the friday five

Happy Friday! I’m starting a fun new Friday tradition called The Friday Five. Every week I’ll post five things that are bringing me joy this week. This is where I’ll post recipes I like, books I’m reading, products I love. Songs, podcasts, stores, social media accounts. Anything that makes my day a little brighter, I’ll share it in The Friday Five. Should be fun!

1. simplified planner

I’ve never been a planner girl. I want to be a planner girl so badly. I just can’t ever keep one going. But this year (academic year), I’m really excited to try the Simplified Planner. It’s all about helping you structure your life around what matters most. The creator, Emily Ley, is so fun to follow on social media. I love her cheerful and positive Instagram account. She offers tips for setting up the planner, and about being intentional with how we spend our time. Her brand is happy and cheerful, and the planners are gorgeous. I got the watercolor floral weekly planner. My sister got the blue tile daily planner. The academic planners are sold out, but the yearly planners launch in September. And the social media countdown to launch day is full of energy and hype and good vibes.

2. wet brush

A must for girl moms! Or anyone with long hair. My mom and sister are both believers in this brush too. My girls and I have really fine hair that tangles easily. I do not know what kind of voodoo is in this brush, but it just gets tangles out and it is under $10. Mine is purple and the girls go searching for my “purple brush that doesn’t hurt” after bath every night. I need 17 more. You can get one (or 17) here. *

3. girl wash your face

I talked about this book, Girl Wash Your Face, on my Instagram Story a few weeks ago. And I’m talking about it again. The author, Rachel Hollis, writes like she’s talking to her best girlfriend. Her voice is kind and encouraging, and also a kick in the butt to stop being a victim. It’s about shutting down the lies we believe about ourselves and living into who we are meant to be. She talks marriage and kids and business and friendship. She gives practical advice and hilarious anecdotes. It’s an easy, funny, uplifting, no nonsense book to help you get on with being your absolute best self. The one you are created to be.
And, it's on sale right now on Amazon. *

4. the awesome with alison podcast

I love discovering new podcasts these days, and this one is so fun and empowering. Alison Faulkner is a rock star branding professional, writer and influencer. She is known for her inappropriate dance moves, her larger than life personality, and her passion for coaching women towards their dreams. She is like your most outrageous friend who will do anything for you. The podcast is smart and uplifting and fun. It will make you want to jump up and get things done. She says the goal of the podcast is “to make you feel a little more awesome than you did before.” And you probably will.

5. energy bites (or as mae says, injury bites)

These tasty treats are a new favorite in our house. My friend Shelby over at A Style Memoir served them to me and the girls at a playdate, and we were hooked. I like to have a couple in the morning with coffee. And the girls eat them as an afternoon treat. We make a batch pretty much every week. It’s a super simple recipe, and most of the ingredients will last for a bunch of batches, so it’s an easy and inexpensive go to you can make over and over. 

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup flaxseed meal
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup honey
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:
1. Stir together ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Refrigerate mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Roll into bite size balls.
4. Store in refrigerator.

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So that rounds out this very first Friday Five! I hope you love them and I hope they bring you a little joy. Let me know in the comments if you try any of them! Have the best weekend. Go ahead and do a little Friday happy dance!

Love + Light, 
Katie





*Link is an affiliate link, meaning if you buy it, I get a small payment from your purchase. These are products I really do love. When I was working on the links for this post, my business consultant husband said, "Hey, you should get affiliate links for those." And my mind was blown. If you have a website, YOU CAN DO IT TOO! I'll do a post soon about affiliate programs. Because why not get rewarded for helping people find awesome products?!