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Friday Favorites & A Giveaway – June 16th, 2017

Happy Friday! Today is supposed to be my last day of work before beginning maternity leave but if Baby Girl Diamond decides to take her time, I’ll be working and blogging next week until her arrival. I have a few more posts that I am working on unrelated to the baby such as my Savannah and Brooklyn recommendations and a virtual coffee date where I share some of the things on my mind as well as some of our plans post baby. Until then, I’m trying to stay busy with work, some last minute errands, and workouts. I am skipping today’s Orangetheory workout since it is a very fast-paced tornado workout and opting for prenatal pilates and swimming instead.

We may get to participate in our first neighborhood block party as tomorrow our street is being transformed into a block party complete with bounce houses, face painting and more! A popular Brooklyn tradition, we are looking forward to meeting more of our neighbors if Baby Girl Diamond is still nice and cozy. Otherwise, the weekend should be pretty relaxed as things are growing pretty uncomfortable these days. Since there is very little space left for her I have a dull, constant pain in the back of my right ribs and am having a hard time sitting in chairs.

Now, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week as well as a GIVEAWAY!

Books

  • I loved Slightly South of Simple and finished it within 24-hours this week. If you’re looking for a fun, Southern read this is a great option. Now, I just hope that she releases the next books in the series sooner versus later.

Food

  • After seeing many friends and fellow bloggers rave about Banza pasta, I picked some up at Whole Foods last week. This will definitely be a staple in our house moving forward as Bo and I were both very impressed with the flavor and consistency of the Banza Rotini chickpea pasta. The nutritional stats are pretty impressive as one serving includes 14 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber!
  • We paired the pasta with our favorite, store-bought pasta sauce – Rao’s Garden Vegetable Sauce. I love that this chunky sauce has actual chunks of mushrooms, peppers, and onions and only has 3 grams of sugar which is far less than other store-bought sauces.
  • If you love potato salad, this Serious Eats German Potato Salad recipe was easy to make, delicious and kept perfectly as leftovers!
  • If you are like me and love creamy popsicles versus icy, fruit ones then these Whole Foods 365 Everyday Organic Greek Yogurt Strawberry Dessert Bars are a perfect freezer staple. Now, if only they had more flavors than just blueberry and strawberry.

Beauty & Fashion

  • A few weeks ago my friends at Brooks sent me the new Women’s Glycerin 15 to enjoy in my new, pregnancy shoe size 11. While I typically don’t run in the Glycerin, these have felt like walking on clouds during the past few weeks of workouts, errands, and walks.  The super soft cushioning has provided my sore, swollen feet with some much-needed support and cushioning while the air mesh and stretchy fabric kept my feet comfortable during this week’s heat wave.
  • I know that elastic will be my best friend this Summer so what better time to invest in Lilly Pulitzer’s Kat Shorts? I ordered two pairs of these this week and can’t wait to wear them all Summer long!
  • Because I’m nothing if not reliable, I couldn’t order just one thing from Lilly Pulitzer so I may have added the Essie Top in my cart at the same time. The fun colors and forgiving fit will bring some life to this exhausted momma.
  • I can rarely find Jack Rogers on sale in colors that I love but this metallic pair are 33% off and gorgeous!

Pregnancy

  • As you guys know, I’m having a pretty horrible time with melasma aka pregnancy mask. My favorite foundation no longer matches my skin tone and while I hate to spend money on buying a new foundation, I think I may have to go to Sephora this afternoon. This round-up features the best foundations for melasma, many of which are paraben free and have SPF!
  • If you’re pregnant and still finalizing your registry, a number of friends recommended the Skip Hop Grab & Go Stroller Organizer. We were debating between a number of them including the one that is made by our stroller company but in the end, we figure if more than 50 friends and local moms recommend this one it will definitely work.
  • Experiencing pregnancy pains? Find it impossible to get comfortable in a regular chair? A local mom gave me her large, exercise ball today and it has provided INSTANT relief for my rib cage pain and pelvic discomfort. Why didn’t I get one weeks ago?

GIVEAWAY ENDED — WINNER IS bexpenn@gmail.com. Congratulations! 

 

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!

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93 Comments

  4. Meghann Richardson June 16, 2017 / 5:02 pm

    I think BGD will arrive on Monday, the 19th! Wouldn’t that be a great way to start the week?! I also think she’ll have lots of dark hair 🙂

  5. tracey June 16, 2017 / 6:11 pm

    I follow you on Instagram. I’m @liamsma

  6. tracey June 16, 2017 / 6:12 pm

    I also follow you on twitter. I’m @tay3210

  7. tracey June 16, 2017 / 6:14 pm

    I bet she will be born with dark hair, but it will eventually turn red or fall out and come back red. Best of luck with labor and delivery!

  8. Tracy June 16, 2017 / 6:22 pm

    I follow you on insta @tracywat98

  9. Bex Penn June 16, 2017 / 6:23 pm

    I think your little cutie will have dark hair and be born on Sunday, June 18, 2017. Congrats mama! Can’t wait to hear her birth story!

