Happy Friday! It finally feels like summer is here and it’s been amazing. I had two highlights this week. The first was that on Monday we had an ultrasound to see if a complication I was having cleared up (it did!), and we were able to see the baby in 3D. It was so surreal to see her little face. Even though she’s just a tiny 3.5 pound nugget at this point, she looked like an actual baby with squishy cheeks and real lips. I could finally (kind of) put a face to the squirmy little girl moving around inside of me. It was an incredible moment, and one of my favorites of pregnancy so far.
The other highlight was playing hooky for a few hours yesterday for a pool day with some friends. It was pushing 90 degrees and we all work from home so it just made sense. Having entrepreneur friends with flexible schedules… and swimming pools… is pretty great. It was my first time in a bathing suit since really showing, and at first I felt very uncomfortable, but after a few minutes, I relaxed into it and just let myself be.
The other great thing about this week was that my back pain finally let up after last week’s spasm. I spent a lot of time stretching it, massaging it, and being extra careful on walks, and it paid off. Being able to sit up in a regular chair to work and eat our dinners al fresco, felt like a luxury after almost a week of not being able to do so.
All in all, things are looking up! I was feeling so inspired this week that I created a massive to do list of everything I have to get done before the baby comes, started pre-planning blog posts with some amazing guest bloggers for July, and even put a few things in my hospital bag to get that moving. Yes, I realize I’m nuts… but 8 weeks isn’t really that far away.
Hat / Similar Bag / Lemon Sandals c/o / Book / Turkish Towel
From Around the Web
Teaching self love and confidence. My friend Eva wrote the most amazing post about how she’s raising her daughter to have high self esteem and self confidence. It’s beautifully written and I’m bookmarking it for when my daughter is old enough to understand these concepts.
8 healthy foods that are actually bad for you. It’s shocking that some of these foods are still considered healthy! The one I’ll disagree with is smoothies. If you do them correctly (and make them at home to control what goes inside) they can be great. Try my favorite smoothie recipe.
Draper James x Nordstrom. Draper James, Reese Witherspoon’s adorably southern clothing line is now available on Nordstrom! I’m loving these high waisted gingham shorts and this sweet flutter sleeved top.
7 big summer books. Jo’s list of summer books has me ready for a beach day! Ordering all of them pronto.
Cauliflower crust pizza. Thank you to the amazing reader who let me know that Trader Joe’s is coming out with this pizza crust made from cauliflower, which is apparently causing quite the ruckus. I’m planning to pick some up this weekend!
Flirty Skirt. I really really really love this skirt. The color, pattern, and silhouette are perfect.
Turning racial stereotypes on their head. These photos are pretty profound.
Donald Trump’s excuse for never exercising… is truly amazing.
J.Crew price drop? I feel like J.Crew has been better about their prices recently. Is that just me? I can’t believe this gingham dress is only $79 and the most perfect scoop neck tank is going for $19.
Because who doesn’t need a $100,000 chicken coup? Anel has been trying to convince me to get a chicken coup in our backyard for a long time (he grew up on a farm). I told him I’m down if it’s this one. Ha!
Agreeing with men’s compliments. One woman inspired an interesting dialogue on Twitter about agreeing with men when they compliment you. Fascinating stuff.
SPF 50. Kate Somerville recently sent over a big box of products, but one stood out in particular. Their SPF 50 make up setting spray has been a lifesaver on the hot days this week. You just spray it on your face throughout the day to set make up in place (it dries really quickly), mattify your face, and provide protection from the sun.
Sugar daddies are a real thing. This article was fascinating to me. It’s so bizarre but it sparked a fun conversation about “how much would you do XX for” at a recent dinner party!
Summer maternity picks. Hatch Collection released their summer line and it’s beautiful. Though expensive, I’d love this flowy dress to wear on repeat for the next two months.
Why it matters that PetSmart discriminates against Pit Bulls. Being a Pit-mix mama, rules like this break my heart.
Fatoush salad. Pretty much my dream salad right now. Get the recipe.
Pretty in pink. Grace looks amazing in this off shoulder top/white jeans combo. She’s been crushing it with her outfits lately! The top itself is $85 and comes in pink and blue. Need!
Currently watching. Anel and I are totally hooked on Handmaid’s Tale (on Hulu). We binge watched the first few episodes and now we go nuts on Wednesdays when new ones are posted. It’s super dark and creepy, but it’s impossible to look away. Do any of you guys watch it?
Podcast recs? I’m driving up to New Hampshire alone next week and need a new great Podcast now that I finished S Town. Any recs?
Currently reading. I took a break from novels to read a bunch of pregnancy books, but I am back at it with The Interestings again this week. I’m about halfway through and love it so far!
This week on Lemon Stripes
Our Patio
Striped Tunic
5 Must-Read Pregnancy Books
The Best Gluten Free Cookies
All of the Ruffles
Happy to see that you had a great week! You deserve it. xo elle
Podcast recs: “Anna Faris is Unqualified” is really enjoyable! “Stuff You Should Know” is a classic. If you’re into true crime, I really enjoyed “In the Dark” (a 9-episode series podcast) and I love “My Favorite Murder.”
I’ve enjoyed following your pregnancy journey! I know you must be so ready to meet your little girl!
Thanks Katherine. My Favorite Murder sounds right up my alley haha 🙂
How I Built This from NPR is great, especially for entrepreneurs! V. inspiring and they have some great guests (think everyone from Ali Webb to Richard Branson and John Mackey of Whole Foods!)
Oh wow, not sure how I hadn’t heard of that. Sounds amazing. Will subscribe today!
yayy for seeing your babe! i loved having ultrasounds- i’m glad all is well. i love that article on teaching daughters self esteem too. happy friday!
xo, brittany
http://www.notablob.com
Stuff Mom Never Told You and United States of Anxiety are two of my fave podcasts to listen to.
Thanks Krystal! Will try those out 🙂
Great podcasts:
The Shauna Niequist Show
The Simple Show
Up and Vanished
The TJ Cauliflower Pizza is to die for! I had it earlier this week, and it sure beat the manual (albeit simple) labor of making my homemade cauliflower crust! Perfect for busy nights!
OH YAY! So happy to hear that.
I’m halfway through The Interestings too and I really like it! I’m going to Mount Washington this weekend so I’m looking forward to reading and sipping on a cocktail on the veranda! Have a great weekend!
Caitlin | http://sunnystyleblog.com/
Oh how jealous am I? Enjoy it!
A few of my favorite podcasts lately are Convicted, You Must Remember This, Pop Culture Happy Hour, and What Should I Read Next (since you seem to be an avid reader like me!). Enjoy!
Thanks Chantalle! A lot of people are saying Convicted so might start there 🙂
Some great podcasts:
My Favorite Murder
Someone Knows Something
Convicted
(Can you tell I love true crime!?)
Fat Mascara for everything beauty!!!
I came to suggest MFM and SKS too! So freaking good, especially if you liked S-Town.
I LOVE true crime so this list is perfect! If you had to pick one to listen to first, which would it be?
Oh man this is so tough!!! Convicted maybe?? Just because its current! You can chat along with everyone else who is listening to it! MFM is a great one just to listen to out of order because each episode is a different story!! 🙂
aw you are so sweet friend! happy you liked my outfit!! xoxo
LOVED. Seriously, you looked so amazing in it! I’m borrowing that shirt one day. You just wait!
Up and Vanished. You will NOT be sorry. You really only need to listen to the episodes (not the bonus or q&a eps) and it’s still ongoing. My husband and I are completely obsessed!