Currently feeling this song, on repeat.

Lately I've been astonished at how little it takes for me to feel really good. A clean bathroom. Fresh flowers in the kitchen. Putting the laundry away after I fold it. The other day I vacuumed our living room and opened all the windows before bed, and when I woke up I walked through the apartment feeling like a new person.

I think a lot of it is just relief after my biopsy two weeks ago. So much of my life this past year or two has been about worrying, and I'm finally starting to let that go. It's coinciding perfectly with the onset of some truly gorgeous spring weather. Shaking out the dust. Feeling the sun on my shoulders. I'm awake.

Sometimes I think we can go through so much that we have trouble finding a new normal. But gratitude is a good place to start.

Happy Friday, friends.

I was never much of a shorts person until I found these ones. They're silk, so they feel super fancy; but they're also loose and have a drawstring, so they're basically pajamas for adults who have to run errands and can't handle being seen in yoga pants one more time. I would like them in every color and/or pattern that Earth has to offer.

Shorts (similar here and here) and Tee: Banana Republic | Bag: c/o Ooh Baby Designs | Necklace (similar): J.Crew

Sandals: Merona (at Target) | Ring (pre-owned): Tiffany & Co. | Glasses: Tory Burch 

I'm loving this bag that Stephanie from Ooh Baby Designs sent me, and she also included a coupon code for any of you who might want to purchase something. Get 10% off when you use the code FRECKLED at checkout.

Photos by Andi Perullo for Freckled Italian.

If you haven't caught on by now, my absolute favorite way to entertain is with small plates. It gives everyone a little bit of everything and makes it really easy to make sure you're providing for allergies/dietary restrictions, which is something that means a lot to me. Plus, it's delicious, and that's really reason enough.

Here's how I do it:

1. Start with olives, bread, cheese, and some other charcuterie stuff. I love salami and prosciutto but this time I went with chorizo and some Iberico ham.
2. Get fancy with it. Regular almonds would be just fine, but I seasoned some and roasted them instead, which made for a more thoughtful touch. Plus, who doesn't want a spicy roasted almond?
3. Pick a few "main" dishes--these are bigger than the snacks. I went with mussels and goat cheese dip with artichokes, which I served with crusty bread and tortilla chips.
4. Pour the wine! It's not a tapas dinner party without some delicious wine. I served La Crema's Willamette and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs as well as a few chilly glasses of their Monterey Pinot Gris. Mmm.

Head to the La Crema blog now and get all of my tapas dinner party recipes! And if you make the goat cheese artichoke dip, invite me over so I can eat it.

Photos by Rémy Thurston for Freckled Italian.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of La Crema. The opinions and text are all mine.