    • ashleyd June 19, 2017 / 3:18 pm

      Bex congratulations! You are the winner of the giveaway! I will send your email address to Brooks! Thank you!

      • Bex Penn June 22, 2017 / 9:22 pm

        Yay! I am so excited!

  10. Tracy June 16, 2017 / 6:23 pm

    I follow you on twitter @tracyw98

  11. Tracy June 16, 2017 / 6:25 pm

    I follow Brooks Women on insta

  12. Tracy June 16, 2017 / 6:26 pm

    I think she will be born 6/17 with light brown hair.

  13. noel June 16, 2017 / 6:40 pm

    Follow Brooks on Insta

  14. noel June 16, 2017 / 6:43 pm

    Follow you on insta

  15. noel June 16, 2017 / 6:43 pm

    June 19 with auburn hair!

  16. noel June 16, 2017 / 6:45 pm

    Twitter follower!

  17. Haley June 16, 2017 / 6:52 pm

    I think Baby Diamond will arrive on Father’s Day–the best gift! I think she’ll have dark red hair.

  18. Jen Correa June 16, 2017 / 6:55 pm

    In labor Sunday night and give birth on Monday morning with lots of dark hair… just like both my kids did the same! <3

  19. Jen June 16, 2017 / 7:03 pm

    I follow you on Insta!

  20. Jen June 16, 2017 / 7:03 pm

    I follow Brooks on Insta too!

  21. Jen June 16, 2017 / 7:04 pm

    I think BGD will arrive Sunday night and have a full head of dark fluffy hair!!

  22. Beth R. June 16, 2017 / 7:28 pm

    I follow you on The ‘Gram!

  23. Janine June 16, 2017 / 7:48 pm

    I follow you on both Twitter and Insta. And also following Brooks women on insta. My guess is June 19th.

  24. Erin June 16, 2017 / 7:50 pm

    I think she will arrive on Thursday and have dark hair! 🙂 Good luck!

  25. melissa @fitnessnycblog June 16, 2017 / 7:55 pm

    6/18 right on time and I think you may have a strawberry brunette!

  26. Natalie June 16, 2017 / 8:35 pm

    I follow you and Brooks Women on Insta (@natskelly89)
    6/26 and brunette

  27. Lily June 16, 2017 / 8:37 pm

    I follow you on Insta @lilharris519. I think Baby Diamond will arrive 6/23/17 and have brown hair

  28. Annette June 16, 2017 / 8:55 pm

    I followed @brookswomen on Instagram

  29. Annette June 16, 2017 / 8:55 pm

    I was already following you on Instagram.

  30. Annette June 16, 2017 / 8:56 pm

    I followed you on Twitter.

  31. Annette June 16, 2017 / 8:57 pm

    The little one will be here on the 22nd with lots of dark hair.

  32. Laura June 16, 2017 / 9:39 pm

    I follow you on Instagram and Twitter under the same name. –> @Laura_Irle I just followed Brooks Wome on Instagram! I think the baby will come on the 18th or 20th (yes I love even #’s) and she’ll have light blondish/reddish hair!!! Can’t wait to see pics!

  33. Susan - Nurse on the Run June 16, 2017 / 10:25 pm

    I’ve had melasma for a few years and it seems like it’s here to stay. Last year, I started using Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid in Peach and it really helps cover the dark spots so they blend in better once I put foundation on. Makes a huge difference – I tried various BB foundations and nothing made it better, so I just hide it until someone finds a miracle cure, haha. (And SPF your face like crazy – it gets SO bad with sun exposure.)

  34. Valerie June 16, 2017 / 10:58 pm

    I follow you on instagram.

  35. Valerie June 16, 2017 / 10:59 pm

    I follow you on twitter.

  36. Valerie June 16, 2017 / 10:59 pm

    I follow Brookswomen on instagram.

  37. Valerie June 16, 2017 / 11:00 pm

    I think she’ll be born June 21 with lots of light brown hair.

  38. Rebecca June 16, 2017 / 11:34 pm

    Thank you so so much for the melasma foundation recs- I have been struggling with this since last summer. Do you use any products to help alleviate the issue? I just ordered some of the Reverse line from Rodan and Fields to try… (I already follow you on Insta! But I just added Brooks Women.)

  39. Marti June 17, 2017 / 12:25 am

    My guess is that baby girl will make her arrival on Monday, June 19 (so you don’t have to face another work week!) and will make her arrival with dark hair like her mama! (And if she’s anything like Evie, it will be strawberry blonde like her dad’s within months! )

  40. Tessa June 17, 2017 / 1:11 am

    I follow on Instagram
    8run6

  41. Tessa June 17, 2017 / 1:13 am

    I follow on twitter
    Tessabridger1

  42. Tessa June 17, 2017 / 1:14 am

    I follow brooks women on Instagram
    8run6

  43. Elisabeth June 17, 2017 / 1:14 am

    I’m guessing baby girl will arrive Saturday, 6/24/17, and I’m thinking she’ll be a redhead!

  44. Tessa June 17, 2017 / 1:15 am

    She’ll come on 6-20 with blonde fuzz

  45. Blair Winston June 17, 2017 / 1:51 am

    My guess is 6/20 with red hair!

