I had a tough week emotionally although I’m not 100% sure why. A lot of things contributed to my cloudy mood, and I’m sure hormones played a big roll too. I felt unmotivated, uninspired, and anxious despite the sunshine. Instead of wallowing in these feelings, I did a few things to get myself out of the rut quickly. Read my six tips for overcoming anxiety here.

1. I got outside every single day. I took the dog to Mianus River Park for a hike Sunday-Wednesday for a full hour long hike. Connecting with nature and being outside always lifts my spirits, and moving my body is one of my go-to steps for beating anxiety.
2. I took a break from social media. Part of my issue this week was feeling FOMO and out of the loop in the blogging world. As I quickly approach my third trimester, I’m slowing down physically and can’t travel and shoot as much as I’d like to. I took all day yesterday off of social: No Instagram, no Twitter, no nothing. It helped more than I thought it would!
3. I spent time with my sister. I drove down to Philly to help my sister spring clean. Anel was crazy busy with work and her boyfriend was out of town, so we got to have some rare one on one time.
4. I created a list. Lists always make me feel more in control, and one of the things I’m hugely anxious about is life after the baby arrives (obviously). I started making a list of things that need to get done before then, and I realized I’m more on top of it than I thought!

This weekend

We’re having a low key Easter weekend with my sister and some friends. We’ll be baking my grandmother’s famous Easter cookies and spending as much time outdoors as possible. We’ll also be putting together the crib and a few other pieces for the nursery, so stay tuned for an update on the space next week!

Around the web

Baby Jacks. How cute are the sweet mommy and me Jack Rogers sandals pictured above? I seriously can’t wait to see this baby girl wearing them.

Preppy apartment tour. Amy Stone’s Upper East Side apartment was featured on One Kings Lane and it’s just as dreamy (and preppy!) as you would imagine. Take the tour.

Lemon apron. Now that my kitchen is finished, I’m trying to fill it with happy and bright pieces that match it’s sunny look. I just picked up this adorable lemon apron for summer cooking!

Marriage advice from the French. Apparently we can learn a thing about how to have a happy marriage from French women.

Stripes on sale. I keep finding more and more amazing pieces on the Shopbop sale. This striped off-shoulder tunic  (sounds weird but when you see it, you’ll know why I love it!) is only $56 on sale through the end of the day.

Prenatal at-home workout. Exercising while pregnant is a daunting task. You never know what’s safe or not but you want to get in as much as possible to stay healthy. My husband and Madison (my trainer) put together an amazing, and free, at-home prenatal workout  that is safe for pregnant mamas and will keep your arms and legs toned throughout your pregnancy.

Nursery chandelier. Today the nursery is finally being painted and wallpaper is going up on one wall. So exciting! I just bought this chandelier (on major sale today) to install next week.

Berry cobbler. Last weekend I went to a BBQ at my friend Gabi’s house. She made the most delicious berry cobbler ever. Turns out, there are less than 10 ingredients, and it couldn’t be easier to make. Sub out flour for almond or coconut flour to make it gluten free! Get the recipe.

Spring things. Meghan looks so darn cute in my hat! See how Krista, Grace, and Jess styled it, and buy it here.

Puppy health benefits. Turns out that getting a puppy while you’re pregnant could mean health benefits for your future child.

Southern charm. Tuckernuck’s latest collection, inspired by a trip to Savannah, is absolutely perfect. My top picks? This white sundress ($58) and a flouncy blue top ($120).

The hippies have won. Years ago, kombucha was something your art teacher might have made in her basement. Today? Mainstream. The New York Times summed up the “hippie” food scene perfectly.

Lemon Stripes on Pinterest. Do you follow me on Pinterest yet? It’s one of my favorite social media platforms! Follow me here.

Currently watching. My sister and I started 13 Reasons Why on Netflix this week. It’s for sure teen lit on the screen but I’m totally hooked with no shame!

Ethically made dresses. My friend Jessie is launching a line of super chic ethically made slip dresses that can be worn four ways. Support her Kickstarter here.

An update for Trump voters. A laundry list of 13 super fun things Donald Trump has done (slash not done) in his first 100 days as president.

This week on Lemon Stripes

Spring Uniform
Gluten Free Scones
Shopbop Spring Sale

Weekend Sales

For some reason there are a ton of amazing sales going on this weekend. Shop some of the best ones…

Madewell: An extra 30% off sale items with code DREAMBIG. Ends 4/17.
Ann Taylor: 50% off everything with code SPRING50. Ends 4/16.
J.Crew Factory: 50% off everything, no code necessary. Ends 4/16.
Shopbop: 20% off all orders, 25% off orders over $500 with code MUSTHAVES. Ends 4/16.
Pottery Barn Kids: 20% off sitewide with code FRIENDS. Ends 4/16.
Pottery Barn: 20% off sitewide with code FRIENDS20. Ends 4/16.

Photo by Courtney Ann Photography.