Friday Faves - What I'm Loving Right Now

That's right, kids...it's Friday!

And you now what that means...it's time for Friday Faves, where I fill you in on what I'm loving/hooked on/obsessed with, right at this very moment.

Not going to lie, the last two weeks have been crazy, with getting ready for Nashville, helping Blondie furnish and decorate her new place, getting caught up on my classwork, and still battling whatever this cold/allergy/painintheass illness that seems to be hanging out for the duration. But a girl's always got time for some favorite things...

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11 Running Shoes. The first time I tried to start running, I was running in an old pair of tennis shoes that I've had for years, and had used primarily for treadmill walking. About a half mile in, it felt like knives were stabbing the bottoms of my feet. Two days later, the hubs and I popped into a proper running shop and had me formally fitted for proper running shoes. Turned out, between the shape of my foot and the way I run, the arch in my old shoes was far too high, and the shop recommended these puppies. I can honestly say I have zero feet pain now that I'm in proper running shoes - it feels like I'm running in slippers. Now, if only these shoes could cure shin splints...

Anjou Pears. I'm trying to up my fresh produce (well, produce in general) consumption as I up my running endurance, and I've come to the conclusion that I love pears, especially in baked goods. They've got a mild sweet flavor that meshes with just about anything you pair it up with. I've been living off pear ginger muffins all week...and I'm seriously contemplating baking a upside-down pear cake when I get back from Nashville.

Amnesiac Eric Nortman. So, admittedly, I'm still not thrilled with all the non-book plot twists this season, but some of them are warming on me. Namely, how badass it appears that Marnie's going to become, and how much of a threat she truly is. I still can't stand King Bill, but hey, you can't please everyone.

One thing I am loving about this season is Amnesiac Eric. As much as I love Original Eric, the whole amnesia storyline is really allowing Alexander Skaarsgard to show off how much range and depth he's truly got as an actor. You're getting everything - anger, sadness, macho sexiness, slapstick comedy, vulnerability, conflicting desires. He's been truly fantastic this season, and we're only halfway through.

Propel Zero Fitness Water. I'm living in South Florida, in the middle of the summer, and trying to train for a half marathon. Not the smartest idea in the whole wide world. I run at night, which helps cut down the heat and humidity a smidgen (and keeps me from turning into a lobster), but typically, I'm running 2-3 miles in temperatures that are in the upper 80F - lower 90Fs and humidity of about 80%. It's super easy to get dehydrated in that kind of environment, so I've been trying to counteract that by loading up on water throughout the day before I run. I have a hard time drinking large amounts of plain water, so Propel Zero has been a godsend. It's just enough flavor to keep me drinking, and it's got electrolytes and nutrients to keep me up and moving. I'm a huge fan of the grape and black cherry flavors.

 Charming Charlie. Ever had an outfit that you needed to find an accessory for, but you had to dig through tons of accessories you didn't need at New York & Company/Target/Claires, just to find one that coordinated with what you were going to wear? That's why I love Charming Charlie. It's a clothing and accessory store that's organized by color, then by style. Not to mention, there's seriously tons of stuff in every color/style. I think it's impossible to walk in there and not find at least one thing that fits the bill. Seriously, genius. I had a purple halter that I wanted to bring to Nashville with me, popped in CC's, and had racks upon racks of different purple necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, scarves to choose from. Only problem with CC? Coming out with only what you need...and not a bag full of other pretties that you fell in love with.


Have a great weekend, y'all! :)