Friday again? January and February usually feel so slow to me every year, but in 2021 time really seems to be moving extra fast (might be the almost-3-month countdown until we have another baby—holy cow). I’m all about finding little things to bring us joy this year, so I may be popping onto the blog with Friday Favorites more than I have in the past. It also reminds me of the good old days of blogging, anyone else? I miss that.

Anyway, without further ado, some links for your weekend:

• I’ve been spending a lot more time photographing food lately and it is so fun for me. The three photos above are all local brands/businesses that sent me a few items and I have loved working with them. (From left to right, Sweet’s Syrup elderberry shrub and Whisk + Wood gluten-free peanut butter chocolate banana muffins and cookie sandwiches.) If you’re in the Charlotte area and have a small business or blog and are in need of food photos, let me know!

• I am absolutely living in these shoes—they’re like slippers but they have arch support which I love by the end of the day.

• Why experts aren’t panicking about new coronavirus variants: a bit of hope I think we could all use.

• These are my new favorite glasses—I love how “real” they look and that Sophie can still use them. They’re great for smoothies with these straws.

• I’ve heard great things about this oil and kind of want to order some.

• Equilibria is having a great BOGO sale right now through Monday! Buy any product and get any other product for half price—and if you’re a new customer you can use my code (FRECKLEDITALIAN) and save an additional 15%. This would be a great time to stock up on your favorites or try something new that you’ve had your eye on. I’m not currently taking any CBD while pregnant but definitely look forward to starting my routine up again when I’m done breastfeeding.

• Two Instagram accounts that I have been living vicariously through the past few months: Rick Martinez and Design Mom. I don’t always see their feed updates but I adore both of their stories—Rick’s life in Mexico and Gabrielle’s house renovations in Normandy are definitely a much-appreciated escape.

We have had endless rain and chilly temperatures recently, but next week it’s supposed to get well into the 60s! I’m not sure if spring is on the way but I am certainly ready to start spending more time outside soon. Wishing you a safe and warm weekend, especially if you are somewhere with unprecedented weather right now!

This post contains affiliate links.

Somehow the combination of a week of chilly rain and my daydreams of everyone I know and love getting vaccinated against COVID in the coming months has me also thinking non-stop about wearing dresses in warm weather, preferably on a patio somewhere with a new baby in my arms and a cold drink in my hand (and hopefully some raw oysters on the table). Sophie was born at the end of November so I pretty much continued wearing my comfy fall and winter clothes, which was great, but I’m excited to experience the newborn days again during a different season (and with a little more daylight).

I’ve been rounding up a list of nursing-friendly dresses for the coming seasons and I wanted to share them here—I don’t always love “nursing-friendly” clothing because it feels a little too specific and I prefer to find pieces that just happen to double as nursing-friendly, but when it comes to dresses you are definitely a little more limited. These all fit the bill and would be pieces I could imagine myself wearing even after my breastfeeding days are behind me again.

• The Nursing Slouch Dress: I like this red color a lot but will most likely order it in black. I love the shape and how comfy but also polished it looks.

• Silhouette Dress: This is something I can see myself living in, both at home and out and about. The olive color is definitely neutral enough to go with everything and I love the length.

• Seersucker Crossover Nursing Dress: I don’t usually do patterns but these stripes are too cute. Definitely on the pricier end but I have found Madewell stuff to really last.

• Maternity/Nursing Cape Dress: What does everybody think, are weddings happening this year? We unfortunately had several friends have to cancel or reschedule their 2020 celebrations and are tentatively planning to attend one in Virginia late this summer. I think this dress with a fluttery top would be perfect.

• I know I said I don’t usually do prints but there’s just something about a busy floral that I love, especially in these colors! H&M (and ASOS) really seem to have a ton of awesome affordable options.

• This tie front and sage color are so lovely, and I think this one would be easy to dress up or down with some heels or sneakers.

• The Jenna Dress: This one is my favorite of the bunch—those sleeves! I’m already daydreaming about wearing this exact thing somewhere warm, preferably with a beach nearby (I’m looking at you, Charleston).

• The 24/7 Feeding Jumpsuit: Yes please. This looks so comfy, definitely another piece that would barely ever make it back into the closet.

• The Cotton Nightie: Not exactly a sundress, but when Sophie was a newborn I found that having pretty pajamas made a huge difference in making me feel a little more human when I was sleep deprived. Love the soft pink and ruffly neckline of this one (it also comes in a lovely light blue).

This post contains affiliate links.

Right now, I believe…

that if you think of something nice to say to someone, you should tell them.

that “self care” lately has felt a little more like survival mode. It’s not okay, but it’s not forever.

in quietly sitting by the fire with a cup of coffee in the morning, even if you have to get up at 6:00 AM to do it.

that if things aren’t working, eventually you need to find a way to change them. Life is too short to be exhausted and overwhelmed 100% of the time.

that berry TUMS are way better than the assorted fruit ones.

that almost a year into this new normal, we are so close to regaining some semblance of our old lives back. We can’t give up yet.

that love is still the most important thing.