Top Five Friday #37

Happy Friday!  Can you believe that it's the final weekend before Christmas?  Crazy, right?  I have a lot of fun activities planned, and I can't wait to share it all on Monday.


For now, let's talk about some favorite from the week.  This list is going to be all over the place, but that makes it more fun, right?
Let's go!

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

Secret Santa Present

A few months ago, I joined a Facebook community called "Bloggers Gonna Blog".  I'm SO glad that I did, because this is such a supportive group, filled with inspiring bloggers who share their successes, failures, tips, and questions.  I participated in their Secret Santa (organized by Christina and Georgie- check out the linkup to see what everyone else got!) and received a wonderful gift from Kerri at Kerri's Kitchen!

She knows that I'm a runner, so she got me a tank top, headband, and a box of Peppermint Mocha mix from Starbucks, along with a sweet card!  Here's the top:

I love the color- my gym color codes its workout classes, and Centergy is Green so this is perfect for that class- and the top is really flattering!  I love the razorback and the slightly longer back.  Perfect to wear with leggings!  I know I'll get a ton of use out of this and the headbands, and the mocha is amazing.  Thank you so much, Kerri!

(P.S. I got my fellow yinzer Alexa- check out her blog to see what I got her!)

Wedding Dress Try-on

I hinted that I ordered a dress that I mentioned last week, and I got it in on Tuesday!  I ended up choosing dress #5, and here's what it looks like out of the box on me:


I really like how it looks in this picture, but in person it was a total mess!  The bodice is about 5 cup sizes too large, the straps were way too large (or too confusing..I think you're supposed to tie them somehow?) and it was about a foot too long.  The mesh also came with some pulls already, so I knew that would be awful for a jungle wedding!  Time to keep searching.

28 Tweets About Weddings


SO many funny tweets here!  This one might be my favorite :

Pittsburgh Named Top Food City of 2015!

I'm trying to convince all of you to come out to Pittsburgh to visit me, and this might just do the trick.  I love how much the city has transformed from the time I was a little kid, and the restaurant scene is definitely one of the biggest improvements!  I'm embarrassed to admit I haven't tried any of the restaurants included in the list, so that will be a goal for 2016!  Who wants to join me?

Jimmy Fallon and 'Star Wars' cast sing film score

This is a must-watch for all my fellow Star Wars fans out there!  Who is going to see the movie this weekend?  Anyone crazy enough to watch the premier at midnight last night?


Songs

John Williams : Across The Stars

I have to include my favorite Star Wars song!  This one is so gorgeous, and I've always loved it.

Cam : Burning House

I just discovered Cam, and I'm obsessed.  She has such a beautiful voice, and her songs are really catchy.  This particular song is slower and really emotional- it's so great that it was nominated for a Grammy!

Home Free : Your Man

I guess I'm in a country mood, because I can't get enough of this song either!  I love the range of the singer's voice, and I have this song on repeat.  If you want to see a funny Vine with this song, check it out here!

Vera Blue : Hold

This is another new singer to me, but I love how this song sounds.  Vera Blue has such a cool voice with some great harmonies thrown in, and the background music is really soothing and simple.  Put together and you have a really awesome song!

Alvaro Soler : El Mismo Sol

This song transports me right back to Spain, and puts a smile on my face!  I love the lyrics and the background music.  Plus, it features JLo...who can resist that?!


What are your plans for the weekend?
May the force be with you!
What is your song for the week?
Who else did a Secret Santa this year?

Comments

  1. Margaret @ youngandrungryDecember 18, 2015 at 4:37 AM

    Kerri did so good! You can never have too many running tops or headbands! Hahaha that tweet is great and okay, I'm convinced. I need to go to Pittsburgh

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunDecember 18, 2015 at 6:48 AM

      She did an amazing job! And YES you need to visit ASAP!!!

      Delete
  2. UnknownDecember 18, 2015 at 4:54 AM

    Secret santa FTW! Nicccce. And that dress is gorgeous. Now go and get it fitted.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gina DailyDecember 18, 2015 at 5:51 AM

    Ah, I love that tank from your Secret Santa!! I might have to check that out next time I am in Target. Some of my workout clothes are in desperate need of replacement. That might need to be one of my goals for 2016. And way to go Pittsburgh on being top food place! Who would have guessed that!?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunDecember 18, 2015 at 6:49 AM

      It's so cute! You would love it. I was honestly shocked we were #1 ;)

      Delete
  4. UnknownDecember 18, 2015 at 6:04 AM

    SO hard to find a dress online. Do you have any great bridal stores in your area? It's so pretty though, maybe find one in a similar style?! (I love wedding dress talk :)) My son did a secret santa type thing with his friends, we got one of the girls a lululemon gift card. Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunDecember 18, 2015 at 6:50 AM

      I'm sure there are lots of places in Pittsburgh, but I have 0 desire to go dress shopping :( I might have to if I can't find a good one online. BOO!

      Delete
  5. Morgan @ Morgan Manages MommyhoodDecember 18, 2015 at 6:18 AM

    I'm such a Buzzfeed junkie - love that tweet post! Your dress is super pretty, but you can tell from the picture that it just wasn't right. To be honest, if you're looking for something that isn't "wedding"-y but still gorgeous, I would suggest a dress shop that does bridesmaids/prom/formal event dresses. That way you can try a bunch on (and figure out what fit/materials will work best for you! You could even bring a notepad or something to take notes. I'm weird, I know.) and not be forced to pay the "wedding tax" as my husband calls it - the instant hike up on prices once it's associated with a wedding.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunDecember 18, 2015 at 6:51 AM

      Thanks so much for the tip!! I think that's why I don't want to go wedding dress shopping...once it's called a wedding dress it's 200x's more expensive. Ridiculous! I'll definitely check out some prom dresses haha!

