Life Lately & 5 Year Blogging Anniversary

Hi friends! Excited to be writing this post today because not only sharing some life updates, but this month is the Friendly Fig’s 5th birthday. Sipping on the almond mocha (pictured above) and feeling all the love right now. It’s almost like we are having a coffee date. So grab yourself a cup of whatever you love, settle in, and let’s chat.

— Five whole years this month. I actually can’t believe that time has flown by this quickly. I started this blog as an outlet while working a job I was far from passionate about – copywriting for a skin care/disease company. Fun, huh? It’s gone from a place specifically for vegan recipes and tips to plant-based lifestyle, motherhood, budget, and beyond. It’s evolved as I have evolved and I am still baffled by how many readers are actually here every day. I never thought I would turn this into a side income… it really is a place of passion for me, first and foremost. I love waking up early early to write whatever is inspiring me at the moment. But to have it be the very reason I am able to stay home with my kid (soon to be kids)… I am living my best life doing what I absolutely love.

So I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to anyone who is reading this and still here. Whether you are a new reader or someone who has stuck around since the very beginning, thank you very much for growing with me. I wish I could give you all a huge hug for your love and support.

— Aside from the excitement of the above, also really excited to be traveling in a week. My little sister is getting married to the love of her life in California! I’ve never been to California! We made a little family vaca out of it. We’ll be heading to Disneyland for the very first time. It’s on my bucketlist to visit, so happy I get to check it off. Disney World is my #1 and I know it like the back of my hand, but Disneyland is a whole new experience. I’m mostly excited to explore DCA and Pixar Pier… and STAR WARS GALAXY’S EDGE!! I can’t go on any of the exciting rides, but to be honest… I don’t think I would if I could because this trip is all about Willow. Let’s be honest. I can’t wait to see the awe on her face and hear her little “wowwwww.” We’re going with my brother, who Willow love love loves, so I know this is going to be a trip to remember. Then the wedding a few days later – Willow is flower girl – will be incredible.

I am not looking forward to the 5-6 hour plane ride while pregnant and with an almost 2-year old, but hey… time doesn’t stop. We’ll get through it. If you have tips, please share. I have an arsenal of activities and new toys to hopefully make it more bearable for everyone. Oh, and any tips on jet lag and toddlers? That’s going to kick our asses no matter what, right?

— Other than the above, still very pregnant and trying to not rush it along… which is really hard for me, because I am not in love with being pregnant… especially in the third trimester. I’m just excited we’ll be taking Willow to Disneyland as a family of 3. I’m soaking up every single moment with her. It’s starting to hurt a little when I think about her not being my only baby, even though I know when our second daughter arrives we will feel even more complete than now. I just can’t fathom it yet. You really never can until the moment happens. It’s such a strange feeling.

— Willow’s second birthday is coming up fast in September and I am planning a little low key party with family and close friends at our house. Trying not to go crazy, because it really just needs to be a simple day. Willow will be very content with having cake and all the attention on her. She’s easy to please. But HOW IS SHE TWO? My heart.

— I’ve been doing a lot more reading lately and taking books out from our local library and it’s making my life. I know I won’t have as much time again once baby #2 gets here, so I am doing as much as I can for myself now until we find our groove again in the New Year. But I’ll have to compile a list of some of the things I’ve been reading soon… a lot of reads about gratitude, minimalism, hygge, and more. The hygge books are actually really preparing me mentally for the slow season. Beyond excited for the coziness of autumn ahead and for once, looking forward to slowing down this winter. I am going to conquer winter blues once and for all. Hold me accountable if I start complaining on IG or anything, haha.

This post is getting pretty lengthy so I should probably stop here, but I wanted to pop in with a candid chat and above all else, say thank you for being here. Love you guys. Here’s to another 5 years of blogging and beyond. xx bianca