Top Five Friday #16

Hellllloo and Happy Friday!  Did everyone have a good week?  Mine went by very quickly, but unfortunately I caught a bug that's been going around at work.  It seems like twice a year everyone on my floor gets sick.  Not fun at all!  I'll be relaxing this weekend, but today I'm sharing five things that I'm loving at the moment!

 

 

Brooks Pure Flow 4

Source: http://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/pureflow-4-womens-running-shoes/120180.html
A few weeks ago, I exchanged the Mizuno Wave Rider 11 for these and I'm in love!  Brooks shoes seem to be a perfect match for my foot, and I've never had any issues with the shoes I've tried (Adrenaline, Ravenna and Pure Flow).  I also have the PureFlow 3, and these have a few updates that I'm really loving: cushioned tongue, softer laces, and slightly firmer sole.  It seems like my feet prefer light-weight shoes like this rather than a stability shoe, so I'm going to keep wearing these until I have issues!


Trader Joe's Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

I love having iced coffee in the summer, and this tastes SO good!  The taste isn't bitter at all, and a bottle lasts me a while.  I just fill up a cup or glass with ice, mix about a half cup of the concentrate with a splash of creamer (right now I'm using french vanilla almond creamer) and fill the rest with milk.  Delicious!  Starbucks also sells a cold brew coffee that's really good, but almost $5.  A bottle of concentrate is only $7.99 (if you do the math, that's less than $1 per drink- and you can customize it how you'd like!)


Pittsburgh Pirates

I absolutely love Pittsburgh's sports teams, and the Pirates are my favorite.  This year we were picked by Buster Olney to win the World Series, and the boys have been playing really great so far this year (thanks to some fantastic pitching and Alvarez moving off of third base...).  I'm still not sure how I feel about McCutchen cutting off his hair, though!  


Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow

A while back, I mentioned wanting this liquid eyeshadow.  I finally got it and I'm in love!  I use Playa del Pink as an everyday eyeshadow and it's absolutely gorgeous.  It's so easy to use (just dot on eyes and blend out) and looks great.  I've gotten so many compliments on it, and it only takes a few seconds!


Express (Minus the) Leather Jacket

This is definitely one of my favorite purchases this year.  After searching for a while for the perfect faux leather jacket for my trip to Europe, I happened upon Gina's blog and fell in love with this one.  It's not flashy or too biker-y, and looks great with everything from jeans to a dress.  I wear it all the time now!  (Also, Gina's blog is a favorite as well. I have to warn you though, she will make you go broke if you don't have self control.  You've been warned.)

Movies

I haven't been in the mood to watch TV shows much this week, so instead I'll be sharing 5 movies that were recently added to Netflix that I can't wait to watch!

Best of Me

I love all Nicholas Sparks's movies, and I LOVE James Marsden.  Can't get any better!

The Butler

I never saw this when it was getting all the Oscar buzz, so I'd love to see it now.  There's such an all-star cast and the plot sounds really interesting.

Cake

I'm SO excited to see this on the list!  I've seen really good reviews of the movie, and can't wait to see Jennifer Aniston in a serious role (especially after seeing her in Friends for the past few months!)

Ballet 422

Even though I have no dancing ability, I have a weird fascination with ballet documentaries.  This one sounds really interesting and follows the New York City Ballet.

On the Road

Another all-star cast, and another film adaptation.  The novel was chosen by Time magazine as one of the 100 best English-language novels from 1923 to 2005- so it's got to be good, right?


Songs

Wake Me Up: Madilyn Bailey

I love the original song, and this acoustic version is so beautiful!  I think Madilyn has such a beautiful voice.  If you haven't listened to her covers, check out her YouTube channel.  Amazing!

Can't Feel My Face: The Weeknd

This song reminds me a lot of Michael Jackson's style, and I really like it!  I've been obsessed with The Weeknd ever since I heard their song on the 50 Shades soundtrack.  Great sound!

U Mad: Vic Mensa ft. Kanye West

This is a perfect running/working out song for me.  Adding to my playlist now!

Biscuits: Kacey Musgraves

I just love the message of this song: Mind your own biscuits and life will be gravy.  Simple, catchy song but more people should listen and follow her advice!!

Chopin's 19 Nocturnes: Arthur Rubinstein

As soon as I started listening to this song, I was instantly transported to a different place and felt so much more relaxed and happy.  It's amazing the power that music has!  If you're having a bad day or need to relax, PLAY THIS NOW!! (note that this is a long one, but each Nocturne is so freaking beautiful that I couldn't just pick one!)

Linking up with Mar, Cynthia and Court 
as well as Heather and Clare!

Comments

  1. MKJune 19, 2015 at 3:19 AM

    EXTREMELY IMPORTANT QUESTION: the liquid eye shadow - do you find at the end of the day, it gets sort of crumbly and collects in the creases of your eyelid?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 19, 2015 at 4:07 AM

      Not at all!! It's really creamy and smooth all day because of the coconut water. Sometimes I notice that it fades a bit, but it never gets crunchy or bunches up!! Hope that helps!

      Delete
  2. Heather [is probably running]June 19, 2015 at 4:49 AM

    Adding Ballet 422 to my queue. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. LesleyJune 19, 2015 at 5:32 AM

    I love that eye shadow color. My colors aren't flashy so I have the usual pinks and beiges for everyday use.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 19, 2015 at 6:08 AM

      Same here- I like it to be neutral with a little something special!

