Happy Friday and greetings from Jamaica! Even though we’ve been friends for more than 10 years, this is the first time we’ve traveled together as a duo without a race or work event. We arrived at Half Moon Resort in Jamaica yesterday around noon and have been relaxing ever since. Seriously, our hardest decision today has been whether to have jerk chicken or jerk shrimp for lunch. Every now and then, unplugging and getting away from it all is necessary. Other than a few snaps, Instagram pics and this post we’re both unplugging. We started the day with yoga overlooking the ocean before moving to the pool where I read three magazines  (People, Women’s Health and SHAPE) before switching over to my book, The Nightingale.  I’ll be back on Monday with a full recap of our time here but until then, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

• I’m 110 pages into The Nightingale and can already tell I won’t be able to put it down until I finish it. The story follows two sisters during World War II and shows a side of the war that is often untold – the women’s war that they experience while their loved ones are fighting.
• Since we arrived in Jamaica, Amy and I have both worn these Neor Mosquito Repellent Bracelets. The breeze seems to have kept them at bay, but the citronella scent also helps ensure that bugs don’t ruin our vibe while relaxing beach or poolside. They are less than $10 a pack and come with four replacements and two bracelets, perfect for Summer outings with friends.
• Even though I haven’t tried the popular Charleston restaurant, Husk, I’ve heard people rave about it for years. Imagine my excitement when I read that Sean Brock is opening two new Husk locations in Greenville, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia in the next twelve months.
• This workout class is basically nap time and it sounds amazing! You’ll find me at Crunch in the coming weeks, as this class is available to ClassPass members in NYC!
• Always trying to discover new ways to stay healthy, I loved the tips and tricks in this article for people who work long hours but still want to lose weight.
• Before deciding to invest in a juice cleanse for a quick fix, read this article to ensure you know what that expensive cleanse will actually do and not do. Don’t get me wrong – I love fresh pressed juices but I don’t rely on them to “cleanse my system.”
• Reading race recaps always inspires me but there is something about Boston Marathon recaps that stay with me long after I read them. Maybe it’s knowing how hard each runner worked to get there or the way the late Spring timing can always surprise the runners with a mix of weather. Regardless, I recommend reading these recaps Pumps & Iron Stuft Mama as they each inspired me to lace up my running shoes, even on vacation!

How about you? What are you loving this week?

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!