Top Five Friday #34

Happy Friday!  I don't have any big intro for today - it's been a tough and long week at work, so my brain is fried (to prove how much- when I tried to type "fried" I wrote "friend" about three times before I got it right).  So, let's just hop right into my favorites for the week!  I hope you all have a great weekend!

Dark Purple Nail Polish

This week I painted my nails a dark purple, and I absolutely loved how it looked!  There are so many options at different price points that I wanted to share.  My personal favorite formulas for nail polish are Wet n' Wild- it's really cheap, and I love the wide brush which makes application a breeze- and Formula X- a bit more expensive but huge color range and it lasts forever on my nails!

Wet n' Wild in Disturbia
Formula X in Desire
OPI in Lincoln Park at Midnight
Essie in Wicked
Sally Hansen in Pat on the Black

Marley Coffee

I decided to switch up my normal K Cup routine and use my French Press!  I got one a few years ago, and have been neglecting it ever since I got a Keurig.  I picked up Marley coffee from the store, and it's delicious!  I put about 2 tablespoons in my french press, then fill it with boiling water.  A few minutes later and you get perfect coffee.  On a side note, does anyone have a travel mug recommendation?  I have one that isn't insulated and seems to leak and spill a lot- not ideal for bumpy bus rides in the morning!

Trader Joe's Superfood Pilaf

I picked this up from the store last week, and it's delicious!  It seems like it would be really easy to make at home (quinoa, kale, carrots and sweet potatoes), so I'll be attempting this next week.  I love this as a healthy and easy side for dinner!

Stove Simmer

source
I've been spending a lot of time in my kitchen lately.  I live in a one-bedroom apartment, so the kitchen is also used for my dining room and my "home office".  I decided to try out a stove simmer, which is basically a natural air freshener.  A Beautiful Mess shared a few ideas, but I just throw in whatever I have on hand and need to use up.  It smells so good and fresh, and makes me want to spend more time in the kitchen.  Pair that with the Christmas Piano Pandora station and I'm never leaving!

Happiness Project Update

Gold Star: This week, I've been doing a great job of keeping my apartment neat, and actually went on a cleaning rampage over the weekend.  I spent a lot of time deep cleaning the few rooms in my apartment, and have kept it clean all week.  I've even been keeping my sink empty, which is a huge accomplishment for me! This is my gold star because cleaning led to two great things this week.  First, I found two unused gift cards in my kitchen and two guest passes for my gym.  Second, my apartment had surprise inspections this week to check for bed bugs, so I didn't have to stress about cleaning!  It was already clean!

Gold Star #2:  I had such a great week that I'm giving myself two gold stars rather than any demerits.  I'll talk more about this in my training update for the week, but I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone twice this week in my workouts.  I joined a really fast group for a track workout on Wednesday, and I went swimming yesterday.  Both ended up being amazing workouts, so I'm really glad that I went!

Fashion

 Target Sweater (similar) x Treasure and Bond Jeans x Reebok Sneakers

Forever 21 Sweater (similar) x Columbia Baselayer Tights x Nick and Nora Slippers (similar)
P.S. I was working from home this day!  And this was the most comfortable outfit EVER.


HM Dress (similar) x Target flats x Express Jacket
BTW- the Express jacket that I wear all the time is on sale!  Grab one NOW!

Songs

Hotline Bling - Amy Vachal
Last week I included the original in my songs of the week, and this week Amy killed it on the Voice with this stunning cover.  I love how she made it sounds so classy and beautiful.

WTF (Where They From) - Missy Elliot
I had to include Missy's new song!  I've always been a huge fan of hers, so I was really excited to see a new release.  I immediately added this to my workout playlist, and it doesn't disappoint!

25 - Adele
I haven't actually listened to Adele's new album (which comes out today) but I'm just assuming it's going to be amazing.  Do yourself a favor and spend today listening on repeat and let me know which song is your favorite!
 
Snow in California - Ariana Grande
This may technically be a Christmas song, but I love it anyway.  Ariana is one of my favorite singers, and this is such a pretty song!  I can kind of relate to the lyrics right now- it feels like spring and summer right now, and I'm almost ready for some snow!

Hello - Bryson Andres
Yes, half this list is Adele songs.  Deal with it.  I'm sure you've heard every cover imaginable of the song of the fall, but I want to add this one to the mix if you haven't heard it.  Violin makes everything better for me, and I love how creative Bryson is...not only with this song but all of his covers!  I highly recommend checking out his entire channel!



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

Comments

  1. Margaret @ youngandrungryNovember 20, 2015 at 4:11 AM

    My mom does the best stove simmers! They are part of my favorite Christmas memories!
    Woo! Great job with keeping your apartment clean. When I get busy, that's the first thing to go. Oh, and my ability to spell words like "fried," but I misspell words regardless. I hope you have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 22, 2015 at 8:06 AM

      I'd love to hear some of your favorite recipes! I'm still playing around but I bet there's lots of combinations :) Enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  2. Elle SeesNovember 20, 2015 at 4:24 AM

    i did that stovepot simmer this week! it came up on my timehop that i did it last year, so i got inspired. i love dark polishes this time of year and that def includes purple!! have a great weekend, doll!

