so kind!! Thank you and I hope you guys have a great weekend!
So sorry to hear that you have not been feeling well!
Loving the dress!!
Aw,Lincoln is just the cutest!
Awesome favorites this week, I really likes the fitness tips and that Hawaiian flank steak looks so yummy.
Thanks for the share, friend! You will LOVE those muffins. I know it.
Your little one is super cute!!!
I hoe that you have a good experience running – so sorry that you’ve struggled with low energy!
Sorry to hear your energy is low. Hope you feel yourself soon! You’d never guess from your posts!
And um, when did Lincoln become a little BOY, not a baby??? What a cutie! He’s a mini Ben!
Lincoln is so cute. I would just love to hold and play with him. You are lucky. Hope you are feeling better. I feel I know you and your family thru your blog. Just love all the info you share.
You always share the most awesome links!
p.s. Lincoln is so stinkin’ adorable. Praying you get some more energy back soon!
Lincoln is the cutest! Wow you just shared so many great things. Those DIY photo clipboards might be my favorite. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend!
Ashley, Married to the Game