Today’s schedule originally had me pretty busy. Long run in the morning. Baking after that. A hair appointment in the afternoon. A party to celebrate a friend’s 30th birthday tonight. Too bad none of that worked out.

My hair stylist came down with something, and I had to reschedule my appointment. No big deal. These split ends aren’t going anywhere. She’ll just have more fun with them next week.

Makenzie is pretty sick as well with a bad croup like cough and a high fever off and on. Can’t leave her for the night, so no party. Bummer. I was looking forward to hanging out with some good friends! And making/eating some Better Than Crack Brownies.

Why, hello there, unexpected free day! I would rather have done my original plans, but today didn’t shape out so badly either. I snuck in a nap, folded laundry, and got Makenzie’s birthday party invitations filled out.

Good thing, too. I have her party planned for three weeks from today. I’m on top of things. Clearly. <--- where is the sarcasm font???

I guess it’s time for me to sign off and enjoy my time soothing childhood aches and pains, scrounging up something for dinner, and catching up with the DVR or perhaps even picking up a book that doesn’t talk peroneus longus and sternocleidomastoid. As fun as that is, it will be a nice change.

FFF Features of the Week

I never expect you all to keep up with every post I write, so each week I play catch up with my favorites. Find the posts that I enjoyed writing the most, that sparked the most discussion, or that had the most cuteness…as well as one of my favorite blogs for you to check out. Have a great night!

Featured Personal Post: Stuffed With Emptiness – My First Binge

I greatly appreciated the feedback on this post. I plan on continuing this as a series of key moments in my binge eating journey – a memoir of sorts – in an attempt to openly show the heartaches and truths of this form of disordered eating.

Featured Workout Post: This Call’s For A Celebration!

I finished my personal training studies and shared two strength training workouts I set up using some of that information.

Featured Recipe Post: Hearty Lentil Soup

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Can’t beat a super simple crockpot recipe made for fall!

Featured Positive Post: What Can I Offer This World?

Do you know your gifts? Some thoughts on ways to figure them out.

Featured Blogging Post: Quality Content

And thank you for the feedback in the survey. It really helped me learn a lot so I can mesh my preferences with yours to make FFF the best it can be.

Featured Fun Post: Who Can Get Me Out Of My Pajamas?

Fun meet-up with blog friend, Lindsay.

Featured Cuteness Post: “Must-Dos” or “To-Dos”

Must-do? Make time with the two cutest kids in the world!

Featured Reading: Life of Blyss

I don’t think Alyssa could be more down-to-earth and funny if she tried. Her blog always brings a smile to my face and I look forward to reading every post. Give this fabulous gal some love today!

• Are you a good party planner?
• How do you use unexpected free time?

I hate those times I feel like I keep wishing away time, but this week I don’t care. I am sooo happy it is finally Friday. This week dragged for me. It’s about time I get the chance to catch up on some sleep. Although I more hope Makenzie catches up on sleep. The “terrible twos” has gone to a new level this week. Love her much, but man can she have an attitude.

Today started off like any other Friday. I took my dear, sweet time getting out of bed because it’s a rest day and proceeded to start my day with breakfast and a cup of coffee. I went for the hot cup of joe this morning.

And I have finally figured out why I prefer iced coffee over hot coffee – I don’t have to brew iced coffee fresh every morning. Iced coffee awaits me in the fridge. Hot coffee does not. I don’t have much patience pre-caffeine. Therefore, iced coffee wins.

After getting some “wake-up drug” into my system and taking care of my motherly duties, I headed off to drop Makenzie off at school. One of my favorite parts of Friday rest days?

I stay in my pajamas until after dropping her off at preschool. Let’s hope neither of her teachers need to call me in for a chat. It could be embarrassing.

I promise I get myself dressed afterwards. Or at the very least, on days I have plans. Today I had special plans.

Told ya I needed a coffee IV today. A side of girlfriend chat was needed too.

Hi Lindsay! You saved me from staying in pajamas all day.  

Lindsay, from the blog Lindsay’s List, came to Atlanta for the weekend and we knew we had to find time to get together. We could only manage a quick coffee visit between both of our schedules, but I’m so glad we fit it in.

We sat and talked for about 30 or 40 minutes, but could have easily spent way more time together. We connected over so many things – our families, our faith, our love of fitness and blogging…and our husbands even do the same thing! She has plans to come back to Atlanta in December, so hopefully we will have more time together then. I love my blog friends!

I had to jet real fast from our meet-up to pick Makenzie up from school and come home for lunch. Lunch today featured leftovers.

Homemade vegetable lasagna! I impressed myself with this one. (Don’t worry – the recipe is coming your way this weekend. )

I want to eat this for every meal now. Not only because it tastes so flipping good, but also because I don’t want to go grocery shopping right now. I really need to figure out a time I am more motivated to hit the store. I’m done with any sort of to-dos by Friday afternoon and already dislike grocery shopping. It’s like salt in an open wound going Friday afternoon!  Guess my family needs to eat, though…so I’m off. Blahhhhh!

• What time of the week do you HATE running errands?
• Do you have a “pajama morning” where you stay in comfy clothes longer?

Something to check out: I find this story really cool - Katie Stagliano is a 13 year old girl who started a movement for kids to garden and grow healthy food to feed those less fortunate. Healthy and helping?! Talk about a girl who knows her gifts! If interested, Everyday Health TV will be airing her story tomorrow on ABC. Check the link for local listings.

PS – No. I was not compensated to share that. Just so we’re clear, disclaimer Nazis.