Welcome to the Friday 5!
Every Friday I will highlight 5 things I am currently loving. This can be anything from habits that are currently serving me, clothes, apps, people I am currently loving, podcasts, food, mom hacks and everything in between!
What I am currently loving:
Alexa Pulitzer
I had the pleasure of attending a dinner party at the home of Alexa Pulitzer and her husband several months ago. Her husband and Matt had done some work together and to celebrate the end of that deal, they hosted a small dinner party at their home. The food, company and hosts were all exquisite. During cocktails I asked Alexa what she did for a living, and she replied very humbly that she was an artist and drew images that were printed on paper products. She probably described it much more eloquently than that, but that is the gist of what I remember. After dinner, Matt asked if she had any of her work that she could show us, she said that she actually worked out of the home and had a stock room with most of her inventory there. Her work is amazing! I had seen it in stores in and around New Orleans, but just didn’t put the name with the work. She creates the most interesting designs and has stationary, cups, napkins, cards, you name it. She also does beautiful custom work for wedding invitations, stationary or napkins with your initials on it. I bought several of her things that night for myself as well as gifts. If you are looking for special stationary for yourself or a unique gift for a friend, look no further than Alexa. I cannot wait to have her do something custom for me!
Ray-Ban Wayfarers
I cannot leave the house without sunglasses on. I have very sensitive eyes when it comes to the sun, and I just need a good pair of sunglasses. I love all the fun designer knock offs that I see people buying from Amazon and believe me, I’ve tried my fair share, but they just don’t do the trick for me. I need good, sun blocking lenses. And I love classic, timeless frames. Enter Ray-Ban Wayfarers. I just don’t think you can get a more classic and timeless frame. Y’all, I have been wearing the exact same pair of sunglasses since early 2013! I bought them at Sunglass Hut in the Orlando airport on a very long layover the day my tax refund hit my checking account! I was so excited. And I still wear them every single day. If you are looking for a good pair of sunglasses that will last being thrown around in your purse or diaper bag, these are it. I haven’t seen the case for them in years, they literally are thrown in the bag everyday and are still like new. I cannot recommend them enough.
Woven Grass Shades
When we updated our kitchen a few years ago, I knew I had to update the box valance that the previous owners had installed. They were a dark brown and just did not go with our new white kitchen. I was pretty confident that I wanted to put white shutters on these windows, so that I could open and close them easily each day and they would be light and airy to go with the rest of the room. So, I did some research and Jennifer Pacione with Shading Places came highly recommended from several people for custom window treatments. She came out to give me a free consultation and lightly suggested that I try a light-colored grass shade to introduce some different texture into the kitchen. Instead of just more white wood. It was even a cheaper option. She assured me that she thought it was a better option, she put the cords on opposite sides so they’d be easy to lift and lower and extra-long so I wouldn’t have to stand on my tip toes to reach them. Installation was even included in her price. I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out and it is honestly one of my favorite parts of the kitchen. The touch of texture really brings it all together. So, don’t be afraid to mix textures to build interest in a room and if you are local, call Jennifer!
An Hour Away From my Phone
I saw someone online say they were challenging themselves to take a full hour away from their phone every day that month. I thought, that’s interesting, but I totally don’t need to do that. I hardly look at my phone. Boy, was I wrong. I began to notice that I could barely walk across the room without my phone in my hand, looking at something. I carried my phone with me everywhere in the house and was almost always mindlessly scrolling on it. So, I decided to try this challenge myself. And I had no idea how productive I could be if I just put my phone down. The amount of stuff I can accomplish around the house in an hour blows me away. So, most weekdays, I set my phone on the charger and set the timer for 1 hour. I do not touch my phone for the entire hour. I do cheat a little, because I have a smart watch, so I can see my texts and phone calls and unless it is an emergency, I do not respond until the timer goes off. I know this may seem like such a small thing, but it is a habit that is having a great impact on my days. I challenge you to try it.
Lululemon’s Align Leggings
I never wanted to be the mom that wore leggings all day every day. I always said I wouldn’t be wearing gym clothes unless I was actually planning to be at the gym some point that day, but like most things, I have had to eat my words. The thought of being home during the day in jeans or a dress just sounds uncomfortable. So, more often than not, I’m in leggings. It’s my go to when running around town with Ruby or really just about anything during the week. Lululemon created the perfect leggings. I know there are other leggings out there at a lower price point, but they aren’t the same. My favorite thing about the Lululemon Align leggings is that I can wear it for anything. It is perfect for running around town, pilates or a super intense HIIT workout. I own a few pairs of knockoffs and I am just not comfortable in them for anything other than pilates. They do not stay up as well, and they do not hold you in as well either. I find that I am a self-conscious of my booty or legs giggling too much in the knock offs. The Align leggings feel like second skin all day, do not fall down (if you are wearing the right size) and hold you in comfortably. In my opinion, they are the perfect legging because of their versatility and comfort. I know they come at a ridiculous price point, but if you look at the price per wear, you will get your money’s worth. If you are unfamiliar with Lululemon’s sizing, I would suggest going to the store and trying several sizes on and let the staff help. They are great at finding just the right fit for you.
I hope you found something helpful or inspiring in this week’s Friday Five! I’ll have 5 new favorites to share with you next week, have an awesome weekend!
