Hello, strangers! Long time no see after Peter hijacked the blog yesterday and then the usual Sunday self-love reflection this morning. I’m not complaining, though. I was obviously VERY surprised thanks to the best husband in the world. I have been having a great time and can’t wait to share it all with you…tomorrow. I know. I’m such a tease. I don’t want to skimp on all the fun, though! I have more plans to run off for now, so I will leave you with this week’s FFF Features. I hope your weekend has been fabulous and I will see you tomorrow. 

FFF FEATURES

Featured Personal Post: My Irrational Fear

Turns out I’m not alone in this one. You all also really enjoyed the post on “Am I Ready To Be A Mommy??”.

Featured Blogging Post: Blogging Money Talk

I opened up on my thoughts about blogging money – including how much I make from blogging and ways I have come across opportunities via blogging.

Featured Workout Post: My Fitness Truths

Runner-Up: Elliptical Interval Workout

Featured Recipe: Pumpkin Carrot Cake Bread

Only two slices left of this dense, moist, too-good-to-be-true bread. I shall hoard it forever!

Featured Fun Post: FRIENDS Talk!!!

Runner-Up: Peter’s Hijacking

Featured Cuteness: It’s Going To Be A Long 18 Years

Featured Reading: Healthy Diva Eats

Katie has SUCH a fun blog. She touches on literally everything - food, fitness, fashion, family – with such a positive and spunky attitude. You seriously need to read her blog!

• Now you tell me – what was the best part of your week? Any new favorite blogs?

It feels so nice to finally be at the winding down part of the day. Today has been mad hectic. Running ten miles on the treadmill wore me out, of course, but that doesn’t stop life from happening. We had some fun on our schedule today. A birthday party extravaganza for one of Makenzie’s friends!

This party wasn’t the standard affair. My friend hosted her son’s party at a place called Glazed and Fired – a really neat paint your own pottery and art studio.

Makenzie and her friends each got to pick out their own special apron and paints to do some pirate ship painting. Argh, matey!

My little ar-teest.  

After getting on with our artistic selves, the time came for lunch, cake, and three cheers all around for the birthday boy. Which, he was SO adorable today in a little pirate costume. I fear Makenzie will insist on dressing as Belle for her birthday party next month after seeing E dressed up in his pirate garb. If there’s one thing she loves more than ducks, it is all things princess.And Belle in particular. I’m partial to Ariel myself, but whatever. Back to the food!

I filled up on a plate with pasta salad and fruit.

I love it when parties feature lighter meal options! That way I can have more room in my belly for things like this…

Now, that is a piece of birthday cake! Check out that pile of frosting on top and the thick frosting layer in the center. Publix – they know birthday cake!

Now, it’s that time of the week again. A look at my favorite posts from the past 7 days. Hope you enjoy any you may have missed!

FFF FEATURES

Featured Personal Post: A Lesson In Patience

Lessons I think we can ALL related to…and I know I need on a daily basis.  

Featured Blogging Post: Blogging Numbers – Page Views and Money Talk

I still can’t believe I went there…but I think it was worth it. Can’t wait for part two next week!

Featured Workout Post: “I’ll Sleep Like A Baby Tonight” Workouts

Featuring a little bit of everything – an upper body workout, a lower body workout, and my favorite at-home cardio DVD recommendation.

Featured Recipe: Three Bean and Feta Salad

A great option for pot-lucks or as a side dish at home.

Featured Fun Post: Reaching 1000 Posts & NuNaturals Giveaway

Runner-Up: 13 Crazy But True Ways Motherhood Helps Me Stay Fit

Featured Cuteness: The Plethora of Photos in My “Cliché” Post

Featured Reading: Charissa @ Colourful Palate

I can’t stop drooling over the recipes and pictures on her blog! Go read it NOW!

• Are you artistic?
• What was the most fun thing you did this past week?