Heyyyy there…happy Friday to you all! How’s the week been going so far for everyone??
Honestly, I feel like I haven’t had much of a chance to really “chat” with you all this week like I usually do. This week got sort of busy for me, and then on top of just not feeling like myeslf, I really struggled to find things worth talking about. Quality trumps quantity, if you ask me! So that being said, hopefully my words find me again by the time next week rolls around.
In the meantime, I do have some random stuff to share/on my mind this morning, so I’m gonna go ahead and do that. Hey, nothing like some randomness on a Friday, right?
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Yesterday I met up with my friend Nicole for lunch at Panera. On the menu for me?
Chopped Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado + Chicken Noodle Soup. With a piece of baguette the size of my face…just how I like it. ;)
Nicole and I spent the hour catching up on a bunch of stuff, since it’d been a while since I’d last seen her. We’re hoping to figure out a day soon to have both her and her husband, Seth, over to the house…especially since I could use her design expertise with the new nursery (but that’s obviously not the only reason!).
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Last night, Jay and I headed out after work to try to pick out a glider and ottoman that we liked for the nursery…thankfully, a trip to Buy Buy Baby did the trick, and we’ve found a winner!
It’s a Dutailer brand, which I’d previously heard really good things about, and after basically “test-driving” all of them in the store, this one was clearly our winner. Soft, comfy cushions and a back that’s tall enough to rest my head comfortably were my two main concerns, and this one scored in both. So excited!
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Tonight, we’re actually going to order the rest of our furniture set from Babies R Us (since our coupons are now good starting today), which means that it’s really GO time to start planning.
(We already ordered the crib, and are just getting one more dresser, the conversion kit for the bed, and the nightstand). I have SO many ideas for this nursery…putting them all together to create one, uniform look is going to be such a struggle for me (aka, one of the most indecisive people you will ever meet). Thankfully, I have some time. ;)
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Late last night before going to bed, I got the biggest craving for a vanilla chai from Dunkin Donuts, which was totally random and sort of amusing.
There was a time, probably back in 2005-2006 (I remember this because I had just gotten a long-term substitute teaching position right out of college) where I used to hit up DD’s at least 3 times a week because it was right on my way to work. It was a bad, bad habit (not only for my health, but also the wallet!) and I think I pretty much got myself sick of this drink. But last night, I had to have it…so this morning? I’m going to get one. We’ll see if it’s still just as good as I remember.
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I feel like my workouts this past week or two have really been a struggle.
*Read: I am not beating myself up over this. I am just merely stating a fact.
You guys know I much prefer my morning workouts over evening ones, but I’m just finding myself too tired to get up and actually do it (I snoozed through my alarm twice this week!). By the time I get home from work, make/eat dinner, and/or do whatever else I have going on, my motivation to workout is practically gone. It stinks because while I’m at work, I’ll be all like, “Yeah! When I get home I’m gonna do some yoga!” or “I think I’ll go for a walk while watching X TV show tonight,” but it just hasn’t been happening.
Who knows…hopefully the motivation and/or extra energy will return next week. I mean, I was feeling kinda yucky this week anyways. Ehh, we’ll see what happens!
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For those of you who may or may not be losing motivation in the workout department, here’s a little something I just found out about that may be of interest to you!
Blood, Sweat, & Cheers is a subscription newsletter filled with tons of activities, events, workouts, and gear that make everyday life and fitness fun. Although I’m not really running any races these days, I couldn’t believe just how many different types of races, fun runs, and other aspects of fitness activities they have packed into each newsletter. On top of that, they even have stuff about local beers and bars…definitely my kind of newsletter!
If you subscribe to BSC, each day the newsletter contains at least one story about a crazy 5K or something similar (I found a few leprechaun races!), the latest workout craze, a favorite beer accessory, or a new, hot piece of workout gear that’s getting popular.
And right now if you sign up for the BSC newsletter, you can enter to win some awesome prizes, including a GT Performer BMX bike or a $150 Lululemon gift card (sa-weeeeet!).
To sign up, you can CLICK HERE! (<– this is not a referral link*).
