Friday Favorites

TGIF people! Surprisingly, this week went by quickly for me. Today I'm combining Friday Favorites with Andrea, Narci, and Erika with what I've been up to. Here we go...

ONE


Our "snow" day last week was the highlight of my winter thus far! Unfortunately, with my job there are no snow days because if the market is open then we have to be open. But they told us we should call in if we feel unsafe driving. The roads were really snowy and icy and everything in Charlotte was cancelled so I decided to call out. Everyone needs at least one snow day a year, right!? ;)


I started off the day by Facetiming my Momma with my decision. I was cracking up because she holds the phone so close to her face. Also note that I'm in PJs and no makeup...ahhh snow days.

And in true Lauren fashion I was getting cabin fever by 9 am. So my roomie and I hit the gym. Here was my view from the treadmill.

That afternoon I decided we needed a yummy treat to end our snow day with. I baked Shay's Snickerdoodle bundt cake. It is out of this world. I would definitely recommend this!

TWO

On Sunday, my roomie and I cheered on our Panthers! They are KILLING it! And speaking of killing it...check out that lipstick. I'm obsessed. I know it's an acquired taste but I adore it. It's actually my roomie's. It's Media by MAC.

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I also noshed on some delicious nachos. I've been on a serious nacho kick. I'm thinking I need to come up with a healthy alternative for when I start my diet.

THREE

This. Is. Me. I ordered a bunch of bathing suits this week and got so caught up when it came to shipping, which is pretty silly in the scheme of things. This had me cracking up. Also, sorry for the vulgar Instagram name...eek!

FOUR

I've been hitting the gym as usual but am definitely trying to incorporate more strength training. I always have but I'm pushing for more and for heavier weights. I've been creating some of my own workouts. I might post some in the future. Would that be something y'all are interested in? I'd love to hear your feedback!

Also, another favorite. My new workout shoes :)

FIVE

I went home last weekend to go on a date with my Dad (his Christmas present from me) and to spend time with my fam. We started it off our date by going to the circus. It was a lot of fun!

I didn't take a lot of pictures at the circus but the skits with the animals were by far my favorite part! Then we headed to one of our favorite Italian restaurants. Pasta is just so dang good.

The next day we took a nice walk...

Then ate a delicious lunch!

I never eat steak so it was quite the treat. I also stole was given a hat and a Clemson t-shirt by my parents! I also crack up that when I go home I go shopping in my family's closets haha!

I'm looking forward to a low key weekend. I'm going to spend it being productive and spending time with friends. The biggest thing about this weekend is that I'm kicking off studying for the GMAT...eek! More to come on that later. I hope y'all have a great weekend! Cheers to posting 3 days this week!! xo

Let's talk...

Happy Wednesday, peeps! I hope y'all are having a wonderful week thus far. I'm a little late...oops but today I'm linking up with Andrea and Erika for their new series, Let's Talk! I'm excited to join the link-up. Today we're talking about 2016 and what we plan to accomplish.

I decided to format it that I have 3 overall resolutions with a few measurable goals going with each resolution. Then I'll recap what I'm looking forward to this year! Sound good? Okay, let's go. I'm looking forward to this keeping me accountable. 

Resolutions

1. Overall healthier lifestyle

-I would like to lose 10 pounds and maintain it
-Workout at least 4 times a week
-Dust off that old Fitbit and aim for 10,000 steps at least 5 days a week

Gotta put the time in at the gym!

2. Invest in my relationships

-Facetime more with friends and family
-Put away my phone when I'm with people
-Stay in touch with friends that don't live in Charlotte

My friends and family are my world!

3. Develop my relationship with God

-Read my Bible and Devotional 3 times a week
-Make sure to go to Church at least 3 times a month
-Catch up with Molly's Bible Study

Quiet time and growing closer to the Lord brings me the ultimate peace.

Looking forward...

I'm really looking forward to continuing to do what I love this year...travel, spend time with those I love, exploring my new city, cheering on my Tigers...but most importantly I want to continue to grow as a person. I've really focused on embracing and learning about who I am to the core. I'm pushing back those insecurities and doing exactly what makes me happy. I can't wait to see the growth 2016 will bring me!

Well, here's to 2016! See you lovelies back here on Friday! xoxo

4: Four Facts Survey

Happy Monday, friends! I hope y'all had a great weekend. Today, I'm doing the 4 Facts Survey that my blogger friend, Kylie nominated me for! So here we go...a little bit more about me!

Four names that people call me other than my real name:

1. McGreeves 

2. McG

3. McGiggles
4. Laur

Four jobs I've had:

1. Babysitter

2. Nanny

3. Student

4. Investment specialist

Okay, so some of those are stupid but honestly my "real" jobs have been a nanny and my current role in the financial industry. I talked a little bit about my nannying role here.  

