{Five on {Friday} Favorites}

Woop woop! FRI-YAY!

And it's Cinco de Mayo!

Who's eatin' queso tonight? (raises hand) Anyone else? Anyone? 

Today we're doing the usual around here. We're sharing five Friday faves :)

1 - Diff Eyewear - Sale Alert!

If you follow me on Insta, you know that last fall I about freaked when JoJo Fletcher came out with a line of Diff Eyewear benefiting ocular melanoma. For every pair of sunglasses you buy, Diff always donates a pair of reading glasses to someone in need, but for these special glasses, a portion also goes to raising awareness for ocular melanoma (a rare aggressive form of eye cancer and my biggest bully). 

So when I saw the cause and saw the purpose - and that they came in purple - I had about a millisecond response rate. 

And NOW these puppies are on major sale for $37! And just in time for summer. So if you're needing a new pair of shades and want to buy with a purpose - these are for you :) 

They also come in pink, but they're out of stock on Diff's website. You can still buy them here, but for full price. Wamp wamp. Purple > pink, anyways :)

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2 - Rodan + Fields Micro-Dermabrasion Paste

Okay, so I know a few weeks ago I shared with you a new face mask I am obsessed with, but today I'm sharing my new favorite cleanser. I'm getting married in 6 months, I'm all about the skin care these days :) 

This is a sugar/salt scrub (no oils!) that makes your skin feel baby smooth. It's the perfect amount of exfoliate. It's rough enough to get all the nasty out, but soft enough that you still have skin cells left. Always a win. Now. Hear this. It's not cheap. But the amount you use each time is about the size of your pinky nail (a little goes a loooong way), and you only use it a couple of times a week. I fully believe the jar above would last you for a year. 

I think it's going to be my go-to for the summer. It's the perfect deep cleanse after sunscreen, chlorine, and SWEATING. Because, Texas y'all. #372degreesonthereg

Also - I don't sell Rodan + Fields. So I get literally no benefit from you buying it. 

I just really like it and wanted to share. :) 

You can check it out here.

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3 - OPI: Let's Be Friends

This one is humorous. So if you visited yesterday, you know there was a huge (internal, self-created) debacle with my nail color for our engagement pictures, and I absolutely hated them. On Tuesday. 

The color is a very pale pink (almost white), and it initially overwhelmed me. I have big nail beds and it was just a LOT of white. I had to ask 5 friends before I drove away from the nail salon. It was a thing. 

And then by Tuesday night I was used to them, by Wednesday I actually kind of liked them, and by Thursday I was obsessed. So today? They're a favorite. 

I know a good neutral is hard to find, so I wanted to share the find! 

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 4 - Eggplant Medallions with Turkey Tomato Sauce

 The delicious (totally healthy) meal I shared Tuesday and have been eating on all week! If you're tired of the same ole healthy foods (I'm looking at you, chicken sausage) and need something a little different, throw an eggplant into your mix. It's easy and totally worth your while :)

You can check out the recipe here.

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5 - Vine and Branches

Who needs a new knick-knack?! 

I shared my first Vine and Branches piece when I talked about how we are all doing just fine in life, and then when I went to the wedding of the little brother of the owner of Vine and Branches (did you follow?), THESE were the favors! How awesome, right?

She just restocked her Etsy shop so I wanted to share the goods.  

Here are some of my favorites:

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And those are my 5! I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

Until next time,

Katy

{Five on {Friday} Favorites}

Man. It has been a hot minute since I've done some Friday Favorites/Five on Friday. 

Okay, well it actually has been a hot minute since I've blogged in general, but I love me some Friday Favorites. Partially because I love sharing all the things that make me happy, and partially because when this blog post comes around, it means a weekend is just around the corner :)

And today we're starting with one of the things that makes me most happy in life...

SHOES. 

1 - Kensa Peep Toe Booties (Vince Camuto)

Okay. So I'm not a shopper. I walk in Nordstrom and am overwhelmed. If it's on a mannequin, there's a 90% change I'll try it on. If it's on the rack, there's a 10% chance I'll even look at it. Then they came out with this little thing called Like to Know It, and all my shopping problems dissipated. Along with all my dollars. 

I blogged about Like to Know It a long time ago when it came out, and it has very much since evolved (hello that was two whole years ago), but if you have no idea what I'm talking about you can read about it here. Moral of the story - women wear the clothes, post themselves in the clothes on instagram, and then when you "like" the picture or take a screen shot of the picture, you get all the info - including links to the clothes. This thing was made for people like me. And for people like Kristie. Because we like the same things and have very similar wardrobes. Which leads me to....

