5 Things I Love Friday

Happy Friday, everyone. Are you hanging in there?

I cannot even begin to discuss the obscure restrictions on Oahu right now, but just know, we are still locked in our houses for at least another week and kids won’t be back at school full time until at least January. 2020 has been an absolutely wild ride and I’m ready to get off now.

In light of everything we aren’t allowed to do, I’ve been trying to focus on what I can do which means pouring myself into work, cooking/baking, and indulging in my fair share of internet shopping and purchasing Christmas presents. How in the heck is it already time to be thinking about the holidays?

Let’s get right to it this week…

5 Things I Love Friday

Madewell Jeans – I purchased my first pair of Madewell jeans this spring shortly before coronavirus shutdowns started and I thought “I won’t even get a chance to wear these!”

As it turns out, I’ve worn jeans more often since this pandemic began than I originally thought. I’ve never been one to tout the “dress for work when you’re working from home” shtick, but getting ready for the day by putting on “real” clothes has definitely been a boost to my mental health some days. Not quite sure why that is, but I’ll take it! 

In any case, that little life adjustment made the case for a second pair thanks to Anne‘s recommendation. I snagged them on major sale, which made the deal a little sweeter. They fit really well with a classic “straight” style jean, have a little bit of stretch, and hug all the right places without being too tight to sit for long periods of time at my desk. They are also pretty high rise and cropped at my ankle. I ordered my normal size (27) and they fit very true to size. Win!

Kitchen Sink Cookies – Gaby’s recipes never ever (ever) disappoint and she’s one of my favorite food bloggers ever. If you’ve been around here for awhile, you know this. Anyway, this week I had about 400 deadlines and tasks to complete, so naturally instead of buckling down and doing said work, I decided to get busy in my kitchen and burn off a little stress by making these cookies.

They are out-of-this-world good! I used peanut butter M&Ms, chocolate chips and coconut flakes (I didn’t have the dried fruit) and I have zero regrets about those substitutions — 10/10 recommend making them!

Halloween Candy Chute – Admittedly, Halloween isn’t my favorite holiday, but this was a really heartwarming piece I put together + Andrew’s enthusiasm was contagious. People can say whatever they want about journalists and “people who work in media”, but one of my greatest joys is connecting with people all over the world to tell stories like this one.

Is anyone else surviving off funny tweets and memes right now? I feel like between my parents, Dane, and a handful of friends, all I do is send or receive funny photos. 0 complaints! 

Hooray For – Have you followed Amanda Kloots’ story this year? Heartbreakingly, her husband, Nick Cordero, passed away from COVID-19 after spending 90+ days in the hospital. She miraculously remained a beacon of light the entire time (and still today!). In the midst of such tragic heartbreak, she partnered up with her sister, Anna, to launch a t-shirt line. It’s called Hooray For and they make such cute shirts! I have my eye on the rainbows style!

Karacotta Ceramics – How adorable are these tumblers? I discovered Karacotta Ceramics a couple weeks ago and I’ve been making a list of the items I’d love to add to my own cabinets. First up are the Baja Tumblers. I’m already dreaming about the cocktails I’ll whip up in those rainbow beauties! 

Happy weekend everyone. I hope wherever you are, you’re smiling. And a big happy, happy anniversary to my parents! Wish I could be there to celebrate!