There is something magical about the Friday before a special weekend. Who am I kidding. There is something special about every Friday ever! But we do have something out-of-the-norm going on this weekend, but I can’t share quite yet because it’s a surprise for David! Feel free to follow along on instagram because goodness knows I’ll flood it with pictures. #shameless
Giddiness aside, it’s been a good week around here. I’d love to share a little of it with you, as I’ve decided to make these frivolous and fun what I’m loving posts a monthly occurrence.
First up, I have to give a quick Koda update.
In October she came out of remission. We knew this was something that would happen at some point. We switched up her treatment to an oral chemo every three weeks and were told just to spoil and love her. So we did and we are. She had another check-up yesterday and our amazing vet said that she is holding steady and looking pretty good. We know her days are numbered and it’s been an emotional journey for me that I’ll get into at another time, but keeping in perspective that we’ve had this much extra time with her is pretty incredible.
She is currently one super happy, spoiled dog and most definitely the heaviest vizsla that there ever was – I blame it on all the extra peanut butter.
Ok, ok… where to start…
Wine is always a good choice! So let me tell you about this
Iter Wine. I wish I could tell you it’s an incredible bottle for cheap, but unfortunately it’s not the case. We splurged beyond our usual $9 bottle to try this Cabernet from Napa Valley. It’s just under $20 at Total Wine and is described as “concentrated and inky with robust blackberry, smoke and cedar weaving together beautifully.” Does anyone else read that and go huh???
To translate into my own terms, it’s gooooood. I guess a $20 bottle should be, but it is super smooth and savory. I love it and it would be a great option for an at-home date night or if you’re serving dinner to friends and want a slam dunk option.
Stitch Fix. If you’ve tried it before or never have, I encourage you to give the service a try. I can’t believe I spent so long being timid about my requests. Since I’ve started being super specific, my fixes have been amazing. (Please note, that is an affiliate link!)
I asked for a delicate necklace that could be worn on the regular and just love the simple option they sent me.
Clearly, so did Hailey. Speaking of my vivacious 4 year old…
Step Into Reading Books. We are hooked. There are a ton of story options to fit all preferences, but what I love most is their system at breaking down reading levels.
Hailey is right on the cusp of reading. She can read simple words like CAT and HAT and MAP (which I won’t lie is the coolest thing in the world to me to watch her do!) and these stories make it quick and easy to sound out words together on stories and characters that she loves. This Five Classic Tales version has 2 reading levels included and is one of her favorites.
Truthful signs. I feel like I need this for my kitchen, because it’s honestly, it’s my real secret to getting my kids to eat what I serve. (insert crying laughing emoji)
Revision Vitamin C Lotion. I mentioned in my 2016 aspirations that I am ready to get a more comprehensive skin care routine going. There are several recommendations my dermatologist gave me, but the majority of them I have to wait until I’m completely finished with nursing (which is proving to take longer than I anticipated, but that’s a story for another day).
However, this Revision Vitamin C lotion is one I can use now. I use it once a day in the morning and it’s supposed to help lighten and brighten your skin.
I won’t lie, I’m a marketer’s dream because I can drink the kool-aid with the best of them, but I do feel like I’ve already noticed a brighter appearance of my skin after only a week’s use.
Instagram is really one of my favorite social media platforms. One account I follow that always makes me giggle is
WomenIRL (Women in Real Life). It’s a fun account where women share little truthful tidbits about their days and it’s always refreshing. This particular post had me laughing and nodding along. The “k.” option that is slightly cut off in the picture says “FYI I hate you for real” and I totally LOL’d. Does anyone else feel like these are SPOT ON??
I’ll wrap things up with a couple links I’ve loved lately:
FOOD.
These spicy cauliflower burgers. They sound really weird but look delicious!
Homemade ranch chicken tenders because sometimes yo just want a meal you know everyone will love!
9 Food Trends for 2016 and where to find them in Charlotte. Charlotte Agenda is my new favorite daily read!
FAMILY.
The Joys & Challenges of Being an (Almost) Single Parent. Brittany has 3 girls under 3 (including twins!) and lives on a boat in the BVIs. I love reading about her life and appreciate her candor.
Honest Thoughts on Having a Second Baby. I loved this post by Courtney because I can remember having many of the same feelings. I actually have a “from the other side” post topic brewing in my head in response… coming soon!
FITNESS.
The Ins and Outs of Hot Yoga: Everything You Need to Know Before You Get Started. I think hot yoga can be so intimidating to newbies and I love how Jen breaks it down. I would have loved to read this before my first class!
Now my favorite part- please join in!
What are you loving lately?
