Well, hello again! Took some time over the past two weeks to just hang out with the family, celebrate Christmas, New Year, + my birthday… and to just connect + disconnect before heading into 2019. I always feel as if the last two weeks of the year are filled with not knowing what day it is… eating indulgently… and getting off schedule…. so I typically readily welcome the start of the New Year. I’ve never been one big on resolutions, but I do see the new year as a clean slate for growth, new memories, and experiences….

2018 was a year filled with so many blessed moments for our family…. selling our condo, buying a new home, and the ability to get pregnant again are a few of the larger ones that come to mind. Yet at the same time it was filled with challenges that required us to grow…. renovating a home, while exciting, brings stressors…. and there were a lot of industry changes in the blogging world (mainly the Facebook Cambridge Analytica Data scandal + the ever growing instagram algorithm) that lead to setbacks and frustrations for my business. Yet, that’s life. It’s filled with high moments, but also low moments too… because it’s in those low moments that we experience growth, as well as learn to appreciate those “highs” of life. I found this excerpt and thought it was a perfect way to describe the transition from one year to the next:

“here’s to the end of this chapter. to all the late nights, early mornings, learnings gained and experiences shared. here’s to the hardships that became our teachers, to the heaviness that taught us how to rise again, and to the people who would stop their world to sit and celebrate our presence. 

here’s to the times we chose feeling over disconnection. freedom over perfection. courage over what’s known and certain, and doing the work. here’s to releasing what wasn’t ours to keep. here’s to holding our palms wide open to our blessings, and here’s to taking one step forward into the hope + possibility of tomorrow.” 

Here’s to a great 2019 friends! xx

(Kicked off the holiday weekend with a family breakfast + hike in Back Bay…. leggings, pullover)

(We probably went looking at Christmas lights five times…)

(The perfect wrap top…..)

(Christmas Eve with the family… we usually do pot pies + champagne… although there wasn’t any bubbly for me this year….)

(That post Christmas feelin’…..)

(And the comfy pants trend continues…. joggers, top, cardigan)

(Celebrated my 35th birthday, the evening before, with a dinner date at Fig + Olive with TJ…. coat)

(And then celebrated on the actual day with a family hike in Laguna…. coat, tank, leggings)

(And a delicious brunch at Urth Cafe in Laguna….)

(Kept it neutral for an evening of celebrating with family… cardigan, thermal)

(Homemade ice cream sandwiches… my yearly request instead of cake….)

(Headed out for one last family walk + breakfast to Pandor Cafe…. with the largest side serving of bread I’ve ever seen….)

(Kept it cozy in neutral layers for a night in San Diego with friends to ring in the New Year….. jacket, ribbed hoodie)

(And another comfy outfit to close out the holiday season….. cardigan)
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Well, the past couple of weeks were fairly indulgent…. not mad about it… but very ready to get back on track. We’re heading to a SoulCycle class on Thursday… and I’m looking forward to putting together some healthy recipes for the coming year. I’m thinking we’ll get back to basics with this simple salsa verde shredded chicken tacos….

If you’re looking to invest in some new activewear this New Year, I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you… that are great for actually working out. These cross trainers feel as if you’re walking on clouds (they come in three color options) and I recommend them for any workout other than running (not enough support for the impact). I recently purchased this sports bra (over the holidays) and have been incredibly happy with the support… I’ve worn it on hikes, runs, and weight lifting. This long-sleeve, perforated workout top is great to layer under a vest or jacket… or wear solo…. and this hooded pullover is also an excellent option. These leggings fit so well and are great for every workout… and this is my favorite tank to wear. A few items I’m currently considering include these high waist ribbed leggings, workout tank, and this pullover. Annnnd, I have my eye on these printed cross trainers (that also work for everyday life)… and investment, but I’ve been really happy with my last APL pair.

Gorjana is having 70% off select products for New Years and my horn necklace, star charm (a recent addition to my necklace layering collection), beaded wrap bracelet, and crossover cuff I wear in so many posts are included!

And, a couple other items I’m currently loving include this everyday henley (recently purchased and am super happy with it) and these neutral sneakers.