1. I FINALLY got the chance to go see Gone Girl last night! A majority of our Book Club was able to go check out the movie and all I can say is, wow. Great, great movie. And I’m not gonna lie…totally diggin’ Ben Affleck in this one.
Of course, since it was basically a girls’ night out, we had to meet for a drink and some apps before the movie. Gotta take advantage of these opportunities when they present themselves! My only regret? Being at Cheesecake Factory and not getting cheesecake. Whomp whomp.
2. My allergies have been outta controoolllll this week. I’ll get random bouts of a crazy itchy throat and ears (isn’t it so weird and annoying how that happens?), super runny nose, and watery eyes. It’s just so lovely. I asked if there was something “high” on the allergen scale these days when I went to get my shots on Tuesday and apparently ragweed is pretty high. Awesome.
3. Last Sunday (I know, a little delayed) Jay and I were super lazy when it came to dinner, so we wound up ordering delivery from The Flying Chicken in downtown Troy.
For those of you who are local enough, I would absolutely recommend them. Their chicken sandwiches were amazing (Jay got crispy buffalo, I got grilled chimichurri) and the sides were fab. Mine was a sweet potato salad (the orange container) and it rocked my world. SO good.
4. So I’m really excited to be taking part in the Crest 3D White 2 Weeks to Your Whitest Smile campaign! The company reached out to me recently, asking if I’d like to participate and honestly, their timing couldn’t have been more perfect. The last time I went to the dentist, they basically told me to lay off the coffee…aka, my pearly whites have been looking a bit less than stellar. So I’m excited to see what they’ll look like two weeks from now. I’ll keep you guys updated!
5. I’ve been going a bit nuts on Zulily the past few weeks. Gahhh!
They’ve just had so many great deals for Lucas (ok, and that scarf up there is for me) that are great for Christmas. I also got this alphabet print from there a few weeks ago that I’m in love with.
(They actually have the same one at Kohl’s!). Now I just need to put a picture of Lucas in it, instead of the rando baby that’s there right now…
6. You guys want to know a fun fact? I actually cannot stand the word glorious. Every time I read it somewhere, I just sorta roll my eyes (and yes, I used to use the word as well, in case anyone wants to call me out on it). But the funny part is, anytime I go to describe something that was, well, “awesome,” my mind always goes to “glorious” first. I don’t get it?! It’s not a word I ever use when I’m speaking, so it’s just weird. But I also really have no good excuse for my disdain of the word either. Who knows?!
7. I think I’m finally starting to lose a bit of interest in T25. It’s been about 14-15 weeks I think since I first started, so it was bound to happen. Where I was originally following the schedules almost to the T (ha, no pun intended!), I’m finding myself veering off track a bit and incorporating other things.
For example, on Wednesday I decided to do a PiYo video (Sculpt) and it kicked. my. bootayy. Like, in the best way possible. My legs were like jello and are still sore three days later. So I don’t think I’m necessarily calling it quits on T25 just yet (because I still really like most of the gamma videos) but I think it’s about time to switch some things up again!
8. Speaking of working out and moving…for the past couple of days, I’ve been trying out the iFit Active Band that was sent to me to try out.*
I still have a lot to learn with how to use it, but I’ve at least figured out how to sync it with my phone and track my steps.
Umm, talk about a wakeup call. I know a lot of people usually make the goal of hitting 10,000 steps in a day. And uhh, yeah…I’m not close. I guess, if nothing else, this will be a good reminder to get up and move a bit more during the day while I’m at work!
The iFit Active also tracks calories, sleep monitoring, and allows you to log calories. I don’t have any intentions of using it for tracking calories, but I do think it would be interesting to track my sleep, so I’m hoping to play around with it some more this weekend. Anyone else have one?
9. Lucas has a new favorite activity that will keep him busy for hours on end…
He loves sitting and playing in the clothes basket that currently holds our old comforter at the moment. He thinks it’s the best thing going so, hey, I’m not moving it for now!
10. Okay, I need new leggings for this season and I want to know where you guys get yours. I’m picky about them though…for example, I don’t like the ones at Old Navy because they’re too thin and the waistband digs in. I like a wide waistband and a thicker material. Please, please share your faves!
Alright, that’s all I’ve got for today. Happy Friday my friends! Hope you have a great day and an awesome weekend!