      Delete
  6. Jessie MDecember 18, 2015 at 6:23 AM

    I too am embarrassed to admit I haven't been to any of the restaurants they mentioned in the article. So they'll probably end up on my 2016 list too.

    I think there is another Pittsburgh Restaurant week coming up in January. Lots of great restaurants with lots of great deals. Morotns did a super cheap prix fixe during a recent-ish restaurant week. YUM.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunDecember 18, 2015 at 6:52 AM

      I love Restaurant Week! I'll definitely check out some of those places. Cheap prices and amazing food..yesssssss

      Delete
  7. LesleyDecember 18, 2015 at 7:31 AM

    I'm seeing Star Wars tomorrow morning. I may run when I get home today so I don't have to race through morning stuff before the movie.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sarah @pickyrunnerDecember 18, 2015 at 7:35 AM

    ONE of these days I'll make it back to Pittsburgh... before I move home for sure. I feel like wedding dress shopping can be so stressful to find that perfect dress for the occasion, fit, etc. You'll find one!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sarah @ BucketlisttummyDecember 18, 2015 at 7:39 AM

    I love the color of that running tank. Some great gifts you got! And I love Cappella groups!

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownDecember 18, 2015 at 7:47 AM

    I looooove that Vera Blue song it's beauuuuutiful, wow. Incredible. You seriously are such a bounty of music. My iTunes library is getting huge because of you!!! Happy Friday, Gretch!

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownDecember 18, 2015 at 7:48 AM

    AHHH yay so happy that you liked the tank & gift! The green looks great on you! You really can never have too many workout clothes! Also burning house is one of my favorite songs!! I have it on my running playlist right now (even though its a slow song) and I can't get enough!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunDecember 19, 2015 at 2:12 PM

      I loved everything!! Thank you so much for everything :)

      Delete
  12. AnaDecember 18, 2015 at 9:12 AM

    That dress is adorable!! but good luck looking for a new one!

    The force is for sure strong with us! Going to see Star Wars with boyfriend and brothers, a date we've had since July. Got my tickets, a change of clothes for after Zumba and my Vader shirt packed up.

    Totally digging Bajo El Mismo sol!

    My Christmas song was a Mexican oldie, Navidad Sin Ti by Los Bukis. Simply love that song!

    have an awesome weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunDecember 19, 2015 at 2:13 PM

      Thanks Ana! I hope you guys enjoyed the movie :) I'll have to look up that song..I love Mexican music!

      Delete
  13. Amanda @ Exploring Life & ThingsDecember 18, 2015 at 9:37 AM

    I love that running top! Secret Santa's are so much fun, I love them. I also really love Cam too, she's so talented! Have a great weekend :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunDecember 19, 2015 at 2:16 PM

      I can't believe it took me so long to discover her! I've been missing out!

      Delete
  14. Laura NorrisDecember 18, 2015 at 11:28 AM

    That dress is gorgeous! I bet a seamstress can hem it right up and adjust the bodice no problem!
    I'm seeing Star Wars this afternoon! My husband moved around his work hours so we could see it as soon as possible today and I can barely focus on my work right now because I'm so excited.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunDecember 19, 2015 at 2:20 PM

      Thanks Laura! I think if I liked the fabric more I would spend the money to have it fitted...but the mesh was a MESS!! So it's going back :/ Hope you liked the movie!

      Delete
  15. RachelDecember 18, 2015 at 4:32 PM

    The dress looks nice on you but I could see how it would be awful for a jungle. You'll find the right one. Also, awesome swag from your Secret Santa!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunDecember 19, 2015 at 2:21 PM

      Exactly Rachel! I hope I find the right one..we'll see!

      Delete
  16. Fairytales and FitnessDecember 18, 2015 at 8:15 PM

    Your secret Santa gift is great! The only secret Santa type thing I did this year was the blogger card swap! I was happy to get a starbucks gift card!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunDecember 19, 2015 at 2:21 PM

      That swap sounds so fun! Starbucks is always a winner.

      Delete
  17. JenDecember 19, 2015 at 11:34 AM

    oooo love the tank from your secret santa gift!
    According to social media and the blog world, I'm the only person who has never watched a Star Wars movie.

    Jen@Jpabstfitness.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunDecember 19, 2015 at 2:22 PM

      Thanks Jen! And I think you might be..I didn't watch any until I met Dan so I know how you feel!

      Delete
  18. UnknownDecember 19, 2015 at 1:37 PM

    Well...that list is for "most improved" cities for restaurants. I think Pgh has a lot better assets than its restaurants, but that's just me. :) I didn't know you were dress shopping! exciting! You'll find the right one soon enough I'm sure! Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunDecember 19, 2015 at 2:23 PM

      Is it really? The title of the article is misleading! Whoops :) Hope you're having a great weekend!

      Delete
  19. Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC December 21, 2015 at 7:55 AM

    that's a fun secret santa gift! i did a secret santa and also got a gift i loved - an adult coloring book & tea! so sweet :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Mar @ Mar on the RunDecember 21, 2015 at 1:29 PM

    I saw that piece on Pittsburgh. Such a hidden gem for foodies! Can't wait to come home for Christmas this week!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Jess @hellotofitDecember 25, 2015 at 6:36 AM

    Ray interviewed for his residency in Pittsburgh, and he said he liked the city a lot!!
    I love everything that Jimmy Fallon does, haha. I'd love to go see his show.

    ReplyDelete
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