Friday Favorites

Happy, happy Friday! I have many random favorites compiled over the last few weeks, so let's get to it.

I was downtown a few weeks ago and had some time to kill before my train, so I wandered around Old Navy for a bit. Fell totally in love with the pinstriped linen blazer and definitely need it (when there's a good promo code online!) for fall.

I have a pet peeve about cliche food-related clothing ("rose all day" "but first...coffee"), and clothes that mention brunch are on that list, but this sweatshirt was SO soft and comfortable, I almost bought it full price. Plus I'm a sucker for a mustard colored top. AND the forks look like oars! 

My girlfriend brought the most delicious chocolate chip cookies into work last week, so I asked her for the recipe and promptly went home and made them. Hers were better, but mine were still SO good. Recipe here if you're interested.

Most of the items we ordered delivered before our housewarming party which was awesome, including the second lamp in our bedroom. I love it and I love the foot pedal it came with as the light switch even more #lazy It's super simple, and the lightbulbs in each lamp give off slightly different colored light, but I'm over it at this point haha. I just wanted a balanced light source, people.

And we were able to hang the prints my girlfriend made for us. I'm insanely obsessed.

Family trip to Gene's & Jude's is ALWAYS a major favorite.

Sammy's days off have been falling during the week lately, so we've been having a lot of weeknight date nights. (GREAT PICTURE, I KNOW.) I had gotten used to having weeknights to myself, but it's definitely nice coming home to him after work too ;) That's the struggle with the police officer significant other life: the schedule is always changing. As soon as I get used to having my weeknights to myself, he's home, and then when I'm used to doing weekends alone, he's there. It's actually less of a struggle for someone like me because while I typically thrive on consistency and routine, it's nice to have a schedule that switches up here and there.

So we've been doing many movie nights lately. First with several Harry Potter movies, as it was the annoying wizard's birthday last week ;), and then we watched Like Father on Netflix this week (which I recommend!).

Last week Sammy broke out the fire pit and he and Tyler had some beers and hung out there. I snapped this when they weren't looking cause I'm a creep and cause I can't get over how much I love having people at our house haha. I especially love it when I get to stay inside and watch movies while they chat ;) plus it was a weeknight so I had to get bed pretty early anyway.

Another phenom picture, but I found this lanterns at IKEA for $10 and $15. I haven't been able to find any for under $30 a piece and this cheap ass wasn't gunna shell that out for lanterns. I can't wait to add more decor around them for the holidays!

We added my favorite quote of all time to the bathroom downstairs and I love it. Print by Jessica Garvin, of course. 

"And above all watch the world with glittering eyes because those who do not believe in magic will never find it." - Roald Dahl

We picked up our mirror earlier this week and we love it as well. I think it fits the space nicely (although it looks kinda small in this photo) and ties together the room. Sammy was weary of the silver (because of the oak trim and gold hardware on the doors) but I think it blends the silver accents well (the lamps have silver hardware, our picture frames are silver, the bathroom cabinet hardware is silver, etc.). 

Normally it would drive me nuts that we have gold and silver hardware in the same room, but I've given up a little bit of pickiness for this house since it isn't our forever home (and I'm certainly not about to spend the time to swap out gold hinges on our bedroom and closet doors...) and am just kind of going with things. I think I'm going to care a lot about this stuff and then I think, I just can't care about this that much haha. It's not worth it. I'd rather enjoy my time in the house than stress over hardware.

The texture on it is pretty too!

Had to snap this at Kirklands while we were waiting for them to bring our mirror up to the front because I about lost my mind. I can't wait to buy all the holiday/festive things!

We've been spending time with Sammy's grandpa this week and his garden is always a favorite. My Italian grandpa was into gardening too so I like to think this would have been something they would have bonded over. Look at his zucchini! 

And his fruit trees. He's actually crossbred two fruits into one tree by fusing two branches together. He's got the greenest thumb, I swear to god.

Nightstand item favorites: diffuser, peppermint lotion, essential oils (I rub peppermint essential oil onto my temples almost ever night because it instantly relaxes me, it numbs the skin and forces me to slow down which is great before bedtime) earthy candle, photobooth photo of Sammy and I from high school.

I found this easy, breezy white button down from TJ Maxx the other day and am obsessed with it. It's the most perfect button down. Maybe I'm late to the game, but I had never heard of this brand before. Thrilled to find their website and that they're sold at Nordstrom Rack! I intend on picking up several more of these shirts whenever I catch them on sale.

I also picked up a set of two bralettes from TJ Maxx by Marilyn Monroe Intimates, which is another brand I didn't know existed. This one below is a super light pink and then the other in the pack is like a dusty rose shade. I can't say enough about this bralette like it's stupid to like a bralette as much as I like this one. I won't be wearing anything else ever. The lace detail in the back is so pretty, the cups are slightly padded for support, the band at the bottom doesn't roll up under your boobs when you sit down (oh, only me? OK), and I've already washed it and it didn't get jacked up in the wash. ALSO, it was $5.99 for two. RUN to your TJ Maxx to see if they have them.

  

I noticed on my walk to the train that it's not as light out as it used to be even a few weeks ago. While this is definitely not a favorite, it does mean fall is on its way which is definitely a favorite around here ;)

We had our company summer outing yesterday and spent the afternoon in a suite at the racetrack. It ended up being more fun than I expected! We had an open bar, catered lunch (that was delicious), and private betting machine.

My dad hung out last night and had the best night. We spur of the moment decided to trek over to Boone County to go to their county fair and really enjoyed it.

And the corn in a cup.

And the old schoolhouse vibes.

And the gorgeous skies after a storm.

And the best favorite for last: a puppy update! Henry turned one month old this week! but the breeder hasn't posted a four week picture on the website yet, so here's his three week picture :) We go pick him out the week after next and I'm thrilled beyond words to meet him in person.

I thought it might be a good idea to buy him a toy that we could bring with us when we meet him so he could smell it and play with it, and when we come back two weeks later to take him home, I'm hoping having something he might recognize may make him a little more comfortable. (If you couldn't tell, I'm worried about taking him away from his mother haha.)

I ordered him this dino (can you even stand it!?). It's alarming how serious I'm taking this task, I fully realize that just so everyone knows.

And in typical Alex fashion, I've started a Google Doc of puppy notes, and I've been loving Zak George's videos on YouTube for training advice. Highly recommend if you're in need.

*

That's all for me! 

Hoping for a speedy day here at work so we can start the weekend! Lots of family plans and I can't wait :)

Hope everyone has a great weekend! xo

Linking up with Christina and Andrea!