Hilary says
I love that honest sign! We recently got my dad one for kitchen, he always complains about it not being clean it says something along the lines of “This kitchen would be clean if you just wouldn’t use it!” He loved it haha
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my gosh I love that- haha! I need one that says it would be clean if I didn’t have to feed you 3864236482754814 times a day 😉
Ashley says
I can’t wait to read more about not being completely done with nursing. After 12 months, Emily nursed just mornings and nights. She gradually dropped nights on her own and just nursed mornings until about 16.5 months until one day she just didn’t. It was truly the dream situation for both of us – especially this emotional, sentimental mama. Audrey will be 15 months soon – and we are still full fledged morning and night. I’m pretty sure she’s not interested in ever self-weaning!😂
Brittany Dixon says
Oh we are in the SAME boat. H pretty much self-weaned at 14 months, but Kaitlyn won’t let me drop morning or night. She’ll paw at my shirt crying mahhmahhh and it breaks me down. I don’t really mind it, but just have no clue how to eventually stop haha.
Stephanie says
I’d love to see a “from the other side” post. Our daughter just turned 2 and we’re talking about a second one. It’s hard to wrap my head around having 2 of them!
John J. says
x
John J. says
What an alive blog! You are bursting with Friday, and surprise for David, energy. I needed a little extra today and you’ve given it to me. Thanks. The “Teacher” in you is coming out more and more every day.
Brittany Dixon says
🙂 And I know y’all have a fun weekend ahead too! I saw the ‘x’ – are my comments still being weird? I’ll look at it again. Love you!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says
I’m so excited for a 3-day weekend! In my line of work that often means working from home rather than in the office, but still so nice. Can’t wait to see the surprise on IG 🙂
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life says
Thanks for the link love, girl! I’m excited to hear your post from the other side!
Have a great, long weekend, ok?! 😉
Kathy says
I love “lately” posts. I always learn about a new product (to me) or they are just interesting. What am I loving lately??? Homemade chocolate date balls. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Aren’t chocolate and dates a crazy combination?! I never knew how delicious they were until I made the bars. SO GOOD.
Donna says
Brittany I am sending Koda and all of your family love and light. I cannot imagine how difficult this has been for all of you knowing he is sick. I have been there. Enjoy every blessed day and keep spoiling him and loving on him.
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you so much Donna! It has been a mix of emotions along this journey- heartbroken, yet grateful. It’s been strange, but I do appreciate the support from people who understand how much dogs can mean to a family. I’m sorry to hear you have been there, in whatever form that was, but I so appreciate your empathy <3
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I’m so happy to hear about Koda’s remission!! My family dog (Lexi) was diagnosed right after Koda last February. She seemed to be doing so much better considering she was only given 4 months at most. We had all summer and fall with her but in early December a new kind of cancer came back (bone cancer) which is eating at her left paw, so now she can’t really walk. 🙁 I’m worried she doesn’t have much time left but we’re all giving her as much love as possible.
I’m so on the fence about Stichfix! I want to try it but I also don’t really like spending money on clothes…I usually shop exclusively at outlet malls (lol).
Also, you have great skin!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so glad Lexi had a pretty great outcome given the prognosis, but sorry to hear cancer is back. I know it’s heartbreaking, but I do feel fortunate that we know and are able to spoil her rotten. I’m sure Lexi feels the same overwhelming love! <3
Let me know if you end up trying stitch fix- I'd love to hear what you think!
Elizabeth says
omg; i use “k” all the time in texts…. I totally don’t mean it in the way it’s described in that list. I mean it in the “I’m a 14 year old again” way. now i’ll be using k! : ) have a great weekend!
Brittany Dixon says
Haha! Or maybe I’m oversensitive. I’m that girl that receives a “k.” and automatically thinks Oh my gosh are you mad at me?! Bahaha. Have a great weekend!!
Kristin says
I would LOVE to read a post about your experience “on the other side” of having your second. I read Courtney’s post and nodded along the entire way…I’m a few week ahead of her with my second and sorta/kinda freaking out. I KNOW your heart grows and your oldest adapts and life will be chaos but so full and all that…but I’d still love to hear how your thoughts a year and a half later 🙂
Also need that sign for my kitchen. Actually I really just need to follow that philosophy more!
Tami @ Have My Cake says
Text message already sent to my husband to bring that wine home 🙂
Tamae says
Hi! My daughter is the same age as Hailey- about a month apart? Can you please share how you got her started on reading? I recently bought some BOB books & tried to teach her but she just got so frustrated! Also, I would love to hear more about how you are going about homeschooling.
Thanks! <3
Erin says
Thank you for posting an update about Koda. I check in every week to see how she is doing. Our sweet dog, Jill, passed away on 8/21 and we also had the pleasure of working with Dr. Parfaitt. Koda and Jill were going through treatments at the same time this summer, I saw you drop her off a few times while I was in the waiting area. Enjoy every moment you have with her! There will be good days and not so good days, but take the time to enjoy those good moments. It will get you through the tougher times. Keeping you in my thoughts as she is taking her oral chemo and that you can have as much time with her as possible!
Erin
Lauren @ Oh Hey! I Like That! says
I’m saying lots of prayers for Koda! And I just started following WomenIRL per your suggestion!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you for the prayers for our sweet pup! <3