Five Things Friday #157
Hellloooooo friends!
I think I’ve finally settled back into life after last week’s trip to Michigan City. Some of my clients are out of town, so it gave me a chance to catch up on emails and blog-related things, so I think I’m finally current with my life. This weekend doesn’t hold anything terribly exciting, so it will be nice to relax and hang out with Neil and Donut. There’s a chance we may take her to the beach, but I’m playing that by ear.
Here are some of my favorite things this week — let me know some of yours in the comments!
1. Macarons by The Weekly Mac
One of my clients and friends has a hobby of making the most delicious macarons ever. I don’t even know if I had had one before she started making them, but I’ve bought some since then and none have compared. She makes a new flavor every week and I usually get just one, which always left me wanting more. I bought my own week’s supply and requested she make carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
I ate five within 2 hours of picking them up, so I had to put them away in the fridge where I can hopefully forget about them for longer than 30 min. I’d love for her to sell them on the side, but as of now she has one of those pesky full time jobs. If she ever quits it to pursue her baking and tea dreams, I’ll be the first one to tell you!
You can see each flavor on her Instagram here and find the actual recipes here.
2. NOW Foods Cocoa Butter Lotion
I’ve been needing a good lotion to keep by my bed because after I wash my face and get ready to go to sleep, I often find that my hands feel dry. I got this one from NOW Foods (where I get all my nuts for delicious nut butters) and it’s been doing the job! I’ll probably end up using it a lot more as the weather gets cooler outside.
3. Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage
After last week’s trip to Michigan City, I came back feeling more inspired to cook and think outside the box when it comes to meals. I went to Trader Joe’s this week and picked up some of their chicken sausage to mix up my breakfasts.
I was surprised at how many different flavors they had and although this one is really good, I’m interested to see how the other ones are!
4. Smoothies
Leave it to me to decide to start drinking smoothies again as the weather gets colder. As I’ve mentioned recently, I’m trying to clean up my eating a bit since my exercise hiatus is going on longer than expected. I dropped from 4-5 times a week to 2 because of my foot, so stopping for desserts and crazy foods for Instagram has to be dialed back a bit.
When we lived in VA I would always have eggs and a green smoothie for breakfast, so I’m trying to get back in the habit. This one is just greens, a whole raw zucchini, and frozen pineapple and it’s been my go-to for YEARS. I drink this one when it’s after a workout, but for everyday veggie consumption this is it.
5. Flash Fiction for Flash Memory
I shared this about two months ago, but wanted to remind everyone since the deadline for story submission is this Saturday, the 30th:
My aunt does a ton of writing and is working on a project that is really unique. Her mother, my grandmother, was an avid reader her whole life, until she started experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. As it progressed, she transitioned to short stories and finally to what is termed “flash fiction” — even shorter stories of about 500 words. This way, she said, she was able to remember plots and still enjoy reading.
In her memory, my aunt is working to compile a collection of flash fiction stories to be used by older adults or those who suffer from memory-impairment (I suggested it could also be marketed to millennials 🙂 ). I thought the idea was so great and I wanted to share it on here in case anyone else might find it useful for someone they know.
Once the book is available for purchase (I believe the first half of 2018), I will be sure to let you guys know, but I wanted to share it in case anyone wanted to submit any short pieces.
You can read more about it and see the guidelines for submission here.
That’s it for this week! Have a great weekend!
Ooh, I wonder if I can order the NOW Foods Cocoa Butter Lotion online. It looks like it’d smell heavenly.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog recently posted…3 Budget-Friendly Ways to Appreciate Victoria Harbour
I need to try that zucchini and pineapple smoothie combo, sounds delicious. Also flash fiction sounds like a great idea. With our go go go world, it’s nice to have something to read that is short.
Alicia @Bridges Through Life recently posted…October Goals 2017 and September Recap
I don’t know if I’ve ever been a macaron fan. I honestly can’t remember the last time I had one. It might have been in 2013 at Sucre in New Orleans, which is just… ridiculously long ago. Your friend’s creations look amazing! I’d totally eat 5 in one sitting too.
Kaitlyn @ Powered by Sass recently posted…My Relationship With Food + A Pumpkin Brownie Recipe
I am still into all the smoothies as well!
Ooh wow that smoothie combo sounds absolutely delicious; I love the idea of packing in the greens that way.
And anything with cocoa butter always sounds so good and smells amazing. I’m a big fan of cocoa flavored or cocoa scented.
Emily recently posted…Comment on The Temptation To Restrict On Vacation (Digging in Deep) by Naomi
The flash memory idea is incredible!! And I really wanna try those sausages from TJ’s now; they look so good!
Nicole @ Laughing My Abs Off recently posted…A Week Off Blogging {Adventures and Eats}