friday favorites #26
Happy Friday, party people! We've got some crazy plans this weekend, like working on getting Lewis to take a bottle and probably watching the movie Sing 7 more times before Monday rolls around. It's a good life, you guys.
This week has been very routine and average in our neck of the woods, and I wouldn't have it any other way. The kids and I have been enjoying our slow mornings together at home, though we really are looking forward to the weather cooling off a tiny bit so we can play outside. But other than that, I feel like we're in a sweet spot right now with Pippa enjoying preschool, Teddy loving his afternoons home with mommy, Lewis continuing to be the world's happiest baby, and me savoring the long afternoon naps the boys are currently coordinating on. So much to be thankful for!
On that note, let's jump in to this week's Friday Favorites!
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FRIDAY FAVORITES
{one} Teddy's love for Caribou
Earlier this summer when we visited Wisconsin we went to the Milwaukee County Zoo with my family. Pippa was enamored with the snow leopard, while Teddy really latched onto the caribou. A few weeks ago, Pippa brought up our visit to the zoo, and Teddy's eyes lit up as he asked, "Cai-yi-bou?" His joy over the caribou was so sweet I couldn't help but locate a children's book about his beloved animal at the local library. Looks like I know what I'm getting him for Christmas! (Side note: Parents, isn't it funny how we learn about the strangest things when our kids take an interest in them? I know more about caribou now than I ever imagined I would care to know...)
{two} big boy crib naps for Lewis
This week we decided to start putting Lewis in the big boy crib for his morning nap. It's been amazing for everyone. I can get ready in my room without worrying about waking up the baby, while the big kids love watching him nap on the monitor. He's still sleeping overnight in our room, since his wake times are still pretty unpredictable, but I have a feeling it won't be long until we make the big transition!
{three} Hashtag Hero
Two years ago I took an awesome Instagram course to learn how to use the social media platform for my blog and health and wellness business. It was so helpful, and exactly the kind of information I was looking for - in fact, I still go back to reread sections quite often. When the creator, Alex Tooby, came out with a smaller course on hashtags, I jumped at the chance to purchase it. This week she released some additions and lowered the price for a short time. My favorite addition by FAR are the targeted hashtag packs for different niches. I've used some of the specially curated hashtags this week and I've seen big growth to my account. (Just surpassed the 1500 mark - small for many, but huge for me!). Check out the course - it's pretty awesome if you're struggling with the Shadow Ban, or figuring out how to use hashtags to attract your target audience.
{four} stainless steel tumblers
I'm obsessed with these adorable tumblers! I don't know what it is about cups/water bottles/mugs, but I never feel like I have enough. I see a cute on at TJ Maxx or in an online boutique, and I just have to have it.
{five} coming soon - SOULMENTS!
I met the creator of this app at a brands and bloggers get together in St. Augustine a few weeks ago, and I'm so excited about what she's creating. She genuinely wants to help moms who feel guilty about not filling out the baby book, or forgetting about all the pictures and milestones saved to their phone that they never end up doing anything with. "Soulments is a mindfulness-based journal app that encourages reflection with thoughtful reminders. Parents receive prompts based on their child's age so they never miss an opportunity to capture the milestones of childhood – whether that’s a photo from a special vacation, video of the first time riding on two wheels, or notes about a proud moment. It’s a way to keep track of memories in full resolution and in one heartfelt place."
I'll be updating you on the app when it comes out, but it sounds right up my alley...as my half-filled baby books haunt me from the closet...
{six} back to school, back on track
Last night I shared about the convenient, delicious way I've been using to get back on track to a group of ladies looking to make a change to their health. We are so much more than the number on the scale or on the tag in our clothes, but being happy, healthy, and confident will make you shine in every area of your life! Feel free to add yourself to the group to learn more! There are stories and pictures of ladies who have already taken the leap and made a change, from moms of little ones to college students to young professionals. There's a little something for everyone!
That's it for this Friday! What's got you smiling this week? Have a wonderful weekend!
P.S. Talking about transitioning from two to three kids on the blog this week, in case you missed it! And the new version of my newsletter is coming out Monday morning! Check it out!
Linking up with Carolina Charm and Hello Happiness for Five on Friday, and Andrea from Momfessionals for Friday Favorites!