Friday Five

door mat (c/o shop josie b)

O N E
Confession time: I took over a month off at the gym and…everything was fine! Right before we went to Disney, I paused my gym membership since I would be missing at least half of the month (originally Kevin was traveling to Orlando sooner, but we postponed due to Irma). When we got back, I reinstated my membership, but I realized that I liked getting to sleep for almost two more hours each night, especially since I go to bed late. I really pushed myself over the last 6 months to go at least 3-4 days a week, but I noticed that when I took the pressure off and allowed my body to get more rest, I was actually happier.

Right now I’m in limbo – I think I want to try doing a barre class twice a week (I miss them so much!) and then exercise at home one morning a week (we have so much room in our playroom and I could wake up an hour later than if I were to drive to and from the gym). I’ve blogged about trying the BBG program before and have the guides, so maybe this would be a time to test out some of those workouts since they don’t require a lot of equipment. I’ve also contemplated starting an online Facebook group for all of us to keep one another accountable and do fitness and eating challenges together. Thoughts? I like the accountability of my current program, however, I’m paying to go 4 days a week and I hate the pressure of that – sometimes I have work-related things early in the morning or other commitments/appointments that mean I miss workouts. Maybe a pay-per-class program would give me a little more flexibility. PS- ICYMI: here is a post about my favorite workout leggings!

T W O
I got really into booties last fall/winter and I’ve ordered a few pairs to try on and also have my eye on some others. I’m ordered this neutral pair with a pointed toe, but am also contemplating trying a pair with a more almond shaped toe (like these ones!) I also still adore my Jeffrey Campbell perforated booties – they’re still available here! There is also a step down style on sale here and they’re pretty much identical!
jeffrey campbell booties- here  |  similar shirt  |  jeans  |  similar vest  (and here and here) |  sunnies

Speaking of online shopping, World Market’s Friends & Family starts today! It’s an extra 30% off + Free Shipping on Orders $200+ with code FAMFRIENDS from 10/6-10/9. I’m ordering these acrylic side tables and some holiday decor! We don’t have a coffee table, so this small nesting table will be perfect to place a cup of tea, book or laptop!

T H R E E
Instagram has a new polling feature which I know I’m going to be using a lot to determine what kind of content y’all want to see. I’ve really reflected on how I can bring more value to you as readers so I love getting your input on the content you want to read.

I’ll be sharing my “getting ready for work” morning routine next week as part of a makeup post I’m working on- thank you for voting! Also check-in next week for some really great holiday makeup gift sets – I know it’s early to be thinking about holiday gifting, but getting your shopping done early and while popular sets are still in stock is always a good idea.

F O U R
It has been a really tragic week for our country – the mass shooting in Las Vegas has left many of us shaken. If you’d like to help the victims of the shooting, there is a Go Fund Me page that has raised over $9 million thus far and you can learn more about efforts to help, here. I’d also encourage you to contact your members of congress about gun control – here is a resource. I won’t get into a lengthy debate here, but I do believe there is no reason that a civilian needs to own an automatic, military-style weapon.

I was listening to the New York Time’s “The Daily” podcast and host Michael Barbaro interviewed the owner of a store that sells military-style weapons (the episode, here, is from Wed. Oct. 4). I encourage you to listen to the part where he asks the store owner why someone would buy/want to own such a high-powered gun. The store owner admitted “you can’t even hunt with them” and when prompted further, why someone would buy them said, “oh, it’s just for fun, that’s all.” He continued…“it’s for sport, we simply have fun with them.” Is the value of someone’s “fun” by being able to access these weapons worth the risk of losing hundreds of lives when someone/a terrorist with evil intentions can easily obtain such a weapon? There are also some good comments in this article, if you’re interested (see the “NYT picks” ones).

And here’s an update about the place we call home. Houston continues to recovery from Harvey and you can read the latest updates here, here and here. Thank you for your continued support and prayers for those affected.

F I V E
My favorites from around the web this week include:

My friend Natasha shared all of the details of her home renovation…and her home is absolutely stunning!

Liz shared fun fall activities to do with your kids (I am SO excited for the pumpkin patch this year!)

Mila Kunis talked about the struggles we all feel as parents sometimes.

Sara shared three ways to be a good friend, even if you’re busy.

Also, the kids had picture day this week…how adorable are they?!
harper’s dress