Happy Friday, friends! We’ve officially made it through the first week of 2023. How did everyone do? Did you spend the majority of your wee trying to remember how to log into your computers – and how to actually be a human? Or were you super productive? This describes my week.
That was my exact thought on Monday evening. But, you know what? Work was surprisingly pleasant this week. One of the good things about actually using your time off during the holidays – is that most people are also out of the office. Which means that I didn’t come back to an extremely cluttered inbox. It also seemed like most of us were on the same page about toning down the amount of meetings on the schedule this week. So, my return to work has shockingly made it onto my Friday favorites list this year. What can I say? I”m a creature of habit, and, as much as I thrive after having some time to reset and recharge my batteries, I thrive off of a good routine.
Finding my new normal
My next Friday Favorite has to do with finding my new normal when it comes to exercise. I wrote all about running during my first trimester here. Now that I”m just past the 24-week mark (or just at 6 months), I’ve had to figure out what my new normal looks like when it comes to running. And let’s just say that these last couple of weeks have been a humbling experience. I just flat out cannot move as fast as I used to. So, I”ve been listening to my body the best I can. I spend a bit more time stretching before I start running, give a bit more attention to my warm up, and take it easy during my run. I’m thankful for the ability to be able to continue moving my body, and I’ll keep it up as long as I feel like I can. There is so much mental and physical benefit to staying active. But, this week, I took a couple of rest days, slowed it down on the Peloton and did some yoga, and it was just what my body needed. This year, I hope you take the time to listen to what your body tells you!
Favorite shows of the new year
We have been catching up the 5th season of Yellowstone over here. We just watched the last episode last night. But, during my week off, I was binging Emily in Paris. I’ve been watching that show since the first season, and it’s just a cute, feel good show. And, while we wait for Yellowstone to resume, I’m sure that I’ll pick up The Bachelor when it starts in just a couple of weeks.
Wedding Pictures
One of my favorite things about being in a wedding – is looking through all of the photos once they are ready! I found this snap of Aaron and I when I was going through the pictures!
Lululemon Align Leggings
Can we take a moment to give some thanks to the Lululemon Align leggings (I’m 5’1″, and the 25″ leggings were perfect for me)? I’m not wearing maternity specific clothing, but I am sizing up from my regular sizes. I’ve had so many friends rave about the Lululemon align leggings for pregnancy, so I decided to go check them out a couple of weeks ago. And, I snagged a couple pair, and I’m a huge fan. What makes them so great? Well, the high waistband for one. It’s tall enough to cover a baby bump – and it provides the right amount of support. I’ve been living in them – and am planning to go back and grab a couple of other colors. Now, when I have to be in the office in a couple of weeks for a couple of in-person commitments, I need to find some actual office wear that will fit :). Stay tuned on that.
First read of 2023
I’m proud to say that I’m keeping up my reading at a pace that works for me. You won’t find me at the end of this year having read a new book each week. It’s not realistic for the stage of life that I’m in now. But, I’m picking up my book when I can. And, so for this first week in the new year, I’m reading Into the Water by Paula Hawkins. I haven’t made it far, but it’s a thriller about how several dead bodies have ended up in the river of this small town. I love a good thriller, so I’m looking forward to digging in.
Clean Eating
As much as I enjoyed all the holiday food in November and December, I’m equally enjoying my return to clean eating in January. It’s not so much a resolution as it is doing what makes my body feel good. I’ve read the Real Food for Pregnancy book, and it has some really good tips and advice for prenatal nutrition. And, it’s been all about balance for me. I eat what sounds good to me – while trying to keep things mostly nutritious. Eating whole foods with lots of protein and nutrients is just what the baby is craving in January.
And that brings me to the end of the first Friday Favorites of 2023. I can’t wait for you all to come along with me for the ride that this year will surely take us on!