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Well, I think that’s about all I have right now, my friends. Let’s hope today goes by niiiiiice and quick, so we can get this weekend STARTED! Who’s with me?!? :)
Disclaimer: *FitFluential LLC compensated me for this Campaign. All opinions are my own; I do not get anything extra for you signing up for the newsletter – I just thought it would be something many of you would enjoy!
claire @ live and love to eat says
Awesome giveaway! :) Nursery shopping sounds like fun!
Natalie @ Free Range Human says
Hope this weekend restores some of that energy! Have a great one!
Maureen @ Breaking Free & Finding Me says
ahhh all that baby stuff sounds so fun! I was obsessed with vanilla chai for awhile too, but I haven’t had one in forever! I’m definitely signing up for the newsletter. I’ve been in a motivation funk lately, so thanks for sharing :)
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I REALLY need to try that salad at Panera, just without the chicken. I have heard so many great things about it. And honestly, how could a salad with avocado be bad?? :)
Jennifer @ Healthy Wifestyles says
I hope your trip to Dunkin’s is good! I had a major craving to try their Irish Cream coffee this morning and it was just. not. good!! The Vanilla Chai is always a winner, though :) Happy Friday!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
My daily Starbucks love is definitely bad for my wallet, but I just love it too much to be able to give it up. Happy Friday! Hope you’re able to un-yuckify this weekend!
Dorsa @ Running Thoughts says
Yay we have the same crib :) we need to go out and get the conversion kit soon!
Ashley @ Life and Fitness says
Dunkin?! Starbucks lattes are so much better! I love testing driving furniture in stores, I mean when else can you lay down in the middle of a store haha.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Sounds like all the nursery stuff is coming along! How exciting! :) I’ve been having a really hard time waking up early this week too. I’m wondering if the darker mornings have something to do with it? Who knows. Regardless, just take one day at a time and do what’s best for you and baby! Every week varies it seems. Enjoy that DD vanilla chai – sounds yummy!
Courtney says
The dark mornings definitely don’t help, that’s for sure!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
happy friday!! that dunkin donuts coffee looks so good!!
Koryn @ High Heels & Healthy Alternatives says
I am sooo with you (& just blogged about something similar recently)! Cheers to the weekend! I’m def. more of a morning workout person as well… if it doesn’t get done in the morning, it usually doesn’t get done. :-p No worries though – praying you’ll feel better and have more energy next week!
P.S. Love your eats this week! I actually just had Panera for dinner last night… asian sesame chicken salad (my fave) and broccoli cheddar soup – nixed the bread though! And vanilla chai – yum! I’m probably very similar to your college-aged self (lol)… if it weren’t for free small chai lattes at work (via the good ole Keurig), my wallet would probably get pretty drafty! ;-)
Meghan @ After the Ivy League says
Definitely not easy to motivate yourself to workout after work, I know the feeling! All day sitting at the office, maybe reading some blogs on a lunch break, and you feel so motivated and want to just get out the door. Then 5 o’clock hits, you’re starving, and the couch looks quite appealing!
Lisa says
Happy Friday! I have a hard time motivating myself to get in a workout after work of in the afternoon at all, even if I’m not at work. I just find it much easier to get it done first thing in the morning. Not sure why that is. Guess I’m tired after the day. Sounds like the nursery is coming along nicely!!
It seems like so many people have struggled getting up early this week, maybe it’s the time change.
Natalie @Will Jog For Food says
I’ve found it hard to get my workouts in. Being 36 weeks pregnant and having the time change just isn’t doing it for me. But since today is my last day of work, I’m hoping to keep up the activity in the next few weeks before baby comes :)
Courtney says
Good luck in your last (potentially) four weeks!! :)
Alex @ Cookie Dough Katzen says
Your Panera meal looks so good! Thanks for sharing about the give away- I just entered :)
Heidi says
That crib is SO gorgeous!! Hope you have a great weekend and a better week next week!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
I can’t wait to see the nursery, it looks like it’s going to be really nice already! I love the crib. I hear on the working out. I’m in the same boat but I’m not pregnant so I don’t have as good of an excuse. Sometimes when you aren’t feeling good you just have to take a break. Have a good weekend!
Danica @ It's Progression says
All of that baby stuff is just so exciting!
And yes, I can’t wait until 4 tonight (when I get off work) so the weekend can officially begin! I’m more than ready for some downtime.
