Helloooooo! Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? The kids are wrapping up their first half week of school and actually missing today because we’re off to San Diego! It’s Max’s Bar Mitzvah tomorrow (Betsy’s son! He’s like our lil nephew) so we couldn’t miss it. I’m so so excited to see them and enjoy a short weekend at one of our favorite spots. I hope you have a happy and fun weekend ahead!
Obligatory first day of school pic:
Also wanted to note here that I wrote, “To have a great year!” for their wish for the year, but they actually said, “For school to be over!” and “For school to be canceled” so there ya go.
I’ve been definitely looking forward to more of a routine around here (especially some block hours to get work stuff done!) but I really miss my little crew. We had the best summer together and it’s way too quiet without them here in the morning. I’m glad they’re having fun with their friends and seeing their amazing teachers again, but back to school season is always a little bittersweet.
Friday Faves 8.12
Some exciting news on a personal level: I get to sing again! This is a bit random (I mean, what isn’t random about my life?) but I sing soprano with a local choir and our season was canceled in spring 2020 and all of last year. We’re finally having a season this year and I’m SO PUMPED ABOUT IT.
I was a bit nervous because we have a new director and he wanted to meet each of us individually before returning. It wasn’t a formal audition, but definitely felt like an audition, so I had a handful of vocal lessons with my coach to get back into things. I had to sing a bit of Beethoven’s 9th and ended up keeping my spot, so that’s a win. Choir was one of the things that really brought joy into my week and it felt like pure luxury to enjoy a hobby so much. I’m really thankful to have it back in my life after a long hiatus. If any Tucson friends want the info for some classical concerts coming up, I’d be happy to send the info along!
It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves party! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below!
Read, watch, listen:
Loved watching this home tour from Katy Bowman. Ready for the Pilot to raise his eyebrows when I say we should replace our seats with logs.
Definitely catch this guest post from the Pilot if you missed it!! I’m so so happy it was helpful for so many of you. Thank you for those who took the time to comment and send me a DM. I told the Pilot he’s taking over the blog loll. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section of his post and he’ll respond to your questions this weekend!
Fitness + good eats:
So pumped that Sculpt Society created a referral program so I can share a discount code. You can use this link to get a 7-day free trial and 1 month free on the app. The classes are upbeat and fun, and the sculpt workouts are extremely challenging on the booty.
Latest Sakara meals! I knew we’d be busy with back to school craziness, so I planned my monthly delivery for this week. Everything was fresh and energizing as usual, but the stars of the show were the waffles (UGH so good!) and the pineapple upside down breakfast cake. You can check it out here and use XOGINAH for 20% off.
(This is Mediterranean chopped salad with pomegranate molasses vinaigrette)
Total body chair workout. I haven’t done a workout post in quite a while! Do you enjoy those types of posts or use those workouts? i’ll definitely have more capacity to record and take pics with the kiddos back in school, so please let me know if those posts are valuable for you.
Very cool that these findings support the current cardio guidelines (and this one included weightlifting in the mix for moderate activity!).
Fashion + beauty:
This everyday dress! I have quite a few colors and love that it’s flattering and you can dress it up or down. I usually pair it with these sneakers (a Vegas purchase).
This spray. I use this on any white shoes that we purchase for the kids. It helps keep them fresh and clean for a long time. This is an amazing find – I first bought it before our Disney World trip this time last year – and the girls’ shoes last so much longer.
Also can we please talk about #RushTok (Alabama Rush on TikTok)?! I’m 37 years old, have never been in a sorority, and I have been INVESTED in all of this. As someone who hates most of the current fashion trends, I feel like they’ve showcased a lot of gorgeous and more classic looks. I feel inspired to get some more bracelets to wear in a stack now, too. I showed a couple of videos to the Pilot (who went to Bama) and he was like, “Yep. This is all accurate.”
Any Beautycounter products you want to try? I have tons of samples to send out this month! Fill out this sample request form and we’ll get them on the way to ya.
Happy Friday, friends!
xo
Gina