Friday Favorites – May Edition #2

Oh geez, what a day.

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After a relaxed, early three mile run this morning along the lake, I gave Bo a big hug goodbye. He starts his new job in New York on Monday, which means that we will be apart for the next month. The good news is that in just 12 days I get to see him as I fly to New York for a house hunting trip! 

10408539_10203435199275459_8827873213107435198_nI know the time will fly but man am I going to miss him these next few weeks!

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So instead of focusing on the fact that I’m here in Geneva and Bo is en route to New York City, let’s think about happier things like this week’s installment of Friday Favorites.

Bo and I fell in love with potatoes all over again during our delicious dinner at Cliff Townhouse in Dublin. I barely finished chewing the first bite when I asked Bo if we could recreate the mint potatoes at home. While he didn’t follow this Boiled Potatoes with Mint & Butter recipe exactly, this is very similar to the mint new potatoes we devoured Monday night.

Laura often shares helpful business articles on Twitter, which I pin and read later. The latest one I read addresses something that I wish I’d read YEARS ago! I can’t stand wasting time in useless meetings, but it’s often hard to push back without offending people. This simple email response is so concise and easy to use, I may just keep it drafted in my work email account.

Summer heat makes me crave smoothies. This cookies and cream smoothie includes lots of healthy ingredients which aid in your body’s recovery process after a long run or intense workout! x

While my hair may appear straight and smooth, it doesn’t begin that way. When traveling I rarely want to waste time with a blow dryer and hair straightener. I’ve bought two of these Alterna Bamboo Smooth travel kits so far, loving each of the products in the kit as well as the adorable bamboo pouch!

Like most people, I rarely dedicate the proper amount of time to core training. I know that it’s important for more reasons than just a flatter stomach but still, it is often ignored or short changed versus other body parts. Our office gym offers CXWORX, a Les Mills core training class that works my abs, butt and legs in just 30 minutes. The two classes I’ve taken thus far have only used body weight, a dumb bell or weight plate and resistance tube – all things I have at home. My goal is to take the class two times per week until June 23rd so I become familiar enough with the workout to replicate it at home in July!

While I’ve never tried meditating, the next month may be the perfect time to give it a try. Charlie’s latest post reminded me just how helpful this can be during a stressful period like a big move, family troubles, wedding planning, college finals or just life. The post also has a few great tips for anyone who is new to meditation!

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Friday Favorites – Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Edition

These days, there very few sale emails that I click through to shop further. In fact, I’ve removed myself from most retailer email lists so on an average week the only emails that I get are from Sephora or Nordstrom. I click through the Sephora emails to learn about the newest trends, popular beauty products and occasionally sales and discounts for VIB members.

Nordstrom is an entirely different story. When I get the email about their Anniversary Sale or Half – Yearly sale I click through immediately.This years pins and wish list items includes a mix of classic, investment pieces and fun, vibrant frocks.

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If you’re looking for some bright, fun workout gear, then Nordstrom is your spot right now. I love the watermark print on these Zella sweat-wicking tights and the psychedelic print on these Nike Dri-Fit tights. It’s impossible not to smile when I’m wearing these vibrant, pink leggings, including during this week’s run!

These strappy, feminine sandals are the perfect match for wedding guest season and dress season alike. If you wear them with this vibrant, chiffon dress which is on sale for $27 you have a perfect Summer party outfit.

Each of the under $40 Lush maxi dresses screams Summer, but this one is my favorite. The forgiving nature of maxis makes them a perfect option during Summer heat while the cornflower blue shade is flattering for almost any skin tone.

This sleek, slim-fitting rain coat has become a staple in my wardrobe since moving to Europe. The figure, flattering shape means I can travel on rainy days without looking like a slob. While the bright yellow option is certainly fun, nothing is more flattering and versatile than the chic, basic black. 

I own this tunic in three different colors, each of which I love! This is the perfect, comfortable top for long-haul flights and Spring days. Last Summer I wore the white one with shorts for evenings by the lake. The white, navy and gray pavement are in my closet, but I just put the green dynasty in my shopping bag.

These gorgeous Michael Kors espadrille wedges are taller than I normally wear but OH SO COMFORTABLE AND FLATTERING!

This watch is a classic piece that is as much jewelry due to it’s vibrant gold tone as it is functional. Even after three years, I still wear my Michael Kors Runway watch daily!

Last but not least, in case you want to tell your loved one what you want for Christmas, the classic Burberry Quilted jacket is 30% off! I’ve had the navy one on my wish list for years! 

What is on your Nordstrom half-yearly wish list?

Friday Favorite posts sometime include a few affiliate links.

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Friday Favorites – May Edition

Happy Friday gang!

I am so excited to see the skyline of NYC tomorrow afternoon! I haven’t been back to the city since New Years and four months away is far too long! The first order of business is a Soul Cycle class to help combat jet lag and give us some much-needed energy before drinks and dinner!

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Enjoy this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other items that caught my eye this week.

Perfectly portable, I’ve whipped up a few different types of energy balls, but this list of 28 different recipes inspired me to try more creative recipes like PB&J Energy Bites!

While many of Grace’s posts feature items that are far outside my fashion budget, I loved this week’s under $100 Summer fashion roundup. How cute are the sunglasses and that clutch?

These empathy cards help you find the words for even the most difficult situations and allow you to let them the person who is ill know you’re thinking about them.

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You know that imaginary list of people, typically famous, with whom you’d love to share a glass of wine or dinner? As I’ve followed her journey on Instagram and her blog, I’ve stated more than once to Bo that I’d love to share a glass of wine and evening in the kitchen with Andie. Her food is beautiful, accessible, and her writing always resonates. Andie’s latest recipe reminds me just how creative salads can be! The 15 Minute Spring Zucchini Ribbon Salad screams Summer and has me wanting to make this for dinner one night when we’re staying with my sister-in-law next week!

Now you can make Chipotle’s guacamole from the comfort of your kitchen! I pinned this earlier this week after missing out on Cinco de Mayo festivities due to Geneva’s utter lack of Mexican food.

It’s like Tina knew that my iPhone is constantly screaming “storage space low” when I try to download new applications or take more HDR pictures. The new PhoneExpander app, while not cheap, is going to be a lifesaver if it works!

It’s not easy to escape marathon FOMO when so many of my close friends are running Fall Marathons. Charlie’s latest post reminded me that I can enjoy running, regardless the distance. And hey, let’s get real, I still have plenty of physical and mental progress to make as I continue training for shorter distances.

An eye-opening, important read for any women who frequent nail salons. This will make me think twice before I tuck into an unreasonably cheap nail salon during my next trip to London or New York.

Since the open office floor plan often gets in the way of my productivity, I’ve been sporting my favorite headphones on a daily basis. This chill Spotify playlist has been on repeat and yes, the title is correct, as I’ve found myself humming and singing during the workday. Oops.

Faking the 80-hour work week and why faking it may be a good thing.

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