Oh hi there, friends! It has been a real hot minute since my last Loving Lately post back in January. Truthfully, I needed a break from blogging and some space to just get through the winter blues. They hit me particularly hard this year but I have since begun to come out of the fog and start to feel more like myself. It affected so many areas of my life – I was barely reading anything, too. Which is very unlike me. But I am going to do my best to get back to posting on here regularly and I figured why not start with this?
If you are still here and have been reading, let me know what you’d like to see more of on here. Do you guys miss the what I’ve been eating posts? Do you like the slow living/seasonal content? How about baby names? What do you want from me?! I’d love any and all input. Feel free to shoot me an email at thefriendlyfig [at] gmail [dot] com or message me on Instagram.
Okay, let’s get into it.
There will be Amazon affiliate links in this post.
~ I recently finished the final installment of the Powerless series by Lauren Roberts, Fearless. Oh man. It was a rollercoaster to say the least but dare I say my favorite book of the series. I loved it sooo much. It was a very satisfying read (and also a bit heartbreaking, too). I am going to miss these characters. I plan to do a reread later in the year with the audiobooks. The Kai narrator sounds sooo GOOD.
~ I have been scouring for a pair of Lulu dupes and found these by CRZ Yoga. OH my gosh. They are buttery soft and budget-friendly and I already grabbed a few pairs of the leggings and biker shorts. I hope they wash well and hold up over time.
~ I am really working to move my body more this year. I slipped up all winter and was not motivated at all and I am feeling the result of that. Not feeling very strong or my best. I have been using my upright bike and putting on spin class videos to keep things fresh. I am enjoying her channel so much.
~ My go-to nail colors from Olive & June this season are You’re Invited, Cucumber Sandwich, and Shades of Seersucker. Rainy Day Walk remains my favorite neutral in heavy rotation.
~ I’ve been wanting a pair of Mary Jane flats for a while and finally landed on these. They look super cute with a flowy skirt or polished with a pair of straight jeans.
~ Speaking of flowy skirts, I want to live in them this season and grabbed a couple colors of these. They are so breezy and lightweight. So comfortable and chic!
~ For the girls this spring, I gifted them these bucket hats as a part of their Easter basket and they are obsessed. They remind me of the 90s and I am here for it.
~ My Animal Crossing: New Horizons hobby continues to evolve and make me happy. I started this Instagram account to join the community and it has been such a fun way to connect with others who play. If you enjoy it, too, join me!
~ I have been obsessed with buffalo chickpea salad lately and enjoy it on a sandwich, on salad, or just as is. It is similar to my apple chickpea salad but without the apples/Dijon mustard/ACV/thyme. Instead, I add about 1/4 cup of Frank’s buffalo sauce.
~ For breakfast, I am back on my chickpea egg sandwich kick. It seriously hits the spot everytime when I am wanting a savory start.
~ I am currently reading Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry and I already know she is going to wow me, yet again. It is insane how she does it year after year. She is unbelievably talented. I can’t praise her writing enough.
~ Puttering around my backyard and looking at everything in bloom is helping me maintain my sanity on the days when I need it most. I planted garlic back in the fall and am so happy to see all the sprouts. The little things are the big things!
~ I’ve been trying to up my protein these days, but it can be kinda hard for me personally. I have to make a real conscious effort. I am not big on protein powder (if anyone has a recommendation for a vegan one they love, send my way) so I found these Aloha bars and have been enjoying them. It’s not an everyday meal replacement or snack but they are good in a pinch when on the go. I really love the chocolate mint… they taste like Girl Scout Cookies. YUM.
Thanks for reading, friend. <3
