Five on Friday

Happy Friday!

Lots to cover today, so let’s get right down to it!

In Case You Missed It

A few things I shared this week…

• Weekend Rewind
• Homemade Lunch Ideas
• Recent Anthropologie Finds
• Lucky Charms Treats
• Walmart Spring Fashion

This Week’s Top 5 Reader Favorites

1. Target Workout Tank: See #3!!
2. Twisted Bangle Bracelet Stack: I recently added this pretty gold bracelet stack to my Walmart order and have been wearing them every day. They go with everything and I love that they are intertwined and don’t loosely slide around on my arm. Oh, and they are less than $6!
3. $5 Target Spring Plates: I recently scooped up these gorgeous scalloped dinner plates from Target! These are not melamine, they are high quality stone plates — and are only $5!!! I cannot wait to use these for spring dinner parties, Easter dinner, and so much more. But for real, $5?!?!! There is also a super cute pink option too — and matching bowls! Oh, and they are dishwasher and microwave safe.
4. My Favorite Sunglasses: Y’all loved these inexpensive sunglasses I shared earlier this week! I have repurchased these several times (every time I lose or break them) and they remain my favorite. The shape is so flattering for ever face, they come in a 8 colors.
5. Bird Feeder: Still in the top 5!! We always have so many cardinals and bluebirds around our home. And being the old lady that I am, I decided to mount a pretty bird feeder right outside my kitchen window to host these little beauties. It’s really nice that the tray is removable too so I can bring it inside to fill with wild bird seed! And we’ve already had several visitors!!!! It’s been so fun to watch! Would also make for a great Mother’s Day gift!

1. Reviving Rusted Cast Iron

Last week I accidentally left my cast iron burger press in the sink overnight after making quesadillas. The next morning it was covered in rust! I was so bummed as we use this press pretty regularly and I thought it was beyond repair. I asked my readers for tips on removing rust and a lot of you said to re-season it! So I lathered it in vegetable oil, popped it in the oven for a few hours on low heat (250 degrees) and when I pulled it out it looked BRAND NEW!

2. I Never Thought I’d Grate My Own Cheese…

But here we are.

Recently I’ve started shredding blocks of cheese over buying the pre-shredded bags of cheese. It started a few months ago when I wanted to uplevel our homemade pizza nights with fresh mozzarella. Our IKEA hand grater was laughable and finally Matt said “if we’re going to be doing this weekly, we’re going to need to get an actual cheese grater!” So I did some research and found an awesome one. And I am shocked by how much I love it. I use it for so much more than cheese too. The grater comes with 3 interchangeable blades (that are easy to snap into place and also very easy to clean afterward) for slicing/shredding vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc. I especially love the thinly sliced cucumber for salads!

But back to cheese for a second. I’m not telling you to start shredding all your own cheese because I 1000000% appreciate the convenience of pre-shredded cheese. However, I never realized how much better a block of cheese tastes versus pre-shredded — and that’s because the pre-shredded cheese contains more additives and preservatives to make it last longer. Next time you’re at the store, compare the back of the bag next to a block. And you can actually taste the difference!

OK, now back to the grater. So here’s my tip. Buy a few blocks of cheese you regularly use and shred them all at once. Each block takes like 90 seconds to shred. And it’s actually quite fun too! Then pop the extra bags of cheese you don’t need right away in the freezer to use for later (make sure to use freezer bags).

3. Workout Outfit

I wanted to share a fun workout outfit!

First up is this new tank from Target which I absolutely love. This tank is lightweight and has a mesh back and very thin moisture-wicking fabric. I especially love it for cardio days when my shirt doubles as my sweat rag. Available in 3 colors and runs true to size (wearing XS). Honestly, this tank is even cuter in person — you gotta see the back!

I am constantly stopped and asked about these shine leggings every time I wear them. They are super stretchy and comfortable. I always get asked if they get hot and no not at all (they aren’t super thick). While I loooove the look of these, I accidentally bought them in regular rise instead of high rise and I definitely do NOT love that.

And y’all already know how much I love my Nike MetCons — mostly because of the lock lace feature so I don’t have to worry about my shoe laces coming untied while I’m doing high impact exercise.

Lastly, I’m wearing the only sports bra I’ll ever own that I never shut up about. But I’m starting to panic that Old Navy is no longer going to carry it because it’s on clearance.

4. Post Antibiotics Protocol

Matt recently finished up a round of antibiotics following his Mohs surgery so I’ve been making him a post-antibiotics protocol to restore his gut health! Before I go on, I am not against antibiotics. In fact, I am extremely grateful for them! However, while they are necessary for fighting off bad bacteria, they unfortunately kill your good bacteria too which can in turn can cause a leaky gut.

So to heal and seal his gut lining, I’ve been following Dr. Daryl Gioffre’s post-antibiotics protocol:

In a small bowl (I’ve been using a medicine cup), mix 1 TBSP of Sovereign Silver Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol (for immune support) and 1 TBSP Liquid Aloe Vera (to reduce inflammation) together. Drink on an empty stomach (30 minutes before food, or 90 minutes after food) 3 times a day for 2 weeks. I should also note that this mixture is tasteless!

If you’ve recently finished antibiotics, you may want to consider this protocol. Check out Dr. Daryl’s page for lots of really good information.

5. Easter Basket Fillers

Easter is right around the corner and I have been scooping up swimwear, skincare, sports stuff, and pool toys for the kids’ baskets!

I am working on my 2024 Easter Basket post and should have it ready next week. It’s actually one of my favorite round-ups for both kids to date. They are at such a fun age to shop for and I love stuffing their baskets with more useful items that they really want and need (ahem, bodywash and crew socks)!

In the meantime, I wanted to re-share last year’s gift ideas for those of you trying to knock out some shopping this weekend! And if you need any extra ideas, check out my previous Easter Basket Fillers post too!

Easter Basket Ideas for Boys

1. NFL Flag Football Set
2. Water Floafers
3. Swim Trunks
4. Swim Trunks
5. Short Sleeve Rashguard
6. Friyay Graphic Tee
7. NFL Football Cards
8. High-Bounce Balls
9. Last Kids on Earth Book
10. Sunglasses
11. Columbia Snap Back Hat
12. Pool Dive Toys
13. LED Light-Up Yo-Yo
14. Water Football
15. Gatorade Sport Water Bottle
16. LED Rope Lights
17. Extreme Geyser Tube
18. Football Activity Book

Easter Basket Ideas for Girls

1. Girls Striped Rashguard Swimsuit
2. Girls Tie-Dye One Piece Swimsuit
3. Girls Cover-Up Dress
4. Pop Fidget Crazy Straws
5. Reading Timer Bookmark
6. Olive & June Nail Polish
7. Double Jumprope
8. Oranges Knotted Headband
9. Velvet Scrunchies
10. Clay Bead Bracelet Stack
11. Genius Square Game
12. Water Floafers
13. Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty
14. Pool Treasure Diving Gems
15. Washable No-Drip Paint Brush Pens
16. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book
17. Cat Eye Sunglasses
18. Rainbow Trucker Hat
19. 3 Piece Initial Necklace Set
20. Scratch Art Mini Notes