Hello! It's been a minute since I've posted, and even longer since I shared a Life Lately According to Instagram post (hey there, 2015). For so long this blog was my main priority and my content calendar was super full, but lately I've been teaching more Pure Barre (I teach 8 classes a week! But next month I'll be cutting back to just 4) and working on more writing projects (there may or may not be another cookbook coming out this year), and I've found myself not only stepping back from Freckled Italian a little bit, but missing the way it used to be when it was just my hobby.

I still love working with brands and I hope to continue to share recipes with you, but I'd also like to get back to posting more little bits and pieces of life--the things I used to share when I wasn't so focused on a 5-day-a-week schedule of content.

So without further ado, here are some things I've been up to lately, according to the photos on y phone:

1. Hanging out with Ender most afternoons. He doesn't help much but he's certainly cute.
2. Went out for a weekend breakfast date with Rob the other day. We usually hole up at home over the weekends so it was kind of fun to go to Blue Bottle for cappuccinos and avocado toast.
3. Rob's birthday was about a week ago--how cute is he?
4. Snagged this bouquet of lavender from Trader Joe's and made simple syrup with it. Lavender iced coffees are kind of the best.
5. Went to San Francisco to see Hamilton last Wednesday afternoon. It was incredible.
6. I don't want to brag, but I've been eating more ice cream (and milkshakes) than anyone ought to lately.

Rob's parents are flying in today to spend the weekend with us, so we'll be showing them around and shooting up to Sonoma for the day on Sunday. It'll be so nice for them to see our house and Rob's office and all the things we've been up to on this side of the country!

What are you up to this weekend? What have you been up to lately? As always, I can't thank you enough for hanging out here and reading the things I share.

I went to McDonald's for hash browns so much during my first trimester that I had to find a new one because the same lady was always working and I started getting self-conscious.

I spent a few months thinking way too much about my Instagram feed. Do we all do that or is it just me? I used to post 2-3 times a day and now sometimes I'll go days without sharing a photo. I think a lot of it is that I've been working more and spend a lot less time out and about. Also is it weird to think about social media this much? Sometimes I don't know.

If I go on a walk without my smart watch or do something productive that wasn't on my to-do list it almost feels like it didn't count.

I think I have poor short term memory. Also I'm terrible with names. But I can remember almost every little detail from most experiences I had years ago.

I have a bit of an obsession with Adam Driver. I feel like he's just this really cool, super talented person who doesn't care too much what people think and has managed to stay kind of weird and I like all of that. I also think it's crazy that he was both in the Marines and went to Juilliard. I want to be his friend but would also probably not even know what to say to him.

I want to dip my fries in mayo, not ketchup.

What are some things people may not know about you?

I'll be the first to admit that summer is far from my favorite season, but I am a pretty huge fan of big chunky sandals. The wedges I've had and loved for years finally bit the dust this past season, and the other pair I have are just a little too high for everyday use, so I'm on the hunt for a good pair that I can wear with everything, from shorts to sundresses (and well into fall with leggings and jeans).

So far these are my top contenders:

• I love the mix of black and canvas on these espadrilles.
• These frayed beauties would look so cute with some skinny jeans.
• Still obsessed with pretty much every pair of Swedish Hasbeens I come across, and these ones are no exception. 
• These are a little on the dressier side but the price is definitely a bit more reasonable compared to some others.
• Such a dainty little pair of wedges!
• I've never tried on any Toms other than the classic flat ones but I bet these are super comfortable.
• I didn't think I'd like the whole flat platform trend, but actually now I think I'm kind of into it.
• These might be my least favorite that I'm linking to. They're cute but they seem like they're almost a bootie, and I'd rather just have a bootie. Maybe they're a bit more sandal-y in person.
• I love the lace-up detail on this pair.
• These are really cute but maybe a bit too strappy for my taste.
• Can't go wrong with black details and a chunky heel.
• These might be my all-time favorites in this list. I love the height, the ankle strap, the combination of brown and white. It's kind of between these and the other Chloe ones (right here).

Check out all the shoes I linked to above right down here as well, you can click around in this widget:

Which are your favorite? And do you have anything special on your summer shopping list this year? 

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