These bad boys. These shoes are outrageously comfortable (and outrageously cute). Kristie needed taupe booties, I needed black booties, and lucky for us, they came in both colors. And we just happened to both wear them this past weekend. And by 'happened to,' I mean I called her and said "wear your booties so we can take a picture for Friday favorites." And props to Lisa who crawled on the floor to take this picture. I have some A+ friends, I tell ya :)

Seriously though - they're easy to wear on a long day, the thick heel gives a great amount of support, they're all kinds of airy (look at all those holes!) - this puppy is just such a great shoe.
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2 - Essie Nail Polish - "Excuse Me, Sur"

So I saw this polish color while I was in CVS one day (because CVS and Target are my 'go in for one thing, come out with ten things' stores), and I thought it looked like a perfect little spring color. Then I put it on all 10 nails and was initially overwhelmed. I'm not really a pink nail type of girl, and I was very much in debate on whether or not I liked it.

But then I got more compliments on this nail color than any other nail polish I've ever worn. And you know what sends a 'Katy-on-the-fence' completely over to the acceptance side? Affirmation. So after many many compliments and some time to get used to them - I now thoroughly enjoy them! 

And we (me and the masses) decided this is the perfect Easter color. It's like peeps on your fingertips. So in the event you're looking for a new color this Easter Sunday - this could be your winner!

Also - check out that picture. I'm basically straight outta Pinterest.

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3 - Breakfasts of Champions

In case you missed it, on Tuesday I shared five healthy breakfasts that are both delicious and ridiculously simple. And in the even you're (cracks neck) Whole 30, paleo-friendly, gluten free, 21-day fixing, or any other healthy hashtag out there... you can adapt them all to your liking :)

To see the breakfasts, click here. To see all other Trim Down Tuesday recipes, click here.

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4 -  Clinique Pore Refining Charcoal Face Mask

I'm in love with this face mask. I have tried many a face masks in my day, and this one is by far my favorite. I genuinely believe this mask takes a year off your life every time you use it. So I'm basically 16 again.

It's the normal type of mask that you slather all over your face and wait 10-15 minutes for it to dry, but y'all. When this puppy dries, your face gets so tight, it's basically like Botox. I mean, I'm not proud to say it, but the first time I used it I accidentally started drooling because I didn't close my mouth before letting it dry. That's gross good stuff right there.

Then when you take it off, you make like Benjamin Button and start aging backwards. Immediately use a thick moisturizer afterwards (I love Clinique's Moisture Surge night mask I told you about last March - pink bottle), and you will completely reset your skin. And who doesn't need a good reset some nights, am I right? #theyreusuallymondays

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5 - A Favorite & A Funny

And finally, because this crosses my mind every single time it asks me. 

SO. DANG. TRUE.
#lookingatyoutarget

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And those are my Five on Friday Favorites! I hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend and you're full of candy and have tri-colored fingers come Monday. To those of you who have a long weekend: count your blessings. To those of us who don't: time to get ready for work.

Until next time,
Katy

Friday Favorites

FRIDAY!

In my past Friday favorites, I usually comment on how the weekdays drag on and on....but lately? Lately these weeks have been fuh-lying by. I mean, I leave for Australia in 12 days. T.w.e.l.v.e.

It's kind of funny when people ask me if I'm ready. 

Define "ready."

Emotionally? I mean yes I'm pretty excited.
Physically? Yes, so over the heat. Gimme all the 60 degrees.
Actually? No. Not packed, not prepared, and the to-do list is still quite long. 

Bless my heart.

Anywho - I'm just taking one day at a time. And today? Today we're talking favorites. 

Let's begin!

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1 - Trader Joe's Coconut Milk Ice Cream

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I feel like for as many little gems I find at TJs, I should probably just do a themed "Friday Favorites of Trader Joe's" post. This is my latest find (thank you, Mercedes) and it is amazing. Now, I'm not naive. I know replacing dairy milk with coconut milk doesn't mean it's healthy, but for those of you who are trying to limit your dairy intake - I promise this tastes fantastic. I'm not saying it's better than Blue Bell (my loyalty goes back to birth), but I'd pick up a carton or six of this. It comes in both chocolate and strawberry. I've only tried the chocolate, but I'm sure the strawberry is delicious too!

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2 - Brothers and Sisters

I love binge watching TV. Not that it's new news around here, but I just needed to reiterate. Kelsey and I started (re)watching Brothers and Sisters from the beginning last week, and our scheduled "roommate" nights before I leave primarily consist of watching 5+ episodes of this show. No, really. The night before my birthday we watched until 2:30 in the morning. 

