Hi everyone! Currently posting from beautiful Chicago.

I’m here with three of my closest girlfriends and it feels so good! It’s been so long since we’ve all gone away for a trip that’s main focus is to catch up on life, to laugh, to eat and to just reconnect. As important as my relationship with my family is, I find it equally as important to reconnect and find time to focus on the strong female friendships in my life. They keep me going and make me a happier human, equally as much as husband time, solo time and Nate time.

Click through for some favs through the week:

This past week, I finally posted an extremely detailed post on my Fraxel laser experience. In short, it was one of the best things I’ve done and it’s definitely something I would love to do yearly.

Spent a pasta-filled Sunday with the fam at this charming (& delicious) Italian spot in the West Village.

Recently got these maternity jeans to get me through the cooler months of pregnancy. Also, if you’re pregnant and looking for a classic white button-down, I’ve been wearing this one a lot.

How to spot a toxic friendship & how to get out of it.

I don’t want to inundate you all with too many products since I’ll be sharing by Sephora favs later, but Dermstore is offering up to 25% off on some beauty favorites that Sephora does not carry. Two of my skincare holy grails  PCA Sheer Tint SPF and PCA Hyaluronic Acid.

We’ve had this light fixture in our dining room for several years and it still remains one of my favorite pieces.

“I Can’t Stop Oversharing!”

Another Bottega clutch that I love and this one has a strap!

A few reasons why you should incorporate Apple Cider Vinegar into your daily routine.

Just ordered this pair in my quest for black sneakers.

Who’s excited to see this movie?

A bunch of you sent me this “Plant Parent” mug to get for Keith and obviously, I had to.

Expectation vs. reality of parenting.

Have the best weekend!

xo,

Helena