It feels like a crazy waiting game around here. Everyone and their mother told me I was going to go into labor early so I really thought that I’d have the baby by now. I’m still five days from my due date so have time to be early but now I’m just letting go and giving in to the universe. This baby is going to come when she feels like it!

In the meantime, I’ve been having Braxton Hicks contractions pretty much daily, which I’ve learned means nothing. Sometimes when they get really bad, I start timing them but they’ve yet to become regular or more intense as the day goes on so trying to go with the flow and breathe through them.

I’ve hit my goal of walking at least three miles every day this week, but have pretty much given up on all other exercise which I feel ok with. Walking three miles at 39 weeks in extreme heat and humidity is basically like running a marathon for a normal person, ha!

The other thing we’ve been dealing with for the last two weeks is Boots acting out as we get closer to D-Day. He definitely knows that something is up, and has started eating things off the counter, something he never even did as a puppy. I asked you all for your tips in my latest “mom talk” post here, so head on over and join the discussion if you’ve been through anything similar.

We have no real plans this weekend except a dinner with friends tonight. I’m hoping to sneak in one last beach day though. Have a great weekend and enjoy some of the links, recipes, and current obsessions below!

Around the Web

#NSale. Early access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is on and all the bloggers are going bananas. You can shop all my picks in the Nordstrom tab of my shop page. I’ll do a full post highlighting my picks once the sale opens to the public!

6 ways to deal with self doubt. LOVE LOVE LOVE this post on working through self-doubt by my friend Jess.

Avocado chocolate bread. This recipe is grain-free, dairy-free, Paleo, and looks so delish. I have all the ingredients so am going to make it this weekend!

Raffia Earrings. I just love these raffia earrings that would look so cute with a white sundress or this skirt, a white tee, and sandals.

Goop’s summer reading guide includes new titles and classics and is the best summer reading list I’ve found so far!

Lose baby weight the healthy way. I’m definitely bookmarking this Well + Good article by a celeb nutritionist for post-pregnancy.

Hot pink tassel dress. I wore this dress in an Instagram post earlier this week and got so many questions about it! I sized up and it somehow fit.

5 mindful ways to handle anxiety at work. These tips are both easily doable and incredibly powerful!

Get more done in a day. Emily’s tips for getting more work done each day are spot on.

Gingham layers. I just bought this amazing top and seriously can’t wait to wear it. It’s a great price too!

Travel goals. After seeing Julia’s pictures, I need to go back to Provence. The last time I was there was six years ago on the trip where Anel and I got engaged. It was the best trip ever but such a blur.

Nighttime rituals. Kat’s nighttime ritual game is strong, and I’m going to pick up a few of her favorites to add to my own ritual!

Monogrammed straw tote. Mark and Graham just came out with a painted monogrammed striped tote  that is a dead ringer for the one I have and use constantly.

Currently watching: Last night Anel and I started The Defiant Ones on HBO. It chronicles the stories of Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine and is super interesting. If you’re at all a music/rap person, check it out!

Currently reading: Thanks to Grace’s ever amazing reading list, I started The Light We Lost this week and am in so love with the romantic tale.

This week on Lemon Stripes

How to curb your sugar cravings
3 Protein-Packed Smoothies
July Wish List