I thought long and hard about what TV show I wanted to put on my {30} Before Thirty list, and I have zero regrets about choosing this one. If you are a Parenthood watcher, you need this show. It's dramatic, funny, and makes you want to be a part of their family. Or have 5 children. One of the two. 

And I love Sally Field. She is just a gem.

I'm actually considering buying an iPad just to be able to continue my binge watching on the plane :)

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3 - Favorite Quote

Kristie sent this to me yesterday and I yelled "preach!" outloud and told her this was most definitely going to be a favorite today. What I would give for an hour of sweatpant yoga. 

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4 - Kendra Scott "Scottie" Choker

...I promise this blog is not sponsored by Kendra Scott. Though it totally should be now that I think about it. Anyways, since it's birthday month, my mom and I went into KS to do a little perusing of what I might want my 50% birthday month discount on. And after much deliberation, we decided on the Scottie choker. It's much different from your "token Kendra" items, and I'm kind of in love. 

It's gold with tiny little cubic zirconia stones in the middle. And my favorite part? It's adjustable. You can make it a true choker or a longer necklace. And if you make it a choker, the pretty adjustable chain hangs down your back. I wore it to my birthday dinner with Jeff and made him take pictures for y'all! 

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5 - "Thy Will" by Hillary Scott

This song tugs at my heart strings. If you're going through anything...and I mean anything, this song will speak to your soul. Hillary Scott is the female singer in Lady Antebellum but she rocks this solo song, too. She (and her hubs) wrote this song after going through a miscarriage last fall. And quite frankly, the words are raw enough to where you just know they're coming from someplace real. I love those song. Give it a listen, you won't be sorry!

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And there are this week's favorite five! I hope you have such a wonderful weekend!

Until next time,
Katy

Friday Favorites

Well this week flew by! I guess with a holiday on Monday and me making like Stella all week (ya know, gettin my groove back) - we got to Friday before I even realized it! 

Today (per usual), I'm linking up for some Friday Favorites. So let's get down to business:

1 - JT's "Can't Stop the Feeling"

So I seriously can't get get enough of this song. It's my alarm clock song, it's my "first jam in the car on the way to work" song, it's going to be my summer theme song....it's just a little bit of everything and then some. Two nights ago I actually had a dream about this song. The love is real. The music video is pretty amazing too. You can check it out here.

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2 - Dear Clarke Volumizing Tonic

So I had a hunch this would be my favorite hair product, and then when I didn't have it on all my travels the past couple weeks (dang you 3 oz. rule!), I was reassured that it most certainly is. I normally don't use a lot of product in my hair, and when I do, I can use it some days and leave it the others. Yeah - not this little bottle of magic potion. I use it every.single.day. I spray/work it in my roots right before I dry my hair, and it visibly gives my hair more texture and volume. Like I'm not kidding. And it smells aaaa-mazing. You can buy it on Amazon, or you can pick up a bottle at your nearest Whole Foods. 

My #1 favorite hair product. This I promise you. 

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3 - Ann Taylor Factory Striped Pencil Skirt

 I bought this skirt last week in Pennsylvania, and I'm in love. I wear a ton of pencil skirts to work, but this one? This one is special. It has no clasp, and no zipper. This thing is pure comfort: an elastic waistband and stretchy fabric. It's like yoga pants in skirt form. 

Ann Taylor Factory doesn't have an online website, but if you have an outlet near you with an Ann Taylor store, it should be there! Oh, because did I mention it's $35? Yes. Stretchy summer professional comfort for $35. That's a praise. 

And nevermind the rainy concrete - it's monsooning here in Dallas. 

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 4 - Trader Jo''s Bon Bons

via

 How am I (almost) 28 years old and I just discovered Bon Bons? These things are frozen drops of heaven. Kelsey and I discovered these in the Trader Joe's freezer section and our lives were forever changed. They come in a little pack of twelve, so you can treat yourself to one a night (only 50 calories each!), OR sit on the couch and share a box with your roommate. Whatever works :) 

I mean it's vanilla ice cream on a cookie crust dipped in chocolate - why wouldn't you give them a try? 

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5 - Sweet Pup Snuggles

Like I told you on Wednesday, I'm working on soaking up lots of quality time this month before I head to Australia, and that includes snuggling with this 80 pound lap dog. I just don't know what I'd do without this sweet boy. He is always excited to see me - every time I walk in the door. One of my favorite phrases is "be the person your dog thinks you are." And I know this sweet boy is my #1 fan, and I never want to let him down. And yes that's me under him. That's a living, breathing, electric blanket right there.