In regards to my current role, I don't talk much about it because with my licensing you have to be careful what's put out there on social media. So, for the most part I've decided to keep my current job private.

Four movies I've watched more than once:

1. 50 Shades of Gray

2. Pearl Harbor

3. The Hangover
4. Lion King

A little all over the place there...just like me ;) And in regards to 50 Shades of Gray...NO. SHAME.

Four books I'd recommend: 

1. Gone Girl

2. The Great Gatsby

3. What Alice Forgot

4. The Best Yes

I love to read and always have so these are just 4 that came to mind. I linked them to where you can buy them...you should check it out!

Four places I've lived:

1. Raleigh, NC

2. Irmo, SC

3. Clemson, SC

4. Charlotte, NC

My apartment view of my current home, Charlotte. 

Four places I've visited:

1. San Diego, CA

2. Sochi, Russia

3. Brussels, Belgium

4. Bilbao, Spain

I linked all my trip recaps above! I've had the best opportunities to travel. 

Four places I'd rather be right now:

1. Visiting my Grandma

2. In a hot tub #keepingitreal
3. Nordstrom
4. At a Clemson game

Four things I prefer not to eat:

1. Pickles

2. Seafood...of any kind 

3. Coconut
4. Pineapple

My thoughts on when people say, "Let's go get sushi!" Ew, no.

Four of my favorite foods:

1. Pancakes

2. Cheeseburgers

3. French fries 

4. Mexican Caesar salad on Kale (from Chopt)

 

Four TV shows I watch:

1. Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

2. Making a Murderer

3. Shark Tank

4. Fixer Upper

Basically, reality television.

Four things I'm looking forward to this year:

1. Traveling more

2. Marking my 1st full year in Charlotte

3. Is it too early to say, college football season?
4. Growing and evolving as an individual

Four things I'm always saying:

1. "Jesus take the wheel"

2. "Thank you for calling **** this is Lauren..."

3. Love ya!
4. Go Tigers!

I seriously say "Jesus take the wheel" 25 times a day.

Four people I tag to answer these questions:

1. Julie

2. Lindsay

3. Seri

4. Kimm

Thanks again Kylie for the nomination! This was so much fun! I hope y'all have a great week and see you back here soon! xoxo

Friday Favorites

 

Link up/Andrea/Erica/Narci

Hallelujah it's Friday!!! And it's a winter wonderland on the East coast!! I'm writing this Thursday night with my pjs on inside out and doing a snow dance. Please, please, please snow! Am I the only one who get's childlike excitement over snow? I think everything looks more magical when it's snowing. This leads me to my first favorite this week...

ONE

Our weather!! I'm hoping to experience my first Charlotte snowfall. This is what it'll look like in my mind...

 

Of course, that's silly and we'll be lucky if the snow even sticks. I always joke that a "snow day" in the Carolinas is just black ice. But nonetheless, the forecast is looking promising!

 

If we have a snow day...I plan on wearing cozy clothes and baking lots of goodies. 

TWO 

Okay, I'm definitely late to this train but oh. my. gosh. Making a Murderer is blowing my mind! My roommate and I are almost finished and I can't wait to see how it ends. I'm always striking up conversation about it with friends and coworkers. I realize it's a biased view but it's amazingly intriguing. I can't wait to finish it!

THREE

Have you ever had to take a mental health day? Well, I went into work Wednesday and was less than enthused to say the least. I was tired and the stock market was crashing so people were freaking out. Some PTO became available for the afternoon so my coworker bestie, Maria, and I snagged it up. We just needed a mental health day. Let me tell you, if that's wrong then I don't want to be right ;)

We decided to take our afternoon and go get pedicures. I got this color...

 

I thought about taking a picture of it on my toes to show you but...I just couldn't do it. The thought of my toes on the internet makes me want to cry hahaha :)

FOUR

If you missed my post Wednesday, you should check it out! I recap my fabulous trip to our nation's capital! 

I just love this picture of me and my main gal.

FIVE

My work is doing a weight loss competition coming up in February. I'm really excited about having the accountability to lose some weight and get to my goal. I'm looking to lose 10 pounds but definitely do it in a way that's maintainable and healthy. So stay tuned for posts about those changes and recipes!

Cute workout clothes make it even better ;) I'm hesitant to spend this much on leggings but I've heard great things about Zella leggings. What are your thoughts? Is it worth the splurge?

Source

Well friends, have a great weekend! I have already posted for next week (GO ME!) so I'll see you back here on Monday :)