friday five: favorites

Happy Friday! I don't know about you, but full work weeks after a holiday weekend always seem to drag on a bit. On Fridays, I link up with the DC Trifecta: Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed up for What?, and Mar at Mar on the Run, as I do every Friday. This week's theme is "Favorites", so below is a list of five favorite things happening this week/month:

1. Addaday Ultra Roller Plus Series Pro. This roller is AMAZING, I kid you not. The gears massage the muscles and help work out the knots. I love to use it on my calves every night and especially love it after a long run. If you want more info, read my review here. Please keep in mind that even though I received the roller free of charge thanks to the BibRave Pro program, I only recommend things I like and use myself.

2. Santa Hustle. Tomorrow the Santa Hustle series starts off in Chicago, and I can't wait to run this fun race. I ran last year and though it was extremely cold, I really liked it. Everyone is supposed to wear the sweatshirt, Santa hat, and Santa beard that came with the goodie bag, and it's fun to watch a sea of Santas run along the lakefront path. 

3. Christmas movies. It's time to start binge watching Christmas movies. Some of my favorites include all of the claymation movies, A Christmas Story, and White Christmas. I also enjoy going through all of the Harry Potter movies— though they aren't necessarily Christmas movies, I enjoy watching them back-to-back (or at least within a few days of each other). It's also the perfect excuse to snuggle on the couch with lots of blankets and my two precious pups... an my husband too, I guess. Let's also add in a glass of wine or a pint of beer ;)

4. Time with family and friends. I love this time of year, because everyone makes it a point to spend time together. Whether it's for an intimate dinner or a party, I love getting together with everyone.

5. Cold weather. As long as the wind isn't too horrific, I love the colder weather. I enjoy bundling up in a coat, scarf, hat, and gloves and spending time outside. I also enjoy running in the cold, though I do notice my joints are much more stuff than in the warmer temps. I find it so refreshing. And once the outside activities are complete, I love to come inside and have some hot chocolate with marshmallows or hot cider and snuggle on the couch.

BONUS: I also LOVE baking during the holidays – I've been trying new cookie recipes each year, but also always make two kinds with my mom (which we've been doing since I was little). Any great cookie recipes you'd like to share?!

What are some things you are loving this week or month?

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five" posts (direct links above in first paragraph) and link up if you are joining in on the fun. Don't forget to read/comment on some of the other link ups!