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December 1, 2023 · Leave a Comment

Friday Favorites: Volume 38

Favorite Things

Happy Friday! It’s been over a month since we had a proper Friday Favorites post, so we have a few things to cover! We’ve got everything from the usual what I am reading; a new hair tool I’m loving; and a new-ish Mexican restaurant in Charlotte (Puerta) that I loved!

CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 Blowout Brush

My Revlon brush finally bit the dust during our recent trip to Italy. I think the outlets overseas killed it because on one of our last days in Rome, when I was drying my hair, it smelled like my hair was on fire lol

I stumbled across this CHI one that is a little bit more expensive than the Revlon, but you can switch out the round brush for a hair dryer attachment, or a paddle brush, or a diffuser! I figured that would make it more convenient while traveling because I often still need to blow dry my hair a bit before I use the round brush. I’ve really been liking it so far, especially for travel because now I don’t have to bring a hair dryer and the round brush blow out dryer!

I also don’t think it’s as loud as the Revlon and the shape of the round brush gives my hair a different look that I really like.

1989 (Taylor’s Version)

Been listening to this on repeat since it came out! I think this is my favorite rerecord that Taylor has done so far. I may be a little biased because 1989 was already a top tier album in my books, but the vault tracks are the best ones!

1989 Taylors Version Target Vinyl

Now That We Don’t Talk is my fave:

Cranberry and Orange Anything

Maybe it’s because I’m getting into the Christmas spirit, but I have been really obsessed with anything cranberry and orange flavored right now! I have some ideas for recipes involving that flavor combo that I really want to try out too.

I am going to a neighborhood cookie exchange in a couple of weeks, and I am thinking about trying these out! I don’t have a go-to Christmas cookie recipe, so I may just be trying some new recipes out to bring.

Puerta in Charlotte, NC

Puerta opened in Charlotte in August, so I somehow managed to try out a cool new restaurant within a few months of it opening? Who am I? A friend and I had a kids-free mom’s night out here a few weeks ago and really loved it!

Puerta Charlotte NC

Highly recommend the lamb birria empanadas! That was my favorite thing that I had, and I haven’t stopped thinking about them. We split the salsa trio and then I got two tacos for my entree: a carne asada and the crispy fish (the latter was my fave). I also got a spicy margarita that hit the spot!

If you are in Charlotte and looking for a new Mexican restaurant to try, check out Puerta in the Elizabeth neighborhood.

Currently Reading

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas

This is the fourth book in the Throne of Glass series. I’ve been enjoying the series pretty well so far and felt like I was waiting for Queen of Shadows for months before it finally became available at the library.

I literally started it last night, so I don’t have any opinions to share yet, but you can follow me on Goodreads if you want to know my final verdict once I do finish it!

Audiobook: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

This one has randomly been on my to read list for a while. I’m about 30% through it, and I’m honestly not loving it, but I’m going to stick it out! I feel like I read a lot of time travel books, so I’m not sure if this one has a twist that makes it really special.

If you are like me and enjoy listening to audio books, you can get 2 free audio books with Audible Premium Plus here!

2023 Reading Challenge

2023 Reading Challenge
Sara Ann has completed her goal of reading 50 books in 2023!
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55 of 50 (100%)
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Hey there!

I’m Sara Ann and am a big fan of fresh flowers, traveling, and eating a pint of Ben & Jerry’s in one sitting. I share my life, loves, ideas, and everything in between with the hope to inspire and help make the lives of regular folks (maybe like you!) simpler, happier, and healthier.

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saraannsutton

let’s create a suburban fairytale 📚🧚🌷
lifestyle, motherhood, DIY, & a dash of whimsy ✨
💌 saraann@theregularfolks.com

What I Eat in a Day: 23 weeks pregnant and attempt What I Eat in a Day: 23 weeks pregnant and attempting to be carb-conscious (my doctors have asked me to be carb-conscious because of my history of gestational diabetes!) PSA: I’m not including vegetables (unless they are starchy) in this carb count bc my dietician said I don’t need to count them 😌

Breakfast: sweet potato hash with @jonesdairyfarm chicken sausage, egg, and feta cheese + coffee with sugar-free @coffeemate 

Snack: @costco protein bar

Lunch: 1 slice of Ezekiel bread with pimento cheese and tomato + apple

Snack 2: low-carb yogurt with @sevensundayscereal granola and strawberries

Dinner: @chickfila Cobb salad (s/o to their app designer bc their nutrition facts makes it so easy when you’re counting carbs!!)

Snack: @barebells.usa protein bar (@sheetz has a great protein bar selection!!)

