TGIF! I don’t know about you, but I’m more than ready for some R&R this weekend. When it came time to write this post I actually had to flip open my agenda to see what it was I did. Monday seems like so long ago after having something nearly every day/night! I kicked off the week with a much needed workout at Shred and then that night I co-hosted a sip & shop event at Athleta and came home with a new sports bra I can’t wait to break in! (Also, can’t say enough good things about their elation tights – I’ve been living in them! I wore them to a core & more yoga class at Studio Three on Tuesday and it seriously felt like I wasn’t wearing pants.)

Wednesday afternoon I ventured over to Millenium Park to meet the Barilla team and taste test their new Ready Pasta (it’s delicious, by the way…as is their pesto sauce), and then last night I attended the opening of the new COS store in Gold Coast and had to exercise some serious self-control because I could have left with all the things. After that, I checked off a new-to-me dinner spot in Old Town called The Glunz Tavern. I can’t say enough good things about their pesto ravioli (next time I’m going big and getting the Warm Huge Pretzel…I saw it pass by our table and it looked to die for). I’ve been on a big gin kick lately and got wild and ordered a Corpse Reviver, which is a blend of gin, curacao, cocchi, lemon juice, and absinthe – highly recommend if you’re a gin gal too!

Before we jump into this week’s links, I have a favor! I applied to be a part of Fohr’s Freshman Class (which is essentially a program meant to provide mentorship, access, and networking opportunities to influencers which translates to helping me bring some of my bigger ideas to life on the blog). The panel reviewing my application is going to take testimonials from you all into consideration and I would be so grateful if you feel inclined to share your thoughts!

Alright, here’s a look at what caught my eye recently – enjoy!

Song of the week: Body – Loud Luxury ft. brando. Turn it up and listen as you browse this week’s links 🙂

AROUND THE WEB/WORLD:

• Caitlin is one of my favorite people and we haven’t even met in real life. I really admire her vulnerability and openness (and think she has one of the best personalities). I swear we’re always on the same wavelength as it’s rare that she writes something that doesn’t resonate with me in some way. Her latest article for The Everygirl might just be her best yet. When she said she’s been generally regressing in all traditional areas of adulthood I felt that.
• Timing. What a bitch.
• I don’t know what got into me (jk, I’m always emotional lolol), but I was reduced to a puddle of tears after reading Joanna’s thoughts on running – so much of what she said here mirrors my relationship with it!
• Wayyyy too excited for this! One of my favorite authors is releasing a new book in early November and you better believe I hit pre-order. Can’t wait to get my hands on Nine Perfect Strangers! If you haven’t read The Husband’s Secret, Big Little Lies, or Truly, Madly, Guilty, you must.
• Anyone else agree that cooking for one is a struggle? Thinking this salsa verde chicken recipe would be the perfect thing to make on a Sunday night and have as a base for my meals for the week ahead (that’s about as much meal prep as I can handle).
• I love seeing how people spend their days (and don’t even get me started on seeing what people eat – so fascinating to me!) and really enjoyed Grace’s “perfect day.” I let myself daydream about what mine would look like and it was the best little exercise when I hit the midweek slump.
• My friend Meg swears by her Vince slip-on sneakers and I’m dying to invest in a pair.
• I think Jackie is onto something here with her thoughts on travel and Instagram and it made me think about all the times I’ve “done it for the gram” – eek.
• Last week I shared a round-up of pieces to get you thinking about fall outfit ideas and I came across this crew neck sweater after I already put it together. And this one, too!
• …also, I shared my fall bucket list this week and am ready to say hello to a new season!
• During the summer months I like to keep my nails painted with orange-y red hues and then come fall I can almost always be found wearing essie’s Spiked with Style. I gave myself a much needed refresh this week and love the darker shade – it really is the best fall nail color!
• I consider myself to be a bit of a face mask junkie. I’ve got my tried and true favorites, but I’m always ready and willing to try something new in the name of good skin! I’ve yet to find anyone who hasn’t fallen in love with Summer Fridays. I can’t wait to try the new overtime mask!

SHOP THE POST:

I can’t wait to get myself to Shred tonight (Fridays with Fadil are my favorite!) after taking the last two days completely off. Thinking I might get wild and double up with a Flywheel class because one of my favorite instructors is teaching, but I’m going to see how I feel before I commit. Tomorrow will be a mix of work and play, and then Sunday I have brunch plans with a few girlfriends!

What are you up to this weekend? I hope it’s the best! I’ll be sharing in real-time over on Instagram stories and Twitter, so be sure to follow along there!