Happy Friday! I’m beyond excited for this week to be over, and for a weekend with minimal plans. I’m traveling for the next two, so we’re keeping this one majorly low key. The week was a little nutty for me, starting out with two full days of meetings in the city on Monday and Tuesday. Normally, that wouldn’t be a big deal, but pregnant Julia gets tired after a few hours of this type of work and I hit a wall at about 2pm each day.
I didn’t want to cancel on the people we still had to meet with, so I pushed through, but it took until this morning for me to fully feel back to normal again. It’s insane how much I have to slow down these days. It’s annoying in the moment, but when I step back and remember that I’m casually building a human, it is all ok again. Everything always comes back to that, in fact.
It was Anel’s birthday on Wednesday, and I spent two hours making this cake which was amazing, but put me way behind on work so I spent yesterday catching up like a mad woman! I was able to sneak in a call with Victoria about some exciting changes we’re making to the site including a whole motherhood section where we can all have discussions and so much more.
Basically, I’m beyond excited to finally relax for two days with my husband and pup, and take some deep breaths. I have a friend in town who I haven’t seen in over a year, so I’ll be having brunch with her and another gal pal on Saturday, but that’s the extent of my plans. Yipee!
Around the Web
One word that causes anxiety. Apparently even saying this word out loud can cause you serious stress.
Tuckernuck lifestyle guide. Tuckernuck created the most beautiful lifestyle guide in Charleston for May. I love this chambray maxi skirt ($68), this cute dress ($150), and these striped espadrilles ($55).
An ad that shows how kids are addicted to technology. This Nature Valley ad made me cry and terrified me at the same time. I hope that Anel and I can teach our daughter the importance of nature, playing outside, and not living on a phone or tablet.
Fringe drops. I visited the BaubleBar offices last week and walked away we these fun fringe drops in coral. I love how they’re super light, so I can wear them all day. I want a pair in every color now!
The shirt pictured above. My current fave snaps open for easy nursing, but can be worn for maternity or non maternity too. Quite versatile and also comes in white! Speaking of maternity clothes, I love the idea of this Kickstarter that’s creating luxury maternity activewear.
Designer kitchen appliances. Because who doesn’t need their kitchen decked out in Dolce & Gabbana?
What’s actually in the unicorn frappucino? I guarantee you won’t order one after reading this.
Hot pink slides. My manager wore these shoes to our meetings on Monday and I was super jealous until I realized they’re still available. I need them! They look amazing in person and are insanely comfortable.
New York’s best restaurants… according to Goop. This list of the 13 best restaurants in New York right now is making me want to take more trips into the city for date nights.
Floral shorts. I mean this whole outfit is just perfect (and on sale!).
On getting personal. Carly hit the nail on the head with what she wrote about getting personal on her blog. Can I say ditto to all of it?
Club Monaco romper. One of my favorite brands does it again with this adorable romper. How cute for summer?!
15 things European mothers do better. I hope to learn a thing or two from European moms. Reading Bringing Up Bébé has helped a lot!
Lemon sweater. I mean, it was made for me right? Good thing it’s on sale.
Easy chicken curry bowls. Yum and yum! Get the recipe.
Currently reading: After Amazon told me that this author compares to Franzen and Eugenedes, I snapped up The Interestings in two seconds flat. I started it last night and so far so good!
This week on Lemon Stripes
Sunny Disposition (spring dress)
Nursery Update
Weekly Shopping List
Black Maxi Two Ways
Weekend Sales
J.Crew: 25% off full priced items and 40% off sale items with code HOPTOIT. Love these floral shorts and this striped and gingham shirt.
Club Monaco: Up to 60% off sale items, no code required. My picks are this lavender off shoulder dress and cute striped shorts.
The Interestings is such a good read! I read it years ago and remember being struck by some of the sections about parenting and how it can change the dynamic of your friendships. Very well written. Now that I’m expecting it maybe time to re-read it. Enjoy!
I would also recommend Elizabeth Alexander’s “The Light of the World”. She is a poet who wrote this memoir after losing her husband unexpectedly. It is so beautifully written that I cannot do it justice. Though the book stems from a tragedy it’s very uplifting.
Thank you for the rec! Will buy it on Amazon today.
Oh good to know! I didn’t realize it had that aspect. Now I’m even more excited 🙂
Such an interesting article about anxiety and so helpful! I also loved Carly’s “Getting Personal” post this week, so spot on!
Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com
I’m a huge fan of yours and I agree with everything you’ve said on the whole mommy shaming issues and I wanted to snack my computer when people gave you crap about Zika in Sarasota… but anyways, I wanted to caution you about the whole “oh my gosh technology is so bad for children what a terrible mother to have a child hold a phone or iPad”. I think that’s another realm of mommy shaming and mommy stress. Does you kid watch tv? What age did you let them watch tv? Do they use an ipad? Etc. I’m currently TTC but I’ve heard this chatter bug a lot of my friends and family with children. Everyone’s just doing the best they can but sometimes you need to hand your kid an ipad so you can vacuum the house 🙂
Thank you for saying that, Erin! The Zika thing killed me 🙂
I totally agree with you. Listen, there is no way that my kids won’t watch TV or use my iPhone…and probably often. I just want to make sure they also get outside, and aren’t glued to a screen all day and night. But who knows? Like every mom, I’ll just try to do my best!
I freaking loved The Interestings too, such a good read!
Kristina does the Internets
We were super strict about no TV with our child until 2, then only one show. And then I got pregnant with #2. Suddenly nauseous pregnant mama needed more TV while she laid down and with #2 he for sure watches Kipper and Peppa with his sister. Oh well, you do the best you can!
I think it’s a continual struggle to figure out and navigate where the limits are for your family. It’s also about setting limits on your own usage since they will pick up on your habits. I’ve had to be much more conscious about myself on my phone since having kids (part of why I eventually quit my blog). I imagine that will be hard for you to figure out since it’s a key part of your job!
Haha I will be the same way I’m sure! I don’t know how I’ll survive a second pregnancy with a child. It’s so impressive!!
You are not kidding about Tuckernuck’s Charleston lifestyle guide. It is spot on! I sometimes find Tuckernuck to be too preppy for me (living in Brooklyn has tempered my preppy impulses a bit) but I absolute adore what they’ve put together here.
xx Jean
http://www.skylineblossoms.com
It’s SO good! I hear what you mean about Brooklyn. When I lived in the city, my preppiness was definitely tempered too 🙂