friday favorites #8

Ah Friday. We meet again. Such a sweet reunion. 

This week seemed to fly by with Monday "off" for President's Day. I still had to go in and do some work in the afternoon, but since it wasn't a normal school day it made the whole week seem shorter. No complaints here! Each passing week means we're that much closer to meeting our baby boy this spring. And not to complain, but the aches and pains of the third trimester have started way earlier with this third pregnancy. I feel like an old grandma hobbling around with my aching hips and knees.

But let's focus on the positive, shall we? Here are 5 things that are brightening my week:

Friday Favorites

1. Baking with my babes!

Ever since our heart shaped pancakes on Valentine's Day, the kids have been requesting pancakes every single morning. If we have nothing on the agenda I'll give in and let them "help" in the kitchen. Naturally it takes 10 times longer, and Teddy throws a fit when I have to take him off the counter to do the actual cooking of the pancakes, but it's fun to show them how to add the ingredients. 

2. The Marvelous Mom Club Podcast

I stumbled on this podcast by accident when I was searching for something else, and have been binge listening to it ever since! It's inspiring to hear the host, Kirsten Tyrrel, interview other moms about their journeys in motherhood, their business ventures, their struggles, their joys, and the advice they've picked up along the way. We often look up to other moms, admiring what they've accomplished, but we don't often get to hear the story behind it. This podcast gives you a peek behind the curtain of what it took these successful women to get where they are. There are 2 new episodes each week, and a whole slew of archives to enjoy.

3. Microwave soup bowl

For the longest time I was bringing my favorite chocolate meal replacement protein bar, fruit, and carrots for my lunch at school, which was perfect, filling, and convenient. But lately I've been so hungry at night, and turning to cereal to fill the void. I wanted to replace the cereal with a protein shake or bar so I wasn't loading up on carbs and sugar before bed. (Plus, did you know consuming high quality protein at night helps you sleep better, maintain muscle, and burn fat? Good to know for us late night snackers). 

Anyway, I needed another healthy option for lunch, so I had the idea of making a crockpot of soup at the beginning of the week. I found this adorable bowl at TJ Maxx last weekend to help transport my meal and warm it up right when I got to school (I supervise lunch before teaching). It's been amazingly convenient, and I've gotten so many compliments on how cute it is!

4. Hats on toddlers

No explanation needed. It's just cute! Teddy loves hats, and I'm always on the lookout for more. Any suggestions for adorable, affordable hats for little boys? Some have suggested eBay and H&M. Do you have a favorite boutique or easy shop? The one on Teddy is from Cat and Jack brand from Target. (Affiliate Link) I'm seriously obsessed with the whole Cat and Jack line...but perhaps that's a Friday Favorite for next week?

5. The Disney Magic Timer app 

My kids beg to brush their teeth multiple times each day because they love this app so much. It plays a song and video for 2 minutes to keep the kids brushing longer, and they get a "sticker" in their virtual album at the end! The only battle we have now is getting them to let me help make sure they've gotten all their teeth.


That's it for this Friday! What's got you smiling this week?

Linking up with Carolina Charm and Hello Happiness for Five on Friday, and Andrea from Momfessionals for Friday Favorites!