Happy Friday! Since I was exhausted from the work week, I decided to blog during last night’s late flight back to New York. It’s been a while since I’ve had the opportunity to share with you all my favorite things so, since this type of post is popular, I figured I’d share a few things I’ve been loving recently. In addition, if you’re a parent or preparing for maternity leave I highly recommend clicking to the post I shared earlier this week with tips for returning to work after maternity leave. I really enjoyed writing the post as it forced me to reflect on how much things have changed in the past 18 months.

This weekend I’m happy to be staying local and catching up on cuddles and relaxing. I’ve traveled 10 of the past 30 days for work which is far more than normal and more than I prefer to be away. Luckily I don’t travel for the next two weeks and look forward to spending extra time with Katie. In fact, I was supposed to run the NYRR Mini 10k in Central Park tomorrow but since I’ve been traveling I’m choosing to think of my registration as a donation and, instead, we are heading to the beach bright and early tomorrow morning for some sand and wave fun before Katie’s nap.

Now, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites. Also, if you want to learn more about my favorite things on a regular basis, follow me on Instagram and check out the Favorite Things and Beauty Favorites section on my Instagram highlights.

• After reading a few heavier books such as Educated, Hillbilly Elegy, Bad Blood and Where the Crawdads Sing I have been enjoying a few lighter books recently. It’s fun to quickly read these Summer beach reads in the evening and work my way through multiple different books in just a week. Over the past few weeks I’ve read Normal People (3 stars), Daisy Jones & The Six (4 stars), The Unhoneymooners (4 stars) and All We Ever Wanted (4 stars).  After a few light reads, I’m starting We Were The Lucky Ones which is a highly recommended World War II book.
• Recently my face has had some unruly breakouts along my chin due in part to stress and travel. During my facial last week, it was recommended that I start using a toner in that area as well as ensuring that I remove all my makeup each night before bed. But, the exciting part of my facial was that outside of that trouble zone, my fine lines and discoloration has improved greatly over the past few months.  The biggest change I’ve made is the use of Beautycounter’s Overnight Resurfacing peel. I use it every other night and love the glow that I see the next morning. After washing my face in the evening I apply it under my moisturizer and eye cream. Make sure to apply it to a dry face and let it absorb fully before applying any moisturizer or facial oils. I know the name is confusing but this is not a mask or peel that is rinsed off or peeled off after applying. Just go to bed and let the formula work magic.
• I finally ordered a pair of Rothy’s after having multiple co-workers and friends rave about them. While I still love my M.Gemi and JCrew flats for work, my Rothy sneakers are an evening playground and weekend favorite. The white color can easily be bleached or washed and the insoles and support make the shoes comfortable enough for long walks or park adventures. I ordered my true size for this style and then in the pointed style, which I just ordered, I went up a 1/2 size based on reviews.
• I love wearing Birkenstocks all Summer as they provide support when I’m walking through Brooklyn or playing with Katie. However now that Katie is obsessed with playing outside and splashing in the water I quickly realized I needed something that could survive mud and water. Luckily Birkenstock’s new Arizona EVA Essentials sandals are the perfect option. They have the same, great support that my rose gold Arizona style has but now is a water-friendly EVA material and only $39.95! I bought the white color as I knew I could wear it with anything AND use a Mr Clean eraser to spot clean.  I wore them this morning to walk Katie to nanny share and was amazed how comfortable they were and that they didn’t need to be broken in at all!
• Summer running has arrived and that means that I’m running in shorts and tanks 99% of the time. Once again, this summer my favorite running tank is the Brooks Hot Shot Tank which is lightweight and quick-drying which makes it a perfect fit for my sweaty nature. I wore the blue one this morning and received compliments from four different people including the guy who prepared my bagel sandwich!
• Driving in Arkansas this week, I was able to listen to a podcast during my commute each day which was a fun treat. Right now, I am primarily listening to NEWS or PARENTING podcasts. My favorite parenting podcasts are UNRUFFLED and LIFE KIT. My favorite news podcasts that Bo and I both listen to daily are NPR News Now, Up First, and The Daily.

Have a great Friday!

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!