  46. Lindsay June 17, 2017 / 2:59 am

    I’m following you on instagram … I’m crazyrunnergrl13.

  47. Lindsay June 17, 2017 / 2:59 am

    I’m following Brooks Women.

  48. Lindsay June 17, 2017 / 3:00 am

    I think she will arrive. 6-21 with a head full of brown hair.

  49. emily June 17, 2017 / 3:07 am

    I follow you on Twitter (e_loef)

  50. emily June 17, 2017 / 3:08 am

    I follow on Instagram (e_loef)

  51. emily June 17, 2017 / 3:10 am

    June 23, brown hair

  52. Kathy E. June 17, 2017 / 3:39 am

    New IG follower here! Happy to follow along with you! _duchick_

  53. Kathy E. June 17, 2017 / 3:41 am

    New Brooks Women IG follower too!

  54. Kathy E. June 17, 2017 / 3:42 am

    I predict Baby Girl D will arrive late afternoon on June 22nd. I’m thinking she will have dark curly hair!

  55. Diana @liftlikediana June 17, 2017 / 4:56 am

    I think she’ll arrive June 21 and have brown hair!

  56. Diana @liftlikediana June 17, 2017 / 4:56 am

    And I follow you on insta. I’m @liftlikediana 🙂

  57. Kindal Boyle June 17, 2017 / 10:16 am

    I follow you on Insta!

  58. Kindal Boyle June 17, 2017 / 10:16 am

    Follow you on Twitter

  60. Kindal Boyle June 17, 2017 / 10:20 am

    I think she will have dark, almost black hair! 🙂

  61. Sofia June 17, 2017 / 10:34 am

    following brooks on IG – june 20th, brown hair!

  62. Ashley E June 17, 2017 / 10:50 am

    I already follow you on Instagram @awemala1

  63. Ashley E June 17, 2017 / 10:51 am

    I already follow you on twitter @aemala

  64. Ashley E June 17, 2017 / 10:51 am

    I follow brooks women on Instagram @awemala1

  65. Ashley E June 17, 2017 / 10:54 am

    I’m guessing June 26 with lots of dark brown hair

  66. Molly June 17, 2017 / 12:34 pm

    I follow you on instagram.

  67. Molly June 17, 2017 / 12:34 pm

    And I followcbrooks women on instagram.

  68. Molly June 17, 2017 / 12:34 pm

    And I’ll say that babe comes on Wednesday.

  69. Laura June 17, 2017 / 6:45 pm

    I follow you in instagram:) would love to win. Desperately need new running shoes, as my feet grew in pregnancy!

  70. Laura June 17, 2017 / 6:51 pm

    I predict baby will come June 24th and will have red hair like your hubby!

  71. Beth June 17, 2017 / 8:16 pm

    I follow on twitter

  72. Beth June 17, 2017 / 8:17 pm

    Follow on insta

  73. Beth June 17, 2017 / 8:24 pm

    Follow brooks on inst

  74. Kelly Franks June 17, 2017 / 10:50 pm

    I follow you in Instagram! @kellyfranks

  75. Kelly Franks June 17, 2017 / 10:52 pm

    I follow Brooks on Instagram. @kellyfranks

  76. Kelly Franks June 17, 2017 / 10:53 pm

    I think June 20th with dark brown curly hair.

  77. Kelly D June 17, 2017 / 11:07 pm

    I follow you on instagram(Kellywcu)

  78. Kelly D June 17, 2017 / 11:08 pm

    I follow you on twitter(kellydpa)

  79. Kelly D June 17, 2017 / 11:08 pm

    I Follow Brooks Women on Instagram(kellywcu)

  80. Kelly D June 17, 2017 / 11:11 pm

    My vote is June 27 and light blonde hair.

  81. Cindy A. June 18, 2017 / 2:45 am

    I follow you on Instagram as @norma_watson.

  82. Cindy A. June 18, 2017 / 2:46 am

    I follow Brooks Women on Instagram as @norma_watson.

  83. Cindy A. June 18, 2017 / 2:46 am

    I follow you on Twitter as @normawatson.

  84. Carla S June 18, 2017 / 6:48 pm

    I follow you on instagram with the name shroomfrog.

  85. Carla S June 18, 2017 / 6:50 pm

    I follow you on twitter with the name walterborobirds.

  86. Carla S June 18, 2017 / 6:51 pm

    I follow brooks women on instagram with the name shroomfrog.

  87. Carla S June 18, 2017 / 6:52 pm

    I think the baby will have brown hair and arrive the week after next.

  88. Amy June 19, 2017 / 1:22 am

    Thursday, 6/23, with red hair like my daughter!

  89. Katie D. June 19, 2017 / 12:11 pm

    I follow you on Insta!

  90. Katie D. June 19, 2017 / 12:12 pm

    Baby girl will come on 6/20 with no hair 🙂

  91. Katie D. June 19, 2017 / 12:14 pm

    I follow Brooks Women on Insta! @katiemdeller

Comments are closed.