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And those are my favorites this week! This weekend is filled with wedding festivities (I'm dating the best man!) and then I'm headed to Boston for my annual eye appointment. Prayers for safe travels and good news are much appreciated!

Have a great weekend everyone! And if you're in Dallas... #justkeepswimming

Until next time,
Katy

 

Friday Favorites

FRIDAY. 

This weekend is full of celebrating my sister and my mama and I'm ready to get this party started.

Okay I'm pumped about today. I have a long(er than usual) list of favorites today and I'm oh-so excited to share them with you!

1 - Moroccan Oil Weightless Hydrating Mask

So this will most definitely be my summer BFF. Last weekend I got my hair did (you know, the kind where they cut off half an inch and charge you an arm and two toes), and I was telling my stylist how dry and tangled my hair gets in the summer because I spend so much time outside. 

So she tells me about all these different masks, but when I smelled this one and read the reviews, I quickly made the purchase. I used it this week for the first time and my hair was basically satin after it dried. But not the greasy satin from oil-based products. This looks and feels exactly like conditioner. Except it has uber magic power. 

My girls and I always go to the lake every summer, and after a full day of boat riding, it takes a good fifteen minutes just to brush out each others' hair. Or basically rip it out - because let's be real - that's what happens. So I'm excited to bring this puppy along this year (and yes, Emily, you can borrow!)

You can check out the reviews and info here. 

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2 - Starbucks "order before you go" Service

If you don't drink Starbucks, feel free to move to #3. 

If you do, and you don't use this service, prepare for your life to change. I love me some Starbucks (obviously), but I hate the long lines. I hate waiting for people to order their triple soy moo cow lattes while all I want is a legitimate cup of joe. And yes I realize I can make it at home but it tastes different from Starbucks so hush. 

Well now they have an app where you can place your order while you're still at home, go to your selected store, bypass the line of not-yet-caffeinated orderers, and pick up your coffee at the end. Since you pay with the app, you literally grab and go. This has changed my morning ritual. As in I have much better chances of getting to work on time. If I can find a parking spot.

That'd be great if they had an app that could reserve one for me...
#firstworldproblemsforthewin

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3 - Favorite Quote

.....cause yep. Story of my life these days. I'm actually exhausted from the inner struggle. 

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4 - Kendra Scott Magnesite Collection

I need to stop buying Kendra Scott earrings. I'm aware. 

But last week my friend Shelby showed me these earrings at work, and I about passed out. This megnesite stone is part of Kendra's new summer collection aaaaaand I'm in love with it. It's absolutely a year round stone. Summer - love it. Winter - love it. 

And while the amethyst collection only had certain pieces, according to this page it looks like you can get pretty much anything and everything you want in it. My mom and I are going to Wicked this weekend and I think they're a pretty perfect accessory for that show!

#myearlobessupportelphaba

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5 - Overnight Oats

Y'all. Next to my yoga and Australia post, this is one of the most viewed/shared posts I've ever had. Y'all are so on board (or maybe just curious....) about the overnight oats and I love it! They are my daily 10a snack and I actually watch the clock and count down when I'm at work. 

If you're still skittish - just give it a try!
If you tried it and hated it - see the next favorite. 

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6 - Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake

I posted this recipe earlier this week, but in case you missed it, it's also a favorite! This is the mothership....the Great Bambino....the bae (yeah I said it)....of coffee cakes. And you know who likes coffee cakes? Mom. And you know what this weekend is? Mother's Day. 

Bake her a cake and bring her a cup (...or the pot) of coffee with it. She has put up with you all these years, ya know.... 

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7 - Carrie + Keith = happy Katy

So this is a favorite and a not-so-favorite.

The favorite? Keith Urban released his album today and it includes a duet with none other than Carrie Underwood. Praise Jesus. You can listen to it here. 

Now - it doesn't really sound like a country song, I'll give you that. But it DOES sound like a fantastic summer jam. Like try to play this in your car without bouncing side to side. I double dog dare you. 

The not-so-favorite? Carrie is touring with Keith in AUSTRALIA in December. December! And I'm leaving in September! Ain't that a cuss. 

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8 - The Catch

Ohhhhhkay. So I innocently (yes, innocently) turned this show on in the background last night while I was cleaning my room, and before I knew it I was sitting on my bed in a trance. I'm only a couple of episodes in but I am hiiiighly intrigued. And my TGIT night just got a little later. 