*The iFit Active was originally sent to me as part of my participation in the Runner’s World Half and Festival. Since I am no longer attending, I asked if I should return the items but they have asked that I keep them and share my honest thoughts, so that’s what I shall do!
Claire says
This may sound crazy, but if you can find them small enough to fit correctly, Target’s maternity leggings (or probably any maternity leggings) are perfect. They’re nice and thick and obviously have a thick waistband. No one will have to know your secret!
Courtney says
Doesn’t sound crazy at all…I totally rocked my maternity pants for a good 6-7 months post-partum until they didn’t fit any more! ;)
Brynn says
Super interested in your thoughts on the ifit active. I’m in the market for an activity tracker and am not sure which version to get.
Andrea @ Pencils and Pancakes says
I have a couple of pair from Ann Taylor Loft. The waistband is thick and theyre about 2-3 years old and still kicking. I think I mentioned this before but I freaking love Piyo! Such a good workout without jumping and damaging your body!
Sarah says
Best leggings= Simply Vera Vera Wang from Kohl’s!! They are generally on a table in front of the rest of her clothes & some may be on a ficture directly behind the table. They are thicker cotton, but not uncomfortably so. The waist band is PERFECT! Hits high enough to hold everything in, but not too tight. I recently bought 2 different styles, maybe a few weeks ago….so there should be some left. It’s currently friends and family 20% off sale, so head there soon if you can! These leggings are different then her leggings by the socks/tights area. These are the BEST! (Even if I didn’t work for Kohl’s Corporate, I would still say these are the best leggings :)
Janay Ridge says
Hey Sarah,
I like a wide waistband like Courtney does, these leggings have that?
Sarah says
Hey Janay! The Vera waistbands vary by styles. Here are a few links to styles I have. If this makes sense, the 1st pair I’ll link you to doesn’t have a “wide” waistband, you’ll see in the picture, but there is wide elastic on the sides (hips). It does WONDERS holding everything in. http://bit.ly/1EDpcR3, http://bit.ly/1vTYGgl, http://bit.ly/1oXUS9M. These 3 styles are my favorites. :) If you try them, let me know how you like them!
Courtney says
Thanks for sharing, Sarah. These look so nice!
Stacey says
If you check the blog “Pintrest Told Me To” she has a whole post on the perfect leggings! I guess the Hue ones are amazing!
http://pinteresttoldmeto.blogspot.com/2013/10/leggings-101-leggings-are-not-pants.html
Lizzie says
I bought these after reading that post and it’s completely true. Best leggings ever! Thick enough to not be see through at all, the waistband is perfect, so comfortable!
Julie says
Hahaha, I was totally going to comment about the HUE leggings as well. I bought them because of that blog and now I NEED to get my hands on more. They are great! Awesome material, soft, perfect stretch and wide waistband. Highly recommend!
Caitlin says
I was going to suggest the same thing. You beat me to it. Love that blog.
Nicole says
Hey Courtney! Long-time reader but first-time poster. I absolutely adore your blog! About the leggings, I’m sure you’ll see it over on PBFingers, but she has a great post up about workout leggings. Another rec from me is actually looking for Joe Jeans leggings – I got a pair from Nordstrom Rack about 3 years ago – they are more like jeans since they have pockets, but are hands down the best fitting pair of “leggings” I have. Plus, since they have pockets, I consider them “dressy” ;-)
Here’s a link to something similar, but I got mine at the Rack for about $40! – http://www.revolveclothing.com/joes-jeans-soo-soft-petite-legging-in-sebastian/dp/JOE-WJ1108/?&d=F¤cy=USD&source=google&mkwid=ysjCHpRV_dc|pcrid|61149651971|&adgroups={adwords_groups}&adlabel={adwords_labels}&pdv=c&sourcetracking=google-pla&cvosrc=cse.google.62824575371&cvo_crid=61149651971&gclid=CIyL2ov8ocECFaZj7AodTjwAuQ
Courtney says
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Nicole!
Those pants look amazing! If only they were about 1/4 of the price, haha! ;)
Torry @ A World Without Wheat says
That ABC picture is so cute. I moved about 3 months ago and still have yet to do anything in our bedroom (or any room) with pictures…I need to get a move on it.
I have a pair of leggings from Lululemon that I wear all the time to work – they are so comfortable!! I got an all black band at the top so I don’t have to worry about the color pattern showing :-)
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Wasn’t Gone Girl good? I liked it way better than the book because, hello, Ben Affleck and my BFF Neil Patrick Harris.
