Friday Favorites: Mini Life Updates

Happy Friday, friends! It feels like Chicago has finally turned the corner on spring weather (fingers crossed!), so I’m going to spend this weekend being outside as much as possible. I haven’t done a Friday favorites post in a while where I just talk about life, so I thought I’d share some mini updates today.

One.
Chris just worked seven night shifts in a row, and I’m so glad that’s over. Seven 14-hour shifts in a row are exhausting, and it’s a relief to get back on a more manageable schedule.

Two.
On Wednesday night, I got emotional watching a legend retire. Growing up, my dad worked crazy hours, but he loved to unwind by watching Lakers games. I loved watching them with him, and the games quickly became our father-daughter activity. Kobe Bryant was my hero. As someone who has an extremely competitive nature, he taught me it was OK to be that way. I have always admired his determination to be the very best (I even wrote a book report about him in the sixth grade!). Two of my favorite memories were going to a game with my dad and sitting right behind the Lakers bench, and the time the Lakers won the championship while we were in Hawaii, and Dad ran out on the balcony and screamed “Lakers are the champions!” The amazing part was a bunch of people shouted back at us!

This week, I watched a legend go out in style (60 points!). It felt like the end of my childhood all over again. I will always remember all those nights with my dad watching an incredible player.

Three.
On Thursday, I met up Lex from Lex Nelson Photography for a fun photo shoot! She wanted to play around with a film camera, and I volunteered to be a model for her. She’s so sweet, and it was super fun! She offered Chris and me a mini session in exchange for the film shoot, and we had a blast. I can’t wait to see how the photos turn out!

Four.
Skyler is always so excited when her Chewy shipment arrives, so I felt a little bad that this time, the shipment was for me. This month, I picked the Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Remover in Tropical Bloom, and I love it already! When Skyler get sick, it can be hard to get rid of the smell. This stain and odor works super well and smells great! I love how I can use it both on our hardwood floors, our rugs, and our furniture. I will definitely be picking up another bottle once we’re done with this one.

I received the Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Remover in Tropical Bloom from Chewy, but all opinions are my own. 

Five.
After our photo session, we made it over to another restaurant off of my Chicago restaurant list, Smoque. I was in the mood for a chopped brisket sandwich, and Smoque really delivered. I’ll share more about Smoque in my next Chicago update, but let’s just say it’s worth the drive.

Also, I didn’t want to include this as part of my Friday favorites (because it’s not), but I have an MRI on Monday, and I would love your prayers and positive thoughts! (I feel strange sharing even this tiny health tidbit on an online platform, but I have tried to be as honest and authentic as possible on this blog. I will share a little update once I know more.)

Linking up with Amanda, Karli, and the High Five for Friday girls.

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!