Happy Friday! It’s going to be a beautiful weekend in New England, and everyone is finally coming out of hibernation. There is an excitement in the air about the warmer days, and every year I forget how amazing that excitement feels. As I wind down my second trimester and prepare for my third which starts in 2.5 weeks (crazy!), I’m getting more and more excited about our future too. The other night it hit me really hard that I’m going to be giving birth in about three months. I think it’s time to finally start those hypno-birthing classes!
This week our new countertops were finally installed (reminder of our kitchen project here) and the room is completely transformed. It’s so bright, and beautiful, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I’ll be sharing sneak peeks on my Instagram Stories, but will post the full reveal in the next few weeks here on the blog. In other decor news, we just finished our new patio design so that we’ll have a proper dining table this summer. We have the smallest patio of all time, but I think we figured out a good solution. I’m excited to share that soon as well.
I spent the better part of Tuesday, taking the day off to spring clean my closet (using this guide). It felt so good to donate some old clothes and get organized for the new season.
This weekend my sister is coming up for a visit, and we’re planning to just relax, cook some good food, see a few friends, and go on a hike or two with the dogs in the beautiful weather. Boots is finally well enough to exercise, and he’s pretty excited to be out of the house again! In the meantime, enjoy this week’s links, recipes, videos.
From around the web
The end of an era. 9 Things to Remember About the Jenna Lyons Era at J.Crew.
Why everyone is wrong about millennials. I found this article to be fascinating, and it gave me a new perspective on a hated-on generation.
Gray Malin free framing. My favorite photographer is offering free framing site-wide! Now is the time to snap up one of his iconic beach shots. The martini glass and “I am Busy” prints in the photo above are both by him.
Stunning West Village apartment tour. Part two of Kat’s NYC apartment tour is live and I’m officially drooling. This is the decor that my dreams are made of!
Candy stripes. I cannot deal with the cuteness of this off-shoulder pink and white striped shirt. Too cute and it also comes in grey! ($79)
Easter brunch recipes… that don’t take all day.
Flamingos. When I spring cleaned this week, I finally found my flamingo skirt which is one of my favorites of all time. Turns out it’s still available and on sale! Plus it comes in a striped version that I might like even better if that’s possible. ($42-$49)
RHONY taglines. The ladies of New York City are back and I’m so excited! Based on the taglines alone, it’s going to be a doozy of a season.
New wallet. My Cuyana zip-around wallet finally arrived (I mentioned it last week) and it’s even better in person. I got it in blush with my monogram. So happy that I made the change!
What I’m listening to: Anel and I listened to the first few episodes of the Missing Richard Simmons podcast in the car last weekend and were immediately hooked. I always forget about Podcasts, but am going to start tackling the ones on this list next. Revisionist History is another one of my faves, btw!
What I’m reading: This week I finished The Futures and loved how it reminded me of some of my early days out of college in NYC. Next up? All the Missing Girls.
Beach vibes. How cute does Krista look in my hat? Shop it here.
Healthy (edible) cookie dough isn’t a myth. Here’s how to make it!
Tiny monogram. I saw someone wearing this tiny monogrammed necklace the other day, and literally stopped her on the street to find out where it was from. She pointed me to Ginette NY (I’d never heard of them!) and said it was a push present that she’ll someday give to her daughter. Anel, I hope you’re reading this…
Little Big Lies. How incredible was the finale? I didn’t think it could live up to the ending of the book, but somehow it was even darker and more powerful. That being said, there were some stark differences in the storylines. In other news, find out what the giant homes in the show would cost in real life.
The importance of science. Grace tapped her sister (a scientist) to write a thoughtful and important blog post. I urge you to take 10 minutes to read it!
Striped Vans. I’m already at the point where it’s hard to tie my shoes, so I need comfy slides for errands and running around town. I thought these striped Vans (they also come in leopard) were pretty cute.
When you don’t know where to start. Carly’s tips for battling anxiety in a practical way are incredibly helpful.
This week on Lemon Stripes
Spring Cleaning Guide
April Wish List
Tropicana Trip Recap
Easter Dresses
Thanks for including my post Julia! xo
Try these – http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sperry-seaside-perforated-slip-on-sneaker-women/4069695?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort they are SO comfortable!
LOVE THESE! Going to buy them right now. Thank you for the rec!!
Funny, I literally just read the Goop article you linked before clicking over to your blog. As a millennial, I have yet to read an article about my generation that I didn’t find tone deaf or even slightly insulting (including the Goop article which I think was trying to do the opposite). Just like other generations, every millennial is different so I think the obsession with analyzing us is kind of pointless. I think the millennials being referred to in all of these articles tend to be a specific group—college-educated, middle to upper middle class, young professionals (the group that I fall into) and, in my experience, we simply have a different perspective on life and work culture than other generations as well as the audacity and desire to make change and move society forward. Maybe this will make me sound like a stereotypical narcissistic millennial, but I’m actually really impressed by my generation and believe we’re going to make a lot of big changes in the world.
Sorry for the short novel! Haha. I hope you have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Briana
http://www.youngsophisticate.com
I totally agree. The thing is, every generation hates on the one below them, and the only difference now is the rise of technology and social media so people see more of what we do!
Oh Jenna Lyons. I’m interested to see what happens…change can be good. But I’m also nervous!
I just finished listening to S-Town last week and it’s fascinating.
I’m preparing for a road trip and now adding Missing Richard Simmons to my list! If you haven’t yet In The Dark is a very intriguing one as well.
Oh great thank you! I’m driving to Philly this week, so will try it.
Cannot believe Jenna is leaving J.Crew. Definitely the end of an era. Also, I LOVE that flamingo skirt. Oh and the RHONY taglines are golden, hahah
Pink Champagne Problems
Oooooh yes I also loved The Futures! I loved the way it bounced back and forth between Evan and Julia and I got so mad at both of them, but also understood both of them at the same time.
YES!! They were both so annoying but so relatable. 🙂
I need to get back on my Podcast kick. I found myself being more relaxed when I spent my travel time listening to podcasts!
http://www.thedizzygirls.wordpress.com
Yes, me too! I’m an anxious driver, so they really help.
thanks for linking to my post! happy weekend friend! xo
I saw your kitchen on insta stories last night – it came out great!! I can’t wait to see what you do with the patio. Have fun with your sister this weekend!
Caitlin | sunnystyleblog.com
Thank you!! I’m so happy with the kitchen so far. Can’t wait to share all the deets 🙂