I always get my leggings at The Loft. They have some super comfy, thicker ones.
Courtney says
Yessss! Loved them both…talk about an intense scene with poor NPH though, right?!?!?
Dania says
Women With Control Regular Fit Pull-on Knit Leggings from QVC. Item # A235949. They have petite and tall sizes, too, but I am 5’2, 120lbs and the XS regulars fit perfectly. Lots of saturated colors to choose from. Material is just right…not too thin or too heavy and not see-through at all. The best part is you have 30 days to wear and decide if you like them or not. No other leggings can even compare. I love them!
Sarah says
The Hue ‘Ultra’ Wide Waistband leggings from Nordstrom are the absolute best!! They are a “splurge” for me but are worth every penny, and have held up great. The waistband is wide without being constricting at all, and they are a great thickness that is completely opaque. Highly recommend!!
Courtney says
Did you order a size down like they recommend on the site? I’m not sure what to do since I hate when the dig in even a little in the waist!
Sarah says
I am 5’7 and wear between a 4-6 in pants depending on the brand, and ordered a small in the leggings. The waistband doesn’t dig in at all on me, but I completely think the medium would have fit me fine as well! And you can always take advantage of Norstrom’s free shipping and returns if you wanted to order both and just send back the one you don’t decide to keep!
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine.com says
I get my leggings at Loft and LOVE them. But I also buy a few cheap pairs at Charlotte Russe each year.
Abbie says
cara from maskcara recommended these Hue leggings from Nordstrom and I was thinking about investing in a pair.
http://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/hue-ultra-wide-waistband-leggings/3177749?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Graphite%20Heather&resultback=0&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_C&siteId=QFGLnEolOWg-smLy9iuAfZ54FKSl9JpkVA
Amanda Brezgel says
Hue leggings are exactly what you’re looking for! I have one pair and can’t wait to buy the next. They were on sale at Nordstrom recently, not sure if they still are. But you won’t regret it, wide waistband and thick fabric.
Courtney says
Gahh, everyone is mentioning these, haha! I wish they were on sale. ;)
Did you order a size down like they recommend on the site? I’m torn on whether I should or not???
Amanda Brezgel says
No, I ordered a medium. I’m a size 6 and the medium fit perfectly. Typically, I don’t rely on recommendations on products where they tell me to size up or down. For example, Toms tells you to size down, which I did initially, even though I’m a true 8, so I got the 7.5 and still needed to return for the 8. Sorry for the weird tangent! Someone above makes a good point, Nordstrom has free shipping and returns, so buy it and if it doesn’t fit return it for another size. Happy Friday! :)
Julie says
Chiming in – I am also a size 6 and ordered a medium….they fit great!
Lindsay says
I HIGHLY recommend Maurice’s leggings. There is a Maurice’s in Mohawk Commons and one in Clifton Park next to Buffalo Wild Wings. They are long lasting, have a wide waistband, are thicker material, and they’re longer in length than Old Navy’s! You can’t go wrong.
Here they are on their web site, but they are sold in stores as well. You can regularly find them for buy one gets one half off.
http://www.maurices.com/product/index.jsp?expcsl=1082313||&productId=35627666
Lauren says
Zella a brand from Nordstrom are great leggings!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Fabletic!! Seriously! They’re comfy to workout in but I also love to just wear them to hang out or dress up if I want to go out! :)
http://www.fabletics.com/invite/ktyou/
Shawna says
ahhh i’ve heard such conflicting reviews about Gone Girl that i don’t know what to believe! my best friend said it was so horrendous and just terribly done through-and-through and not to waste my time or money…and then other people say otherwise! i’ll have to decide if i want to chance it. :)
Linz @ Itz Linz says
i LOVE my victoria secret knockout tights … yes they are part of their sport line, but i’ve been wearing them as leggings and loving them! they have a wide waistband and are thick enough to where they don’t show anything…. i wear them without wearing super long shirts over my bum if that says anything :) plus, i think they’re really flattering!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
Although I haven’t read the book, Gone Girl looks pretty good.
Haha, he does look pretty happy! Apparently when I was little I loved boxes. Putting things in and taking them out would keep me entertained for hours.
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
Glad to hear you liked Gone Girl! I read the book a few years ago too. I have a date with my boyfriend to see it Saturday night. Have a great weekend!
