Life Lately: Volume 40

Happy Friday! This week flew by with both some exciting things and tough days. First of all, thank you for your incredible support in response to the post I wrote about my nasal polyps. So many of you have had to deal with inflammation, and it sounds like many of you have had success with the Whole 30. In fact I was so impressed with what you had to say about it, that Anel and I decided we’re going to start a Whole 30 in mid-April. I’ll be starting a Facebook group to support anyone who wants to join in. Stay tuned for details.

In the meantime, my situation doesn’t seem to be improving which is discouraging. I’m getting a CAT scan in a few weeks to get some more definitive answers, but trying to stay hopeful and will keep at my anti-inflammatory diet in the meantime. It was really hard for the first week or two but now I have hardly any trouble sticking to it. Except for the wine… That’s what’s killing me, especially after a long day with the baby.

In happier news, Amalia started her first week of 5-day/week daycare and it was a game changer. I felt like I wasn’t treading water to catch up all week and was even able to stop working and hang out with Anel every night. I’m so glad we made that decision!

This weekend we’re heading to Boston for my sister’s bridal shower which I’m throwing for 40 of our friends and family members. I’m excited to see her and celebrate her among an amazing group of women. Also feeling pretty stoked about Amalia’s look which includes this dress (on sale) and these shoes (if she keeps them on). We’re excited to be staying at the Hotel Commonwealth which I’ve heard amazing things about. Apparently Island Creek Oyster Bar (in the hotel) is amazing so we’re going to definitely check that out too.

I hope you have a great weekend!

High & Low

Highest moment: I took the dog for a hike on Tuesday and decided to run instead of walk. It was the first time I have gone for a run since before I got pregnant, aka a year and a half ago. Although if we’re being honest here, it was more of a slow jog but whatev. I ended up doing two full miles without stopping so that felt really good! It made me feel strong and capable and eased some of my anxiety this week which was an added bonus.

Lowest moment: On Monday I brought Amalia to her doctor for a follow up check up on her previous ear infection. I thought she was in the clear but it was still there so she had to go on another round of different antibiotics. I hate having to medicate her so much but it does work so I’m grateful for that. In addition, I started putting garlic oil drops in her ear at night (it’s super easy and she doesn’t even notice it) which makes her smell like a pizza but hopefully is also helping.

Around the Web

Faux fiddle leaf fig tree (pictured above). After killing two fiddle leaf fig trees (RIP, friends!), I finally decided to buy a faux one for an empty corner of our living room. I did lots of research on the most real looking one and ended up buying this guy from World Market. It looks great in person! We’ve yet to name him… Any ideas?

Rainbow stripes. I love this linen skirt, on sale for under $60.

Marriage and kids. A blogger friend of mine, Katey, wrote a beautiful post on what it’s like to be married after kids. She included a quote from me and a few other new moms. Read it here.

A simple map to total wellness. Um, yes please! A Q&A with Dr. Frank Lipman on goop this week made me realize that maximizing each aspect of your health comes down to small changes (small, but not necessarily easy) that add up exponentially. It’s a simpler way to look at health.

Baby bikini. A friend of mine sent Amalia this bikini and it’s literally the most on brand thing I’ve ever seen haha. Also maybe the most adorable? I really hope she fits into it with her swimming diaper in Florida later this month because if she does, I’ll die of happiness. PS it’s on sale too.

This guy is giving me life. Yesterday, my sister sent me this link featuring a man who knits world landmarks onto sweaters and then visits the landmark wearing the sweater. I can’t, this is just too amazing!

Bringing hygge into your home. The concept of hygge… Basic? Maybe. Still awesome? Definitely. My friend Jess, who is major #housegoals, wrote a post about how to incorporate this danish concept into your home.

Knit top. Loving this top, like a lot. With white jeans this summer? Yes please!

April reading list. Grace’s book list of the month is live. I agree with her about The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, and look forward to reading The Alice Network soon.

Currently reading. Speaking of books, I’m currently taking a “palette cleanser” from some more intense novels, and just finished Fitness Junkie which was a perfect mix of stupid and funny. Don’t expect great writing but it will definitely make you laugh and it’s an easy read. Tonight I’m starting The Nightingale, Kristin Hanna’s first book that has been recommended to me so many times that if I didn’t read it I’d feel crazy at this point. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.

One-shouldered stripe bow top. This shirt is adorable for summer and only $65!

Making small talk less painful. I loved Emily’s discussing Jerry Seinfeld’s number one tip for small talk. Read his secret to something that can be excruciating for introverts here

Hip hop lesson. Anel and I were dying laughing as we watched this “hip hop” lesson the other night. WTF?

My favorite bra. A couple of months ago I mentioned that I was going to try a ThirdLove bra based on the recommendations of many of my friends. I wanted to test it for a good three months before I reported back but I can say without any hesitation that I love it! I have the 24/7 t-shirt bra in “naked 2” and just bought a second one in black this week. I donated all of my other bras because these are so comfortable and flattering. I also love that you can buy it and test it and your card won’t get charged unless you decide to keep it!