      Delete
  4. Gina DailyJune 19, 2015 at 6:01 AM

    Ooh!! I didn't know TJ's had a cold brew coffee too! I have passed up the Starbucks one at Target several times because of the price and it's in a humongous container that I don't know where to fit in my fridge! I will definitely check out the TJs one! Your (Minus the) leather jacket looks amazing on you!! So glad you are happy with your purchase! I try not to make people go too broke! But I can't help recommending tried-and-true favorite closet staples like this jacket. :) Just added you back on snapchat!! Thanks for letting me know your username and trust me, my story is not that exciting either!
    Gina || On the Daily Express

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 19, 2015 at 6:11 AM

      I hope you like it if you end up trying it! I was shocked at how smooth it is and the container isn't too big (very little extra packaging as opposed to Starbucks's obnoxious bottle!). I owe you for life for showing that jacket..it's like what I've been dreaming of (and a reasonable price). Yay for boring stories!! hahah

      Delete
  5. Dietitian JessJune 19, 2015 at 6:02 AM

    Buccos-yesss! I just bought the cold brew concentrate for my husband and he is loving it and definitely saving $$ - I need to experiment with some fun flavors!

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    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 19, 2015 at 6:10 AM

      Yay for another Pirates fan! The concentrate is great and I also have to experiment a bit. Coconut milk is also great with it!

      Delete
  6. AnonymousJune 19, 2015 at 6:12 AM

    On The Road is a phenomenal book - I've never seen the movie, but if you can, I highly recommend the book! I've also been all about the cold brew coffee - I like to add it into my smoothies in the morning. It's a 2 for 1 plan of attack that way I don't have to drink two beverages... just one : ) Hope you have an awesome weekend!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 19, 2015 at 5:04 PM

      That's great to hear. Adding to my reading list!! And I'll have to try the cold brew in my smoothie..great idea Jamie! Have a great weekend as well!

      Delete
  7. SuzyJune 19, 2015 at 8:22 AM

    Oh, I love this list! Canadian Netflix doesn't get all the same stuff that you guys get, so I'll have to check it out. I like the way "idontearthat" thinks regarding adding cold brew to smoothies ^^^^ that is brilliant!

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    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 19, 2015 at 5:05 PM

      That's a bummer :( Jamie's a smarty..I'm going to try it as well!

      Delete
  8. HoHo RunsJune 19, 2015 at 8:25 AM

    I have not tried the coffee concentrates...but I WILL! I like Kasey Musgraves and run to her song "Blowin' Smoke"? I'm also a Nicholas Sparks fan.

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    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 19, 2015 at 5:06 PM

      I'll have to check out that song! She seems really sweet and I like her voice a lot :) Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  9. SokphalJune 19, 2015 at 12:36 PM

    Oddly enough I saw The Best of Me two weekends and bawled. Waaaah. I love James Marsden too! Oh Nicholas Sparks...you know how to pull on my heart strings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 19, 2015 at 5:08 PM

      Did you see he's going to be on the new Bear Grylls show? That should be interesting..I don't see him as much of an outdoorsy guy (his face is too pretty!)

      Delete
  10. Fairytales and FitnessJune 19, 2015 at 12:54 PM

    I had purchased a pair of Brooks Pure Flows but they gave me blisters. So they did not workfor me. I loved the Best of Me book. The movie was just as good.

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    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 19, 2015 at 5:08 PM

      That's a bummer! That's what happens with me and Mizunos. So weird how different everyone's feet are! I'll have to check out the book as well :)

      Delete
  11. AnonymousJune 19, 2015 at 4:02 PM

    AH yes to Ballet 422 and Cake! Looking forward to both of those. and I LOVE the Nocturnes. Thanks for the reminder!

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    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 19, 2015 at 5:09 PM

      Yay!! So glad I could help :) Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  12. Alanna @ Madeleines & MarathonsJune 19, 2015 at 5:36 PM

    I usually stick with Brooks too. I've had several pairs of Adrenalines, and somewhat recently purchased the Ravennas. I've heard good things about the Pure Flow but I'm not sure if they would be good for my over pronation. They certainly look awesome though and I would like a lighter shoe.

    Iced coffee is the best in the summer! Have a great weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 20, 2015 at 7:03 AM

      I don't think they would work either..they're very neutral. Ravenna is a great shoe though and I hope you like them! Drinking my iced coffee now :) Enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  13. GiGi Eats CelebritiesJune 20, 2015 at 7:23 PM

    Those kicks - I want me a pair! I am a bit of a sneaker whore ;) Oh and a sneaker hoarder too, I have some sneakers dating back to 7 years ago! :o

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    1. Gretchen BraunJune 22, 2015 at 7:59 AM

      Haha same here! I own 0 heels but so many sneakers. I have a hard time letting go of my shoes too...

      Delete
  14. Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?!June 21, 2015 at 8:20 PM

    Love that you have Chopin on your list (as a classical music geek). And you brought back memories of going to Pirates games when I lived in Pittsburgh! I lived walking distance to the stadium so I would walk from work to home and pass right by it every day.

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    1. Gretchen BraunJune 22, 2015 at 8:12 AM

      YES! I knew you would like that one :) I had no idea you lived in Pittsburgh! So cool. It definitely is a neat experience walking home through the crowds, and I love walking down the middle of the Clemente bridge with all the vendors and fans :)

      Delete
  15. Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC June 22, 2015 at 6:51 PM

    sorry about what my nats did to your pirates this weekend, :) hope you had a good one!

    ReplyDelete

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