This weekend was low-key and exactly what I needed. I've been a little more stressed out than I'd like to be lately, so we slept in on Saturday and drove through our neighborhood Caribou for coffee before going back home to make ourselves breakfast, read a wonderful article my mom sent from Roanoke about our wedding officiant (making us even more excited for May 3), and spend a large chunk of time on the couch.

I also managed to organize my work space and editorial calendar for the next few weeks, fold some laundry, and go to the gym twice, so it was the perfect mix of a Lazy Weekend and a Get Things Done Weekend.

On Sunday, I met my friend Daci for coffee and writing (we're taking those Old Friend from Far Away prompts seriously, you guys), followed by a quick walk through the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. And on my way back, I swung by our apartment to pick up Rob and we had a nice late lunch/early dinner at one of our favorite places. All in all, a great few days.

 

How was your weekend?

I invited my friend Kristin to be a guest on Freckled Italian today and share a bit of her story. Paleo really works for me and I love it, but I appreciate how everyone is different and how our paths to wellness can really vary. I hope you find some inspiration in her words!

Hello there! I'm Kristin, and I blog at Tales From the Nook.

Tales From the Nook is a lifestyle blog, but recently it's been focused mostly on my weight loss journey. Finding my "why" really smacked me in the face about two years ago. Although I wanted to lose weight for many reasons, I had an eye opening experience that really kicked my efforts into gear. I was sitting in the office of my Fertility Specialist, after 3 failed treatments, and he spoke the words, "you need to lose weight."

And I knew that. But when it comes down to the fact that having a baby is being affected by your weight, it really opens your eyes to the reality of what extra weight does to your body. I was on a mission to find the perfect "thing" to help me lose the weight. And let's be honest, the options are endless. And it's really important to find what works for you. If someone else does Beach Body shakes and loses 30 pounds, and you lose 3, that's okay! Everybody is different!

For me, I tried a lot of different programs. I went all organic for 6 months. I was eating really awesome organic food, and I didn't lose any weight at all. What is wrong with me? I went GMO free. Nothing. What is wrong with me? I did the Whole30 challenge and then went Paleo. I lost 2 pounds on Whole30. Ok, seriously, what in the world is wrong with me?? I was trying all of these things that went SO WELL for others, so why weren't they working for me? I was doing the right things (so I thought). I got great advice from Paleo pros like Megan! And slowly but surely I learned... nothing is wrong with me!! I just had to find what was RIGHT for me!

So I got a nutritionist.

And it was the best decision I've ever made.

The beginnings of my time with my nutritionist were tough. They were frustrating. I was at the same point that I usually get to around week 3 of my "diets." This isn't working. I'm going to quit. But this time was different. Because I had someone to tell me, once a week, to just give it time. Try doing this. Try taking away that. Add some fiber. Eat more vegetables. Tone down the protein. And guess what? IT WORKS. Slowly, but surely, I was able to find out what worked for ME. Not what worked for other people. What worked for MY BODY. And it's so amazing. In 3 months, I've lost 16 pounds, and I feel so good. I am finally doing it! I didn't quit because my nutritionist didn't let me. I love the way my body is changing, and I really love the way my attitude is changing.

Follow along with Kristin on her journey: Instagram | Facebook
She and her husband have a new blog launching March 3! Check it out.

It's been a pretty magical mix of 20-40 degrees and snowy the past week, which is pretty much making all of my winter dreams come true. It's cold enough to bundle up (obviously), but it's not so cold that you can't run from your car to wherever you're going without leaving your jacket in the car. Outfit photos might be back, people. The winter might be winding down?

Sweater: Calvin Klein

Tanks: Victoria's Secret (this one), Everlane

Scarf (this one): c/o OohBabyInfinity

Hat: J.Crew | Pants: J.Crew

Boots: Sorel | Bag: Hobo 

I can't say enough good things about this cozy scarf. I received two of them (see the other here) and have been wearing them non-stop! They're warm and soft and I just love the flannel. And all OohBaby Infinity flannels are 20% off through February with the code WINTERPLAID20, so now is the time to get yourself one!