Bedtime snack: @fairlife chocolate milk 🥛🍫❤️

#gestationaldiabetes #carbconscious #pregnancy #healthymealideas
What I ate in a day at 22 weeks pregnant with a hi What I ate in a day at 22 weeks pregnant with a history of gestational diabetes (my doctors have asked me to be carb-conscious because of my history!) PSA: I’m not including vegetables (unless they are starchy) in this carb count bc my dietician said I don’t need to count them 😌

Breakfast: breakfast burrito with egg, @jonesdairyfarm chicken sausage, tomato, and avocado (I know I should switch to a lower carb tortilla but just let me have this one indulgence lol) + sugar-free @coffeemate in my coffee

Snack: @costco brand protein bar

Lunch: Cannellini bean salad (about 1/2 cup beans in this serving) with tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, feta, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, salt/pepper + 2 mini naan bites

Dinner: crispy chicken cutlet topped with Caesar salad (love the @chosenfoods dressing) + side of strawberries 

Bedtime snack: @fairlife chocolate milk 🥛❤️🍫

#pregnancy #gestationaldiabetes #whatieatinadayrealistic
And it’s not even officially fall yet 🙂🍁🍂 #fallact And it’s not even officially fall yet 🙂🍁🍂 #fallactivities #toddlermom #parentinghumor #marriagehumor
When I had my first child, I underestimated the po When I had my first child, I underestimated the power of a peaceful bedroom to recover postpartum and exist in the newborn bubble. It might sound kind of silly, but I want to create a peaceful haven in my bedroom for postpartum because the newborn trenches are tough! 

I’m going for neutral in here, but more layered, earthy, textured and elevated (without feeling formal). Next up is styling my bed, giving my nightstands and dressers and makeover, and lots more decor and styling! #homediy #pregnancy #bedroommakeover #bedroomdecor
#SecretDeoPartner On days when I don’t initially f #SecretDeoPartner On days when I don’t initially feel my best, I try to be intentional about doing simple acts to turn that feeling around: putting on a cute outfit just to wear around the house; decorating for fall (arguably) a little early; or wearing an amazing scent. The Secret Cocoa Butter Invisible Solid is my FAVORITE, and its all day freshness gives me a boost of confidence throughout the day. #RomanticizingLife #ToddlerMom @secretdeodorant
Here’s some simple things to do to make this week Here’s some simple things to do to make this week a little more whimsical, magical, and fun ❤️✨ do it for yourself, do it for your kids, do it for both! #whimsy #whimsicalchildhood #toddlermom
My doctor asked me to be carb conscious because of My doctor asked me to be carb conscious because of my history of gestational diabetes, so here is what I ate in a day at 21 weeks pregnant!

1st breakfast: savory breakfast muffins made with @kodiakcakes pancake mix + coffee with sugar-free @coffeemate 

2nd breakfast: thin slice of sourdough with smashed avocado and egg

Lunch: sourdough with pimento cheese and tomato + blueberries + @lesserevilsnacks popcorn

Snack: boiled peanuts

Dinner: ground beef burrito bowl with brown rice and black beans

Bedtime snack: @ghostlifestyle protein cereal with low carb milk

#gestationaldiabetes #diabetes #mealideas #pregnancy
These simple days with my sweet family are the day These simple days with my sweet family are the days I always dreamed about and now that I’m living them, I won’t take them for granted ❤️✨ 

#whimsicalchildhood #toddlermom #slowlifestyle #simplelife
What I ate in a day at 20 weeks pregnant with a hi What I ate in a day at 20 weeks pregnant with a history of gestational diabetes! I am trying my best to follow the diet I followed with my 1st pregnancy. Fingers crossed I don’t have GD this time around though (being tested at 24 weeks 🫩) 

Breakfast: viral spring roll “bagel” filled with sausage, egg, and cheese + matcha latte with @fairlife milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup from @torani 

Supplements: prenatal and probiotic from @gardenoflife choline from @naturemadevitamins, and vitamin D

Lunch: chicken&pork gyoza, soy sauce + apple

Snack: PB protein cereal from @ghostlifestyle and @fairlife milk

Dinner: viral sheet pan beef “kebabs” with low-carb wrap from Ole, roasted zucchini, tomato, feta, tzatziki, and hummus

Bedtime snack: low-carb vanilla Greek yogurt and @sevensundayscereal granola

#gestationaldiabetes #pregnancy #2ndtrimester
Sometimes, boys have childhoods that are centered Sometimes, boys have childhoods that are centered around traditionally boy-ish things like trucks and sports, and while my son LOVES those things, I think boys don’t always get all the whimsy that girls get. Whimsy is for girls AND boys!! Every childhood deserves to be whimsical 🥰 #toddlermom #toddleractivities #whimsy #whimsicalhome
Every month, my toddler and I shop for our local c Every month, my toddler and I shop for our local community blessing box ❤️ I use this as an opportunity to teach him about taking care of others in our community in big and little ways. This is everything we got for August! #blessingbox #foodpantry #toddlermom
What I ate in a day at 19 weeks pregnant with a hi What I ate in a day at 19 weeks pregnant with a history of gestational diabetes! I am trying my best to follow the diet I followed with my 1st pregnancy. Fingers crossed I don’t have GD this time around though 😅

Breakfast: refried beans, fried egg, guac, salsa, chicken sausage from @jonesdairyfarm , and obviously @cholulahotsauce + matcha latte feat sugar-free syrup from @torani 

Supplements: prenatal and probiotic from @gardenoflife, choline from @naturemadevitamins, and vitamin D

Lunch: low-carb wrap from Ole, lightly breaded chicken nuggets from @justbarechicken tzatziki, avocado, lettuce + and apple

Snack: everything @thesolacompany bagel with jalapeño cream cheese

Dinner: turkey burger bowls with roasted sweet sweet potato, lettuce, avocado, salsa, and spicy ranch

Bedtime snack: @fairlife chocolate milk (THE BEST!!!)

#gestationaldiabetes #pregnancy #2ndtrimester
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