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    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 22, 2015 at 8:07 AM

      I can't believe I've been missing out all my life! This is the first time I ever did one, and I want to do it all the time now. Amazing!

      Delete
  3. UnknownNovember 20, 2015 at 5:49 AM

    Hi Gretchen! I just got my nails painted a deep purple yesterday, which is not my normal choice. And I LOVE that dress. Hope your weekend is great, lady!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 22, 2015 at 8:08 AM

      I have so many purples in my collection! It works well for my complexion and i just love the shade :) Thanks for stopping by Ashley!

      Delete
  4. Fairytales and FitnessNovember 20, 2015 at 6:16 AM

    I love all shades of purple. I always go for more of the maroon color. I really like the Hello song from Adele. And like u said I'm sure the rest of her album is just as good.

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    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 22, 2015 at 8:08 AM

      I still haven't listened to it (waiting for it to come on Spotify) but the clips I've heard are amazing!

      Delete
  5. LesleyNovember 20, 2015 at 6:19 AM

    I have some purple and pink nail polish colors, which is such a difference. Light pinks and dark purples. It's what I like though, and works for me :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Gina DailyNovember 20, 2015 at 6:25 AM

    Purple is my favorite color although it is really hard for me to pull off on my nails! It has to have a certain amount of brown or something for me to wear it, but I am loving all your suggestions and need to check them out in person. Also love seeing your outfits again! LOVE the dress and moto jacket! So great! I don't remember when your birthday is but now I am curious since I have a little better sense of your style and I'm all about Astrology style. :)
    Gina || On the Daily Express

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    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 22, 2015 at 8:09 AM

      Thank you Gina! I like how those two look together..made me feel fashionable for a day :) My birthday is June 28- cancer!

      Delete
  7. UnknownNovember 20, 2015 at 6:44 AM

    Love purple polish on my toes

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownNovember 20, 2015 at 6:46 AM

    Oooooh I super super love that Express jacket. And as usual, I'll be checking out those songs once everyone wakes up here!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Morgan @ Morgan Manages MommyhoodNovember 20, 2015 at 8:17 AM

    Love that jacket! My mom used to do stove simmers like that when i was little around the holidays and it always smelled so amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 22, 2015 at 8:10 AM

      I never grew up with them but now i want it to be a tradition :)

      Delete
  10. Amanda @ Exploring Life & ThingsNovember 20, 2015 at 9:30 AM

    I love your blog! I feel like you have a lot of creative posts and I can definitely relate! Adele's album is absolutely perfect. I've been listening to it nonstop for like 4 hours haha. Check out "When We Were Young" and "Sweetest Devotion!"

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    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 22, 2015 at 8:11 AM

      I really appreciate your comment Amanda! I try to be as creative as possible so it means a lot for you to say that :) I'll definitely check out those songs right away!

      Delete
  11. Laura NorrisNovember 20, 2015 at 10:48 AM

    I love Essie nail polishes and will have to check out that shade - the dark purples are so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownNovember 20, 2015 at 10:53 AM

    Yes to purple nail polish of any shade or tint! I love stove simmers, too. And I think that the panda sweater needs to go with the black jacket and some skinnies :D

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

      Ohh that sounds cute..I'll have to try it out. I don't usually wear it in public so it's my cozy home sweater but I might have to test that outfit out :)

      Delete
  13. UnknownNovember 20, 2015 at 2:58 PM

    Loving everything in this post! I'm trying not to go to the Express site to check out that jacket. I've loved it ever since you first posted about it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 22, 2015 at 8:13 AM

      You make me buy so much from Lulu so now you know how I feel!!

      Delete
  14. James @ halfmarathonjamesNovember 21, 2015 at 12:42 PM

    Good work on the cleaning! It's amazing how quickly it can all build up. I never seem to be done cleaning, and it's only me in the house! That stove simmer looks ideal for mulled wine... :)

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    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 22, 2015 at 12:53 PM

      Thanks James! I'm sure if you dumped in a bunch of wine it would taste great as well ;)

      Delete
  15. Jennifer @ Run Jenny RunNovember 21, 2015 at 3:42 PM

    I love that jacket and purple polish! I haven't had a pedicure since before my marathons, about time I go. The panda shirt is adorable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 22, 2015 at 12:54 PM

      Thanks Jenny! You definitely deserve a pedicure :)

      Delete
  16. Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMeeNovember 22, 2015 at 10:41 AM

    I love ALL of those purples! Nothing better than deep, rich jewel tones this time of year!!!!!
    Love your leopard dress!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Jess @hellotofitNovember 24, 2015 at 12:40 PM

    Ooo loving those deep purple nail polish colors! I'm still looking for an army green color....Essie doesn't seem to have one at Target right now.

    ReplyDelete

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