Happy Friday, friends! What a week we’ve had. On Monday, I shared our big news and was floored by your loving responses. Anel and I want to say again just how much we appreciate your support and kind words. They truly mean the world to us. We had a busy week, but I took a break on Wednesday to walk on the beach with Boots and some friends to enjoy the beautiful 60 degree day. That was followed up by a major snowstorm yesterday that hit us hard. Anel stayed home from work, so we had a fun, cozy snow day which made it a little more bearable. All I have to say is I can’t wait to be in Florida (the Zika-free part, don’t worry) next week!
From around the web
Marriage Advice from Divorced Men: My friend Micaela interviewed nine divorced men for Woman’s Day, to give their one piece of pre-marriage advice to newbies. The advice was spot on, IMO, and not what I expected! Read the article.
Obama’s Kitesurfing Adventures: I love the response to all the photos of Obama kitesurfing with Richard Branson. He looks so happy!
J.Crew Valentine’s Day Sale: Valentine’s Day sales are heating up, and J.Crew’s is pretty great! Save 25% with code HEARTYOU (and 30% if you spend $150+). There are so many great new arrivals like this bell sleeved top ($44 on sale) the Lady Jacket with Liberty Trim which I’m dying for (Under $150 on sale), and a super cute striped body suit ($33 on sale)… not that I’ll be wearing body suits anytime soon! Shop the sale.
February Reading List: Grace’s monthly reading list is back! I’m ordering The Dollhouse for my vacation next week. Read the list.
Colorful Cover Up: Next week, Anel and I are headed to (Zika-free!) Sarasota, and I finally pulled the trigger and bought this colorful pom pom cover up. I can’t wait to wear it on the beach! Now let’s just pray for warm weather… Shop it here.
$30/Week at Whole Foods: I love this Bon App article that asks four home chefs how they would spend $30/week at Whole Foods. Read the article.
George and Amal’s Big News: ICYMI, Amal Clooney is reportedly pregnant with twins! First Beyoncé stole my thunder, now George too… What’s a prego to do? (Kidding, I’m happy for both couples, obviously!)
Winter Blues: My current favorite winter coat (love the shade of light blue) is on major sale! See how I wore it here and shop it here.
Pregnancy Apps: A reader sent me this article on the best pregnancy apps! I definitely downloaded a few in addition to The Bump App which I’ve been using since the beginning.
Jumpsuit. This striped jumpsuit is everything. I wonder if I could fit it over the bump.
Spice Things Up: I love this visual guide to spice combos to help you season your food like a champ from Greatist.
Currently Reading: Last week I finished The Perfume Collector, which I loved. It was one of those books that I didn’t want to ever end! Luckily, I had a copy of A Separation ready to go, and started it the next night. It’s a fast read and I’m about halfway through and loving it. It’s a story of a woman who travels to Greece to find her missing estranged husband… There’s a little mystery, a little love, and a beautiful setting! Buy the book.
This week on the blog
A Big Announcement
The Best Maternity Jeans
My Fertility Journey
Your pregnancy news should have gone viral too!! Whitney Port from the Hills announced her pregnancy yesterday! There must be something in the water! Excited for your trip to florida! Enjoy!
xo elle // https://splashofpreppy.com
I hope you have beautiful weather in Sarasota. it’s on of my favorite places ever. When I was in high school, a big treat was to spend the day eating and shopping on St. Armand’s Circle. It isn’t the unique fashion mecca it once was, but I think you might still enjoy it. They had one of the first Lilly stores before Lilly was everywhere. The palm trees outside the shop were wrapped in Lilly print. Enjoy!
Currently reading The Perfume Collector too – per Grace’s rec 🙂
If you haven’t already discovered the magic of Hatch, visit their site asap! I LIVED in their stuff while pregnant, and they have a few cute maternity jumpsuits. There is also a small selection on Net-a-Porter.
Um amazing, thank you so much!! Great tip.
which part of Florida is Zika free? Been dying to head somewhere warm but too scared to try anything (5 mos. preggers now). Thanks Julia 🙂
Heading to Sarasota! It’s a bit farther north and still Zika-free!
I read the “Marriage Advice from Divorced Men” article aloud to my husband. Though he isn’t divorced, he had a little gem that I thought I would share: he would tell a soon-to-be-married buddy that romance is prolonged by effort and intent. Its easy to fall for someone and live in the puppy love for a time. But in order to sustain the romance, one has to put in effort, through simple gestures like handmade cards or a special breakfast, and being intentional on the changes that you make to yourself (doing little things that you know improve yourself and will make your relationship stronger). He’s a keeper 😀
I love that advice! You have yourself a winner there…
I love Sarasota. In fact, I got married at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota. One of my favorite places is St. Armand’s Circle. They have some of the cutest shops ever. Currently, I am a Northern transplant, however, right now I wish it was a little warmer. This week was in the 70s. However, I hope with the weather you have been experiencing it will feel extra warm.
That’s where we’re staying! Yay, so happy to hear it’s magical. We will appreciate any weather over 50 🙂
You will love it!!!!
Sarasota is a favorite of mine! I grew up about 1 hour south in Fort Myers, but we would often head to Sarasota. Longboat Key is really beautiful beach and st Armand’s circle is really fun for restaurants and shops. ALSO there is a large Mennonite community in SRQ and they make the best pies ever!!! Lots of cute little shops & restaurants that sell them, and they are such a tasty treat if the baby needs something sweet 😉 have fun!
http://Www.avec-amour.blogspot.com
Oooh thank you so much! This prego will definitely have to try the pies 🙂
You are going to LOVE the Dollhouse! Happy weekend friend! xo
If it makes you feel better through both of my pregnancies Kim Kardashian was also pregnant. So at least you have legit celebrities, haha.
Hahaha so true, thank you!
Hi Julia! Congrats on your most wonderful news! Since you liked The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro, I had to ask if you read another book by her, Elegance? It’s one of my all-time favorites.