Avery @ Southern Belle Living Well says
I don’t blame you on being nursery indecisive, t seems like every other pin on pinterest is of an ADORABLE nursery!
Courtney says
Right?!?! It’s all over the place…so many decisions!!
Katie says
YAY for finding a glider! I was happy when we found one we loved too! We tested it out at Babies R Us, but ordered from target online because they had the color we wanted! Our nursery furniture is white!
Love the crib you picked out! Don’t stress! All that matters is that the nursery has that comfy and cozy feeling, I know it will look fab when done!
Happy weekend girl!
Oh and the workout thing, I have found I have had energy and have been working out consistently, but I know as I get to my last trimester that will probably change. I am just taking it day by day and being healthy for baby and me, as you are!
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says
When I used to have my cushy law firm job, I would hit up Panera a few times a week, my bank account hated me LOL! Now I remember why I loved it so much, those salads are SO stinking amazing!!!
Have a great weekend ;)
Melissa says
I’ve never been to Panera, but it always looks so good in the photos! Hope you have a relaxing weekend (and your glider looks SUPER comfortable).
Kellie says
I hear ya with the workouts! I go right after work so I am in my workout clothes and its just habit. If I go home first, I’m done for! But then I end up eating a late meal for dinner too so who knows.
I wonder how the chai at DD compares to a chai at Starbucks. Might have to order both now to compare!
Courtney says
They’re actually pretty different – the one at DD’s is rich and creamy (and totally not good for you, lol) ;)
Lauren says
I hope you get back to feeling like yourself again soon! And I go to Dunkin’ Donuts every.day. Talk about a bad addiction… It’s not 3 times, it’s 7 times hahaha. Oops.
I need one of those chairs for myself so I can rock myself to sleep!
Ellie@Fit for the Soul says
That is so cool! I think I scanned the same exact glider! I really liked it b/c it’s ultra comfortable, cute, and so much smaller than the other ones or else there’d be no room in the nursery, hah! And I have never tried DD’s drinks since we don’t have ’em in socal (not that I know of), and that vanilla chai sounds so delicious~drool.
Erin @Axell's Kitchen says
Love the crib, we have a very similar one! And can’t wait for you to pick out the bedding! Love DD..so much better than Starbucks (and cheaper) in my opinion..and their is one within walking distance of my house!
Courtney says
I like both places for different things… Sbux = lattes / DD’s = coffee :)
Kris says
If that is the reclining glider we have the same one and it is great! Perfect for late nights cuddling your sweet little guy.
Courtney says
Yeah, it was SO comfy in the store. I fell in love immediately!
Annette@FitnessPerks says
Ohhhhhh Panera how I love theeeeeeee!!! I love their baguettes. so freaking good
Shel@PeachyPalate says
How did the dunkin donuts trip go ? :) don’t beat yourself up about the workouts if it happens it happens, you obviously just needed more rest this week!
Courtney says
Haha, oh I wasn’t! That’s why I put that in the post. ;)
DD’s was delish!
Sara @ fitcupcaker says
I signed up for that newsletter, its a great site! And I love PANERA, I used to eat it once a week, but I am on a budget- It is not cheap, but you are making me crave it for possibly dinner tonight>!?
Marielle says
Oh I’m excited to check out that website! Have fun with all your baby organizing this weekend!
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
Love the glider and furniture! I’m sure the nursery will come together beautifully!
Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom says
Be prepared for workouts to be hard for the next oh…..5 years or so, lol!! Truthfully though, fitting in workouts is SO MUCH EASIER when life is without kids. Of course, I would give up the time to workout for my kids any day but it really does become a challenge. Invest in a jogging stroller if you can as it will be a lifesaver some days!!
I can’t wait to see the nursery when it is all put together. The furniture is very nice!!
Bek @ Crave says
Awesome random thoughts haha- hope you get some energy next week and some down time. When will you stop working before the bub? And how long will you take off after?
Courtney says
Not sure yet
Jessica @ Prayers and Apples says
I think decorating the nursery would have to be one of the funnest parts about being preggo :)
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
I’m a former DD addict myself. When I moved down south from CT, there were not many of them, and I seriously looked into opening my own! LOL. Your Panera lunch is making me hungry. I’m still a Panera addict. :)