I hear ya on the coffee, by the way, I always hear the same thing at the dentist..
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
I’ll have to check the comment section about the leggings thing – I’m in need of some new pairs too! My last couple of pairs have come from Target, which are decent but I need some better quality ones too.
Carrie (This Fit Chick) says
you went to the Cheesecake factory and didnt get cheesecake!!! BLASPHEMY! that’s not okay. ;)
Courtney says
Ugh, I KNOW. I wanted one in the WORST way! We were running so late though…I must go back now! ;)
Emily says
Leggings from Banana Republic outlet! I have 2 pair and I love them! They are thick enough to wear in public and not have to worry about any see-through incidents and they are super, super soft! :)
Courtney says
Oooooo…how convenient that their Columbus Day sale is this weekend too…. :)
Elizabeth says
You absolutely must get the Hue Leggings from Nordstrom. They are a tad pricey but they are the best leggings I have ever owned. They have a wide waist band, so flattering and they don’t stretch out!!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hue-ultra-wide-waistband-leggings/3177749?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=Graphite+Heather&resultback=1201&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_4_A
Courtney says
Thanks Elizabeth! Did you order a size down like they recommend on the site? I’m torn on whether I should or not???
Elizabeth says
No I ordered true to size and found they worked perfectly. I feel as though they are pretty long too! I am 5′ 6″ and I even have a little room in the length. I have them in black and I am going to order them in Gray eventually.
Courtney says
Awesome, thanks! I love that they seem to be a little longer too, since I’m 5’7″ :)
Sharyn says
I literally just went to Nordstrom and bought them based off of everyone’s recommendations from your post and they fit true to size :) I am so so excited to wear them!
Courtney says
Oh my god, how funny!! I wish I had a Nordstom near me…I’m going to have to order mine online, haha. But so glad to hear they fit true to size! :)
Kaley says
i have ordered leggings from Dottie Couture. It’s a local boutique in indianapolis but they have an online site. If you add them on facebook they have free shipping or discount codes sometimes! The leggings are thicker and fleece lined- very comfortable and they are very inexpensive!
Courtney says
Good to know! Thanks, Kaley!
Briana says
Get the Hue leggings from Nordstrom they have a wide waistband and they are a thicker material. I have two pairs!
Courtney says
Did you order a size down like they recommend on the site? I’m torn on whether I should or not???
Briana says
Yes I size down and get an extra small, they fit great !
Michelle says
Groopdealz.com and Jane.com often have great boutique deals for leggings. I love the fleece kind that have a thick high waistband so I don’t have to worry about them falling down or digging in. Plus the price is pretty awesome. The deals are constantly changing, but leggings are an item that are on their frequently now that it is fall.
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Variety is key for a good workout routine, so it’s totally fine to veer off and try other things. Happy Friday!
Laura says
I can’t wait to see Gone Girl!!
I love my TNA leggings. I first found them up in Canada but have since found them here. I get them at Aritzia, not sure if you have that store around. They are the best & they’re pretty affordable for the quality. I think they’re $22 and they last forever, they stay up and in place, wide waste band, they don’t dig in, they’re thick but not hot, they have a few different lengths……Hope you have a great weekend!
Courtney says
I’ve never heard of that store before…now I’m intrigued!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I’m going to see Gone Girl this weekend! Glad to hear you liked it so much. I just read the book a few months ago, so I am stoked to see it!
Leggings recommendations: H&M (although you may feel like they’re too thin… they’re pretty inexpensive though, and I like wearing them under long tunics or sweaters or dresses), Fabletics leggings are great for workouts or casual wear, and then there’s this brand called Zella at Nordstrom’s I’ve heard about that are basically identical to Lululemon but not quite as pricey. I personally haven’t tried them, but I’ve heard good things. Haha, it looks like you got PLENTY of leggings recommendations from the comments above though. ;)
Jasmine @ a cupcake for my thoughts says
I have a FitBit and I love it but it really does put me to shame when I’m only getting 3,000-4,000 steps but I’m sitting at school all day so it’s kind of hard to ever reach that 10,000 mark!!
I’m with you on the word glorious. I never use it and if I’m honest here in England, I think of glorious as quite a fancy word and only a word that “posh people” use aha or when the weather man is super enthusiastic about it actually be sunny in the usually rainy England!
