Five Favorites 2/19

Happy Friday! I meant to write several posts this week but um, I didn’t 🙂 I did, however, work on a list of topics and have a few posts in the works that will hopefully launch in the next couple of weeks with everything from our home inspo to my winter skincare routine to a few fun finds. Until then, here are this week’s faves!

Spring Frocks

I don’t know about you, but this constant cold weather has me feelin’ a little bit gloomy. And you know what helps with that? Imagining myself in warm weather wrapped in flowy fabrics in pretty spring patterns. So when Hill House released their latest drop The English Garden, this smocked-loving gal decided now was the time to give the brand a go! I normally gravitate towards neutrals, with the occasional small pattern or print, but my latest love of green penetrated further than I thought and I snagged my first Ellie nap dress in the color Emerald Trellis. Y’all – it is GORGEOUS! Although I had a brief moment of color anxiety (thank you Emily, Monica, Elsa and Claire for the re-assurance – yes it takes a village) ultimately I decided that this is the perfect “I’m going to picnic in Central Park and not worry about laying in the grass” dress. And I snagged the sleeved Nesli version in black for good measure because…black. Always black.

A few quick thoughts – the fabric is way nicer, sofer and thicker than I thought it would be. The smocking is very well done (no bra needed for this gal, praise be) and both pieces are cut in an incredibly flattering way! I felt like a million bucks when I slipped these dresses on and can confirm they are well-loved for a good reason! As far as sizing goes, I followed recommendations and, although I was hesitant to do so I did go down one full size. I am a tried and true small or lately a smedium (small/medium) and got an extra small. I have a small chest but a wide ribcage and the XS still works perfectly!

Here are the two side by side:

Wet Weather Footwear

Okay I have to clarify that I feel very strongly about tall rainboots being some of the most uncomfortable shoes on planet earth (yes, even Hunters). The heels always pinch and rub, the tops slap my shins…I just don’t love wearing them. Which is for the best because I left mine in my office last March. Are they still there? Do they miss me? So many questions. In the meantime, I didn’t want to get another meh pair of rainboots that suck but really needed something between my bean boots and my rainboots. So, I decided to try out these booties based on a rec from Meghan. THEY ARE THE BEST. They are super comfortable, don’t rub in the wrong places and I can wear thick socks underneath. They aren’t warm but they get the job done in the rain or snow! They are also really cute which is a nice change of pace. Like, they just look like normal booties! A staple I’ll have for years to come I’m sure. And they’re on sale!

Easy Veggie Lunch

Tis the season for warm foods and lately I’ve been craving veggie heavy midday meals. On rotation? Chopped veggies steamed in chicken broth and doused with spices and Yellowbird organic sriracha plus a Dr. Prager’s burger (I like the Super Greens and Spinach the best). They come frozen and you can get them at pretty much any grocery store. I love that they give me a relatively healthy boost of protein, extra veggies and can be zapped in the microwave. Plus, Dr. Prager’s is an independent, family-owned and operated business that’s been around for almost 30 years! Anyway, I’m a big believer that delicious and filling food does not need to be complicated. Some weeks I batch cook a dope ass curry or soup for lunch but other days I just throw something together and it’s still just as satisfying! I hope this little fomula helps you out a bit come lunchtime!

Ribbed Details

Hi my name is Nora and I’m currently obsessed with ribbed details. Ribbed, fluted, ruffled, pleated… both in architecture, housewares and clothes. A pleated lampshade. A delicate glass. A vase. Eeep! We actually snagged this soap dispenser and this cup for toothbrushes for our bathroom and I am in love. A few more things that have caught my eye:

Wise Words

I know that personal growth, mindset and inspriational writers are incredibly, well, personal. Different individuals connect with different writers based on our own lived experienes and what drives, speaks to and encourages us. For example, for where I’m at right now in my life I am not a big fan of law of attraction work or certain forms of manifestation but I do connect with thought work and self discovery. On Instagram I talk a lot about my love for Morgan Harper Nichols – her work inspires me endlessly – but lately I’ve really been digging in to the work by Alex Elle. Like Morgan, she has a very grounding presence so if you’re a big MHN fan I think you’ll enjoy Elle’s works too. Right now I am reading her book After the Rain – it’s more of an exploratory book so you don’t have to sit down and read every chapter. In fact, I highly recommedn taking it slow and only delving into one section at a time. The book is divided into chapters with reflections on big topics like self love, loss and healing and every single word really hits home for me. After I read I often journal voraciously (there are prompts!) and feel lighter, lifted and at peace. I also purchased her recently launched journal, and plan to dig into that in March. If you’re interested in joining me you can find all of her works on her website!