I'd most definitely give this one a try if you haven't already! 

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9 - La La Land

Okay - here's a confession. I love IMDB. Like I play on it for fun when I'm bored. And just research what my favorite actors are up to and/or what new trailers have been released. I don't even go to the movies that often - but I love me some IMDB. 

So the other day I was researching what Ryan Gosling was up to (naturally), and I came across the above picture. Not only do I love Ryan Gosling. And not only do I love Emma Stone. But I love them in movies together (Crazy Stupid Love, anyone?). THEN I see that it's a comedy/musical and I. AM. SUNK. Ryan and Emma in a musical. It's too much for me to handle. The release date hasn't been announced yet, but I'm there on opening day. 

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10 - Best Big Brother Ever

So this can be your bonus favorite - because it won't mean much to you, but it does to me :) 

I met my brother last weekend for a sushi date, and not only did he bring along his friend who lived in Australia for three years, but he also brought along this little gem he had leftover from his last trip. 

It's the little things. Or maybe I'm just smitten with my big brother. Either way, it's a personal favorite :)

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And there you have it folks! TEN favorites!! I told you it was a big day. And I'm smiling ear to ear. It's going to be a great weekend. I can feel it!! 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Until next time,
Katy

Friday Favorites

I love weekends. I embrace them with a smile and open arms. They are my best friend. 

If you couldn't guess, I'm thrilled it's Friday. 

 Per usual, I'm linking up for a round of Friday Favorites. Little things in life that make me smile and make me happy. Little things that make the Monday through Thursday a little more bearable while awaiting another Friday. 

1 - YOU People

A couple of weeks ago I shared with y'all my upcoming 9-week jaunt to Australia! And people, y'all were SO overwhelming with excitement, support, and really great advice! I've been virtually introduced to several people/relatives over there and so many suggestions of where to go! Y'all pretty much quadrupled my level of excitement. I think I've pretty much nailed down my travel plans after I finish working and am beyond pumped (as are my visitors!). So y'all are definitely on my favorites this week. 

Much love to you all, mates. 

(See what I did there?! How am I doing? Am I a native yet?)

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2 - Kendra Scott Eleanor Necklace

Back in March, I told you about how I was absolutely loving this new little Eleanor staple necklace. Sooo I ordered it. Because I went in the store and they told me it was sold out. And then I asked if they were getting any more in stock. And they said no. And I said but I want it. And let me tell you - when you want something and can't have it - you want it so much more! So they called the Atlanta store and shipped it to me. Thanks, Kendra. 

I literally wear this all the time. It went on my neck and only comes off when I switch it out for a statement necklace. Then it goes right back on. It even looks great with my jammies :) 

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3 - Shrimp and Shroom Zoodles

As part of operation "not ralph when I see myself in a swimsuit," I've forced myself opted to start a new weekly series: Trim Down Tuesday. This week I shared my first zucchini noodle ("zoodle") recipe and it was quite delicious. Get the dish here.

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4 - LuLu Lemon Wunder Crop

So this favorite has a funny story. I went to the gym directly after work one day, and mid-ensemble change, I realized I forgot work out pants. And I didn't quite think my pencil skirt would "give" in the right way to properly support yoga. BUT the class started like 15 minutes later and I knew there was no way I could go home and get back in time, and I also knew that once I got home and saw my pup's face, I wouldn't leave the house. 

SO, I redressed and marched my happy tail to the gym's in-store clothing store. Also to be noted, I don't do printed pants. I just began accepting printed tops, but have not yet embraced the printed pant. Yet of course I walk in the store and the only thing I see are printed pants. Soooo many printed pants. 

And since I was bound and determined to make it to this yoga class, I bought some. And I now refer to them as my dalmatian pants. And I wear them all the time. Because 1) they're insanely comfortable, 2) I get complimented on them every time I wear them, and 3) they're high-top and hold everything in. So they're magical. 

You can find your own magic here.

Also - note the necklace and see #2 :)

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5 - Spotify Playlist - "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

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Not gonna lie, this might be my favorite favorite of the week. Wednesday night we had a recruiting event down at Baylor, and we were amazed at the spot-on tunes happening in the background. Come to find out, it was just the "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" Spotify playlist. 

So naturally, that is what Mercedes and I listened to the whole ride back from Waco, and we.were.JAMMIN. This playlist will seriously just make you happy. Listen to it when in the car, getting ready in the morning, walking your dog, having people over - this playlist is the jam. 

You're welcome. 

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And that's a wrap!! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Until next time,
Katy