{Friday smiles (my sweater, shoes)}

TJ arrived home on Friday evening at the perfect time…. where we were still able to enjoy our Friday night traditions… and let me tell you, it was so nice to have him home….

We spent Saturday morning meeting up for breakfast with one of my best girlfriends from college. She was in town for the weekend with her two little boys and hubby. As she walked up to the restaurant with her two little tikes, juggling it all and looking fabulous, I couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic. I see so many of my girlfriends effortlessly navigating the role of motherhood (and by effortlessly I don’t mean there aren’t challenges… I just mean they are able to rise and meet those challenges and still be amazing friends, wives, and mothers)… the same girlfriends who I once had late night burrito runs with…. where our then boyfriends (now hubbies) helped us out by making our favorite drink of choice (now they help by changing a diaper… or taking the little one outside to run off some excess energy)…. and the same girlfriends who spent many a wedding dancing the night away….. now mothers and accomplished career women…..

And while a part of me is so proud of these women I get to call my friends… there is a part inside of me that longs for the days where a conversation catching up isn’t interrupted by a little one dropping their milk…. or days when we could stumble out of the house and grab coffee at will…. or plan weekend getaways without figuring out hundreds of logistics….. where connecting was easier…..

Yet, at the same time, I know that these very things that have changed many of my friendships (and not in bad ways), are also the hurdles that will ultimately strengthen them as they stand the test of time. And for that, I am grateful. I’ve always believed that friends are the family you get to choose, and knowing I have them as an extension of my family, provides me with a sense of comfort.

So, as we embark upon the week of love…. give a little love to those girlfriends in your life…. the ones who’ve seen you at your worst, best, know where you come from, and support where you’re going. Have a good one friends!

{Saturday morning breakfast at le pain quotidien}

{Added little pops of baby’s breath to this weekends blooms}

{Happy hour at a fav local spot}

{Picked up some favorite snack bars for the week ahead (leggings, sweatshirt)}

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We’re heading out tonight for an early V-day celebration at Cafe Gratitude… it’s a Mule + Nachos night, so I can’t wait. I’ll be taking over their insta-stories account, so be sure to follow along later! Later this week though, I’ll be making this healthy version of carnitas (I get my pork from Whole Foods, where it’s antibiotic, hormone free, and organic).

If you’re looking for a little Valentine’s Day inspiration, my favorites include this bell sleeve top, cold shoulder ruffle top (planning on wearing to our date night tonight), or this off the shoulder dress in blush (paired with a suede jacket!)….. I also love this short sleeved mauve ruffle sleeve tee.

I’ve had my eye on a few transitional outerwear pieces and I’m loving this trench coat, distressed denim jacket, and this bell sleeved utility jacket (in my cart…. and seriously so close to purchasing….). I’m obsessed with this short sleeved suede jacket…. but it’s way out of my price range… so I’m looking for a dupe!

I’m also looking to add a new pair of shoes to my closet. I recently snagged these grey sneakers (should be arriving today….) and have my eye on this blush perforated sneaker, blush block heel bootie (love the design here), and this kitten block heel slide in blush (a splurge for sure, but they’re so pretty!).

I also recently purchased this deep v-neck, open knit oversized sweater, as well as this camel colored wrap sweater…. both perfect for the transitional months and excellent price points. A few other items that I have my eye on include this peplum blue and white tank (love it for spring), as well as this tie hem sweater (looks so classic), faux wrap top (I like the grey color), and these grey distressed jeans (excellent price point too). I recently purchased this tie front tee (in white) too…. love it with jeans and my fav mules!