Lauren says
Hey Courtney! Just wondering about your book club – is it a group of your friends? I’m local and would love to find a book club to get involved with! I used to belong to one when I lived out of state and really enjoyed it. If you guys are open to new members, I would love if you’d shoot me an email with the details :) Have a great weekend!
Courtney says
Hey Lauren! Haha, yes, it’s actually not a real book club at all. Only half of us read the book most of the time, and we spend about 5 minutes discussing it. It’s just an excuse for our close group of friends to get together :)
If I happen to hear of any “real” book clubs locally, I’ll certainly keep you in the loop!
Alexa @ simpleeatsfood.com says
Well, if we’re gonna go into words we hate, I’m going to have to say moist. Absolute worst word ever. My friends and family will say it around me just to tease me!
Courtney says
Gahhhh…I’m with you!!! GROSS.
Alex says
I have Gone Girl mentioned everywhere. I really need to follow movie releases more so I know what is coming out and worth seeing! I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on the iFit. I work a desk job so it can be very hard for me to move and get in my 10000 steps a day too. I have been trying to be proactive and use my lunch hour to walk while reading blogs. That way I get in some walking and I am productive. Such a win-win with this beautiful weather we are having with cooler temps.
Heather @ Housewife Glamour says
Lucas is so cute! And yay for girls night! Sounds like I really need to go see that movie… everyone is talking about it! Hope you have a great weekend! xo
Julie says
Zella live in leggings from Nordstrom are the best!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
I love the Crest Professional Effects Whitening Strips! Been a while since I got some (have to order them from the US to Ireland!), but they are really good! The sweet potato salad looks incredible!!! You should totally try recreate it!
Emilee B says
These are more on the expensive side, but they are great!
The Hue Ultrawide Waistband leggings from Nordstrom!
Katie says
Glad you had a fun girls night! Wanted to chime in on the leggings…
The HUE ones are great, I got a pair last year and love! I got an xs , true to size for me. I also love zella leggings on nordstrom, even though they are typically workout leggings, I wear them to go out, too!
And I just ordered these leggings after eyeing them up, a friends said they rock so I am hoping they do! I loved the knit style!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/free-people-heathered-knit-leggings/3800021?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Light+Grey&resultback=708&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_2_A
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
The Loft has thicker leggings! Just a thought!
erica says
I love zella live in leggings from Nordstrom. I feel like the fabric is nicer and thicker than a lot of other legging I’ve had.
I had a fit bit and talk about total wake up call. I was no where near 10,000 steps…I found myself walking circles around my office and apartment just to try to make it to 10,000!!!
Alyssa W says
agreed Zella leggings are my fav
Emily @ Sweets and Beets says
You have inspired me to try PiYo at my gym next week. They just started doing it. I’m excited! :)
Sarah @ Sarah Sincerely says
I can’t wait to see Gone Girl! I haven’t read the book, but hoping to get around to that one of these days too. I’m so intrigued to track my sleep, too. I don’t care so much to track the calories, as it might be triggering, but I’m so curious about my sleep! Let us know if you find the perfect pair of leggings. I’m always on the look out for the “perfect” ones. Like you, I’m rather picky. Happy weekend!
jennifer says
Express had some nice thick leggings!
Laurie says
I love the Matty M leggings from Costco, they are thicker and only $14.99!
Mariève says
Whiteplum.com, not expensive and ridiculously cute!
One size fits all…just amazing !
Furonda says
That sweet potato salad looks DELICIOUS! Were they big containers cause it looks like it in the photo!
Teri says
Good luck with you’re i fit active band. I just got the Garmin band, but the band came unsnapped and I lost it! Bummer, but I must say it was amazing to see how many steps I took in one day!
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch says
full disclosure: I’m biased because I work there BUT lululemon’s wunder under roll downs rock my world. I wear them almost every day – the waist band is so thick and comes just ABOVE my belly button. Yep, you read that right – above haha. It’s so slimming and definitely thick enough.
Marcie says
I’m loving the metro leggings from Athleta right now. They are priced well and hold their form all day long.
Mandy - toneupgirl says
I LOVE Sculpt!! That workout and buns were my favorite PiYo workouts! I’m doing P90 now and LOVE it! Really great workout but not as extreme as P90X.
Joy says
I just bought some great leggings at tj Maxx they’re fleece lined and have a wide waist band, and they were only $10! I’ve worn them (and washed them) 4 times in 2 weeks… So comfy